As most of you now know, Chanel reformulated their Le Vernis Nail Colour ($28 each) earlier this year into a new and improved formula with longer wear. Most of the shades have been discontinued and pulled from counters and most places online (at the time of this post old colors are still showing up online at Saks.com). The new formula has been launched in 15 shades, 5 of which are re-promoted shades of classic colors (just in the new formula). After reviewing three shades Camélia 506, Gitane 510 and Roubachka 514 (review, swatches, old vs. new bottle and brush shots all posted here) I received an overwhelming amount of requests to review additional shades and the Chanel team kindly sent some of the most requested shades for me to review and swatch for you.
There are six that I’ve swatched and tested. Formulas of all shades offer smooth streak-free coverage and were easy to apply. Pigment in general of the new formula does seem to be on the more opaque side (think along the lines of the old Dragon formula) with a few exceptions of colors that have a sheer or jelly finish. As far as I can tell from a quick peek most of the shades are non shimmers with the exception of Vamp and Chaine Or (the gold seems to be only available at Saks). Some readers asked if I had any bubbling issues with the new formula. I personally did not see any bubbles. In terms of lasting power – I tested Ballerina (on the fingers) and Vamp (on the toes) for a full week each and both lasted 7 days without any signs of tip wear or chipping with the Le Top Coat.
Shown above from left to right:
- Ballerina is a super sheer baby pink, the original version was almost impossible to see on the nail with two coats, the new version is an improved version in terms of pigment but I still find it extremely sheer and it was the only one that I needed 3 coats (and it’s still sheer)
- Monochrome is a cool light grey, formula covers the nail entirely with two coats
- Garçonne is a medium grey shade, it has a bit of warmth to it, coverage is rich and opaque
- Organdi is a nude pink that falls in the neutral-cool category, it’s a full coverage color
- Vamp is a deep wine color with a bit of red and purple shimmer mixed in, I’ve found the color is identical to the original, but the formula has improved with better pigment and shine
- Rouge Noir appears to be exclusive to Chanel.com and the color is identical to what I have in the old formula, this is a jelly finish color but still covers the nail entirely with two coats, it’s a deep blackened red shade
Swatches, all have 2 coats with the exception of Ballerina which has 3 coats shown, also all swatches have the Le Top Coat applied on top:
Some swatch comparisons to some shades in the old formula, I thought I had the old Ballerina, but in searching my collection I found that I no longer have it:
Out of all the shades I’ve tested, I’m personally drawn to the brighter shades Camelia and Gitane that I reviewed back in February. I’ve used both on several pedicures since the initial post and find the colors are bright and cheerful. This second review batch has a mix of light and dark shades. I like Organdi as an everyday conservative neutral – the formula and coverage is excellent and I think on deeper more tan skintones it will look like a stunning lighter nude pink while on me it almost matches my skin undertone. I’m happy that Vamp and Rouge Noir have joined the new formula color family, if I had to pick between the two I would say Vamp has a special touch because of the subtle shimmer it has in it. For the grey shades I prefer Monochrome over Garçonne – both perform really well in terms of smooth streak-free coverage with very good pigment. On my skintone darker greys can make the skin look a little lack-luster.
Overall I give the formula a thumbs up. The polish perform well and there is a wide range of colors to choose from in the non-shimmer finish that offer a nicely polished classic look. All shades are listed as permanent, available for $28 each at Chanel.com and all other Chanel retailers. As of right now it appears that Rouge Noir is the only shade exclusive to Chanel.com (at least in the US) but if you’ve spotted it in stores please share in the comments.
Have you tried any of the new shades/formula yet? What did you think?
Polishes provided courtesy of Chanel for review consideration.
