Chanel Illusion d'Ombre Apparition Long Wear Luminious Eyeshadow from the Blue Illusion de Chanel Collection

I was disappointed when I found Apparition, Chanel's limited-edition, gorgeous deep blue Long Wear Luminous Eye Shadow ($36) sold out at Chanel.com. While talking with Lizette Settepani, Chanel's regional representative in my area, I told her how much I had wanted it. She said it has sold out within a day just about everywhere. Then she found me one! I was thrilled.

Apparition did not disappoint. It's a gorgeous color - much prettier than it looks in the pot. It's shown at the top of this feature in Chanel's photo and directly above in mine. The little applicator that is shown with it comes in the box. The applicator has an edge that allows you to apply the shadow as a liner, and it has a flat surface that's great for on-the-go shadow application.

A new vision of elegance – an intense grey-blue shade offers chic shimmer with long-lasting versatility. The innovative gel texture, presented with a specially designed brush, can be worn as eye shadow or eyeliner. Part of the limited-edition Blue Illusion de Chanel Collection.

Now that I've worn Apparition, I'm even more excited to have one. Here is another description, offered for an earlier collection, by Chanel.

This intensely shimmering long-wear eyeshadow offers true versatility. An innovative gel texture that is both soft and cushiony allows it to be worn as eyeshadow or eyeliner. Each shadow includes a specially designed shadow/liner brush, developed specifically for this unique formula.

Make sure to keep the cap on these shadows tightly in place. They will dry out if you don't. I will for sure. I don't want to lose this beauty. I took swatch photos in full, morning sun. Look at the color!

I think it's one of the prettiest blues I have - primarily because it's so touched with grey. It's a subdued blue, not one of those in-your-face blues that make me look like a peacock. It's an elegant blue, a Chanel blue. The shimmer gives it life and makes it eye-catching.

If you want one, you may have to jump through hoops. I got my help from a Chanel regional guru. If anyone could find it, Lizette could. If I were still looking, I'd call the Chanel boutiques first. Then, I would start calling every Chanel counter I could, asking each Chanel representative to check the store's online inventory. Someone must still have one!

Photo at top courtesy of Chanel; other photos by Best Things in Beauty