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Chanel May Le Vernis Review, Photos, Swatches

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Chanel May Le Vernis
Chanel May Le Vernis

Chanel Spring 2012: Chanel May Le Vernis

Chanel May Le Vernis ($25.00 for 0.40 fl. oz.) is described as an “intense pink.” It’s a lovely clean, almost neutral pink. It leans just barely cool toned in the bottle and against my skin in certain lighting, but at a glance, it almost reads neutral against my yellow undertones. I suspect if you have cooler undertones, you’ll see it appear a bit bluer overall. MAC Ice Cream Cake is much more magenta and bluer. China Glaze Empowerment is lighter. Chanel Mistral is lighter and more yellow-toned.

I used two coats for opaque color coverage with May, and it was fluid enough to apply evenly and settle across the nail without bubbling or pooling at the sides. It does have a slightly longer drying time, and you really do need to let each coat set before applying the next, or else you will find it drags/pulls enough to be noticeable. It’s a little on the thick side but entirely manageable (I didn’t have to experiment with application technique at all). My experience with Chanel’s formula has been good; I don’t experience chipping (but I also can’t think of a formula that does, so long as I use a base and top coat) and am able to wear their shades for a week with minor tip wear.

Where to Buy: Nordstrom, $25

The Glossover

A-

Infinitely appropriate for spring--soft, feminine, elegant--and fairly office-friendly, too. I don't have an exact dupe for it in my stash, but if you own lots of pink cremes, you might be able to find something similar in yours.

Product

9/10

Pigmentation

10/10

Texture

9/10

Longevity

9/10

Application

4/5

Packaging

4/5

See more photos & swatches!

Chanel May Le Vernis
Chanel May Le Vernis

Chanel May Le Vernis
Chanel May Le Vernis

Chanel May Le Vernis
Chanel May Le Vernis

Chanel May Le Vernis
Chanel May Le Vernis

Chanel May Le Vernis
Chanel May Le Vernis

Chanel May Le Vernis
Chanel May Le Vernis

Disclosure

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Product & Review FAQ

Where can I purchase it? How much is it?

Nordstrom, $25.

Is it limited edition?

No.

Any dupes?

MAC Ice Cream Cake is much more magenta and bluer. China Glaze Empowerment is lighter. Chanel Mistral is lighter and more yellow-toned.

Discussion and debate are highly encouraged, and we expect community members to participate respectfully. When asking a question, please check the FAQ section (above) for information about purchasing, price, dupes, and the like. If you have general feedback or need technical support, please contact us.

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Does anyone know how this compares to OPI sparrow me the drama?

opi pinking of tou could be a dupe?

what do you think about "pink-ing of you" by opi?could be a dupe of may?^^

Absolutely gorgeous - typical pink, but lust-worthy! My best friend strictly wears pink on her nails AND she's a May baby... I'm definitely going to be picking this one up for her and saving it until her birthday! It would be a cute extra, it almost seems like it was made for her LOL.

Omg they're not limited edition! Hallelujah thank you, Christine!

Before, I was too shy to enter a comment but it's yearend and these are well-deserved congratulations to you Christine at Temptalia.com. I've purchased every single Chanel Le Vernis shade you've thumbs upped (and not those you did not love), on the way throwing in a few NARS (like Zulu), and reawakened my passion for Guerlain tout. Thank you-3x.

It reminds me of OPI's Elephantastic Pink-- one of my first and favorite polishes!

Very pretty color, but unfortunately not unique enough to spend $30 CAD for it. Also, I just wanted to say that I'm a pretty new reader, and absolutely LOVE how you run temptalia. I'm sure other people have said it already, but it's really admirable how meticulous and detailed you are with every review. The photos and swatches you have, even of nail polish, is seriously the best of all bloggers. I think I can speak for a lot of people when I say how awesome it is that you take time and reply to most, if not all the comments. Yeah, you probably make a little money from the ads, but even so, you still put more effort than so many other bloggers that tend to neglect work when they've had some success. So, just wanted to let you know how appreciated you are! :)

Wow! Thank you so much for your kind words, Michelle! :)

Just ordered it online! Gosh this is a must have for me :) What top coat and base coat do you use to make it look so shiny?

Zoya Armor + Anchor is what I use! :)

It looks so sweet on you! Cute color, but I prefer jelly finish for this color on my fingers.

It reminds me of Essie's Lovie Dovie.

Hi christine, im jealous that your nail varnish doesnt chip! Please can you tell me what your favourite base coat and top coat are? Lots of love xx

I use Zoya's Anchor + Armor!

I'll be so broke with these Chanel polishes...ehehe

I love the colour, its so pretty. But Im 'leaving it' because Im sure there is a rake of dupes for the shade, with a lot cheaper price tag than Chanel!

Oh. My. Gosh! The color is just insanely pretty! I have 3 questions, but bear with me. First of, can you bye it at any Chanel counter, not just counters at Nordstrom? Secondly, is it available now? Like, if a went to my local Chanel counter/nordstrom, would they have it in stalk? Thirdly, (and dont worry, lastly) who does it compare to Essie's forget me knots? Okay thats all for now. -Orly

Hi Orly, You should be able to pick it up wherever Chanel counters are located, and it seems like most counters do have the collection out now :) You could call before you pop by. I don't think I have that Essie shade, unfortunately!

Essie's Forget Me Nots is much brighter. Essie's Lovie Dovie is closer, but more blue-based. :)

I was never really a fan of pinks; for example, as far as Chanel goes, my go-to color is Vamp (this may or may not have to do with being a big Pulp Fiction fan). But this pink is the exact kind I like: bubblegum without being infantile, fun but not upsetting to the eyes. I think this is the first time in a few years I'll actually buy a Chanel nailpolish and, go figure, it's a basic pink.

Sometimes getting the basics right can be difficult, so I'm glad this will work for you :)

I bought Chanel Morning Rose last spring/summer. I know it's pretty different (and it has golden shimmer!) but not enough different to me to buy this new one too... (sorry, my english it's pretty bad >_<' )

Your English is pretty good, pfft!

...Thank you Christine, you're always so sweet! (*^_^*)

Bright but not neon--love it!

Yes - it strikes such a nice balance!

I need this! It is SUCH a pretty pink color!

Very pretty! I have seen a LOT of pink cremes similar to this it's easily dupeable but always a classic spring shade.

Oh, yes, definitely - if you know of any dupes, I'd love to hear them, too!