Nail polishes often make me feel like I have butterflies in my tummy (hint: they usually involve either turquoise or glitter!)… but here’s one that takes things to a more literal level!
Chanel’s Bel Argus nail polish is from their Summer 2013 L’Ete De Papillon De Chanel Collection – and like Le Vernis Azure before it, it’s named after a type of butterfly. Unlike Azure, Chanel has actually got the colour right this time though!
Bel Argus is a stunning sapphire, a beautiful royal blue metallic shimmer that positively glows with gorgeousness. Sparkling sapphires is a more classy comparison, but I have to admit that when I first saw Bel Argus, it reminded me of a super shiny sweetie wrapper… a brilliant blue version of Quality Street’s Big Purple One!
Bel Argus has that same butterfly’s wing iridescent flash to it as Azure – slightly less of a duochrome than its Chanel sister, but still pretty nonetheless. It’s a bit of a shyer beast than Azure too, only appearing in certain lighting, but the inky indigo-purple tinge that laps at its blue edges is quietly beguilingly captivating.
Bel Argus has a thicker consistency than Azure, making it a little more difficult to work with – although the colour is a lot stronger than Azure, meaning you can get away with only two coats compared to Azure’s two to three. However, I did find that Bel Argus chipped really quickly – a real shame considering how strongly those butterflies in my tummy were fluttering for this gorgeous colour!
I was actually surprised by quite how hard I ended up crushing for Bel Argus – this shade and finish of blue is just so striking and flattering on the nail. It’s deep, rich, wet and expensive. When Chanel get it right, they get it so right. J’adore.
Looks good with: Sapphire rings, diamond tiaras, ermine coats
Drying time: 3-5 mins
Coats required: 2
Chips: 1-3 days
Read my reviews of the rest of the L’Ete Papillon de Chanel Collection:
• Le Vernis Azure
• Stylo Eyeshadows in Jade Shore & Blue Bay
Chanel Le Vernis Bel Argus, L’Ete Papillon de Chanel Summer 2013 Collection, $190, Chanel
Through The Looking Glass 
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This blue is screaming my name! it looks gorg with your ring too 🙂
Thanks Jenn ^.^ You should get it if you find it – you know how long Chanel limited edition things last!!
I have to agree with Jenni, your nail polish looks stunning with that blue ring…. This makes me wanna slap on some bright blue nail polish like Max Factor’s Fantasy Fire. Here’s a link to the colour: http://the-swatchaholic.com/?p=5073
Thanks 😀 I have Fantasy Fire in the stash but not tried it yet..!