Chanel Island Le Vernis Review, Photos, Swatches

Reviews
Contains: Sample

Chanel Island Le Vernis
Chanel Island Le Vernis

Chanel Island Le Vernis

Chanel Island Le Vernis ($26.00 for 0.40 fl. oz.) is a pale golden beige with pink iridescence. It has a more metallic-like finish with heavily visible (and hard to control) brush strokes. It’s semi-opaque after two coats, and you could get it almost opaque with three. OCC Kava Kava is very similar in base color, though it doesn’t have the pink shimmer/flash. Urban Decay Fame is more beige. Rescue Beauty Lounge Ani is darker.

The formula was thick, and the color was really prone to unevenness in both the general color (which, thankfully, is sheerer so it was more difficult to spot some of the unevenness) but the brush strokes just pulled and curved around. It looks like my hand was vibrating the whole time I did this, but I swear, it was as steady as I would ever be able to get it (I do have carpal tunnel, so I don’t have a surgeon’s steady hands by any means!). It will show any imperfection you have on the nail; on my pointer finger, there are two dents that go across horizontally, which ended up emphasized with this polish on top. You might want to use a ridge filler with this one or lightly buff nails (but never do it too much or too often). It has a long drying time, and it is not at all forgiving if you make your move for a second coat a moment too soon–it will pull at the base.

I typically get a week of wear out of Chanel’s formula, but I don’t have issues with nail polishes chipping on me aside from some matte formulas (with no base/top coat). This shade was difficult to work with; it’s just too finicky and should be easier to apply at this price point. It is gorgeous and very work-friendly with a subtle, elegant twist as it flashes pink, but the formula is disappointing.

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Chanel Island Le Vernis
Chanel Island Le Vernis

Chanel Island Le Vernis
Chanel Island Le Vernis

Chanel Island Le Vernis
Chanel Island Le Vernis

Chanel Island Le Vernis
Chanel Island Le Vernis

Chanel Island Le Vernis
Chanel Island Le Vernis

Chanel Island Le Vernis
Chanel Island Le Vernis

Where to Buy

Nordstrom
Neiman Marcus
Saks
The Bay (CA)

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About the Reviewer

Reviewer

Christine has normal-to-dry skin with areas of dryness (cheeks, nose, and under the eyes). She has a light-medium skintone with subtle, warmer yellow undertones. Her best foundation matches include: Tarte Rainforest of the Sea in Light-Medium Neutral (best match), Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup in Desert Beige 2N1, Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow in 4.0, Hourglass Warm Ivory Vanish Seamless Finish, Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous in Dusk, MAC NC20/NC25, Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Liquid in Y305 (140). For more matches, please read our full Foundation FAQ. For more information on our review process, please read our Review FAQ.

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17 Comments

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Katherine

So disappointing!  I ordered all of the Summer 2012 collection nail polishes (they’re actually supposed to be delivered today!), and Island was the one I was most excited about.  Love the color so much.

Dawn

Let me know what you think of it.  I just swatched two coats today at Nordstrom (on one nail) and I thought it looked great!  No sign of any brushstrokes or anything.

nawi

I bought Island as well and do not have troubles with it just be patience and put 1 coat on let it dry a bit and put a second one on. The colour is so unique I am sure you will love it.

nawi

Hi temptalia, I do not know why but I do not have probelemsn with this nail polish love it and think the colour is gorgerous, I read you have problems with the peche pencil as well and I do not either I do not understand how this is possible?

Kate MacDonald

Sigh. I get so frustrated with Chanel polishes and their unpredictability. I really wanted this one to work, because it seemed like such a beautiful, warm take on a semi-sheer opalescent shade, but I can definitely see the problems you’re alluding to in the photos. I find that too often, Chanel polishes look stunning in the bottle, but don’t quite translate on my nails. Then again, the ones that do are some of my very favourites, so I always want to try new ones. 

Kristine

I have this nail polish and I love it! 5 days without chipping and no brush strokes or other annoying matters. It is so delicate and polished. Love it!! <3 

Amber700

I think this is really lovely the only issue is that it is slightly streaky which you wouldnt expect at this price for a nail varnish I dont find Chanel nail varnishes particularly long lasting I buy them for the colour

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