Guerlain | 903 Nuit Merveilleuse, Neige et Merveille Holiday Collection

As my first post of 2016, I couldn’t think of a more appropriate beauty item to set the tone with, than 903 Nuit Merveuilleuse (French for ‘marvellous night’) from Guerlain’s Neige et Merveille Collection for Christmas 2015. Apart from the fact that Guerlain polishes have quickly become some of my favourites (if you’ve yet to try their brush, then prepare for shock + awe), there’s that something undefinable that gives this shade such a hypnotic appeal. Then there’s the meaning behind purple:

‘Purple combines the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy of red. The colour purple is often associated with royalty, nobility, luxury, power, and ambition. Purple also represents meanings of wealth, extravagance, creativity, wisdom, dignity, grandeur, devotion, peace, pride, mystery, independence, and magic‘

What better way to start off the new year, than with a colour that embodies so much?

903 Nuit Merveilleuse, Limited Edition (CAN $29.00) | A vivid electric purple hue filled with magenta and purple fine glitter flecks as well as matching finely ground shimmer. The formula is somewhat thickish and jelly-like in consistency but still easy to work with, helping it stay exactly where placed without pooling at the cuticles or nail sides. Semi sheer at the first coat, you can achieve a pretty good opacity by loading up your brush – although I personally recommend 2 thinner coats instead for the smoothest look. Self-levelling at application, the finish is quite glossy even without the addition of top coat. BONUS: non-staining upon removal.

Coats applied: 2, plus base (Nailift) & top coat

Nailift La Base Base Coat (CAN $31.00) | Used in these swatches here, this base coat is meant to not only create the smoothest surface for nail polish adherence, but may also help strengthen and fortify your nails with continued use. Some of the ingredients include:

–Argan Oil: Smooths nails
–Vitamin E: Strengthens nails
–DMU: Targets the keratin of the nail to support stronger nails
–DSB: Derived of silica; provides hydration

Released this past Fall (2015), Nailift La Base has quickly risen to the top of my list where base coats/nail care is concerned; for starters we have Guerlain’s trademark bevelled brush that fans out so perfectly across the nail for basically 1-stroke coverage. The density and flow of this formula also borders on perfection, being neither too thin (runny) or thick, enabling it to provide the smoothest surface along the nail, while the glossy finish means you can even wear Nailift on its own for a clean & simple nail look. The biggest downside: the dreaded limited edition status.

Guerlain | La Laque Couleur 903 Nuit Merveilleuse, Neige & Merveilles Collection

Guerlain | La Laque Couleur 903 Nuit Merveilleuse swatch

To quote Buddy from Elf, this shade is so “purpley” and even if the amazing formula weren’t enough, that magnetic colour alone is beyond irresistible. Guerlain’s entire Neige et Merveilles Collection for Christmas 2015 was one of the most stellar releases of the season and while it may be hard to pick out one star piece out of all that awesomeness, 903 Nuit Merveilleuse might just take the title, in my opinion. I understand that this limited edition beauty sold out fairly quickly when it launched, but with a little perseverance you may still be able to track a bottle down at some counters – just be warned that the Spring collection has already started making an appearance.

On another note, I’m all for starting a petition to have Guerlain make Nailift permanent; it doesn’t make sense to me that something THIS amazing is limited edition, especially since it is a core and absolutely necessary step for a mani/pedi. Who’s with me on this?

The Guerlain Neige & Merveilles Collection is available through The Bay and thebay.com, Holt Renfrew, and Nordstrom stores across Canada. Find more information via www.guerlain.com