After avoiding department stores for the two weeks before Christmas, I ventured out Sunday to see the new makeup arriving in stores. One of my first stops was at the Chanel counter at Nordstrom, where the spring collection was displayed. Chris Coles and I played with the colors, and the verdict was...The limited-edition highlighting powder, Empreinte de Chanel ($65), didn't excite me. The powder combines shimmering shades of rosewood, beige, and brown to warm and brighten the cheeks and brow bones. A unique beveled brush allows for perfect contouring. There's nothing wrong with it, but on my skin, the powder appears to be just another gold, sparkling powder, even it it does have those classy interlocking "C's" embossed on the surface. I'll bet there isn't a single makeup lover in the U.S. who doesn't already own a gold highlighter. It would have been more exciting if the shades in the compact actually translated into a glowing bronze or rose-gold on my skin - instead of a sparkly gold. I passed on this, but I will give it a second look later.
There is a lot to please in the collection. There are new Rouge Allure lipsticks in natural/rosy shades and Lèvres Scintillantes Glossimer lip glosses (very transparent pink and gold). I was trying to be "after-Christmas frugal," so I wasn't lured to buy. The colors are actually quite nice - all very natural. You should check them out if you are in the market for a new spring lip color.
There were two pieces in the collection that I really liked - enough to purchase. The Kaska Beige Les 4 Ombres de Chanel ($56) eye shadow quad (shades shown below right) is very pretty. The warm palette includes a golden-beige, rose-brown, browned-plum, and light bronze. I was wary of the plum shade (for me), but we mixed it with the golden beige, and it blossomed into a gorgeous color.
The Ombre D'Eau Fluid Iridescent Eyeshadow ($32) in Torrent (shown below left) stopped us in our tracks. This gorgeous khaki color is unique, and I'm going to enjoy experimenting with it, layering it with other colors. Ombre D'Eau is a bi-phase liquid powder that, when shaken, combines to produce a lightweight liquid. It's long-lasting on the lids and produces a soft and light look that minimize lines and dryness. The Torrent shade has a bit more "wow" than the fluid shadow shades introduced previously, and I love it!
The
collection rounds out with a nail lacquer, a couple of eye shadows (Sillage is a beautiful neutral - I almost bought it), an eyeliner, a blusher (which was already sold out), and more. This collection is made for women who want to look beautiful - not edgy, not Lady Gaga. I think that's fabulous!You can purchase the new Chanel collection wherever Chanel cosmetics are sold. Nordstrom has it, and I'll check Neiman Marcus and Saks later today. I'll let you know if it hasn't arrived everywhere.
Update 12/29: As promised in the comments, below are swatches of Torrent taken in sunshine, one straight up and one blended. The color didn't come out exactly true, but it's close!
Photos courtesy of Nordstrom and BTiB
i have been reading a lot of positive reviews about Kaska and it makes me wish i didnt already have a bunch of eyeshadows in similar shades. my new year resolution should be to stop buying makeup that is similar to the one i already own!
ReplyDeleteOh my...I totally understand, but what would life be without an occasional makeup treat? :)
ReplyDeleteThat liquid eyeshadow looks really interesting, I'd love to see the color actually on someone, as it's a little hard to figure out the color from the product picture.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the collection with us. :-)
Hi Sparkle!
ReplyDeleteI will get a photo of a swatch tomorrow and put it up for you at the end of the post. It's too dark out now!
The highlighting powder looks beautiful in the compact, but seems spendy for what it is. But the eye shadows look like they are beautiful! I may have to splurge on that one.
ReplyDeleteA follow up...
ReplyDeleteI tried the new highlighting powder today. I asked Chris to apply it. We both thought it might look better on my cheeks than my wrist. As soon as he applied it, he knew it was all wrong for me. Even before I went to a mirror to see it, he was reaching for makeup remover. It was way too bronze and almost camel-colored on my fair skin. Saved some money. :)
The new blusher is very pretty - for someone else. It's sheer (buildable color), so don't let the tester scare you off. It's peach colored when applied - not as bronze as it appears in the pan. Not my shade, but it's going to appeal to a lot of you.