Before I begin today, let me explain why this manicure looks worn: because I took this on the fourth day of wear! (Nail polishes do not traditionally like to stick to my fingernails so four days for me is phenomenal.) Not a chip in sight and only a bit of tipwear/shrinkage (with Gelous bc and Diamont tc). Color me happy! This is going to be my travel manicure for the conference in Chicago next week. Perhaps a little too edgy for a professional conference but it's not like it's neon or glitter. :P
Second, no my nails don't grow that fast and I didn't leave a huge gap when I applied the polish. Why is there such a huge gap? Because -- and this is stupid -- I got the Nfu.Oh cuticle remover in the mail one evening while I had the Paradoxal mani on: I had heard so many raves for this cuticle remover that I wanted to try it out immediately... but I didn't want to change my manicure (because I hadn't gotten a photo of it yet). So I, uh, used it with my nail polish still on. Color me sheepish...
Chanel Paradoxal (after four days of wear)
I didn't think I'd love this polish as much as I do. Besides its longevity, I absolutely adore that it looks like a dark, dusky purple (almost taupe!) creme indoors but outdoors, it reveals a secret magenta shimmer that brightens the base color somewhat. Three coats though some people could probably get away with two. Easy application. I do not regret spending this much money on a single polish at all.
I don't know why I didn't think that the name of the polish was French (for "paradoxical") before going on the Oxford English Dictionary website to look it up in English. It was an English word, however, now very rare: either a nautical term or simply a synonym for "paradoxical". ...that's not at all exciting. But the OED is always a good time. I could jump from word to word on that website for hours. (Hi, I'm a nerd.)
In the comments section of my last swatch post, Kimberly had asked if I would keep people abreast of my nail polish-incentivized exercise regimen. And it seems like a good idea, if only because it keeps me in line and honest. So if it isn't going to be too annoying for people, I'll add it to the bottom of my posts, in small font, like so:
Aug 6th (30m cardio), Aug 7th (20m cardio), Aug 8th (45m cardio+strength).
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12 comments:
You win bonus points for being so excited to try out Nfu Oh's cuticle remover!! That's something I would have done. And you even get bonus points for posting pics!!!! :) Looks great on you, the color I mean. >.< Happy Monday!
Such a pretty color! I can't believe it wore that well...impressive! I think this color is professional enough. Or at least, it's not UNprofessional haha!
I've been really on the fence about this color, but the more swatches I see, the more it's winning me over, haha. It is a rather unique color, but I'm still a bit reluctant to shell out the moolah for it.
Love this polish!
I am so happy you used the cuticle remover with the polish on, this answered a long standing question of mine :) I wanted to know if it would effect the manicure at all if you did the remover after the manicure, and now I have my answer! Thanks :P
Did you like the remover?
I keep talking myself out of getting this colour and just when I think I have succeeded you post this pic which makes me want it more! I am going to have to cave, it is stunning!
I don't think your gap is that big. I've seen many manicures on other blogs with the same gap. I personally like to fill the whole nail. It does make it harder to clean up. I bought this shade for my first Chanel purchase. I hope it wears as well for me. Looks lovely on you. I've also done the same thing with the cuticle remover. No one sees it but me and some friends!
@Lady C: LOL, I'm glad you don't think me really insane for wanting to try the cuticle remover so badly that I did it while still wearing a mani! ;)
@aurora: This is what I'm telling myself: "at least it's not unprofessional…"
@ping: I was the same way until I had a day when I just needed to HAUL BIG. So I did. And I'm very glad I did. That being said, it's a lot of money for a single polish and I don't buy Chanel very often because of the price.
@Jackie: Mmm… I like my trusty old, cheap (and plentiful) Blue Cross Cuticle Remover better. I applied it only a week after I did my cuticles -- which means there wasn't that much cuticle to be removed. Honestly, I'm not sure I see what the fuss is about. Maybe if I try it some other time with a lot of cuticle growth, I'll be more impressed?
@Alison: LOL, I only just now recognized your avatar from MUA! And I remember you posting recently about wanting Paradoxal but not wanting to cave to it. Honestly, I think Chanel makes a lot more colors that are not worth the hefty pricetag: this one, however, is totally worthwhile. JMHO. :D
@Lucy: I do leave a pretty substantial gap but if I do try to fill the whole nail, I end up with color absorbed in my cuticles for days. It looks horrific -- and would even worse in macro-shot swatch pics. :( I hope you enjoy Paradoxal too! I'm new to Chanel as well.
I got paradoxal and I wasn't too impressed. But it's so weird everytime I se swatches of it I love it and feel like I need to give it a second chance! I like seeing pics of polishes s few days later since we get to see the staying power. Good luck with your workout regimen !!!
I probably would have done the same thing with the cuticle remover. :)
Lol! You enabler! I will get it, I keep thinking about so know I will regret it if I don't! :)
@tasha: LOL, it's not everyone's cup of tea. I like seeing swatches on several days of wear too. :)
@zara: glad to know I'm not insane.
@alison: saw you post on NB that you ended up liking Paradoxal. yay! :D
Love this polish! But couldn't get it for myself. I wish I could wear something like this for my next conference in November (Place: Barcelona). Still can not deside what it would be. I have similar to you style and preferences, but need somethin which will stick to my nails for longer (5 days). Last time I wore for this conference OPI Alpine Snow And Passion French mani and had to remove it on the 4'th day. Would you have any recommendations to me?
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