For me, it is always one of the most exciting posts to write when Chanel releases new nail polishes. If you follow the blog (or just happened to check out my stash), you know by now that I am an avid nail polish collector. Chanel Le Vernis has been on top of my favorites list for years. This year I turned lucky and got my hands on Spring Collection nail polishes much before than I would have ever anticipated. Thanks to two very special people who made this possible for me.
Today I am happy to share the swatches and comparisons for Chanel Le Vernis #641 Tenderly, #643 Desirio and #645 Paradiso for Rêverie Parisienne Spring 2015 Collection.
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| Chanel Le Vernis #641 Tenderly, #643 Desirio and #645 Paradiso |
As the first photos of a mint green nail polish starting showing up on the internet, every Le Vernis lover's heart skipped a beat. It is not so often that Chanel releases a green or blue polish, so it is something to look after. The last time I remember a green Le Vernis must be #591 Alchemie, which was not really a green but more of a greenish gold. Before that there was #657 Azure which is not the easiest shade to sport on a daily basis but nevertheless oh so pretty.
When I applied #645 Paradisio on my nails, the first reaction was disappointment. Where did the green go? It looked a lot more like a tone of metallic white, with a slight mint green tingle. You can see it in two coats below. I think it is better to go for the third coat with this one to get it opaque. It shows the brush strokes a little, nothing dramatical, meaning nothing close to say #545 Attraction. It applies smoothly and the consistency is nice. It is a nice shade for those who like pearl finishes.
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| Chanel Le Vernis #645 Paradisio, two coats |
Although Paradisio is not what the fans expected, it is certainly a unique shade in my stash.
I have included Chanel Sky Line (discontinued) for the comparison because it is one of the pearly shades which I really like. As you see it has much more color compared to Paradisio. Some hoped it would be a nice addition to the stashes of those who missed #407 Jade (discontinued), but unfortunately Jade is much greener. Even Chanel Riva (discontinued) had more blue in there. Dior #191 Glacier (discontinued) is like a blue version of Paradisio. The finish and density of Chanel #152 Surprise (discontinued) is very close but it is warmer. Chanel #335 Blanc Ceramic (discontinued) is the closest of the bunch, and the name suggests it is indeed a "white" nail polish. *frowns* Chanel #123 Crystal Blue (discontinued) is a close shade, it is a cream. I have also included Chanel #545 Attraction as a comparison it is a plain stark white with pearl finish. You can see Paradisio is a little different than Attraction, but not stark, easier to wear.
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| Chanel Le Vernis #645 Paradisio and comparison to similar shades |
Le Vernis #643 Desirio is one of those stunning mid-toned pinks of Chanel with hidden fuchsia shimmer which is only visible in the bottle. On the nails it looks like a light hearted berry shade, which is not too purple nor too pink. It is not bright nor dark. It is a very wearable shade for all year around. The formula of Desirio is one of Chanel's best, it is not thick nor thin and it is a one coater! Below I have applied two coats to try out but with one it looked almost the same. I am loving Desirio and typing this post while wearing it.
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| Chanel Le Vernis #643 Desirio, two coats |
Le Vernis #643 Desirio might not be the most unique pink in my stash but I couldn't find any dupes either. Chanel Infidele (discontinued) is more mauve, Chanel #561 Suspicious is much more red. I thought Chanel #339 Cassis (discontinued) would be close but it turned out it is lighter and cooler. A recent release, Chanel #19 Rouge No.19 (reviewed here) is a tad warmer and brighter. Chanel #609 Coup de Coeur (reviewed here) is a bit deeper and warmer. Dior #988 Diorette (reviewed here) is deeper and moodier.
All in all if you are not obsessed with collecting Le Vernis and have Coup de Coeur, Rouge No.19 or Infidele, I think you might skip Desirio.
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| Chanel Le Vernis #643 Desirio and comparison to similar shades |
Chanel Le Vernis #641 Tenderly is a stunner. It is that polish, that I need a back-up of. It is the perfect violet taupe with cream finish. It is not a dark or vamp shade, nor it is too colorful. Tenderly is a very wearable yet interesting nail polish, thumbs up! I like the consistency of this one, self leveling, not too thick. It is very easy to work with and opaque in two coats.
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| Chanel Le Vernis #641 Tenderly, two coats |
I have pulled out some dusty violets from my collection to compare side by side with Tenderly. YSL #13 Parme Graffiti and Dior #694 Forget-me-not (discontinued) are both more purple in comparison. Although they are not dupes, Le Vernis #641 Tenderly is very close to Dior #798 Spring (reviewed here) . Dior Spring is a little moodier, deeper and a tad more brown/taupe. Chanel #505 Particuliere is also close but has less purple and more brown.
As much as I love Chanel #641 Tenderly, you probably won't need it if you have already splurged for Dior #798 Spring, which is released just a few months ago.
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| Chanel Le Vernis #641 Tenderly and comparison to similar shades |
Final thoughts: Chanel brings out three new Le Vernis shades for the upcoming Spring. Although I like all of them, none of them are pure love for me. If I were to go only for one single shade, it would be Tenderly though. Thumbs up for Chanel consistency, quality and staying power. The other brands claim that they reformulating all the time and come up with big buzz, Chanel does it quietly. I can see a big improvement in their nail polish formula over the last 2-3 years. Desirio is a one-coater and the formula is one of the best out there. I wished that Paradisio would be a little edgier, more green.
Which is your favourite? Are you started making Spring wish lists already?
