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.

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)