Sephora X: Chaotic

"Let these illusionary topcoats alter your reality and add another dimension to transform any color into something completely new. Innovative textures and particle sizes transform your manicure with never-before-seen effects. A savvy substitute to your traditional topcoat with all of the benefits, it features a patented formulation for invincible long-wear, anti-chip, UV protection that is also water- and detergent-resistant. Wear alone or layer with a Sephora X nail color to add an edge to your look." [source]

Back in November/December, new displays started appearing in Sephoras around Manhattan and the country of a new nail polish line by Sephora called Sephora X. The line includes about 40 polishes spanning a broad range of color and finish and boasts "unprecedented color, spectacular shine and incredible long-wear".

While the initial reviews of Sephora X polishes have been average, there is one polish in the lineup that seems to be getting decent attention - the "illusionary graffiti black and white confetti" Chaotic. Black and white glitter may be nothing new to those familiar with independent nail polish brands, but Chaotic is the first to be available at a national beauty retailer.

Chaotic

Chaotic is a mix of black and white variously sized hexagonal glitter and thin black bars suspended in a clear base. The glitter is densely packed and a breeze to apply - I only needed one coat to evenly sprinkle my entire nail with 'chaotic' bits. The narrow brush - which is similar to the Sephora by OPI brush - is not doing the great formula any favors and I wish it were wider.

Here is one coat of Sephora X Chaotic over OPI Shorts Story (one of my all-time favorite pinks):

One coat of Sephora X Chaotic over China Glaze For Audrey looks awesome:

Here is one coat of Sephora X Chaotic over CND Asphalt (received for review) and topped with Essie Matte About You matte top coat:

I love that the Sephora X bottles are sealed with plastic, something I wish other manufacturers would take note of. Now I know for certain that someone wasn't painting their name or doodling all over the display with the polish I just purchased ;)

About that cap. The Sephora X caps are large and angular and unlike Chanel or butter LONDON, it doesn't pop off to reveal the smaller applicator. The square Sephora X cap twists off and the brush is actually attached to it. Not only is this shape and size awkward to hold, but the cap is thin plastic and not reinforced at the base. I do expect that it will eventually crack either while opening or closing it, especially if you are like me and need the cap to line up with the bottle.

Cap design flaw and thin brush aside, Chaotic is an amazing polish and one of my top nail polishes of 2012. I could keep going and going layering Chaotic over different colors! What polish would you layer Chaotic over?

I thank Mara (http://www.marainpolishland.com) for introducing me to the Sephora X polishes and Chaotic in particular. Mara compared Chaotic to Lynnderella's Connect the Dots here.

Sephora X polishes can be purchased in Sephora stores and online. The price of Chaotic was marked $11.50, but when I bought it, it rang up $9.50 as some kind of promotion. Link!

Have you tried any of the Sephora X polishes yet? Volatile and Pyscho also intrigue me.

Product(s) in this post were provided for review. This post contains affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.