Formula X Alchemy II Nail Lacquer Review, Photos, Swatches
Formula X Alchemy II Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alchemy II Nail Lacquer ($14.00 for 0.40 fl. oz.) is described as a “platinum-infused … champagne rose shimmer.” It’s a medium-dark, golden bronze with copper, blue, and gold flecks of micro-glitter and larger shimmer. MAC Tropical (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Burnt Topaz (LE, $35.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Chanel Delight (LE, $28.00) is lighter (85% similar). MAC Fierce Entrance (LE, $16.00) is lighter (80% similar). China Glaze Harvest Moon (LE, $7.50) is darker, brighter, warmer (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
It is a follow-up to last year’s Alchemy, which was a very interesting shade overall. This year’s iteration is much darker and warmer, but the multi-colored shimmer/sparkle is the similar. The base color is much more pigmented, though, and it was opaque after two coats. The texture wasn’t too thick or too thin, so it applied easily and spread across the nail without pooling along the edges or streaking. I wore it for seven days with minor tip wear. The only thing I’m a little bummed about is how quickly the price increased–$1.50 in a year–which is significant.
Alchemy II
LELimited Edition. $14.00.
Formula X Alchemy II Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alchemy II Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alchemy II Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alchemy II Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alchemy II Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alchemy II Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alchemy II Nail Lacquer
I saw this shade in store 2 weeks ago. It’s soo pretty but I need another gold nail polish like a hole in a head. lol
Good to hear that this one preforms well.
lol! I’m a big fan of the Formula X range.
Oooh, very pretty, love the multi-color shimmer!
Me too! I liked how they changed the base color but kept the same multi-colored shimmer/sparkle, so it was definitely fitting to call it Alchemy II!
I love this color! The multi-colored flecks add some nice dimension to it.
Me too! It’s a fun one.
I found it to wear longer and without a noticable difference in coverage with just one coat rather than two. I’m not very careful with my nails though.
That’s interesting how it wore longer with one coat! I wonder what science causes that!
They say the more layers there are the more it is likely to chip
I’ve heard that, though I’ve always wondered about the science behind that 🙂 I’m not sure if it’s true or false (or just one of those things we’re told so often that we think is true!).
I don’t like the price increase either, but I’m still getting this because the dupes are all LE and I don’t have anything like this in my collection. It’s such a pretty color.
It is a really cool shade, but boo! price increases.
Pretty and unusual. I love all the sparkle.
The multi-colored sparkle is a nice touch!
It’s GORGEOUS!!! When I saw this one at their nail bar thingy, I applied this shade on both ring fingers as an accent to a plummy-brownish shade I already had on. Promised myself I’d pick it up “next time” and forgot about it….until now!
It is such a cool color!
Too warm for me but I like how it looks on you.
Thanks, Erin!
That’s gorgeous!
It is!
A beautiful shade of gold and copper. Love it.
I totally agree, Genevieve!
Wow that’s so pretty on you! Did you use a base coat first and if so, what did you use, please? I always see Formula X shades I like but I’ve bought 2 in the past and I didn’t get good wear from them. Which is weird bc I use the same base coat for other brands, like Zoya or JINSoon and can go a week+ with no issues. I’m thinking since you got such good wear, perhaps it was the base coat (or not) that you used and maybe I just need to do whatever you’re doing to use Formula X polishes.
I don’t use any base or top coat 🙂
Thank you!
Just ordered it through your link. Thanks again for your review!
Thank you!
I saw this at Sephora inside JCP and passed on it because I have so much nail polish and have been good about not buying more lately. But it’s just SO unique I regretted it, called and had them put it on hold for me, and now it’s mine! I have yet to use it but it’s so pretty I just stare at it in the bottle sometimes. haha! I should probably paint my nails with it right now, while my nails are nice and long. Right now I have Formula X Sheer Strength on my nails & toes, which I got a deluxe sample of. It’s supposed to strengthen your nails… really liking it so far!
So glad you snagged it, Annie! Hope you can wear it soon 🙂
…aww crap, now I want Alchemy (I)! >.<
AWWW!
Love It!
It’s so sparkly!
Ooh, I like!
Yay!
What a nice gold. Not that I need any more gold polishes, but Formula X seems to suit my nails, one of few polishes that really last some days on my nails.
I must ask, is the surface gritty or smooth? I have a tendency to pick and scratch on nailpolish if the surface isn’t smooth.
It’s smooth 🙂
Oh, good!
Pretty shade 🙂
It is!
Looks a lot like OPI’s Warm and Fozzie
Good to know, Lisa!
I’ve been eyeing this one. Sooo pretty!
Yay!!