I’m Utterly Captivated with Charisma

Illamasqua Charisma Nail Varnish ($14.00 for 0.50 fl. oz.) is described as a “deep raspberry pink.” This is a rich berry-red with fine, ruby red shimmer that’s noticeable but on the subtler side. Dior Graphic Berry is a smidgen lighter and has no shimmer. Essie Size Matters is redder and has no shimmer. Illamasqua Vice is a bit more berry-hued and has a rubberized finish with no shimmer. Dior Apparat is very close, perhaps a smidgen more red and has a subtle golden sheen. Rescue Beauty Lounge Bruised is similar, slightly more berry-colored, and has no shimmer.

Charisma was fully opaque in two coats, and almost opaque in one, but it definitely needed two for full opacity. The formula was lovely to apply, because it was just the right thickness to yield rich color without causing it to pool along the sides, bubble, or streak.  There are subtle brush strokes visible under really bright light (like flash photography) but are barely visible under natural light.  This dried on par with most polishes, not exceptionally long or short.  I typically get a full week of wear with very, very minor tip wear and no chipping with Illamasqua’s formula.

Illamasqua Charisma Nail Varnish

Illamasqua Charisma Nail Varnish

Illamasqua Charisma Nail Varnish

Illamasqua Charisma Nail Varnish

Illamasqua Charisma Nail Varnish

Illamasqua Charisma Nail Varnish