Monday, July 25th, 2011 Swatches, Comparison: Revlon Carbonite
We can always count on our friends at Revlon to bring us the hottest shade of the season for a fraction of the cost. After the huge success of Perplex and Black Envy, Carbonite makes its grand entrance into fall with the Grit & Grandeur Collection. Will it live up to our expectations?
Carbonite is described as pewter gray with a metallic/foil texture. The formula is what truly fascinates me. It's like liquid metal with a smooth lead finish. Not super sparkly or reflective like a true metallic, but it still falls in the same category. And what's even better than that? It's opaque, and I'm talking about a one coater! Ok, maybe two if you're like me!
Let's check out how it compares to Chanel's Graphite.
One difference I spotted right off the bat, Carbonite is missing the abundance of gold glass flecked glitter that makes Graphite a rare gem. Not a huge deal; you can re-create a similar look using a gold effects top coat (like CND Gold Sparkle or ChG White Cap). Also, the base color of Carbonite is lighter towards a pewter whereas Graphite has more of a deep silver/gray.
Overall Even though these aren't dead on dupes, I love the smooth liquid metal of Carbonite. The formula and application was next to perfection. And best of all, it's a budget friendly alternative to Chanel Graphite!
Carbonite is available for a limited time only and retails for $4.99/ea (0.5 oz). What do you think of Revlon's latest dupe attempt? Which brand do you prefer?
Posted by Steph at 11:09:pm
views / 8 comments
(8) Comments
Sandy said on Jul 26th, 2011 11:17 am
I purchased Graphite and want a back-up of Carbonite - just cannot locate it yet! You guys have all the luck - it takes forever to get these displays in Houston and sometimes, I never find them - I digress - lol.
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ROBIN said on Jul 26th, 2011 2:05 pm
wow it is close! I hope to find it soon as I am always disappointed on how Chanel polishes wear on my nails! Can you say "chip fest"!? I will definately wear a little gold sparkle on top! Thanks for the comparison!!
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Katie said on Jul 26th, 2011 5:05 pm
It is close! I think I like Carbonite a little more though! I have to track this down and add some gold top coat. Lovely swatches as always!
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Mary said on Jul 28th, 2011 2:18 pm
Thanks for doing comparison swatches. I like the way Carbonite looks! I wasn't lemming the Chanel one anyway...especially not at that price tag.
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Barb said on Jul 31st, 2011 9:53 am
Thank you for doing this comparison. I have been so curious if they are exact and it looks like they are similar but not really dupes.
I will say that I usually am not a fan of Chanel because they are known for chipping. In the past a mani hasnt even lasted a day without chipping....BUT...Graphite was different for me. I had it on a WEEK and no chipping. I was shocked.
I am happy now I spent the extra couple of bucks on Graphite, its a true gem! It reminds me a bit of my favorite color of all time Lets Do it in 3D by China Glaze.
And thanks again for the swatch it was making me crazy to know if they were exact or not. I cant find Carbonite anywhere.
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Pam said on Jul 31st, 2011 5:34 pm
I threw a little Milani gold glitter into my bottle of Carbonite and that made it even CLOSER to Graphite. My DH bought me the Graphite, but as usual Chanel just does NOT wear well on me so I will share it with my friend who is lemming it.
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Carol said on Aug 3rd, 2011 10:59 pm
Hi Steph,
Thanks for the swatches especially the comparison swatches.
Love this Revlon version. I will be on the hunt for this.
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Robin said on Aug 4th, 2011 10:27 am
I just picked this up at CVS and put it on this morning and added a coat of Sinful Colors White Diamond which is a gold glitter.
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