Color of the Week – Chanel Le Vernis Riva from Côte d’Azur Collection
The weather has been really dreadful lately. There was no sunlight for days; it even rained last weekend. That means no good looking pictures. I was going to wait for the sun to come out but I couldn’t wait any longer by showing you my new favorite polish, Chanel Riva. I will have to add more swatch pictures later on.
“First revealed on the runway in St. Tropez, this exclusive nail shade — Riva, a soft oceanic blue — was developed for the Côte d’Azur Makeup Collection.” – Chanel.com
Currently Riva is only available at Chanel.com and selective Chanel boutiques, sold at $27. I got mine from Chanel.com, one of my favorite online stores. They always have the cutest gift box and pouch along with generous skincare samples. Probably I didn’t order enough this so I only got a Coco Mademoiselle Parfum sniffer and a complimentary shopping code in the envelop. I still love you, Chanel.
The polish is pale baby blue with micro fine multi shimmer. The flow-y texture reminds me of Chanel Azur back from Spring 2008, but the two are not exactly the same. Azur looks almost transparent when on nail so it’s great for layering. And Riva goes on opaque and milky.
Riva has far more characteristics than other pale blue polishes. Under certain angles, it sparkles. You see shimmers all over.
Most of the time it’s subtle and quiet. You can hardly detect its shine.
The color itself is light and sheer, not the most pigmented polish from Chanel. This is what it looks like with one medium coat.
With a second coat, it almost gets opaque already. I don’t suffer any streaks or brush marks at all.
Two coats under natural daylight (not under directly sun). It’s a beautiful milky pale blue.
Though I think two coats is all I really need with Riva, I was curious on how it looks with a third coat. Apparently the color has more coverage and the shimmers are better noticeable.
Three coats under natural daylight (not under directly sun).
Here’s a comparison photo with one coat and three coats. Needly to say, you get the picture how it looks like.
Wait for the update photos under direct sunlight.
Review:
I’ve seen some beauty bloggers bashing on the texture and finish of this polish which I think inappropriate. I admit that Riva is not your typical high pigmented polish, it’s on thin and sheer side. But in terms of texture and finish, Chanel really did a great job on this. Its self leveling ability is amazing. If you have experience with gel nails, you probably know what “self leveling” means, you get more even finish without looking streaky. The same goes with Riva, even with one coat, it dries smoothly without leaving brush marks.
Do I need 3 coats of application? My answer is not necessary. You can probably get away with just one medium coat. Two coats are more than enough and your nails should look flawless already. Three coats is fun but a waste of money ^^ If you prefer extremely high pigmented and opaque looking nails, sure go for the 3rd coat.
If you are a fan of Chanel polish, I recommend you grab this polish as soon as possible. It’s easier to find something that has the similar shade with more noticeable shimmers but Chanel did far better job interpreting classy and subtle.
UGh that color is so gorgeous!
Thanks for the honest reviews and swatch pictures. ^^ I agree that it is classy and subtle.
Wow it is such a pretty colour! As it has such a difference of colour depending on how many layers you apply, it’ll be great for days when you want a sheer coverage and days when you want a stronger shade 🙂 I want it now…xx
Ooh! Such a pretty pale blue!! But I heard that pale colours like these are very streaky and difficult to apply, glad to hear that this one applies much better!
That’s such a gorgeous color! It matches your blog… hehe~
Ahlessa’s right- it matches your blog! It’s pretty but I’m not sure I can pull it off.
OMG, this is such a really gorgeous shade!
i dont really like blue but that is such a pretty colour!
Thanks for the comment on my blog!
I don’t usually buy high end nail polishes (or medium end nail polishes) but this is a really pretty color. You’re completely right, this doesn’t need three coats.
I think it’s really cool that you can kind of get 2 colors from this depending on how many coats.
cuteeeeeee
It is a pretty colour, but I do prefer polishes that gives you full coverage. If I were to wear it, I’d probably wear in on top of another opaque polish.
it has a great colour!love it
wow..it was so pretty and looks natural.
nice color!
wowwww gorgeous color.