Max Factor Fantasy Fire - Clarins 230 (Unicorn Pee) Dupe?

First off, this isn't a brand I usually buy anymore since it's not on my Cruelty-Free list (Max Factor is owned by Procter and Gamble) - not that there's much chance of me buying it because it's not available in the US. But when this came up, it didn't even occur to me, until after my friend in the UK (THANKS JO!!!) was already sending it to me, to check on Max Factor.  So there's my disclaimer.

But since I now have Fantasy Fire I decided to show it to you because there's been so much hype about whether it's a Clarins 230 (Unicorn Pee) dupe.

Is it?  I'll just show you photos first and then I'll let you know what I think.

The obligatory bottle shot... (which is TINY)

Max Factor Fantasy Fire

I was wearing Zoya Kelly, so I used this as a base.

Zoya Kelly

I took lots of photos trying to capture all the different "looks" - it flashes green, gold, copper, bronze and red. I used one coat with no top coat.

Max Factor Fantasy Fire

Max Factor Fantasy Fire

Max Factor Fantasy Fire

Max Factor Fantasy Fire

Max Factor Fantasy Fire

Max Factor Fantasy Fire

Max Factor Fantasy Fire

Max Factor Fantasy Fire

Max Factor Fantasy Fire

So is it a dupe? Well, actually, it's the closest thing I've seen so far. I had Clarins 230 once upon a time and didn't really like it that well. (I know, I know - that's CRAZY TALK!) True. But I didn't feel like it applied evenly enough. This one, on the other hand, goes on even in one coat with no streaking and I didn't feel the need to go over and over it like I did with Clarins 230. (But don't get me wrong, I do love me a great Clarins creme.)

But this one was just so much easier. From what I remember, it flashes all the right ways to remind you of Unicorn Pee. So I'm calling it. YES. I think it's a great dupe. I will, of course, try layering it over other colors eventually. *rubs hands together with glee*

What do you think? Does it look like Clarins 230 to you?

I'm hearing that it's getting be be very hard to find in the UK now. Good luck scoring a bottle (or three) if you're after it!

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Short Nails Days 5-12

Sort of.  They're starting to grow out enough that I don't feel totally odd with darker polishes.

Days 5 and 6

Clarins 225 "Mannequin Hands"

The tip wear was getting to me so day 7 I layered over Clarins 230, affectionately known in Nail Polish circles as Unicorn Pee because of its rarity.  Clarins discontinued it, making it instantly coveted. And really, Unicorn Pee does make everything better.  It's fabulous gold/red douchrome shimmer embedded in a translucent red polish.  Looks great over just about anything.

Clarins 230 aka Unicorn Pee layered over Clarins 225

Days 9 and 10

Nfu-Oh 64 - Again

Kleancolor Holo Pink

Day 11

Rescue Beauty Lounge Insouciant with Kleancolor Purple Holo as accent finger

Day 12

Borghese Mochaccino and Palermo Plum toothpick zigzag

The Kleancolors polished FINALLY arrived.  The "holos" are scattered holo shimmers and not the linear holo goodness that I prefer, but I like them.  Application was great and the brush design is acceptable.  The Nfu-Oh 64 is a great linear holo, which is why I keep going back to it.

I'm still awaiting the arrival of my Spectraflair so I can try a few linear holos on my own.  I only ordered 2 grams of it, but if it works out, I may have to start ordering it by the pound! =)  I'm beginning to wonder if it will ever get here.  It's been over 2 weeks and nothing takes THAT long to get to me.  Still hopeful, though.  But I have had things lost in the mail before.  We will see.