Chanel Fall 2011 (Illusions d'Ombres de Chanel) Nail Polish in Quartz & Graphite

Here's my review, photos and swatches of the Chanel Fall 2011 / Illusions d'Ombres de Chanel nail polishes that I purchased in a recent haul (see here and other review here).

Colours

Graphite (#529): metallic silver. Extremely silvery shimmer under sunlight. Indoors in different angles you may also see the slightest hint of green.
Quartz (#525): appears mostly as a beige with silver sheen/shimmer, but under sunlight multiple coloured shimmer can be seen - quite stunning! (Unfortunately not captured in the photo as they were taken indoors).

I love looking at them on my nails especially under sunlight as they appear even more stunning. ^_^

Texture & Application

Fairly thin consistency. Very easy to apply evenly and smoothly. It applies opaquely with a minimum of 2 coats. Although Graphite is extremely shimmery, it feels just as smooth as other nail polishes with no shimmer in them and it does not feel at all 'gritty' and rough on the nails.

Longevity

I applied Graphite in 2 coats with both a base and top coat using Becca's 2-in-1 Base/Top Coat, and it lasted for about 7 days(!) before chipping had become too obvious that I had to remove it. This is quite excellent in my books! I've currently got on my nails, Quartz in 2 coats - this time without any base/top coat. It's been on for 4-5 days and so far no obvious chipping or wear - only the tiniest bare nails showing on the very tips, but you wouldn't notice unless you took a real close look. It wears quite 'gracefully' as in you won't suddenly get a huge chunk chipped off like I've had happen with other cheaper polishes. No doubt what you do with your hands on a day-to-day basis affects it as well. I type a lot on my computer for work (and play), do normal household chores like washing dishes without any gloves (naughty me!!), so not bad me-thinks. I've never had nail polish last more than 3 days before I just had to take it off. This makes me very happy indeed. ^_^

Size

13ml / 0.4 fl oz.

Cost

AU$39. Is this too much? Well, for starters, it is a high-end brand. However, these 2 nail lacquers in particular are worth it because they last about twice as long as cheaper ones, and the quality and unique beauty they give is just absolutely stunning.

Which are limited edition?

Good question! I have asked 3 different people that work at the Chanel counters which items from the entire fall collection where LE (both in Myer and David Jones) and each gave different answers. Temptalia, however, indicates (see here) that the Peridot (green gold) and Graphite are LE. I personally loved Graphite so much that I purchased a backup just in case!

Overall Recommendation

Highly recommend either or both of these nail polishes. Quartz is more wearable for work wear without being boring. Both are quite unique in terms of the effect they give under different lighting, and they wear very long and well. I love them both, even though initially I was all for Graphite in the beginning, but when I saw Quartz under the sun - wow! If I REALLY had to choose one over the other then maybe I will go for Graphite just because it has the extra oomph and wow factor of beautiful metallic shimmer and it looks extremely modern. I don't own anything like it.