A Classic Chanel Story
Like many others, I love everything Chanel. Back in college, I took a class on the history of fashion and we dived deep into how Chanel has evolved from the time of its inception - a trail blazer back then, and a consistent taste maker for so many decades, Chanel is still Chanel. A few times a year, I’ll give in to my love for the aesthetic of the brand and haul in a few bits and pieces. And every time a Chanel purchase gets delivered, in its chic little black-and-white chanel box, my heart skips a little. That, to this day, is the power of Chanel.
Chanel makes some of the best red lip colors and I have had a few red lip products in my shopping cart for quite some time before biting the bullet a few weeks ago. I also wanted to try the new shade of their Baume Essential so this seemed as a good a time as any to cave. So now that I have had a chance to hold them and have them and try them, I wanted to share my thoughts in a short review - though spoiler alert, I love everything I got to bits.
From L to R: Chanel Baume Essential in Rose, Chanel Longwear Lip Pencil in 178 Rouge Cerise, Chanel Longwear Lip Pencil in 176 Blood Orange, Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Fusion Ultrawear Intense Matte Liquid Lipcolor in 818 True Red, Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Fusion Ultrawear Intense Matte Liquid Lipcolor in 816 Fresh Red
I was first introduced to these via a sample - and I fell for the formula. A few years ago, a makeup artist (I believe it was Lisa Eldridge though I may be wrong) glued bits of velvet on lips for a runway show (again, I think it was a Marc Jacobs show but I may be wrong). The effect was splendid - velvet, matte, with a richness and depth of color because of the velvet texture. Since then, I’ve been on the look out for such a texture and while a lot of formulas espouse themselves as “velvet” they don’t actually look like velvet on your lips. Now I understand that’s not a look everyone wants - it’s a look that’s a rich, dense, matte’s matte that does not look shiny or creamy AT ALL. To do that, and still make wearing a lip like that comfortable is no small feat. This formula, I believe, has achieved that. The consistency is a little thin when you first apply it but just you give it a minute or two to dry down - then, a transformation occurs - it becomes truly like a piece of velvet on your lips (without the fluffly texture of fabric of course). And yet, because of the thinness of the formula, it wears comfortably without any tightening or dryness. I find that two thin layers work best - in fact, I apply one thin layer and then let it dry and do my other makeup in the meantime. I then go back in for another coat - and voila, the final effect is just..unbelievable. So if you’re someone who loves their mattes, you have to try this formula. I am so glad I discovered it. The colors I bought are two bright reds - one’s a more true red, and the other’s a bright, orange/coral based red (swatched below). Bright as a bulb, feather-light.
Next, are these Chanel Longwear Lip Pencils. This is a lip pencil formula that I have liked for a long time and I own a few colors in this range. Recently, I saw Pati Dubroff using the 178 Rouge Cerise while doing a red lip on instagram and I just couldn’t resist adding it to my cart. While I was at it, I decided not to try and resist the magnificent Blood Orange shade either - I am sure my savings account will berate me in time. But in any case, I bought these two colors and I love them! (no surprises there). The formula is pigmented, waxy, and easily blended with the brush that comes on the other end. Not much more to say here. Excellent pencils, even more excellent colors. (swatched below)
Finally, we have some newness - the Chanel Baume Essential in Rosee. I have one of the previous shades - Sculpting - and I find this formula to be unique. It is a silky, luminous, feather-light balm that goes on like a highlighter below or above your face makeup (or on a bare face). It doesn’t disturb my foundation at all when I apply it on top. I dab a little on my cheekbones, and on my forehead (I like a shiny forehead!) and the effect is luminous, healthy, glowing skin. Real skin. It’s great looking skin in a tube. I initially thought Rosee would be a little too deep as a highlighter and I was unsure about such a luminous product as a blush. However, I am pleased to report that the color is a sheer wash and looks beautiful as a highlighter. On my face, in additiont o looking glow-y, it looks rosy - my cheeks look rosy, my face takes on a healthy sheen. I mostly apply it with my fingers and then buff it very lightly with a fluffly brush. Wonderful product! (swatched below)
In natural, outdoor light, facing a window - From L to R: Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Fusion Ultrawear Intense Matte Liquid Lipcolor in 818 True Red, Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Fusion Ultrawear Intense Matte Liquid Lipcolor in 816 Fresh Red, Chanel Longwear Lip Pencil in 178 Rouge Cerise, Chanel Longwear Lip Pencil in 176 Blood Orange, Chanel Baume Essential in Rosee
In indoor light, under a lamp - From L to R: Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Fusion Ultrawear Intense Matte Liquid Lipcolor in 818 True Red, Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Fusion Ultrawear Intense Matte Liquid Lipcolor in 816 Fresh Red, Chanel Longwear Lip Pencil in 178 Rouge Cerise, Chanel Longwear Lip Pencil in 176 Blood Orange, Chanel Baume Essential in Rosee
