"Paradoxal" may not be a word (for the record, the adjective form of "paradox" is "paradoxical") but, thanks to the Chanel Fall 2010 Le Vernis Nail Colour shade by that name, it's one of my buzz words this week. There's a transformative, enigmatic quality to this polish color that's mesmerizing. You can literally spend a solid half hour simply turning the nail lacquer bottle around and shaking it gently as you would a Magic 8Ball, marveling at how the iridescent purple shade inside mutates with every pivot and the corresponding lighting angle.
On nails, the color is even more baffling. Just when you think you've figured out the perfect way to describe it, you'll see the shade in a brand new light (quite literally), and you'll once again be stumped for the proper adjectives. It moves from a regal purple with an oil slick sheen (particularly in really bright, sunny rooms), to an ice queen-ready grayish prune and a creamy, moody dark taupe with gray-purple tones.
To get a better feel for the shade's chameleon-like tendencies, check out the pics after the jump!
