; Plisherrific: The Dupe Test - Zoya Ivanka vs NYX Advanced Salon Formula Enchanted Forest

Nov 11, 2011

The Dupe Test - Zoya Ivanka vs NYX Advanced Salon Formula Enchanted Forest


Is NYX Advanced Salon Formula Enchanted Forest a dupe of Zoya Ivanka?
Here's my take on it!
Note:
I haven't done much colour-correction to the swatch photos as they highlight the differences between the two polishes but the second-to-last pic shows what the swatches look like in real life, so check that out.




[In the bottle: Zoya Ivanka and NYX Enchanted Forest]
Click for closeup! [In the bottle: NYX on left, Zoya on right]
Straight off, you can see the similarities (and differences) between the two. They are both green bases with similar coloured glass flecks and slightly larger gold microglitter/glass fleck. NYX (left) definitely pulls slightly more blue, but the camera is picking this up more clearly than you would see by eye. The gold glitter appears slightly finer and denser in Zoya Ivanka.


[One coat: Zoya on index and ring, NYX on middle and pinky]
At one coat, both are obviously jelly bases - no one-coater here! You can clearly see the more chunky glitter in Enchanted Forest whereas Ivanka flattens out well with its finer glitter. Enchanted Forest also has a slightly thicker formula as you can see from the better opacity at one coat.

[Two coats: Zoya on index and ring, NYX on middle and pinky]
At two coats, it starts looking better. Both are marvellously shiny - I don't think there's a clear winner in the Shiny Stakes. Because of the thinner formula of Ivanka, the coats "compact" more as you add them, giving a more solid and smooth finish. Enchanted Forest still retains a bit of the jelly look at two coats. Again, a tinge of blue differentiates the NYX from the Zoya.

[Three coats: Zoya on index and ring, NYX on middle and pinky]
Now we're talkin'! Both look fairly solid, but Ivanka definitely seems more dense. The sparkle is phenomenal in both. The glitter in Enchanted Forest has leveled out well - nothing a layer of top coat won't smoothen out. I've still left the blue in here but check out the colour-corrected photo below...

[Indirect sunlight: Zoya on index and ring, NYX on middle and pinky]
Check that out! This is pretty true-to-life. No one who looked at my nails thought there were different polishes on. When I prompted someone to try to pick out which two fingers were which two polishes, they did eventually manage to on their second try, but that was owing to the slightly more jelly finish of Enchanted Forest rather than the colour difference (although it is fairly obvious to me...).

And finally the direct sunlight pic below taken on my iPod while walking to work:
[Direct sunlight: Zoya on index and ring, NYX on middle and pinky]
Verdict:
If you're in it for the shiny factor, no losses here! Either will do for you. Enchanted Forest will do as a dupe for Ivanka in a pinch. If they weren't swatched side by side, I don't think anyone would be the wiser!

If you're in it for the opacity and green green greeeen sparkle of Ivanka though, you might have to consider the faint jelly hint and blue tinge in Enchanted Forest.

Pricewise, I purchased Zoya Ivanka for USD6.50, NYX Enchanted Forest cost about USD4 (plus just under 2 bucks in shipping) so to me the cost is pretty close for each...  so personally I would pick Ivanka any time.

Granted, it is much much easier to source NYX rather than Zoya. Especially since Cherry Culture is now having 40% off NYX products till the 13th of November!

Hope this helps!!

edit:// Jme has posted her excellent comparison swatches of Zoya Charla and NYX Advanced Salon Formula Be Jeweled! Check it out!

1 comment:

  1. First of all - great post, can't believe the re are no comments!!! second - Charla has a dupe - Essence Choose Me!!! also duping a VHTF OPI Catch me in your net - I think there is a great comparison on the polishaholic. If you need a bottle - I have one on my blog sale for $1)))

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