Chanel- Paradoxal Nail Polish

Chanel Paradoxal. The new purple must-have that was apparently everywhere at fashion weeks worldwide. A non-attendee of fashion week for the past few seasons I am obviously missing the greatness of this shade.

Above you can see a bottle shot and the polish inside appears to glimmer and glitter in the light. In a brightly lit department store it shone with all it's tempting mystical purpleness and I was taken. Paradoxal was purchased.

Unfortunately it seems that this polish is Paradoxal by name and by nature. Once applied to the nails the bright highlights completely disappear and it dries a dull murky grey/purple. I don't really understand the technology behind this, even under direct light only a hint of shimmer can be detected. The picture below is quite accurate in it's depiction of the shade- a metallic nondescript mauve. I don't mind a dark grungy painted finger, I often welcome it! However, paying £16 for a sparkling bottle I did not expect such a paradox.

In typical Chanel fashion, its longevity is very questionable! Morning-after manicure I was chipping. Chanel shades always bewitch me but I need to learn my lesson, save the pennies and step away from the counter next time.

Ren ClearCalm 3

Posting has been delayed by a frantic flat hunt, the London property market is not fruitful for letting at the moment and it has been an emotional and unproductive journey so far. At this rate we are going to end up living in the house with no oven and a washing machine in the garden (true story)!

Anyway, last week I went to Ren event where a new skin care range was revealed. Ren ClearCalm 3 has been specially formulated for blemishes and breakouts. Presented in a fresh green colour scheme the products claim to deep cleanse and purify without harshness. The range is pictured above, unfortunately by Blackberry.


This line is said to be extremely effective treatment for problem skin, and the Anti-Blemish Treatment Mask contains ingredients which are medically prescribed for acne in the US- an indication that this really will work.

I am admittedly a 'drug-store' skincare girl. In the past I have tried fancy Dr. this or thats, Cliniques etc. only to find that they make my skin worse! However, Ren is the one higher end brand that I have found to be compatible with my sensitive skin. It smells divine, contains natural products and actually improves the condition. My face is currently dry and chapped from the icy winds of recent, but this range will be a godsend for those with sensitive problem skin, in this case it may just be worth paying that little bit more for something that will make a real difference.