Christmas Presents

Chanel Frenzy, Butter London Pillar Box Red, Orly Glitz

It's almost Christmas guys! Are you all excited? Last year I went all out with the Christmas themed manis, but this year I've only been able to do a couple sadly. This mani was inspired by one of the many rolls of Christmas wrapping paper that we have at work. It's brown paper with lovely big red dots. Of course, I couldn't help but to match my nails to it!

The Lucy Appreciation Post, featuring Chanel Frenzy

Chanel Frenzy, Deborah Lippmann I Know What Boys Like, Orly Glitz

My housemate Lucy, who will now be known as the Provider of Fancy Polish was in New York this month, and while she was there she did a bit of nail polish shopping for me. She left Sydney with a modest little list of makeup and just two nail polishes to buy in the US for me (the difference in recommended retails between the US and Australia is just ridiculous). Deborah Lippmann polishes have no stockists in Australia sadly. I desperately wanted Glitter in the Air and Bad Romance and initially managed to restrain myself and only ask her to get those two. But, you all know how it is... I added I Know What Boys Like to the list, because really, I've never come across a blue like it, so I may as well get it! 

Aren't they just lovely. 

Then, a magical thing happened. Lucy was in Barney's buying my precious Lippmanns and mentioned to the lady serving her how they were for me, and how we can't get DL in Australia and the amazing Barney's lady told Lucy that she could pick one of three old DLs that she had floating around to keep for free (Constant Craving, Purple Rain and Brown Eyed Girl). While Lucy was pondering which colour I'd appreciate most, the lady suddenly put all three in her bag and said just to have them all!!! What a lovely lady! And that is the story of how I went from being completely Lippmann-less to being the proud owner of SIX of them!!!  

And the polish goodness continues! Lucy also bought me and our other housemate Anna a Chanel each!! I got Frenzy and Anna got Vertigo. 

After a day of straight up Frenzy I jazzed it up with some Lippmann dots and stripes and some Orly Glitz for added goodness. 

Oh, Peridot! I'm so glad you're finally mine!

Chanel Peridot

My amazing birthday surprise nail polish was Chanel Peridot. Isn't it gorgeous!!! It was even more amazing in real life. Thanks again to Lucy, the best housemate for buying it for me. Unfortunately, now that I know how amazing Chanel polishes are I may not be able to control myself around them! I always justified not buying them because they were so expensive compared to other good quality nail polishes. I could get one Chanel, which retails for $39 in Australia (US$40.90, yep ladies, 40 bucks!), or I could pay retail for two OPIs, or I could get like, thirteen China Glazes online (not including postage of course)! Why buy one when you can have thirteen? Next time however, now that I know how amazing they are, I may just be tempted!

Peridot was a dream to apply, so smooth and it flowed beautifully! It was everything you want in a nail polish. And it lasted a lot longer than most other polishes. You can see a tiny bit of tip wear, but that was after three days so I think it lasted quite well for me, considering usually when I change my polish after one day the tip wear is just as bad, if not a lot worse!

China Glaze Concrete Catwalk, Chanel Peridot, Bundle Monster BM-203

Even though I should never even think about using a precious polish like Peridot to stamp, I'd seen online somewhere (and of course can't find it anymore) a mani that appeared to use Peridot, or a similar polish as a stamp and it just looked beautiful. Even thought this turned out quite nice, I think from now on I'll keep Peridot on its own, where it looks most beautiful!