Chanel Pirate Swatches and Review

Chanel Pirate

Finally a true blue-based red. Alas, Pirate is not a straight creme, but most of you will be happy to find out it's a crelly. Crellies(jellyish creme) are great, I just don't happen to be one of those people who have the patience for application. Most people love them.

However, this one IS pretty.

In an attempt to eliminate VNL (visible nail line) it took me 4 coats - 3 regular coats and a 4th thick one. And as you can see in the close-up, I still have a little VNL.

Application was still smooth, but I am going to have a bit of clean-up, as I usually do with jellies for some reason.

Chanel Pirate

Chanel Pirate

Chanel Pirate

And some more in different lighting...

Chanel Pirate

Chanel Pirate

Finally I put on a coat of China Glaze China Rouge as a base and layered Pirate over it and I love it! But since I have so many reds, I decided to see if I had a dupe and lo and behold, I do. It's A Perfect "10" Take Charge.

Doesn't look identical in the bottle, but it's very close
in the swatches!

Comparison shot of Take Charge and Pirate

And I have to admit that the application of Take Charge was easier than Pirate. I know, I know...that's heresy. Sorry.  I calls 'em as I sees 'em!  (Take Charge is a jelly-like creme.)

So...what do you think? Will you be getting Pirate?

**Just as a note, I never use flash for any of my photos.

UPDATE:  I took my bottle of Pirate back and exchanged it for a new bottle after reading that people are getting great coverage in 2 coats. I will update my review when I try it out to see if it's really different.