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Formula X Alchemy II Nail Lacquer Review, Photos, Swatches

Formula X Alchemy II Nail Lacquer
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.
A
A
10
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
8.5
Longevity
5
Application
97%
Total

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
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

44 Comments

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Donna Avatar

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.

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

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.

Annie Avatar

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!

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