The Chanel Storm

Author's note: I started writing this when the Robertson Blvd. LE polishes appeared, it's a bit out of context now but is still pretty applicable I think.

Every time Chanel launches a collection, it seems as if the nail board erupts with lemming-fever. But it's also around this time that this question gets tossed around a lot: "What makes Chanel polish better?"

It's always been my opinion that polish is polish. I'm not a brand snob by any means, I buy both dirt cheap, fun polish like NYC and WnW but I also spring for retail prices on OPI, China Glaze, and Orly (of course, if I find them on sale it's even better) for instant fixes. My first Chanel polish purchase was Azur (my sister bought Blue Satin for me because she's wonderfully patient with my polish addiction) and I don't regret it. I think if I found a counter near me that still sold Sirene and Orange Blossom, I would spring for those too. Why? It's not that Chanel polish is any other polish, but because of those specific colors. The annoying thing about nail polish is that yes, sometimes there are dupes. But sometimes there aren't exact ones that can take the place of the original polish.

Nope, Chanel's not better. It's not chip-proof and has issues like any other polish. But why bother with them? Some of the colors, for one thing, are just amazing. Also, let's face it: everyone likes a bit of luxury sometimes. I mean, that's the notion that the cosmetics industry capitalizes on, it's the reason why, in my opinion, the fashion industry thrives. The label Chanel is practically synonymous with luxury, along with Prada, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Dior. But, there is one thing that sets Chanel apart from the others in the polish world: the other brands either don't make nail polish at all or they don't have an expansive color line like Chanel. Sure, Dior's recent Gold Nugget and Poison Blue sparked mini-frenzies but that's about it.

Everyone likes to be spoiled sometimes, and everyone has their own little obsession. Mine just happens to be nail polish. As a rule of thumb, most people in the world are brand-whores. We don't buy generic because we trust the brands we grew up with and are advertised daily (though sometimes generic isn't always good...yes Target Generic Eye Makeup Remover, I'm singling you out!). So yeah, I've got freaking Chanel polish. It's awesome. Worth the money? Probably not. But it's CHANEL. The luxury brand name says it all.

Doesn't mean I'm going to spend $30 on a polish though. For that much money on a color I don't really care for I expect the polish to wash the dishes and do my laundry. I like a bit of luxury but I still draw the line somewhere.