One of the polishes I couldn’t resist when I finally found out where in Paris nail polishes are sold was China Glaze I’m not Lion. I’m not Lion is a nude/beige or sand colored holographic glitter polish. I wouldn’t know how to discribe the color better – I can’t wear warm-toned beige or nude tones, but I’m not Lion is as cool toned as a polish like this can get. It’s basically holographic glitter all over, but not too much, nor too little.
In Paris, I lived in the 10. arr., which is north of the famous area of Le Marais, which, in turn, is known for housing many artists and galleries, LGBT bars, shops, small cafes, etc. It is a bustling area, but if you go north, on Rue Faubourg St. Martin, the crowds lift and you’ll find a more international neighboorhood, whith many small vegetable stalls, falafel stalls, a street in which you can eat only Indian food, then there are stalls that sell only Creole food, etc. Also, in this area you’ll find a street full of hairdressers! Only!
Well, initially I thought Paris was rather boring when it comes to cosmetic shopping, as I didn’t want to buy only high-end products which I can get basically everywhere. I wanted to find French nail polish and such, and one day I realised that I was living in the hub of cosmetic shopping – all the stores that looked as if they only sold wigs actually sell all kinds of cosmetics, including nail polish from brands such as OPI, China Glaze, Peggy Sage, Layla Cosmetics, etc.
You can imagine, that finding out where to go with regards to buying nail polish made a huge hole in my vacation budget… Just kidding. I had a budget set aside for shopping of course. Anyhow, in case you were wondering where I was taking these pictures, that’s a little fountain on the Ilede la Cite, where all the flowershops are. The wall I’m leaning against is the wall from Quai dela Fleurs, overlooking the Seine, and Paris Plage, which is an artificial beach which is made by filling the river bank with sand. It is a fun hang out spot during the summer, and offers many activities.
I have no idea where I got the ring from, but it has a little “C” for my name on there! I think it’s cute and it was dirt cheap so I didn’t have to think about htis purchase much. The blouse I’m wearing is from KOOKAI, and the pants are from Uniqlo. The hair is my own, not a wig, I promise! The sandals were a birthday gift and are from MUJI (and amazingly comfy!).
Here you get one last more or less close up of I’m not Lion. It’s one of those polishes that really surprise you in the sun and when you look close enough, but if you don’t look too close, you could easily wear it at work. I am wearing three thin coats, butterLONDON topcoat (I remember that, because it dried as fast as SV!).
What do you think – will you visit Paris anytime soon?
