Chanel Ombres Matelassées Eyeshadow Palette and Western Light Les Vernis from the Hong Kong Collection

 

To launch Chanel's new fashion boutique in Hysan Place in Hong Kong, Peter Philips created a special mini collection featuring only three products: a new, limited-edition Ombres Matelassées Eyeshadow Palette ($80) and two Les Vernis nail lacquers. Two of the three pieces arrived at Chanel's boutique at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, and I am ready to show them to you. Let's start with the eye shadow.

The five-color eye palette features neutrals. I can't tell you it's unique, but for someone who hasn't purchased every Chanel eye palette for years, it should be a treat.

I took photos outside Saks because I was afraid that the sun would sneak behind the clouds before I could get home. Sure enough, it did. I swatched with my own sponge-tipped applicators and ran outside to take photos. I can only imagine what the painters who were finishing off the renovation were thinking - like I cared.

I swatched from left to right in the palette, starting at the top of my arm. While the top two shades, pearly white and pastel gold may look similar in the photos, they are different on the eyelids. The gold is a beautiful gold, and it adheres to the skin beautifully.

The copper is stunning, and the brown - intended to be a liner for most - is the perfect complement to the other four shades. While this palette is intended to be a collector's item, I think it's a great basic piece for Chanel fans.

One of the two new, limited-edition Les Vernis shades has arrived at Saks: Western Light ($30). It's a beautiful brown shade, which contrasts nicely with the white-toned Eastern Light. My photo below, taken in store lighting, doesn't show you much because it's dark.

I took swatch photos, both at Saks and my house, to show you the shade. Please, no remarks about my terrible application skills! I could say I was rushing, but that's not really true.  I applied two coats.

The photo above was taken at Saks. It think it shows the deep, dark brown very well, although it actually looks a tad darker in the photos than it looks to my eyes. The photo below was taken at my house. I stood and waited for the clouds to roll by.

I think Western Light is a very classy brown. I really like the glossy finish and the polished feel.

I was just at Neiman Marcus, and they have not received the Hong Kong Collection. It's possible that with the new extra-special installation at Saks Chevy Chase, that they will be receiving collections early. If you are interested in purchasing the pieces, give Georgia or Maria a call at (240) 497-5363.

Update: I like the new installation at Chevy Chase so much, I decided to throw up another photo. You can shift the lighting at each station, so I turned it to bright and created a runway for the eye palette. Fun!

Press photos courtesy of Chic Profile; other photos by Best Things in Beauty