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.

Chanel Island Le Vernis

Chanel Island Le Vernis

Chanel Island Le Vernis

Chanel Island Le Vernis

Chanel Island Le Vernis

Chanel Island Le Vernis