Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Chanel Illusion d'Ombre Long-Wear Luminous Eyeshadow from the Jardin de Camélias Collection

Pink Eye Shadow? Me? Who would have thought? I usually look terrible in pink eye shadow (the red-eye look), and the promotional photo of Rose des Vents (#94, $36) made it look very pink and very bright. Still, something told me to give it a try. Intuition? Who knows? I can tell you that I was very surprised by it.

I took photos - the product above and the swatches below - in very late-afternoon sun. Then I tried Rose des Vents and was amazed. This very sheer pink with a touch of blue in it is a beautiful shade. I might wear it as a highlighting pink under the brow and over the irises of my eyes, but it's wearable. I consider it an extraordinary pink purchase. I had planned to use it as a blush if it didn't work in my eye area.

This intensely shimmering long-wear eye shadow offers true versatility. An innovative gel texture that is both soft and cushiony allows it to be worn as eye shadow or eyeliner. It includes a specially designed shadow/liner brush, developed specifically for this unique formula. I have to admit I don't normally use these brushes. I have better. However, I did use the brush to swatch for these photos.

Look at the sheen on this pink! The color is pale, which was hard to predict from the intense shade shown not only in Chanel's photo, but mine. It looks darker in the pot than Chanel's Impulsion.

I think it's pretty, and I'm looking forward to giving it a workout for spring. I was taught years ago by a former Chanel makeup artist (Ava) how to make pink and green work together on my eyelids to stunning effect for spring. I can't wait to recreate the look she taught me.

I think, but am not totally sure, that this is a permanent addition to the Illusion d'Ombre Long-Wear Luminous Eyeshadow stable. However, it is currently exclusive to the Jardin de Camélias Collection exclusive to Chanel online.

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

12 comments:

Eileen said...

I've seen a few pictures of this being used as a base for the Jardin Zin quad. It transforms the overall look from daytime delicate to evening shimmer. This is such a pretty collection and, for once, we're actually getting it for spring :-) Lovely color, Charlestongirl.

Charlestongirl said...

You are so lucky to have time to go look at pictures, Eileen. Betwen ER visits and doc appointments of late, I am peddling as fast as I can, but going nowhere fast. Geez.

I'm not sure I'd use it as a base on my eyes. Pink can make me look so tired when applied on full lid below the crease. I'm tired already. :)

nedian said...

How interesting! I would not have guessed that would be the result of swatching that pot. It ends up looking a lot like one of my favorites, Shiseido's Shimmering Eye Color PK214, which is something I would never have picked up until I saw it used in a Lisa Eldridge video (guest makeup artist for a fair redheads look). I hope this is permanent, it would be nice to have a sparkly version of this color.

Eileen said...

Hi Charlestongirl,

I can see where a pink over-load would make you look like a little white Easter bunny--not exactly the best look for a sophisticated woman like you
:-) And, I must say, the pictures I saw were of lovely Asian women--a far cry from your delicate blond beauty. I bet that green and pink combination you spoke about would look great, though.

Take good care of yourself. It sounds like you could use some R&R. Hopefully, the coming spring will bring positive changes.

Chris said...

I have this! It looks fantastic on my eyes, and I'm a very very very fair olive/yellow toned skin. I usually wear the lightest yellow foundation companies make.

I like that it's sheer, but you can actually build it up really well and have the color be fairly vibrant on. No, it's not Urban Decay loud, but it's still pretty bold for Chanel. I really love mine.

Charleston Girl, I see your pot has already pulled from the sides. I thought mine was defective so I returned it only to receive a second one that was more pulled than the first one. I've seen other pictures around the web with the same problem. It performs the same as my other illusion d'ombres, but the fact that it has already pulled from the sides makes me feel like it's already dried up. I've seen this happen on other blogs as well, so I guess mine must be normal.

VancouverChic said...

Hi ya CG!

That is gorgeous color. Thanks for posting pics on it. I am amazed how sheer it is. I love it ... mmm I guess I will have to buy it too. Darn CG you get me in trouble all the time! lol lol Just when I think I have enough eyeshadows ... bingo here is another one!

Warm Regards,
Joanne

JucithDM said...

I have always wanted to wear pink shadow, but it really is not for me. I had a Tom Ford representative try a pink palette and I just don't have the lids for it. LOVE to see it on others! Maybe when I shop again I will ask for a try out! At this point of my life I have rather heavy lids. While I have worked in fashion and beauty all of my career I need refreshing 'courses'.

Charlestongirl said...

Chris, every one I have ever bought has pulled away from the pot. None of them have been dried out, but I don't think it looks good for Chanel.

Charlestongirl said...

Joanne, who would have thunk it?

Charlestongirl said...

Judith, use it as a highlighter if you like it. Otherwise, avoid totally.

Unknown said...

This is a very pretty color but certainly not fir a medium-tan girl like me. The green and pink shadow combination sounds nice though. Perhaps I could try that with a darker pink.

Chris said...

That is a shocker! I haven't had this happen before. I expect my Chanel products to be in perfect condition when I buy them. I understand cream shadows dry out over time, and even though this is not dried out, it doesn't look as nice. I just have to get over this.