Formula X Alchemy Nail Lacquer Review, Photos, Swatches
Formula X Alchemy Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alchemy Nail Lacquer ($12.50 for 0.40 fl. oz.) is described as a “platinum-infused, mixed metal shimmer.” It’s a dirty, antique gold base with silver, gold, and copper micro-glitter. It almost seemed like sparkle, because the particles seemed even finer than most micro-glitters. Tom Ford Beauty Silver Smoke (LE, $32.00) has a similar base color, but it isn’t glittery–it’s more metallic, so it’s not what I would consider a worthy dupe. See comparison swatches / view dupes. If you know of potential dupes, please share in the comments’ section!
This was a total impulse buy, but the promotional image really made me curious about it! I’ve had good luck with Formula X, so I kept my fingers crossed. It’s an interesting shade, and I think the multi-colored micro-glitter makes it different than other potential dupes (that I know of, of course!). I also felt like it was a festive, holiday-esque shade that wasn’t your typical interpretation (metallic golds, reds, etc.) of the season. I wish it was more pigmented, though, as it is only semi-opaque and not the “full coverage” described. It’s the type of formula that can be layered with up to three coats comfortably or two thicker ones. It dries down faster than the average polish to a shiny, metallic finish–not really glossy, just reflective. The wear time was consistent, and it lasted well with only very minor tip wear for seven days (no base/top coat).
Alchemy
LELimited Edition. $14.00.
Formula X Alchemy Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alchemy Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alchemy Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alchemy Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alchemy Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alchemy Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alchemy Nail Lacquer
Beautiful! Thanks, Christine. You read my mind. This one has been on my Love List since the day it came out. Now I’m just waiting for Sephora’s big discount of the year.
Glad I could help 🙂
Pretty ! It’s a fun metallic for the holidays, I like the subtle glitter
Me too! I like how it says “holiday” but not loudly.
Ooooh very mesmerizing, this one!
It’s a fun shade!
I love the Formula X polishes myself and this may make it’s way to my cart. A slightly different holiday shimmer as you say. 🙂
Me too! They’re a nice formula 🙂
Love all the SPARKLES!!
Yay!
It looks great!
Happy you liked it ;D
Oh, I like it a lot. Hard to describe, a bit mysterious.
I like Formula X so this went to the wishlist.
Right? There’s a lot going on with it, but it isn’t crazy over the top either.
Super Pretty! What a great choice for understated holiday looks.
Agreed!
It’s really interesting! It reminds me of television static, actually, in nail polish form 🙂 I like that it has a lot of different colours in it, but still manages to be…uh… ‘pewter’? It’s so hard to pin down!
I agree – it’s hard to describe!
Looks like a possible dupe for Hard Candy’s Crush on Amethyst but this polish pulls more purple
Thanks, Christine!
I was eyeing this on Sephora’s website recently, and it’s great to see your photos.The color isn’t wowing me, though. I think I’m a little more interested in Formula X’s Ombre Glitters.
Glad I could help, Erin!
Those holographic types of polish always catch my attention. I’m so happy you reviewed this, I’ve been eyeing it and adding it to my shopping cart for weeks now.
I kept seeing it, too, and resisting, but caved eventually!
I love multicolored foils like this! And the packaging, too.
Me too! 🙂
Looks much lighter on nails then in bottle. Another dupe might be Estee Lauder’s Frozen Fantasy, or their long discontinued (but still beloved), Devils Food.
I think a third coat is necessary with this shade, unfortunately!
It’s not a dupe, but in certain lights, maybe Nicole by OPI Just Busta Mauve? It’s a browner, less platinum, but it’s got that same sort of surprising sprinkle of silvery blue in the mix.
Thank you, Sarah!
I really like the way it looks on your nails. This is really pretty, and I agree that it would make a great holiday look.
Thanks, Johnna! 🙂
From the swatches, it reminds me of TheBalm “All you do is taupe”, Chanel “Quarz”, Sephora by Opi “Already Famous” and Maybelline “Dust of Bronze”. It’s one of my favorites color families for nail polish 🙂
Awesome! Thank you for sharing, Marina!
Totally agree on the Almost Famous comparison – that is one of my favorite nail polish colors ever!
Very nice, I’ll have to check this one out in person
Yay!
I’ve never tried Formula X. I really like this shade. Their colors always look so pretty and shimmery.
I was totally skeptical when they launched Formula X, but I really quite like the range as a whole. Not every shade is 100% amazing, but I like how much variety they have in color/finish.
Oooo I love the finish! It definitely has a holiday vibe
Agreed!
Oooooh this is so pretty! I love how many colours there are going on in this *.*
Right? It’s always fun when you’re not sure how to describe a color – means it is complex!
Omg love that ! Can we get it in UK? GOSH Galaxy is kinda a dupe but not as gold
Love your blog !!!!
I’m not sure! Does Sephora in the UK/EU carry Formula X?
I love this polish. I’m wearing it for the first time now and it’s just so pretty and fun. Thanks for reviewing this! I would never have known it was in Sephora otherwise; I’m keeping away because of all the new holiday collections, many of which I’m not really all that interested in but might still impulse buy…
No prob, Alla! So glad I could share. It’s a fun shade and really love how it isn’t totally traditional!