Illamasqua Obsess Nail Varnish ($14.00 for 0.50 fl. oz.) is described simply as “bright fuchsia pink.” It’s almost neon; it’s exceedingly bright and vibrant, but there’s something in the finish that holds it back from being a true neon. Obsess is a bright fuchsia pink with an underlying hint of violet with a cream finish. Urban Decay Miss T is similar but appears purpler. It’s purpler compared to Deborah Lippmann Makin’ Whoopee, though.
Illamasqua’s formula is three-free (it does not include DBP, formaldehyde, or toulene), and it wears a full week on me with very minor tip wear (and no chipping). The consistency of Obsess is phenomenal; perfectly balanced between thin and thick that it flows to the edges of the nail with ease and does so evenly. It’s opaque in nearly one coat (I used two for swatches).
P.S. — I have no idea why the stickers on some of my Illamasqua bottles are wonky; I’ll take that minor inconvenience because of the stellar formula, though.
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About the Reviewer
Christine has normal-to-dry skin with areas of dryness (cheeks, nose, and under the eyes). She has a light-medium skintone with subtle, warmer yellow undertones. Her best foundation matches include: Tarte Rainforest of the Sea in Light-Medium Neutral (best match), Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup in Desert Beige 2N1, Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow in 4.0, Hourglass Warm Ivory Vanish Seamless Finish, Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous in Dusk, MAC NC20/NC25, Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Liquid in Y305 (140). (For more information, please check the FAQ.)
20 Comments
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Yep, I was already lemming this and now it’s shot right to the top of the ‘omg must have now’ list!
MORENA
Hah! I have this nail polish already.
MORENA
This shade is easy to dupe, so I would save the $14 and shop around.
One illamasqua nail polish that is worth buying is Collide. Its a very hot, neon pink. great summer, or poolside nailpolish color.
Tania
Totally agree about Collide, and the formula is great even though it’s a neon!
What a pretty color. It is bright, but not ‘OHMYGAWD I NEED SUNGLASSES’ bright.
Looking at the color in the bottle I would pass, seeing it actually swatched on nails, makes me want to try actually try it.
Shannon
Dupe? Barbie pink comes to mind…
Adelita
Niceeeeeeee….!!!!
Right after Gamma, Obsess is my favorite!
if anyone has this nail varnish, and China Glaze’s Purple Panic, would you be able to compare the two please and see if that is a potential dupe? they look incredibly similar in online swatches and unfortunately I don’t have an Illamasqua counter anywhere near me, where I could do my own comparison.
thank you! 🙂
Sarah M
It’s amazing. This is one of my favourite nail polishes ever. 🙂
Jackie Billing
Love the color!! Is wonky a technical term? Love it!!! We know what you mean!
Madeline
Christine, your nails are so beautiful! Can you think of a lipstick in the same color?
The ones that I think come closest are Urban Decay’s Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Crush, Shiseido’s PK331 – Divine, Collection 2000’s Pink Shock, and Covergirl’s Powder Puff Pink. Sadly, the only one I can pull off is Crush 🙁
Illamasqua’s formula is my favorite, so I’ll be heading out to get this!
Jenn Jenn
My labels are often wonky on my Illamasqua polishes. I order them online from Sephora.
teresa cristina mendes
quero muito comprar este esmalte, por favor mande para meu endereço.
liveforlove13
does anybody else hate illamasquas formula?
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Such a wow colour!
Yep, I was already lemming this and now it’s shot right to the top of the ‘omg must have now’ list!
Hah! I have this nail polish already.
This shade is easy to dupe, so I would save the $14 and shop around.
One illamasqua nail polish that is worth buying is Collide. Its a very hot, neon pink. great summer, or poolside nailpolish color.
Totally agree about Collide, and the formula is great even though it’s a neon!
The color is fab!
wow it’s awesome, love it!
What a pretty color. It is bright, but not ‘OHMYGAWD I NEED SUNGLASSES’ bright.
Looking at the color in the bottle I would pass, seeing it actually swatched on nails, makes me want to try actually try it.
Dupe? Barbie pink comes to mind…
Niceeeeeeee….!!!!
Right after Gamma, Obsess is my favorite!
if anyone has this nail varnish, and China Glaze’s Purple Panic, would you be able to compare the two please and see if that is a potential dupe? they look incredibly similar in online swatches and unfortunately I don’t have an Illamasqua counter anywhere near me, where I could do my own comparison.
thank you! 🙂
It’s amazing. This is one of my favourite nail polishes ever. 🙂
Love the color!! Is wonky a technical term? Love it!!! We know what you mean!
Christine, your nails are so beautiful! Can you think of a lipstick in the same color?
Maybe NARS Schiap?
The ones that I think come closest are Urban Decay’s Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Crush, Shiseido’s PK331 – Divine, Collection 2000’s Pink Shock, and Covergirl’s Powder Puff Pink. Sadly, the only one I can pull off is Crush 🙁
Illamasqua’s formula is my favorite, so I’ll be heading out to get this!
My labels are often wonky on my Illamasqua polishes. I order them online from Sephora.
quero muito comprar este esmalte, por favor mande para meu endereço.
does anybody else hate illamasquas formula?