Chanel Dragon - I Found My Perfect Red!

Finally!!! I was so disappointed in the formula, despite all the hype, of Chanel Pirate. Not because it was bad, but because it was a "crelly." I guess I'm a straight creme kinda gal. It took way too many coats for me and I still didn't get the opacity I craved. But it was a gorgeous red.

Then I found Chanel Dragon. I don't know how many times I passed right by this one before I finally bought it on a whim. And it's just perfection in a bottle.

It's a lovely pure red creme with the perfect formula. It could probably be a one-coater, but two is perfect for me. Even my man said he loved it - with NO prompting or asking! He said a woman only needs one bottle of polish and THAT is the one. Well, I had to stifle my giggles on that one. If he only KNEW!

Chanel Dragon

Chanel Dragon

Chanel Dragon

Chanel Dragon

Now tell me you don't adore that red!  I think the ease of application and the total opacity reeled me in.

Chanel Pirate Take Two - Comparisons

So, I did a review of Chanel Pirate already. But because I'd read others saying two coats was enough and mine took FIVE coats and I still had VNL, I decided to see if I had a bad bottle and I took it back and exchanged it.

Apparently I did have a bad bottle.  However, while 3 coats is now sufficient, I still have a very slight VNL. Not bad though.

But really, for all the trouble, not sure it's worth it since I have China Glaze China Rouge. The only difference I can tell (and I've looked under every possible lighting situation) is China Rouge is easier to apply, only takes two coats and doesn't leave VNL.

Don't get me wrong, I do love a great Chanel polish, but FOR ME, this one isn't it.

Sorry about the lack of clean-up in these photos. Take a look and judge for yourself.

Can you tell which fingers are sporting Chanel Pirate?

Chanel Pirate Comparison

Chanel Pirate Comparison

Chanel Pirate Comparison

Chanel Pirate Comparison

So would I buy Chanel Pirate again? No.

How about you?

Day Nine of Sinful Colors Swatch Fest - Ruby Ruby

Sinful Colors Ruby Ruby

Ruby Ruby is a bright cherry-red jelly-creme (crelly) that went on well, needed two coats for near-opacity and a thin third coat to even everything out. There is a slight VNL, even with the three coats, but it's not as bad as some of the crellies. Still, I prefer a straight creme just for this reason. I seriously have a hatred for VNL! Even the Chanel Pirate (crelly) red had VNL. I'm beginning to think it's all jellies and crellies.
....

Sinful Colors Ruby Ruby

Sinful Colors Ruby Ruby

Chanel Pirate Swatches and Review

Chanel Pirate

Finally a true blue-based red. Alas, Pirate is not a straight creme, but most of you will be happy to find out it's a crelly. Crellies(jellyish creme) are great, I just don't happen to be one of those people who have the patience for application. Most people love them.

However, this one IS pretty.

In an attempt to eliminate VNL (visible nail line) it took me 4 coats - 3 regular coats and a 4th thick one. And as you can see in the close-up, I still have a little VNL.

Application was still smooth, but I am going to have a bit of clean-up, as I usually do with jellies for some reason.

Chanel Pirate

Chanel Pirate

Chanel Pirate

And some more in different lighting...

Chanel Pirate

Chanel Pirate

Finally I put on a coat of China Glaze China Rouge as a base and layered Pirate over it and I love it! But since I have so many reds, I decided to see if I had a dupe and lo and behold, I do. It's A Perfect "10" Take Charge.

Doesn't look identical in the bottle, but it's very close
in the swatches!

Comparison shot of Take Charge and Pirate

And I have to admit that the application of Take Charge was easier than Pirate. I know, I know...that's heresy. Sorry.  I calls 'em as I sees 'em!  (Take Charge is a jelly-like creme.)

So...what do you think? Will you be getting Pirate?

**Just as a note, I never use flash for any of my photos.

UPDATE:  I took my bottle of Pirate back and exchanged it for a new bottle after reading that people are getting great coverage in 2 coats. I will update my review when I try it out to see if it's really different.