So, the burning question: are there dupes? And are they *any good*? Well, the answer is a resounding *maybe*. See, finding a true dupe for something as iconic as Chanel Vamp (aka Rouge Noir – same thing, basically) is kinda like finding a unicorn wearing a tiny beret. It’s rare, but not impossible.
I mean, let’s face it, Chanel’s got that ✨je ne sais quoi✨, that special something that makes their colors so darn… well, Chanel. But fear not, my budget-conscious beauties! The good news is that there are tons of options out there that come pretty darn close.
I’ve seen Essie Wicked thrown around as a potential dupe a lot. I haven’t personally tested it against Vamp (maybe I should, for science!), but from what I’ve seen online, it’s a solid contender. It’s definitely in that same dark, sultry red family. Plus, Essie’s formula is usually pretty good, so you’re not sacrificing quality *too* much.
Then there’s also the whole “is Chanel even still making Vamp?” question. I mean, they’ve got like, a zillion shades, and sometimes they discontinue stuff, which is just rude, tbh. I think they still do, but honestly, nail polish collections are so vast these days, it’s hard to keep up!
And lemme tell you, the *search* for the perfect dupe can be a slippery slope. You start looking for Vamp dupes, and suddenly you’re down a rabbit hole of finding dupes for *all* the Chanel colors. Frenzy, Provocation…it never ends! I mean, it’s fun, don’t get me wrong, but my bank account cries a little every time.
Oh, and apparently Max Factor’s Gel Shine Lacquer in Sheen Merlot is a contender too! And Boutique Nail Polish in Under the Thumb which is from Sainsbury’s. Who knew Sainsburys would be a secret weapon in the search for a Chanel dupe?!
