Once Upon A Time is the debut collection from Il Etait Un Vernis, the indie brand launched by two fabulous french nail bloggers – Vernis en Folie and De tout et de Rien. The brand launched in late 2014 and has gone from strength to strength with 2 further colour collections and a nail care range added to the roster since. What really draws me to this brand is the fascinating finishes and ‘something for everyone’ approach to each collection.
Every polish from Il Etait Un Vernis is 5-free and vegan. Designed in France and manufactured in Australia, I can safely say this is one of the most stunning collections I’ve ever seen. All 5 of these shades took my breath away when I first laid eyes on them. There are 4 scattered holographic polishes plus a sparkling gold (also holographic) glitter. The holos all have a jelly-like consistency which makes them incredibly glossy and smooth to apply while the glitter is dense enough to provide full coverage or perfect worn over another shade as a topper. Let’s take a closer look…
Beyond Words
– 3 Coats + Top Coat
Let’s dive straight in with the show-stopper! Beyond Words is a devastatingly gorgeous fuchsia shade packed with holographic particles and bright pink flecks. The super-shine is strong with this one but I always add a top coat for durability. Straight up my favourite pink in a long time and my pick from the collection.
Crush on Blue
– 3 Coats + Top Coat
If you’re looking for a royal blue with a twist, look no further than Crush on Blue. Smooth application in 3 coats.
Light Box
– 3 Coats + Top Coat
Light Box has a slightly thicker formula than the others but it was smooth enough to apply without any issues. There’s something very luxurious about a black holographic and the blue flecks are a genius touch.
Live, Love, Laugh
– 3 Thin Coats Over Bare Nails + Top Coat
With three coats of Live, Love, Laugh on my naked nails, there are still a few spots where you can see through but only if you look very closely. With all that light bouncing around, the naked spots are invisible to the naked eye and it looks just like you dipped your nails in glitter!
No Comment
– 3 Coats + Top Coat
No Comment is a very summery shade and one of those in-between shades that’s hard to describe so I’ll just let the pictures do most of the talking. I wouldn’t quite class this as a coral but perhaps a bright red with orange tendencies!
Where to Buy Once Upon a Time
Once Upon a Time is available for a limited time from Il Etait Un Vernis Shop (in France) and their International Stockists (for everywhere else in the world). RRP €12.90 (~$14.25 / £9.50).
