It’s a professional manicure in a bottle.
Two years ago I hadn’t even heard of a nail concealer — and now it’s the most important product in my nail care kit. I am obsessed with the way it makes my nails look shiny, neutralizes discoloration, and imparts a healthy glow. There are also tactile benefits; it smooths out the ridges, dips, and peeling bits so that feeling my nails doesn’t give me the heebie-jeebies. But as someone who has tried probably a dozen nail concealers now, I can tell you most are not as effective as Chanel’s La Camélia Fortifying, Protecting, and Smoothing Base Coat.
I have considered Chanel to be the gold standard of long-lasting nail polishes. They dry quickly, only require one coat, come in vivid and accurate colors, and have a lasting power that rivals gel formulas. I didn’t have any expectations for its nail concealers though, it’s a new category for everyone. But it took one swipe on 10 fingers to know that Chanel’s La Camélia Base Coat is that girl.
Buy Now $32
I’m staring at my fingers now as I type this and my Camélia Base Coat-covered nails look subtly glossy, smooth, and like they were professionally manicured. Plus, I’ve had this one coat on for a week and there are no noticeable chips.
The main ingredient here is camellia oil which Chanel has recently used in a number of products. According to a few studies, it protects from environmental stressors and promotes collagen production. Though you might know the latter is important for healthy skin, it helps with nail growth and brittleness. And though it’s almost completely sheer, it has a touch of pigment which neutralizes discoloration and stains.
One five-star reviewer wrote, “it gives you a nice natural color and it makes your nails look healthier.” Another said they were “pleasantly surprised” by the way Chanel’s La Camélia Base Coat “filled out [their] ridges to a nice smooth surface.” Several shoppers say that, like me, they wear it on its own thanks to the “lovely neutral sheen.”
Head to Chanel to shop its La Camélia Fortifying, Protecting, and Smoothing Base Coat.
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