CHANEL | Le Rouge Collection N°1 Fall 2016 – Eyes
CHANEL’s Le Rouge Collection N°1 for Fall 2016 proves beyond a shadow of any doubt, that the colour red is just as easily wearable along the eyes as upon the lips. Far from looking vampiric, there’s a chic unexpected and oh-so-dangerous look to sporting this shade on one’s peepers, enhancing your natural eye colour while ensuring no one can escape your gaze. How’s that for a hypnotic effect?
I have to add that every so often I receive a press package that includes the most amazing extras (the tote bag above, the zippered folder seen in my previous post, the collection’s ‘colour chips‘ seen below – and several other items as well) and when you factor the CHANEL effect in all that, well let’s just say that much swooning on my part was definitely involved.
Previously reviewed from this collection:
268 Candeur et Expérience (CAN $68.0) | For the first time, CHANEL has released an eyeshadow quad that consists only of matte shades, all made even more unique by their ultra smooth velvety texture. The breakdown:
- soft taupe (top left)
- milky beige (top right)
- burgundy red (bottom left)
- chocolate (bottom right)
Matte they may be, but with the most subtle sheen that provides depth of tone and that will never come off as flat. All shades blend beautifully and can even be applied with a dampened brush for more intensity. Pigmentation is quite excellent as well, especially with the red shade – start of with a scant amount on your brush as this baby is pretty saturated. An eminently wearable palette that will not only appeal to neutral & colour fans alike, but that will suit all skin tones across the board.
132 Rouge Contraste Illusion d’Ombre Velvet, limited edition (CAN $41.00) | A brown/burgundy muted red hue in a cream eyeshadow finish that is exactly as described: velvety, without any shimmer but still leaving behind a very subtle sheen. The spongy texture is not without its learning curve; I’ve found that fingers really do work best for application with the Illusion d’Ombre shades, although I’ve also had success by using a flat synthetic-haired brush first then buffing out any edges with a fluffier brush. Be aware that as soon as you touch the surface that the texture will change by becoming flatter and smooth, an effect that actually makes it even easier to work with. Once applied you have a few minutes to work the shade before it sets; apart from looking great as a stand-alone colour, it also makes for a great anchoring/layering base as well. Staying power (over primer) is quite good, although those with drier lids may find they can skip that step.
My first thought was that Rouge Contraste was similar colour-wise to Rouge Noir (reviewed here), but as the swatch below clearly shows that they are absolutely nothing alike, neither in colour nor in finish.
40 Subversif Dimensions Mascara, limited edition (CAN $41.00) | A blackened burgundy/brown hue in the brand’s latest mascara format, that provides both volume and length to lashes. Deeper and more intense than CHANEL’s Le Volume Mascara in Rouge Noir (reviewed here), this softer take on a traditional black colour is flattering on all and takes the harsh edge off your makeup look. Flake-proof, smudge-proof, and staying true until removed at the end of the day, I may have just found a new favourite (both in terms of colour & the formula).
928 Eros Stylo Yeux Waterproof (CAN $35.00) | A wine/burgundy hue with a magenta undertone and refined shimmer, this is a retractible eye liner in a stay-put waterproof formula with a texture that glides smoothly along the skin, thus preventing any pulling or tugging of that sensitive area. Barring a few misses, the Stylo Yeux Waterproof formula is one of my favourite liners to work with, as it truly does an amazing job of staying in place (even at the waterline, although it will need period touch-ups especially if your eyes tear easily) and provides lustrous long-lasting colour as well. Once applied, you have about a minute to diffuse and/or blend it out; after that it sets like iron.
Once again, I was curious to see how this shade compared to the brand’s other red eye liner, Rouge Noir Le Crayon Khol (reviewed here), but as the swatch below proves: they are absolutely nothing alike.
CHANEL | 40 Subversive Dimensions Mascara swatches
It’s no secret that I adore CHANEL, but it takes much more than just a pretty collection to keep my loyalty; it takes uniqueness, quality, and consistency — all fully exemplified by every product I’ve tried thus far from the Fall 2016 Le Rouge Collection N°1. This is definitely the modern way to wear red along the eyes (trust me; no one will ask if you’ve been crying) and I suspect if more shimmer were involved, it would never have worked as beautifully – further proof that Lucia Pica’s first beauty collection for the brand is definitely one to look out for. Here’s to thinking outside of the box … bravo, CHANEL.
Available August 1 at CHANEL counters nationwide
Seeing red and totally loving it – all kindly provided/ As always, all opinions are my own
