Filed In: Nail Polish Comparisons
Dior – #751 ‘Marilyn’ Grand Bal Collection Holiday 2012 (swatches, comparison & review)
Dior’s Grand Bal Holiday 2012 Collection is sophisticated, visually beautiful, and full nostalgic old-world appeal. The packaging is some of the most luxe I’ve seen in a while, and the colours to be found in this collection are all eminently wearable and elegant. From the 4 nail varnishes offered, the only two that I felt were right for me, were #901 Diva (previously reviewed here) and this sexy red siren, #751 Marilyn. Then, there’s this adorable round bottle …
*All swatches are with base and top coats
Dior #751 Marilyn
beautiful packaging – inside & out
name clearly embossed on the unique gold box
#751 Marilyn – one of the truest red shades available, running neither too warm or cool-toned, but falling perfectly in between. With the unique round bottle shape and colour bringing to mind Snow White’s red apple, this vibrant hue was a pleasant surprise on many levels, starting with an absolutely STELLAR formula. Bearing an almost jelly-like quality in its slight translucency, it paradoxically manages to still give great coverage with the 1st coat, probably due to the excellent pigmentation. Almost a candy-apple red, I would say that ‘Marilyn’ might be a touch more blue-based, but still comes across as warm-leaning. Filled with exceptionally finely ground pink/magenta shimmer (only just visible to the naked eye), it also applies in a completely self-levelling manner and leaves behind an insanely glossy finish. BONUS: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2
in sunlight
macro
shaded light
with flash
When I was recently on the search for a specific red colour, I came upon Dior’s #999 ‘Rouge Altesse/Red Royalty’ (review pending), and my first thought was that ‘Marilyn’ seemed to be a close match. I was both right and wrong; while the two seem to be in the same colour family, there are still differences between them, although in all honesty those differences are rather negligible at best. How they compared (note that 2 coats were applied):
index and ring fingers: #999 Red Royalty – a touch more orange based which makes it slightly warmer-toned, bearing a thicker running formula. Similar gloss and high level of pigmentation, but not as vibrant (a degree or 2 deeper in colour), with that well-known Dior “secret shimmer” – not readily apparent (unless seen in direct sunlight or with flash) for added depth. Non-staining as well.
NOTE: the brushes of all the lacquers in the holiday collection are not of the new chiselled paddle brush variety, but more like the older format, and with a significantly thinner and shorter wand – this does not affect application at all, however.
middle and pinkie fingers: #901 Marilyn
sampling of the two brushes
in sunlight
shaded light
with flash
#901 Diva & #751 Marilyn
Final thoughts: This colour is THE red shade I’ve been looking for, and finding it in a brand I trust and love, especially in a formula as amazing as this, makes this an excellent purchase in my opinion. Of course, I would have loved to have found this shade a week earlier when I wanted to wear it for my nephew’s wedding, but the collection hadn’t yet been released. Even though ‘Red Royalty’ is a near duplicate, I found the formula of ‘Marilyn’ easier to work with and I love how the shimmer manages to be present, but in an understated way. Then there’s the whole Marilyn Monroe association for me – a woman who happens to be one of my idols – how can I possibly resist this beauty after all that?
Retailing for CAD $26.00, I picked mine up at The Bay department store (Canada).
Dior – #901 ‘Diva’ Grand Bal Collection Holiday 2012 (swatches, comparison & review)
From the moment I first laid eyes on promotional images for Dior’s Grand Bal Holiday 2012 Collection, I couldn’t wait for its release; I think I may have actually “whooped” when I saw the products arrive at my nearest counter … much to the embarrassment of my husband who was with me that day. Seeing all the products grouped together, I was reminded of 50’s era ladies – long satin evening gowns, opera-length gloves and tiny beaded clutches – looking like so many golden ornaments at a sophisticated soirée. The packaging on this collection is some of the most spectacular I’ve seen in a while – it’s a good thing the products live up to all that outer beauty as well!
#901 Diva – a deep onyx hue filled with incredibly fine gold, green, and pink micro shimmer. The formula here was utter PERFECTION – a just-right density that flows neither too thick or thin, with the barest hint of some sheerness upon application of the first coat, although non-streaky and with excellent coverage nonetheless. The round glass bottle is like nothing I’ve seen before and I was concerned that its brush would be too short to work comfortably with, but the bevelled cap provided a good grip, adding some length to the wand and making application easy. Ultra, ultra glossy and visibly smooth-looking, along with being completely self-levelling, you barely need a top coat to finish this beauty off, but it helps to add even more glamour & drama to the final look. Bonus: completely non-staining. Coats applied: 2 (along with base and top coats)
love the included ribbon with the “C” & “D” little charms
unique gold outer packaging
how elegant is this little tableau?
in sunlight
macro
shaded light
with flash
Ever since it became accepted and fashionable to sport black lacquer, I have been amassing these hues at an alarming rate; coupled by the fact that I have a total weakness for darkly brooding shades, there was no way I would miss adding ‘Diva’ to my collection. It stands to reason then, that I probably already owned a similar colour, and yet it was only when I went hunting that I realized that no 2 black simmer polishes are the same. The following swatches are all with base and top coats. Coats applied on all shades: 2
- index finger: Dior #905 ‘Black Sequins’ – a medium density formula with an excellent flow, a touch more opaque at the 1st coat than ‘Diva’, slightly cooler-looking due to its silvery-blueish shimmer which also happens to be more visible than ‘Diva’s’ shimmer
- middle & pinkie fingers: Dior #901 ‘Diva’
- ring finger: a-england ‘Bridal Veil’ (previously reviewed here) – the thickest and most opaque formula of the three, slight murky appearance next to the other two due to its ultra-fine prismatic particles, the glossiest and smoothest surface of them all
Overall, of the three, I would have to say that Dior’s ‘Black Sequins’ is the closest when viewed with the naked eye, but the differences become quite apparent when seen in direct sun (or with flash), with its shimmer noticeably sparser and not multi-tonal. The other difference between these two in particular, is that ‘Black Sequins’ does leave silvery traces behind upon removal, whereas ‘Diva’ cleans up much easier, with minimal mess.
in sunlight
macro
shaded light
with flash
Final thoughts: ‘Diva’ along with #751 Marilyn (review coming up), were the two lacquers from the four released with this collection that I absolutely knew would be coming home with me – and I am so happy with my choices. The bottle looks like a little jewelled bauble that just begs to be displayed, but it so happens that the contents within are what impress me even more. For dark/vampy nail polish lovers, this is one amazing black hue along with its crushed shimmer which adds unique visual interest, dimension, and depth that you really don’t want to miss out on. A very sleek and sophisticated shade … a true diva, indeed!
Retailing for CAD $26.00, I picked mine up at The Bay department store (Canada)
*Disclaimer: Some product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
NARS ‘Storm Bird’ Fall 2012 + fifty shades of grey … or, at least ten … (swatches, comparisons & review)
For fall 2012, NARS cosmetics has once again launched a collection full of an eclectic mix of colours, with a definitely modern autumnal vibe going on that ties everything together, as only François Nars can achieve. I’m always curious to what this creative artist will release as far as nail varnish is concerned, but ‘Storm Bird’ gave me pause; it wasn’t too long ago that the brand gave us another dark grey shade. Seems like grey is quite popular these days, which reminded me …
Ok – unless you’ve been in hibernation these past few months, you’ve surely heard of the frenzy caused by E.L. James’ trilogy of books, beginning with “fifty shades of grey” – a modern and titillatingly sexy story about a woman discovering the dark side to love. I was intrigued enough to buy the 1st book, but here’s where it goes sour for me; I was expecting some honest erotica (based on all the hype), and instead I feel that I got an updated Harlequin romance novel. Talk about a lunch-bag letdown … but the again, maybe it’s just me. After having read ‘The Sleeping Beauty Trilogy’ by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice writing under a pseudonym) several years ago – a trio of sensually gritty books, everything else pales in comparison. But don’t take my word for it …
I digress – on to the lacquer!
‘Storm Bird’ is in a word, STUNNING. I was tempted to pass it over, thinking it was not different enough from NARS’ ‘Galion’ (previously reviewed here) to warrant investing in, but after swatching it quickly at the counter, I knew that I had nothing like it. A perfectly flowing & amazing formula, with excellent opacity and colour saturation, the 100% self-levelling finish gave way to a final shine that was literally glass-like; insane, I tell you! The colour of this luxurious crème varnish falls somewhere between concrete and dove, with definite blueish undertones in its base that seem to add a milky veil in certain lights, while at other times it can appear more dense – rather like gathering storm clouds, and just as impressive. The following swatches are all with Seche Clear Base Coat and Seche Vite Top Coat. Coats of lacquer applied: 2
in sunlight
shaded light
with flash
As the title of this post suggests, I was convinced I had easily at least 50 grey shades to compare ‘Storm Bird’ to, but after rummaging through my collection, I was surprised to find only 10 that met the criteria, discarding anything metallic, or with obvious shimmer and/or glitter. The only exception was for YSL’s ‘Stormy Grey’, both for the name and for the fact that the shimmer seen in the bottle paradoxically stays muted once applied – PLUS, it was the first brand to kick-start the whole modern grey trend. For the following comparisons, I’ve chosen to show them on a nail wheel (alone first, with my nail swatches second), in order to see all the hues together against ‘Storm Bird’ – which is the center shade at the top. All swatches are with base + top coats once more, and 2 coats of lacquer, with the exception of OPI’s ‘Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees’ that needed a 3rd to achieve a deeper opacity.
*By clicking to enlarge the nail wheel photos, you’ll get a better appreciation of all the shade variances
To the left of the ‘Storm Bird’ swatch, from top to bottom:
- NARS ‘Galion’ (reviewed here)
- OPI ‘Nein, Nein,Nein … Ok Fine!’ (reviewed here)
- Essie ‘Power Clutch’ – (reviewed here)
- YSL ‘Stormy Grey’
- MAC ‘On the Prowl’ (Hello Kitty Collection)
To the right of ‘Storm Bird’, from top to bottom:
- Deborah Lippmann ‘Stormy Weather’ (reviewed here)
- Gosh ‘Miss Grey’ (reviewed here)
- China Glaze ‘Concrete Catwalk (reviewed here)
- OPI ‘Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees’ (the Spain Collection)
- Dior ‘Gris Montaigne’ (reviewed here)
As is shown, clearly nothing is even remotely close to ‘Storm Bird’; the YSL has a similar blueish base, while the other hues fall anywhere between being much darker, too light, some slightly sheerer, others too green based. Yes … this beauty is definitely unique!
nail wheel, in sunlight
nail wheel, shaded light
nail wheel, with flash
Storm Bird nail swatch & comparisons, in sunlight
Storm Bird nail swatch & comparisons, shaded light
Storm Bird nail swatch & comparisons, with flash
Final thoughts: For a colour that is as unassuming as “grey”, it’s surprising how many degrees of it there are out there and how each one offers something different, from bold & vampy, all the way to subtle and ethereal. ‘Storm Bird’ falls somewhere in the middle, bearing enough intensity to stand out on its own, but still softened somewhat by its blueish undertones, to make this a work-friendly shade – which can easily make the transition for after hours. The formula alone is worth investing in; it almost applies itself WITH the added bonus of it being completely non-staining. Available at all NARS counters right now, this is the grey shade you want to be wearing. Seriously.
*Disclaimer: Some products provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
Sephora + Pantone Universe – ‘Reflecting Pond’ Jewel Lacquer (swatches, comparisons & review)
I have a confession to make: I don’t really know all that much about Sephora’s 2nd collaboration with Pantone, and I only picked up one item from the previous collection (which I STILL haven’t reviewed), but as soon as my eyes landed on ‘Reflecting Pond’, I was captivated. Something about murky, aquatically-themed hues just get to me every single time. Probably has something to do with the fact that I’m a water sign … or it could be the storm-tossed allure of this lacquer …
Sephora + Pantone Universe ‘Reflecting Pond’
Sephora + Pantone Universe ‘Reflecting Pond’
the beautiful opalescent box
‘Reflecting Pond’ is a jewel, and just as luxurious colour-wise. Starting with the opalescent box it comes in – which is pretty enough in its own right, the densely pigmented, medium-thick formula makes application almost effortless. The charcoal infused teal of the base colour is filled to the brim with ultra fine brilliant teal shimmer “dust”, along with some deep blue, scattered green & lavender/pink specks throughout, which lend some elusive indigo flashes to this shade (seen clearer in direct sunlight) and a complex depth of tone. Indoors turns ‘Reflecting Pond’ into a murky & blackened teal, leaving behind an almost metallic after-image (really weird and cool effect, actually), but I love how the sides of the nail look like a frame for the gorgeous center teal colour. Brush stroke-free and self-levelling, the final finish is somewhat dull; addition of top coat is an absolute must, as it literally brings this beauty to life.
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The square bottle shape is a nice touch as well, made with heavy, sturdy glass and while the wand may seem a little long, I found the brush to be well formed, with just the right amount of length & flexibility to allow for a fuss-free application. Bonus: absolutely no staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2
Unique touch: on the back label of the box you’ll find a box with a colour swatch and a corresponding number, in case you want to paint your walls the same shade! According to Sephora:
What it is:
A thrilling collection of nail lacquers inspired by exotic gems, precious jewels, and vivid natural beauty.
What it does:
Fall under the spell of the Alchemy of Color Collection, an enchanting collaboration between Pantone Universe and Sephora that marries the hottest shades of the season with exclusive formulation and finish. The collection includes a kaleidoscope of colors and each of the multi-dimensional lacquers feature an innovative texture and futuristic finish, from metallic, to sparkle, iridescent, and never-seen-before metallic matte. The formulas are long-wearing, chip-resistant, and promise full-color payoff. Bring the brilliant hues to life as you mix and match to create your own magic.
What else you need to know:
This collection takes inspiration from Pantone’s View Colour Planner Autumn/ Winter 12-13 Book, predicting a radiant color breakthrough in fall 2012 and a leap into bright reds, energizing oranges, and sumptuous purples. Each formula is formaldehyde-free and dibutyl phthalate (DBP)-free.
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*All swatches are with Seche Clear Base Coat and Seche Vite Top Coat, but I did notice some shrinking away from the nail edges after this step – an obvious sign of incompatibility.
in sunlight
alternate angle
indoors
in shade
with flash
Going through my collection of polishes, I came across several that are in the same colour family as ‘Reflecting Pond’, but I narrowed things down to Deborah Lippmann’s ‘Don’t Tell Mama’ – for being the closest in base tone, and Nailtini’s ‘Stinger’ (previous reviewed here) – for having a similar duo coloured effect. All swatches are with 2 coats of lacquer, as well as base & top coats. How they compared:
- index finger: Deborah Lippmann ‘Don’t Tell Mama’ – the thinnest flowing formula, almost identical blackened teal base with a pine green ultra fine shimmer – no other colour flashes, the darkest in overall tone, very glossy natural finish
- middle & pinkie fingers: Sephora + Pantone Universe™ ‘Reflecting Pond’
- ring finger: Nailtini ‘Stinger’ – formula, flow & opacity similar to ‘Reflecting Pond’, underlying base shows more of a prune hue (1st coat), visible purple overtones (naked eye), much more prominent cobalt flash with shimmer leaning more towards emerald, superb glossy finish
in sunlight
alternate angle
indoors
in shade
with flash
Final thoughts: I am a total sucker for these types of shades; apart from its obvious brooding qualities, I love all the complexities of colour and tone that go into ‘Reflecting Pond’. The formula was unexpectedly thick, but very easy to work with nonetheless and even though you can almost get away with one coat, I highly recommend a second as it enhances the vivid colour of this beauty. I passed on the other 4 shades released – pretty hues, but nowhere near as eye-catching; I’m not sure at this point if they’re limited edition, but the collection is definitely a Sephora exclusive. The price seems to be quite fair as well, coming at CDN $11.00 for 11 ml/.37 fl oz, slightly more than an OPI but definitely less than a CHANEL. Definitely worth seeing with your own eyes – but be forewarned of its mesmerizing effect!
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Deborah Lippmann ‘Modern Love’ Fall 2012 (swatches, comparisons & review)
When I think of fall colours, usually deeper hues come to mind; Deborah Lippmann decided to go in another direction and take things down a notch. ‘Modern Love’, one of 2 new shades released for fall 2012 (the other is ‘Let’s Go Crazy’), is an utterly creamy neutral hue, but make no mistake: what might seem like a run-of-the-mill nude colour may just surprise you. Sometimes, a whisper draws more attention than a shout …
‘Modern Love’ is a surprisingly complex crème shade with a mix of dusky rose and earthy mauve, with some grey tints thrown in as well. With a formula that flows somewhat on the thin side, it stops just short of being runny and manages to bear an easy mess-proof consistency. The first coat gave quite decent coverage for a shade this light, applying in a relatively non-streaking manner and laying down quite smoothly, with the second coat displaying more of its mauve leanings. As seen in the swatches below, some lights bring out a more tan side, while others highlight an antique rose hue … very multi-faceted for a neutral. The natural gloss at the finish was quite good, although I prefer how a layer of top coat enhances all of its subtleties. The following swatches are with Seche Clear Base Coat and Seche Vite Top Coat. Coats applied: 3 (for photographic purposes – otherwise 2 would be more than sufficient)
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in sunlight
shaded light
with flash
Naked (left), Modern Love (center), & Fashion (right) – in natural light
Naked, Modern Love, & Fashion
I resisted picking up ‘Modern Love’ at first, convinced that it was already too close to the 2 other Deborah Lippmann neutrals in my collection, ‘Naked’ (previously reviewed here) and ‘Fashion’. Naturally, my curiosity won out and upon swatching the 3 together, I’m glad I caved – happy to admit I was wrong and that I really don’t have anything exactly like it! Here’s how they all compared: (all are with 3 coats for consistency, as well as base & top coats)
- index finger: ‘Naked’ – palest of the three, leaning more peach, similar formula
- middle & pinkie fingers: ‘Modern Love’
- ring finger: ‘Fashion’ – the most neutral, beige-toned, the smoothest & best application of the three
in sunlight
shaded light
with flash
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Final thoughts: Finding the right neutral/nude hue to work with your skin tone, is not as easy as you’d think; too yellow-toned and your hands wind up looking sallow, too grey-toned and you run the risk of appearing corpse-like, too pink-toned and “mannequin hands” rule … but ‘Modern Love’ somehow manages to combine just enough of all these tones to compliment instead of clash. Against my still summer-tanned skin, the colour appears a lot more rosy and delicate; I’m thinking that once my tan fades, the colour will then appear much more urban and sophisticated, but either way, I’m totally loving its unexpectedly composed look – a refreshing, almost “non-colour” to kick some “vampy” butt!
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*Disclaimer: some products provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
