English Version | What would a butterfly wear?

Artwork by João Oliveira
Artwork by João Oliveira

We don't have the unmistakable voice of David Attenborough, or the real-time imaging of National Geographic, but we do have imagination, lots of it. And, of course, we know what each type of skin - or, in this case, hair - needs. Tell me what kind of butterfly you are, and I'll tell you what Beauty routine to have.

Blue butterfly (Phengaris alcon)

Fun fact: the blue butterfly is not as blue as you might think. This species, so often depicted in tattoos or computer backgrounds, is actually covered in faded shades of blue, especially on the outside of its wings, the part we mostly see during its flight. But because blue is a color that brightens up any day, we've painted its Beauty routine in the shade that it is very much due.

Death's-head hawkmoth (Acherontia atropos)

Perhaps the most artistic butterfly of all, having been present in Hollywood, on the poster of the film The Silence of the Lambs, and on the cover of one of the editions of José Saramago's Death with Interruptions, the death's-head species is not, after all, a butterfly. This insect is characterized as a moth, which further accentuates the gothic features we associate it with. The skull painted on its body is a work of nature, and its personality is not a defect, rather an effect of the being.

Old world swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Could we have been inspired by this butterfly's unique tail to create its routine? We could, but we prefer to focus on its mating habits. Defined as hilltopping behavior, in this species, the males climb to the top of a hill, where they stay for days until a female who wishes to mate appears. Little did the experts know that they arrive wearing a beautiful red lipstick and a sensual perfume - this discovery was made by the team from Vogue Portugal.

Peacock butterfly (Aglais io)

The peacock butterfly's eyes are its most unique feature – not the ones that give it the sense of sight, but the ones that magically rest on its wings. Painted by nature, these elements deserve to be enhanced with all the Beauty tools this species may have at its disposal: from mascara to highlighter for the inner corner of the eye. And the vibrator? It's just an accessory that honors its peculiar monogamy.

Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

If there is one butterfly that has been making headlines recently, it’s the monarch butterfly, and not for the best of reasons. This insect is close to extinction, as a consequence of the use of pesticides and climate change. Because of that, the selection of its Beauty products includes some of the most sustainable brands in the industry, which promote natural ingredients and reusable materials.

Translated from the original on The Butterfly Effect issue from Vogue Portugal, published October 2022.Full story and credits on the print issue.