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Illamasqua Viridian Nail Varnish Review, Photos, Swatches

Illamasqua Viridian Nail Varnish
Illamasqua Viridian Nail Varnish

Illamasqua’s Art of Darkness: Viridian

Illamasqua Viridian Nail Varnish (£13.00 for 0.5 fl. oz.) is a darkened teal base with lighter teal micro-shimmer; the teal leans towards the blue side, making it a cooler-toned teal. Funny enough, when the flash fired, it pulled out more of the green in the teal, but overall, it still pulls bluer-teal.

The formula and application was just like Scarab: smooth, even, intensely pigmented–one coat would likely be enough, though I did two in the swatches.

Viridian is also new for fall, but it looks to be permanent from what I can tell.

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  • Product: 28/30
  • Value: 8/10
  • Ease of Use: 5/5
  • Packaging: 4/5

RECOMMENDATION: A very lovely shade and particularly flattering on cooler, paler skin tones as it leans blue.

AVAILABILITY: Illamasqua

Illamasqua Viridian Nail Varnish
Illamasqua Viridian Nail Varnish

Illamasqua Viridian Nail Varnish
Illamasqua Viridian Nail Varnish (Natural Light)

Illamasqua Viridian Nail Varnish
Illamasqua Viridian Nail Varnish (Natural Light)

Illamasqua Viridian Nail Varnish
Illamasqua Viridian Nail Varnish (Natural Light)

Illamasqua Viridian Nail Varnish
Illamasqua Viridian Nail Varnish (Flash)

35 Comments

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Fiona Avatar

Hi Christine, I noticed in your disclaimer that you didn’t talk about an affilate link, even though you did include a link, is that because if we buy from that certain link you don’t get commission? Also could you add to the POST FAQ how long it lasted before chipping? Thanks! Beautiful color for fall!

Christine Avatar

Hi Fiona,

I’m not sure what disclaimer you’re reading, because it states both… I just checked! Illamasqua’s link is not an affiliate link, Sephora’s link is – in case that is what the confusion is about.

If I experience any chipping, I’ll be sure to point that out (in any nail review), but otherwise you can assume it wore with no issues. It’s kind of like noting if a lipstick bled or not – if it didn’t, it doesn’t come to mind so I don’t wind up mentioning it. 🙂 For the record though, I can’t think of any polish brand that chips on me now that I use a base/top coat!

Fiona Avatar

I guess I must have missed that, sorry! But there’s only one link I can see, (the one right before where you say how much it cost for how much product) and that takes you to the Illamsqua website, no Sephora one in site! I meant if you could post how long it stayed on your nail without chipping, or maybe you have super base and top coats so it pretty much never chips?! Like you could say ‘I wore it for 5 days before a chip appeared or something. Thanks!

Rayanna Avatar

Do you think this is close to China Glazes Emerald Fitzgerald? I bought Scarab, but I think I like this shade as well. Though I can’t make another order online. So maybe I get just pick up the China Glaze polish instead.

Barbara Avatar

Hi, Rayanna, google: Nihrida blogspot. She has just made the comparison between Emerald Fitzgerald, Viridian and some other polishes that look alike.
A good dupe is a nail polish from Essence, it is called All Access. It has been discontinued here in Europe, but maybe you are still able to get it in USA (Ulta).

Michelle Avatar

Fabulous colour! Just a quick question from looking at the pictures, do you use a certain technique to paint your nails, as the colour is not applied right up to the cuticle? Is there a video or post on it?
Thanks!
<3

Nora Avatar

I’m not crazy about dark colors but this is pretty gorgeous. Plus it reminds me of Viridian City from Pokemon; I might have to get it just for the name. 😉

Sarah Avatar

Christine, any idea how ordering directly from Illamasqua works? I see these polishes are 13 pounds (~$20-21), but Illamasqua polishes from Sephora are $14. I’d really like to get the set of 4 polishes that includes the 2 you reviewed and 2 others, but the exchange with shipping works out to over $70! Boooo, lol. I might have to wait for them to come to Sephora if this is the case!

Great swatches as always, Thanks Christine!! The color is gorgeous on this polish, and hearing that 1 coat might be enough clinched it for me!

Sarah Avatar

Thanks Christine 🙂 I just got so excited when I saw the swatches and I wanted them right away! Here’s hoping they show up on the Sephora website soon (my store doesn’t have Illamasqua 🙁 bummer)

Miss Silver Avatar

Looks good without the flash; teal is my absolute favourite! I’m wearing some teal nail polish that I custom made from mixing 3 nail varnishes together. I’m so in love with all that is teal right now. And this looks so pretty!

kim Avatar

Hi Christine,
Beautiful color! I love the Illamasqua Viridian Nail Varnish (Flash)version – but what do you mean when you say you “flash fired?” Wondering how I can achieve that more intense green color like you did with the flash version.

Thanks!
Kim

Lovisa Avatar

I absolutly LOVE this colour! And the formula is so easy to work with, does not stain the nail even though I did not use a base coat. Super easy to remove and is really chip-resistant! I’m in love! I bought it after checking out the fantastic swatches 🙂

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