Formula X Alive, Dynamic, Over the Top Nail Lacquers Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Formula X The Cut – Spring 2014 Nail Lacquers
For spring, Formula X introduced five new shades in “The Cut.” In general, I’m a fan of Formula X’s lacquer formula, as it is pigmented, long-wearing, and easy to apply. I had trouble with the three shades I tried from the five new ones (I do not have the other two)–they were streaky, with Dynamic being just slightly streaky and troublesome but the end result was manageable, while the other two were noticeably uneven. All three were slightly thick in consistency, though they dried down a little faster than average and had naturally shiny finishes.
Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer ($10.50 for 0.40 fl. oz.) is described as an “opaque peach pink.” It’s a light-medium peachy-pink with a cream finish. This shade was streaky on both the first and second coat, so the resulting finish was noticeably streaky and uneven. The formula felt slightly thick as well. It seems a bit brighter in real life than it’s showing in the photos. Tom Ford Beauty Coral Beach (03) (LE, $32.00), Chanel Starlet (LE, $27.00), and Butter London Trout Pout (P, $15.00) are all much darker. See comparison swatches.
Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer ($10.50 for 0.40 fl. oz.) is described as an “opaque light taupe.” It’s a light-medium taupe with a subtle warm undertone and cream finish. It was mostly opaque after two coats, and it was applied decently overall, but the first coat was noticeably streaky and the second coat needed to be a little thicker and slowly dragged across the nail to minimize additional streakiness. L’Oreal Never Lacque-ing (LE) is lighter, less gray. Rescue Beauty Lounge Be Humble (LE, $20.00) is shimmery, purpler. MAC Inert (LE, $16.00) is grayer. Chanel Frenzy (P, $27.00) is warmer. See comparison swatches.
Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer ($10.50 for 0.40 fl. oz.) is described as an “opaque light green.” It’s a brightened, light-medium pastel green with warm, yellow undertones and a cream finish. Though the pigmentation seemed opaque after two coats, it was streaky and uneven in application, so it looked patchy. Zoya Tracie (P, $9.00) and Essie Navigate Her (LE, $8.00) a few shades darker. See comparison swatches.
Alive
PPermanent. $14.00.
Dynamic
PPermanent. $14.00.
Over the Top
PPermanent. $14.00.
Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer
Formula X Alive Nail Lacquer
Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer
Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer
Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer
Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer
Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer
Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer
Formula X Dynamic Nail Lacquer
Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer
Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer
Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer
Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer
Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer
Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer
Formula X Over the Top Nail Lacquer
Hi, this is a completely unrelated question but what brush do you use to apply loreal’s infallible eyeshadows?
I use MAC’s 239!
Too bad the coral one got a c+. I like how soft it is!
It’s such a nice shade for spring, but streakiness is a deal-breaker!
Too bad about the unevenness, because the colors are sooo pretty…!
And perfect for spring!
All of these are great shades for spring! I love Dynamic & Over the Top… very cute!
Dynamic was my fave of the three!
I love the look of Alive, I wish it rated higher!
Me too! 🙁
How odd, I didn’t have any problems with Alive or Over the Top, Inspiring was a completely different story though
Happy to hear you didn’t have any issues, Kimberly! I don’t have Inspiring so I can’t say on that one.
Over the Top is such a wonderful spring green! I don’t usually go for light green polishes (especially yellow-based ones), but I actually really like that one 🙂
I love chartreuse, though it’s probably not my best color!
I don’t like that they go on streaky but I am loving the way Alive and Dynamic look on you. I don’t typically go for green polish but Over the Top even looks appealing lol. I really like these colors!
I like Dynamic a lot!
Hmmm, I have both Alive and Over the Top and I really loved both shades – although I do agree with the streaking. I just expect that from lighter, pastel shades. And I love both the colors. I had great wear from both. About 4 days without chipping, which is pretty hard to come by for me, considering I spend all day typing.
but i definitely understand the rating. I’m just so eager for spring shades!
Glad the wear is good for you, Amanda!
I expect that a lot of pastels will streak, but I haven’t given up hope that they won’t 😉
I love pastels as nail colors! All 3 shades are nice!
I wish pastels were better in application, though!
Alive is beautiful in the bottle, but barely visible on your fingers! So disappointing!
Bummer!
Over the top is such a pretty, unique color! These are all so pretty and spring-like. Bummer about the streakiness though….!
I know! It’s not unusual with pastels, but never a happy moment to find it is true!
I love these, and wanted to say the new dupe lists are Crazy awesome helpers, what a great idea! Absolutely loving Dynamic, something about neutral creams <3
Formula X has such an interesting well…formula! I seem to always get better results applying one thick coat rather than my standard two thins, I wonder if that would help with the streaky issues you had? Then again, they are pastels and we all know that trial 😉
Really happy to hear that the new Dupe Lists are helpful, Amy! 😀
It might help, though I don’t know if they’re pigmented enough to do one thick coat for coverage!
I like how Dynamic looks on you!
Thanks, Kiara!