Ciaté London's Wanderlust nail polish initially promises a beautiful lavender-purple shade, but delivers a surprising twist. This review delves into the unexpected color transformation from bottle to nail, exploring whether this shift is a flaw or a feature. We'll examine the surprisingly smooth application despite the polish's chalky texture, a characteristic that often leads to uneven results. Beyond the initial visual impact, the true test lies in its longevity.This in-depth review will put Wanderlust to the ultimate test, subjecting it to a rigorous two-day trial involving gardening, dishwashing, swimming in chlorinated water, and the daily use of various hand creams and lotions. Discover if this nail polish lives up to its claim of exceptional durability, and whether the unexpected color shift and unique chalky texture ultimately enhance or detract from the overall experience. Find out if Ciaté London's Wanderlust is a surprising winner, or a case of misleading marketing.
Pros And Cons
- Wears very well for multiple days, even with hand washing, cleaning, yard work, swimming in chlorinated water, and use of various lotions and soaps.
- Best chalky nail polish the reviewer has used.
- Cruelty-free.
- Color changes drastically from a purple-lavender in the bottle to a white chalky cast after a few hours of drying.
- Can get too thick if more than two coats are applied.
Read more: 10 Must-Have China Glaze Nail Polish Shades
First Impressions and Color Shift
Upon first glance, Ciaté London's Wanderlust nail polish in the bottle presents a beautiful lavender-purple hue. The color is quite appealing and promises a sophisticated look. However, I soon discovered this polish undergoes a significant color transformation once applied.

After application, the polish took a few hours to settle and reveal its true shade. The final color was a more striking white-toned lavender, differing noticeably from its initial appearance in the bottle. This unexpected shift might appeal to some but may catch others off guard.

Unexpectedly Great Chalky Finish
I usually dislike chalky nail polishes due to their tendency to be uneven and lackluster. However, Ciaté London's Wanderlust paint pot completely changed my perception. Despite its chalky nature, the application was surprisingly smooth and even.

The finish, though chalky, was incredibly well-executed. It added a unique texture and depth to the color that I unexpectedly loved. It’s one of the best examples of a chalky nail polish I have ever encountered.

Remarkable Second-Day Wear Test
The true test of any nail polish is its longevity. Over two days, I subjected Wanderlust to rigorous activities, including gardening (getting my hands dirty), washing dishes, swimming in a heavily chlorinated pool, and using various hand creams, lotions, and sunscreens.

Despite all this, the nail polish held up remarkably well. There was minimal chipping or fading, demonstrating its impressive durability and resistance to wear and tear. The color held, even after a swim in a heavily chlorinated pool!

Final Verdict: A Must-Try?
Ciaté London's Wanderlust nail polish exceeded my expectations in terms of both its surprising color shift and its exceptional durability. The initially off-putting chalky texture transformed into an unexpected plus, contributing to the overall quality and longevity of the polish.

The unexpected color change from the initial lavender to the final white-toned lavender is a unique aspect of the polish. Its amazing wear makes up for any qualms about the unexpected color shift. If you're looking for a long-lasting, unique, and cruelty-free nail polish that surprises and delights, this one is definitely worth a try.
