China Glaze X Collection
I know what you’re saying. It’s about time! I agree. I’ve been dying to show you the X Collection from China Glaze but I’ve been so swamped that I come home at night and pass out dead. But finally, here it is.
To celebrate their 10th anniversary, China Glaze introduced the X collection. Ten shades named with roman numerals that climb the color scale from light to dark with two platinum edition reds added to the mix to make it an even twelve shades for fall. Since this post is so picture heavy, I will try to keep my reviews short and to the point.
First, lets talk about the formula. The X collection is the first full collection released with the new Big 3 Free formula. For Audrey was the first official polish release with the formula. I have to say I’m on the fence about this change. The creme formulas are more viscous and difficult to work with while the shimmers flow as smooth as ever in spite of their thickness. And not all of the brushes were the same, they varied in thickness and length. It made application very tricky. I had to play with each polish to figure out the best application technique.
The first three shades in the X collection are also being packaged as Minerals. They are not mineral polishes (like mineral makeup) but considered foundations to intensify and bring out the true color of darker polishes layered over top. They can also be worn alone as YNBB (your nails but better) shades. With three tones to choose from there should be a shade for most people.
I chose to show both options for these three polishes, one coat as a base and two coats as a sheer. All three of these nudes have shimmer, I containing silver shimmer for fair skin tones and II & III with gold/peachy shimmer for warmer/darker skin tones.
IV is a carnation pink creme. All the cremes are high gloss without the aid of a top coat. It’s slight warmth lends itself to being a distant relative of the coral family.
V looks different depending on the lighting. In direct sunlight (pictured) is looks very fall harvest orange but it’s much softer in indirect lighting.
VI is my pick for best shade in this collection. The shimmer is stunning, the shade is an extremely flattering deep coral and it just mesmerizes me. Warm toned folks should definitely add this to their collection.
VII is an eggplant creme. It didn’t really wow me with all the deep berries that have been introduced over the past couple years. 
VIII is a deep black based blue creme. It’s more blue in person but looks black in low lighting.
IX is a cool espresso brown creme. There isn’t any reddish tones and it’s much darker than any brown I own. This one also can look black in improper lighting.
X is a charmer. The gorgeous red shimmer in this black based red is sophisticated and sexy. This sultry shade falls in as a close second right behind VI for my favorite.
China Rouge is a basic red creme. I don’t really have much else to say beyond that.
Red Pearl’s shimmer is what makes this shade different but it’s not a must have. It has a lot of depth and shine.
I know there will be a lot of questions of comparisons. Please feel free to post them. I will be doing a seperate piece on twinny fall shades.
So what do you all think of China Glaze’s new formula? Which shades made your top picks, which ones missed?
Lisa N.
Ms Meatballhead
Birdie
Spa pediccure chairs
I’m awaiting the bottle of X I ordered from 8ty8. After seeing your picture I can’t wait to get it. It looks gorgeous! As usual thanks for the pics.
yep. I definitely need VIII. Thanks for the photos!
Thank you, M! So far, X is the only one ringing my bell, but it is so beautiful, it makes up for the rest, hee, hee!
I can’t wait for your Fall twinny post, as so many of these new releases from the various polish companies look the same.
Hugs!
Thanks for the pics Cincyfan!
I have been lemming X since it came up but I refuse to place an order on 8ty8beauty before seeing your pics.
When will the ChG Ski collection pics be up? I am dying to see Avalanche but not too many pics around and I want to know your opinion as well.
I also bought White-Kwik-Silvr upon your recommendation and have fallen in love with the jelly finish! What other nail polish also has a jelly polish?
Btw, what top coat did you use in the pics? They are all so shiny!
Can I say that III looked AWFUL on me, like an old discolored bandaid..
I have X at home, and I was totally amazed by its beauty!
hi
lovely blog,u have done nice piece of work,gud collection n thanks a lot buddy.
[...] All Lacquered Up reviews the China Glaze X collection for fal[...]
As usual, gorgeously, useful pics.
I had put VI and X on my list, now I need to add red pearl.
What do you think about IX in comparison to Opi’s Suzi Says Da!?
Thanks.
OOOHHH I love IV and X!
You always have such great pics.
Thanks so much for the peek at the colors.
I’m glad you all find my pics useful. If only I had my own little ball of sun so I could take shots at any hour. I plan to get some better lighting soon. Hopefully when I move into my polish room at the new house.
Karen – That type of glass flecked jelly finish has been used in all the Babes in Toeland collections from China Glaze. Tequila Toes, Martini Pedicure, Glass Slipper, etc. I honestly can’t think of a brand that does something similar. I just worry that with China Glazes reformulation that the Surf collection will be the last one with that finish. Only time will tell I suppose.
Oh and I didn’t use a top coat for the swatches. That’s their true glossy beauty.
Hi,
Nice photos
Can you tell me if Viii (CHG) and Siberian nights (OPI) are dupes?
Thank you
I love your blog
I have the VIII and it's actually closer to eggplant than blue…in the light it's a dark dark purple…and looks almost black in low lighting. I love it…hopefully I might be able to find me another bottle
I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I'm definitely enjoying every little bit of it
I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. Keep the great stories coming.