Chanel Spring 2014 Collection - Notes de Printemps

We are returning to my coverage of the spring 2014 collections today and I am very excited to get back to looking at more products that I will want to be ordering in the coming weeks.  We started the spring collection coverage right before Christmas with the newest collection from Too Faced and we are now picking back up with a brand that has often created some of the best collections for nearly every spring season.  Chanel is one of my favorite brands and their spring collections often set the tone and trends for the whole season, I look forward to picking up some items in the Notes de Printemps collection and then seeing what other companies release similar products and shades.

The Chanel website provides the following description of the collection, "Spring makeup strikes a colourful chord with light, joyful notes. At the heart of the collection, a chorus of fresh, luminous reds sets the season’s tone for cheeks, lips and fingertips."  I love that this collection focuses a look around red lips and nails, I love red lipsticks but tend to buy and wear them mostly in the fall and winter.  I would like to purchase a few "spring" reds this season and I want to see how they shades that Chanel has chosen compare to what red shades are already in my collection.  I have a good-sized collection of red lipsticks and feel like I own nearly every finish and hue of red, I will buy any shade of red introduced in this collection that I do not already own and I will be visiting the counter quite soon.

The Notes de Printemps collection for spring...

Lumieres Facettes Eye Shadow Quad - Eyeshadow redefined. The Lumieres Facettes Eye Shadow compact features a vibrant, pigment-rich formula in eyeshadow palettes inspired by threads of Chanel tweed. With a spectrum of shade combinations and finishes that range from matte to satin to shimmer.  Each easy-to-wear compact offers endless possibilities, with two medium tones to colour and contour, a deep shadow to intensify and a light shade to highlight. Pure, long-lasting pigments ensure an intense colour effect while the soft, smooth texture allows for effortless application.
- Quadrille (537) - lavender gray/golden ivory/rosy apricot/intense brown

Illusion d'Ombre - With an innovative texture that’s both soft and cushiony, this intensely shimmering, long-wear cream eyeshadow can be worn as eyeshadow or eyeliner.  A combination of pure pigments of different colours and sizes: small pigments provide coverage and colour intensity; large pigments make the shades shimmer. Includes a specially designed shadow/liner brush, developed specifically for this unique formula.
- Diapason (92) - luminous deep purple
- Impulsion (93) - luminous pastel pink

Le Blush Crème de Chanel - Enhance, brighten and contour the face with this versatile cream blush that blends onto skin seamlessly. Healthy-glow shades sculpt cheekbones and refresh the complexion with a vibrant, velvet finish.
- Intonation (69) - warm rose
- Chamade (67) - deep pink

Poudre Universalle Compact - An ultra-soft, pressed powder that provides sheer, lightweight coverage, Poudre Universalle helps to even skin tone, and set and perfect makeup for a natural, matte finish.  Photo-reflective pigments illuminate the complexion and disguise imperfections without emphasizing lines.
- Preface (160) - light peach

Rouge Allure - An intense, long-wearing lip colour with full coverage and a satin finish. Leaves lips supple and protected with lasting comfort.  In a new formula, Rouge Allure features concentrated, ultra-thin pigments that deliver full coverage and magnify shade intensity. Sweet Almond Oil, Green Tea and Sappan Wood helps smooth, moisturize and protect lips.
- Melodieuse (136) - bright coral red cream
- Fouguese (138) - bright pink cream

Rouge Coco - Rouge Coco lip colour is more expressive than ever in a hydrating, next-generation formula that provides full coverage with a creamy yet lightweight finish.  An exclusive complex of Jojoba and Mimosa Butters, Sunflower Wax and Silicone provides lasting hydration and luminous shine. With a vibrant colour spectrum, featuring shade names inspired by Coco Chanel and the friends, artists and lovers who inspired her.
- Dedicace - pink with blue undertones
- Triomphe - pink with peach undertones

Rouge Allure Velvet - This non-drying matte lipstick glides on lips with intensely rich, long-wearing colour and a sumptuously soft, velvet matte finish.  Mother-of-pearl pigments deliver rich colour and a soft finish. Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter comfort and moisturize.
- La Diva (44) - electric pink
- L'Adoree (45) - mauve

Rouge Double Intensite - Glorious long-lasting colour pairs with high-shine gloss to deliver full-coverage lip colour that lasts all day.  Without transferring or feathering, the fluid formula of the base colour goes on smoothly and dries quickly; the glossy top coat imparts non-sticky, brilliant shine and superb hydration.
- Pink Twist - rosewood

Le Crayon Levres - Enhance the shape of your lips and give them perfect definition with this creamy-textured lip pencil. Long-lasting, full-coverage colour with a semi-matte finish glides on to soften and soothe lips, and ensures lipstick stays in place while extending its wear.  A comforting formula softens and soothes lips, while a sharpener and built-in blending brush offer makeup-artistry touches for the most professional-looking result.
- Sonic Pink (70) - shocking pink

Le Vernis - The iconic nail polish is reformulated for longer-lasting, high-shine colour that cares.
- Charivari (603) - soft purple/mauve
- Tapage (605) - bright pink

I like many shades in this collection but I don't feel that it is one of the strongest spring collections.  The shades are very wearable and can be easily worked into all kinds of makeup looks but I feel like I already own many of these shades in my collection.  I will be checking out most of the lipsticks but I don't know that anything else has really jumped out at me.  I would like both shades of the Rouge Allure, these bright hues will be very pretty paired with black eyeliner and bronzer throughout the summer.  I would like the mauve shade in the Rouge Allure Velvet formula, I can start wearing this neutral mauve hue right now and then all the way through the spring months.

I would like the eye shadow palette in the collection and I would also like the pale pink shade in the Illusion d'Ombre formula.  I have been loving those cream shadows and am always on the lookout to add more to my collection.  To finish out my shopping of the collection, I would like the deep pink cream blush.  I have a hard time finish cream blushes and I would love to try this formula.

This is a very nice collection and I am sure that it will sell out very quickly.  I don't find any of these shades very unique but I know that I would use and love everything that I order from this collection.

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Chanel Holiday 2013 Collection - Nuit Infinie

We have started to check out the newest holiday collections and today we are looking at a color collection from another one of my favorite companies.  The Chanel holiday color collection will be different than anything that we have looked at so far and I continue to love this brand more with every single item that I purchase from them and every biography that I collect on Coco Chanel.  The first photo that I saw from this collection contained a beautiful red lipstick and I was instantly hooked.  I haven't bought a new red lipstick since I did the bulk of my fall makeup shopping and I would love a new shade to wear this holiday season.

The Nordstrom website provides the following collection description, "Setting a captivating tone for Holiday, a new makeup collection expresses the magic and mystery of an endless night. The refinement of beige is emboldened by a sweep of bronze on the eyes. Deep ruby red lingers alluringly on lips, for a seductive invitation to the season. Experience the pleasure of intense colour… and glamour that’s revealed from within."    This collection is named Nuit Infinie, which literally translates to "infinite night".  I found the description on the Nordstrom website and am pulling some of the product descriptions from there also along with the Chanel website. 

Here is Nuit Infinie from Chanel!

Ombres Matelassess - This limited-edition eyeshadow unveils a seductive shade spectrum for the season’s most striking eye looks. From soft beige to rich purple, matte and pearlized shadows create glamorous effects alone or offer endless opportunities for custom blending. The emblematic quilted motif of CHANEL embosses the silky shadows for an added touch of elegance.
- Charming - soft beige/metallic beige/bronze khaki/bronze/dark matte purple

Mascara Gel Irise - An exciting flourish for lashes makes the holidays even brighter. Designed to be worn either alone or over black mascara, a new shimmering top coat enchants with every brushstroke of sheer, bronze-platinum iridescence.
- Bronze Platine - platinum bronze

Joues Contraste - Unique powder blusher offers buildable coverage, from natural to dramatic, and imparts a flattering radiance to cheeks. Remarkably silky texture ensures easy application of seamless colour. Applied high on the cheekbone, or near the eyes, it instantly 'lifts' and softens the face for a more youthful look.
- Accent - luminous pink beige

Poudre Universelle Libre - Ultra-soft loose powder provides sheer, light coverage with a soft matte finish, setting and perfecting makeup as it evens skin tone. Photo-reflective pigments help disguise imperfections without emphasizing lines.  Available in a variety of hues to complement all skin tones.

Illusion d'Ombre - 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. Includes a specially designed shadow/liner brush, developed specifically for this unique formula.
- Fatal - silver purple metallic
- Initiation - platinum bronze satin

Rouge Allure - The next generation of ROUGE ALLURE dresses lips with unmistakable attitude. A new formula with concentrated, ultra-thin pigments offers radically intense, long-wearing colour with full coverage and a satin finish. Leaves lips supple and protected with lasting comfort.
- Radieuse - intense blue pink satin
- Indecise - shimmering pink beige
- Farouche - shimmering chocolate brown

Rouge Allure Velvet - Elevating matte to a new elegance, this next-generation, non-drying matte lipstick glides on lips with intensely rich, long-wearing colour and a sumptuously soft, velvet matte finish.
- La Precieuse - vivid red
- La Desiree - burgundy red

Le Vernis - The newly-renovated 5-free formula features Bioceramics and Ceramides to improve the quality of nails. In an arresting palette of 15 trend-setting shades, including bestselling cult favorites and daring new colours.
- Rouge Rubis - vivid red cream
- Accesoire - deep red brown cream

I already know that I must have the Rouge Allure Velvet lipstick shade in La Precieuse, this will be my red hue for the holiday and then the rest of the winter months.  La Desiree is my second choice for red hues, I would like the warm deep red hue for the great holiday dates and parties.  I also love the Rouge Allure in Radieuse, this light blue pink hue will be great for the spring months and I will save it and use it as one of my staples in a few months.  I will also be picking up the Le Vernis is Rouge Rubis to match the red lip hue this holiday season and then for great pedicures this summer.  I love new reds for both my nails and my lips and I cannot wait to start using these shades.

I will round my shopping out with some new eye makeup from this collection.  I must have the eye shadow palette to create all kinds of neutral smoky eye looks this winter and to mix with my favorite neutral hues already present in my collection.  I also cannot wait to buy new shades of Illusion d'Ombre, I have been in love with this formula ever since I tried it in the summer of 2012 and I always want new shades.  I want both Fatal and Initiation, all of these shades look so different when applied that I can get any of them to work with almost any makeup look that I want them to.   I can skip over the rest of the collection as long as I get all the products that I have already mentioned and I will use this and the new MAC collection to start my holiday makeup shopping...

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Chanel Fall 2013 Collection - Superstition

One of my favorite makeup companies has released a fall collection that I have been looking forward to ever since the end of the summer collections.  Actually I look forward to the fall Chanel collection right after the spring Chanel collection has been released, fall and spring are two of the best collections for Chanel and are usually among the best collections for those seasons.  Chanel sets the trends for the seasons and releases their collections on the early part of the season and most other collections usually get compared to the standard of excellence that is set by these collections.  It may be the Fourth of July but I am now ready to jump right into fall and start shopping for new makeup, boots, and new jeans (fall staples!).

The new collection from Chanel is called Superstition and calls upon the belief that Coco Chanel had in luck.  I read her biography last fall and now every color name or collection piece has a new meaning for me and that means that I want to collect every product and shade even more than I did before...

"A firm believer in luck, Gabrielle Chanel surrounded herself with her favorite charms and talismans, as much for good fortune as for inspiration.  The symbols that warded off superstitious fears now serve as silent muses for an enchanting Fall makeup collection.  Sumptuous khaki tones are set off by new 'lucky charm' duos: entrancing, shade-matched pairs for cheeks and lips.", states the Chanel website.  I have a feeling that I am going to want a lot of the shades from this collection and that I should find many new shades to really build my fall makeup collection.

Here is the Superstition collection from Chanel!

Blush Crème de Chanel - This innovative formula offers an enticing new way to blush.  Simple to apply with fingertips or a brush, the powder-cream colour features sheer yet vibrant pigments for instant luminosity.  The silky texture offers a longwear satin finish, both soft and comfortable for every skin type.  Mix and match the eight versatile shades, use as primer to enhance the wear of another blush or powder, or pair seamlessly with a complementary lip colour for a mesmerizing match.
- Destiny - golden beige
- Presage - apricot
- Revelation - soft shimmering pink
- Inspiration - soft blue pink
- Affinite - intense blue pink
- Fantastic - burgundy

Rouge Coco Hydrating Lip Colour - A modern interpretation of classic creme lip colour as an homage to the rich life and legacy of 'Coco' Chanel. Lightweight lip colour glides on for easy application, and features a Hydratendre complex to help soften, soothe and condition lips... More - even boosting their ability to hold in moisture - for a plumper, smoother and healthier-looking appearance. A range of wearable shades with full-coverage finishes, from matte to pearl to soft shimmer.
- Icone - golden beige
- Mystique - apricot

Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipshine - The next chapter in the brilliant ROUGE COCO SHINE story: ROUGE COCO SHINE Hydrating Colour Lipshine, an innovative formula with intensified pigments to take colour and sheen to a new level of vibrancy. Sheer, shiny, colour-rich shades are effortlessly chic,... More infinitely wearable. Hydratendre Complex softens and plumps lips for a healthier, fuller appearance.
- Secret - soft shimmering pink
- Instinct - soft blue pink

Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eye Shadow - An instant CHANEL classic, this ultra-fine powder eye shadow is sensuous in feel, foolproof in its application, and fabulous in its range of matte, satin and shimmer finishes. The versatile formula can be applied dry for subtle shading, or dampened for... More more intense colour -- and the complementary shades can be blended with one another to lighten or deepen tone.
- Gri-gri - metallic taupe
- Hasard - matte lavender

Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow - LES 4 OMBRES debuts an expanded shade wardrobe of vibrant, versatile palettes for elegant eyes. Each easy-to-wear compact offers endless possibilities, with two medium tones to colour and contour, a deep shadow to intensify and a light shade to highlight.
- Mystere - golden khaki/golden ivory/silver taupe/matte khaki

Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner - Waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner delivers long-lasting definition with a twist of the wrist: Colour winds up when you need it, winds down when you don't. Gentle, soft, silicone-enriched formula delivers smooth, even lining. A built-in sharpener at the opposite end detaches for quick refreshes.
- Khaki Precieux - khaki with bronze tint

Le Volume de Chanel Mascara - This high-precision mascara achieves instant volume and intensely lush colour in a single stroke. Its innovative formula expands, plumping lashes to their fullest. The exclusive new ‘Snowflakes’ brush combines long and short bristles to deliver an extreme, eye-opening effect.
- Khaki Bronze - khaki with bronze tint

Le Vernis Nail Colour - Classic and trend-defining shades in an exclusive formula that strengthens and moisturizes nails as it delivers high-shine colour. Applies evenly without streaking.  All Chanel nail products are formaldehyde-free, toluene-free and DBP-free.
- Elixir - milky pink
- Alchimie - golden khaki
- Mysterious - deep khaki

This collection will be one of my favorites for the season and I am now seeing what many other companies will try to emulate over the next few months.  I will be starting with the Les $ Ombres in the newest shade that was brought out with this collection, these four shades will pair very well together and I can think of many combinations that I could do with using only these four and then many more that I could create when combining it with the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette.  This is an eye shadow quad that I will use for many more years to come!  My second choice from this collection is the Le Vernis Alchimie hue, I loved the fall color that I bought last year from this company and I hope that I can use this one as much (and bring last year's out again in two months!).  Those are my two top choices from this collection and the products that I consider the "must haves".  I would be very happy with only these two products but there are still a few more that I would like to own.

Chanel limited edition collections go very quickly and I will start with the two products that I have listed above but then I will go back for a few more in a second round of shopping.  I would like to own both of the new shades of Ombre Essentielle, I have only seen a handful of matte lavender shades before and this one should work well on its own and then paired with silvers and charcoals.  Onto the lip products...I love the Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipshine in Instinct.  This blue pink should be a good neutral for me and will work in many different makeup looks and occasions.  The Blush Crème de Chanel will be a top pick for me this fall season, I want Inspiration and Affinite.  Both pinks will complement my skin tone and will get rotation in my makeup collection this fall and long after.  Lastly...I want both of the other two shades of the Le Vernis Nail Colour.  I can never resist Chanel polishes and always want more!

This is my favorite collection that I have looked at so far and I bet that it will be one of the best collections of the fall.  I will be grabbing items in this collection with my first (and most important) round of fall beauty shopping!

photo courtesy of Chanel

Chanel Summer 2013 Collection - L'Ete Papillon de Chanel

The summer collections are now beginning to trickle out and we will start looking at them in the next few days.  I expect that a few will come out early and then by the middle of next month, they will all be out in full force and we will have our pick of items to look at each day.  So far, I have only seen a handful of summer collections releasing but it is on the earlier side of the season, I am not yet ready for summer yet since I still have a good month of shopping for spring items yet.  Starting summer collections this early will give me some ideas of what I must own for the summer and to determine how fast I think that they will sell out and what my priorities are for shopping the next few weeks.  The Sephora Friends and Family will begin in the middle of April and I am also getting a shopping list ready for what I want to order during this event.  I think that my credit cards might be crying by the end of April...

The first summer collection that I have seen released is also one of the ones that I am the most excited about, Chanel always releases their seasonal collections on the early side of the season and often their collection will set the tone for the rest of the season.  The new collection is named L'Ete Papillon de Chanel, which translate out to the Butterfly Summer of Chanel.  I am envisioning a very colorful collection that contains great shades for every single facial feature.  I have been seeing hints of bright shades being very popular for summer and all kinds of bright blue eye makeup.  Bright blue eye makeup is not my cup of tea so this might be more of a season of me going for neutral eyes and bright lips and nails but we will see what all comes out in the next few months...

"The dazzling colours of butterflies inspire a joyful look for face and fingertips with the enchanting Summer collection. Lashes flutter in electric shades of mascara and eyelids are adorned with gleaming colours. Nails and lips complete the effect with shades of sunlit brilliance.", states the Chanel website when describing the overall collection.  I am so excited to see what colors are int he collection and what items I will be coveting for the next few weeks!

Here is the newest collection from Chanel!

Les 4 Ombres - One essential compact offers unlimited eye looks, with shade combinations that range from matte to satin to shimmer. Versatile smudge-proof formula can be applied dry for subtle shading, or dampened for more intense colour, all with long-wearing results -- in... More even extreme climates. Dermatologist tested.
- 44 Metamorphose - cool dusty aqua/cool slate gray/cool shimmering white/deep navy

Stylo Yeux Waterproof - Waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner delivers long-lasting definition with a twist of the wrist: Colour winds up when you need it, winds down when you don't. Gentle, soft, silicone-enriched formula delivers smooth, even lining. A built-in sharpener at the opposite end detaches... More for quick refreshes.
- 57 True Blue - robin's egg blue

Stylo Eye Shadow - A smooth-gliding pen applicator delivers a new lightweight, long-wear shadow that highlights eyes with gleaming colour. A cooling, water-infused formula creates a shimmering veil on lids—or precisely lines the eyes with perfect definition. An exclusive creation from the L’ÉTÉ PAPILLON... More DE CHANEL Collection.
- 07 Moon River - medium neutral taupe
- 17 Cool Gold - medium true gold with gold shimmer
- 27 Pink Lagoon - medium cool blue pink
- 37 Jade Shore - medium cool medium jade green
- 47 Blue Bay - medium slate blue
- 57 Black Stream - true black

Inimitable Waterproof Mascara - The mascara that delivers it all -- volume, length, curl and precise separation -- in a long-wearing, waterproof formula that won't flake or smudge. Pro-Vitamin B5 hydrates and conditions lashes to keep them supple and healthy-looking. A unique brush design... More provides perfect definition of lashes, even the finest.
- 47 Aqua Blue - bright aqua
- 57 Blue Note - navy blue
- 37 Lime Light - bright lime green
- 27 Zest - bright gold

Rouge Coco Shine - The next chapter in the brilliant ROUGE COCO SHINE story: ROUGE COCO SHINE Hydrating Colour Lipshine, an innovative formula with intensified pigments to take colour and sheen to a new level of vibrancy. Sheer, shiny, colour-rich shades are effortlessly chic,... More infinitely wearable. Hydratendre Complex softens and plumps lips for a healthier, fuller appearance.
- 467 Pygmalion - deep magenta pink cream
- 457 Idylle - warm medium beige cream

Levres Scintillantes - Gorgeous shimmer and a high-shine glow is delivered effortlessly to lips with just one stroke of this best-selling lip gloss. A wide range of shades, from sheer and natural to sparkling and rich, look beautiful on their own, or over your... More favorite CHANEL lipstick. Equally beautiful: the conditioning formula's comfort and long wear.
- 377 Zephyr - sheer sparkling peach
- 427 Envolee - sheer sparkling light coral
- 437 Eden - sheer magenta cream

Le Vernis - Classic and trend-defining shades from the runways of Paris. State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails as it delivers long-wearing, high-shine, chip-resistant colour. Applies evenly without streaking.  All Chanel nail products are formaldehyde-free, toluene-free and DBP-free.
- Lilis - deep warm coral cream
- Azure - medium aqua shimmer
- Bel-Argus - medium denim blue shimmer

I love this collection and this one starts off my summer beauty product shopping on the right foot!  I still have some spring shopping yet to do but this collection motivates me to get the spring shopping finished within the next two weeks and then to begin summer makeup shopping.  I am now beginning to think about my summer look...bronze skin with bright lips and nails and then perhaps mixing in a bright eye makeup look or two.  I think that this summer will be very much about lips and nails for me and that my lip gloss and lipstick collection will really be growing over the next few months...

My favorite pieces of this collection are from the lip and nail products.  My favorite piece of this collection is the Le Vernis in Azure, I love this shimmering aqua nail polish and I will be wearing this shade all summer long.  I have a feeling that this one will be selling out very quickly and I will need to visit the counter soon and if it is available yet.  I wouldn't mind purchasing the Bel-Argus shade too but I don't need it the way that I need Azure.  The next pieces on my shopping list come from the new lip shades, I want items from both of the formulas that are in this collection.  From Le Rouge Coco, I love the deep magenta pink shade (Pygmalion) and the similar shade in the lip gloss (Eden), these will work well for me throughout the year and I could start wearing them as soon as I buy them!

The eye makeup isn't as good for me as the rest of the season...Le 4 Ombres does not appeal to me at all, I don't really wear navy shades and therefore will not be purchasing this palette.  The single eye shadows have a bit more appeal to me, I want the gold and taupe shades and will wear them with the bright lip shades that I want from this collection.  I am very on the fence about the colored mascaras in this collection, I am very interested in the gold mascara but really do wonder how it will look on the lashes and if I could pull it off.  This is one that I will need to see pictures of people wearing it and then make a further decision, perhaps I will be wrong but I am not seeing this work for me at all.

Summer collections are beginning and Chanel is leading the pack!  I am very excited to see what else is coming out in the next few weeks!

photo courtesy of Chanel

Beauty Loves Week Day Five - Chanel No. 5

Stella by Stella McCartney is my biggest perfume love but I do have a second fragrance love that I wanted to talk about this week, Chanel No 5 is a fragrance that I have used and loved for longer than any other in my life.  No 5 is known as the "now and forever fragrance" and has been an icon every since it was first released in the early part of the last century, after reading the biography of Coco Chanel, I have come to love and understand this fragrance more than ever.  Chanel No 5 is the only fragrance other than Stella that I have had to buy more than one bottle of, I wear it often during the fall and winter and I can go through it at a very rapid rate.  I often credit this fragrance as being the perfume that made me want to get dressed up as a child and be like my mother (who has worn this fragrance for many years - in fact she is the only person that I know that goes through a bottle of this faster than I do).  I was first allowed to wear fragrance for my ballet recitals as a little girl and she always sprayed a (very) little bit of this on me before we left for the show.

As a child, I do not remember the exact time when I started loving this fragrance and wanting to own it and be able to get dressed up just like my mother.  This is the fragrance that I have been using for longer than any other and as this is the best selling fragrance for this renowned House, I am not alone in my admiration of Chanel No. 5. 

Chanel states the following as a fragrance description on their website.  "The now and forever fragrance. The ultimate in femininity. An elegant, luxurious spray closest in strength and character to the parfum form. The sleek, portable signature bottle is perfect for the dressing table or travel."

Sephora goes further with the product description and then into the iconic notes of the fragrance.  "The first great abstract perfume, N°5 conjures up no precise floral scent and survives the passing of mere trends because it is beyond them. Coco Chanel wanted "a woman's fragrance that smells like Woman." When perfume designer Ernest Beaux presented her with his 5th composition, the choice seemed simple and obvious. Her perfume would be called N°5. Five was her lucky number". What she mean when she wants a fragrance that smell like "Woman"? It is very simple, Chanel wanted a fragrance that had no instantly recognizable notes and soon after the first aldehydic floral.  At that time in history, perfumes had one or two very recognizable notes and that was what the fragrance smelled like. An example of this would be that if a fragrance boasted lily of the valley as its main note then the fragrance smelled like lily of the valley and nothing else. Chanel wanted a fragrance that was different for every woman and had no notes that jumped out at one. An aldehydic floral is defined as follows, "A bouquet of abstract flowers with an indefinable femininity".

Chanel No.5 is the first fragrance that did not smell strongly of one or two major notes and instead was formulated to be a blend of florals and musks and to smell unique on every single lady that wears it.  ""Launches with bewitching notes of Ylang-Ylang and Neroli, then unfolds with Grasse Jasmine and May Rose. Sandalwood and Vanilla round out the fabled composition with unforgettable woody notes". The notes that I find most evident in the fragrance when I am wearing it is the jasmine and sandalwood. I know that rose is one of the listed notes but I find that with application, the jasmine comes out more and is the heart of the fragrance.   This fragrance wears stronger on me so I only use it in the fall and winter, I would clear out an elevator if I used a fragrance of this power during the warm weather months. 

I will continue to love and wear this fragrance until I am too old to leave my nursing home.  If I ever become a mother or an aunt, this is the fragrance that I will introduce her to when she graduates college and is getting ready to go to grad school or find her first job.  This really is the Now and Forver fragrance and is one of the few true perfume icons.

photo courtesy of Chanel

Beauty Loves Week Day Three - Chanel Le Vernis

Today we are looking at my longest Beauty love and still my favorite nail polish formula and shade range.  I couldn't imagine not having Chanel Le Vernis shades in my nail polish collection and I have been using then since I first received a special beauty gift.  The shade that started my love with this product is the Ciel de Nuit shade, a limited edition shade that was made the winner of a Seventeen magazine contest and I had just began reading the magazine and was in love with everything that the writers suggested.  I still remember everything about that first bottle of polish that I received and I still look at every single seasonal collection to see if this shade might be replicated (by anyone at this point!).  As of right now, a single bottle of this polish is offered at $350 on Ebay and I was actually considering ordering it but then I did wonder how well the formula has weathered the time.  This polish shade was only made in the late fall of 1995...

That's right...1995!  This was my first piece of expensive makeup and my first ever item from Chanel, this product is when my love of makeup started and I have never looked back since.  I have added many more shades to my collection with my latest addition last summer with the top-rated Vertigo shade.   Blue Satin was introduced in early 2008 as a dupe for Ciel de Nuit and I bought this bottle the second that I first heard about it.  I still used and treasure this shade and have been playing around with all kinds of glitter top coats to try and replicate the look of the "night sky".  Nothing has been perfect yet however I have been able to get close enough to be satisfied until I can look at more seasonal collections.

The Chanel website describes the polish formula as follows, "Classic and trend-defining shades from the runways of Paris. State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails as it delivers long-wearing, high-shine, chip-resistant colour. Applies evenly without streaking.  All Chanel nail products are formaldehyde-free, toluene-free and DBP-free."  Blue Satin is a deep navy blue with a very shiny finish and Vertigo is a deep brown that can resemble black in some lights.  I have found that every shade from Chanel is great but the deep hues are particularly wonderful, these are among some of the best jewel tones that I own. 

Every polish shade from Chanel is long-wearing and chip-proof while being super shiny without the need of a separate top coat.  If I could only use one polish brand for the rest of my life, this would be the one and I would be overjoyed if I owned the entire Le Vernis line up.  Many of the shades of this polish started as limited edition and then were such hits that Chanel added them to the permanent line of polishes, I am so excited to see what shades come out for the fall months as these tend to be the best of the entire year.  Le Vernish shades sell out so quickly that I rely on my Chanel makeup artist to let me know exactly when she receives the new bottles and to hold them until I can get to the counter.  When trying to get the newest and best shades from this line, an "in" at the counters is often needed. 

Chanel Le Vernis is one of the best nail polish formulas and shade ranges that can be bought on the beauty product market, this is my favorite nail polish brands and the one that I know that I will continue to purchase for many years.

photo courtesy of Chanel

Chanel Spring 2013 Collection - Printemps Precieux de Chanel

The spring collection from Chanel has just arrived on the company's website and this is the collection that I tend to look forward to the most every single season.  Reading the biography of Coco Chanel during my winter break has made me love this company even more and now I want to start saving up for a quilted bag...in addition to all the makeup and fragrances that I already want from this collection.  I have a list of fragrances that I want to order from the website (many of the fragrances are not available at the counters and I will need to order them from website or buy them at a freestanding Chanel store) and I still have a list of products that I haven't gotten to try yet.  In addition to everything else that I want, I am still falling more in love with the Illusion d'Ombre shadows that I own and I am always hoping that new shades will come out every single season.  I wonder what spring will hold for me...

I can't decide what items I am most excited about, I love the nail polishes every season but I want new lip shades and more eye makeup too.  Is it sad that my local Chanel counter manager knows me by name? 

"Precious pinks and rich plums awaken the vibrancy of Spring for lip and nail, with a fresh makeup palette inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s codes of simplicity and sophistication."  More pinks are just what I wanted for this spring season!!

Here is the newest collection from Chanel!

Vitalumiere Moisture Rich Radiance Sunscreen Fluid Makeup - The ultimate solution to tired skin, the best-selling CHANEL foundation instantly revitalizes the complexion upon application — and throughout the day. The formula has been updated with ingredients to specifically target dry, dull and uneven skin, and moisturizing agents to provide hydration and comfort. A marine extract boosts cell energy to enhance radiance, and light-reflecting pigments smooth away imperfections, creating a soft-focus effect. Creamy and luxuriously lightweight, this essential daily foundation blends effortlessly for perfectly smooth, even-toned, radiant skin. Available in a range of shades to suit all skintones.

Poudre Signee de Chanel Illuminating Powder - A limited-edition creation, this sheer highlighting powder is artfully embossed with the icons of Chanel. Bringing a fresh vitality to the face, the soft pink powder lightly dusts over cheekbones and high points to capture and reflect light with a delicate luminosity. Part of the PRINTEMPS PRÉCIEUX DE CHANEL Collection.

Joues Contraste Powder Blush - Unique powder blusher offers buildable coverage, from natural to dramatic, and imparts a flattering radiance to cheeks. Remarkably silky texture ensures easy application of seamless colour. Applied high on the cheekbone, or near the eyes, it instantly 'lifts' and softens the face for a more youthful look.
- 76 Frivole - deep peachy coral

Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow - One essential compact offers unlimited eye looks, with shade combinations that range from matte to satin to shimmer. Versatile smudge-proof formula can be applied dry for subtle shading, or dampened for more intense colour, all with long-wearing results -- in even extreme climates. Dermatologist tested.
- 39 Raffinement - deep rose shimmer/pale champagne shimmer/medium tan shimmer/deep mahogany shimmer

Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner - Waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner delivers long-lasting definition with a twist of the wrist: Colour winds up when you need it, winds down when you don't. Gentle, soft, silicone-enriched formula delivers smooth, even lining. A built-in sharpener at the opposite end detaches for quick refreshes.
- 89 Or Rose - medium gold with shimmer finish
- 100 Santal - deep chocolate brown with gold shimmer
- 102 Beryl - medium champagne shimmer

Rouge Allure Lumimous Intense Lip Colour - The next generation of ROUGE ALLURE dresses lips with unmistakable attitude. A new formula with concentrated, ultra-thin pigments offers radically intense colour with full coverage and a satin finish. Leaves lips supple and protected with lasting comfort.
- 112 Fantasque - medium nude cream
- 114 Precieuse - medium neutral peach cream
- 116 Envootante - deep cool purple cream
- 119 Capivante - medium dusty rose cream

Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss Pure Shine Intense Colour Long Wear Lip Gloss - CHANEL reveals a next generation lipgloss – with colour so rich and shine so intense, it could only be inspired by the iconic lipstick, ROUGE ALLURE. Bold colour combines with the smoothest, silkiest gel texture for luxurious wear and deeply dramatic effect. Lips feel comfortable – never sticky or tacky – and look luminous, full and sensuous for hours. The double-sided, flocked applicator is beveled to deliver ultra-precise definition.
- 69 Merveille - medium cool mauve cream
- 70 Attriance - medium nude cream

Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour - Elevating matte to a new elegance, this next-generation, non-drying matte lipstick glides on lips with intensely rich colour and a sumptuously soft, velvet matte finish.
- 42 L'Eclatante - bright matte pink blue
- 43 La Favorite - medium warm matte coral

Le Crayon Levres Precision Lip Definer - Enhance the shape of your lips and give them perfect definition with this creamy-textured pencil. Long-lasting, full-coverage colour with a semi-matte finish glides on to soften and soothe lips, and ensures lipstick stays in place while extending its wear. Makeup-artistry touches for the most professional-looking result: a built-in brush for blending, and a lip pencil sharpener for precise application.
- 58 Rubellite - muted rose pink
- 59 Palissandre - deep brown

Rouge Double Intensite Ultra Wear Lip Colour - Glorious long-lasting colour paired with high-shine gloss delivers full-coverage colour that lasts all day. Glossy top coat imparts brilliant shine and superb hydration, while the innovative fluid texture of the base colour coat applies smoothly, comfortably, with perfect adherence to lips - and no transferring or feathering.
- 11 Rose Pearl - medium neutral rose shimmer

Inimitable Intense Mascara Multi-Dimensional Sophistique - This technologically advanced formula builds on the success of the original mascara, delivering dramatic effects with a unique brush. The result is a more intense lash look, with the same easy application. Lashes appear longer, thicker and more curled, yet each lash, even the finest, is still precisely separated – without clumping, spiking or flaking.
- 10 Noir - deep black

Le Vernis Nail Colour - Classic and trend-defining shades from the runways of Paris. State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails as it delivers long-wearing, high-shine, chip-resistant colour. Applies evenly without streaking.  All Chanel nail products are formaldehyde-free, toluene-free and DBP-free.
- 569 Emprise - neutral pink beige cream
- 571 Fracas - vibrant pink cream
- 573 Accessoire - deep plum red cream

This is collection of contrasts, the shades are from all aspects of the color range.  I am thinking about all the looks I can create with these products and how I can wear some of them and then all of them in the spring months, this collection will allow you to create any type of eye and lip looks from subtle to dramatic.  The model for the collection is more about the dramatic lip look, she is wearing lighter eye makeup and the bright pink matte lipstick shade (L'Eclatante), I love this look and this is the look that I want to wear all throughout the spring months.  The lipstick shade is my top choice from this collection and then my second choice is the Les 4 Ombres, I will use the entire compact now and then again in the fall months but I will only use the lighter shades in the spring.  These are two two pieces that I really need from this collection even though there are still more that I would like to own.

If I can do some more shopping from this collection, the next item that I would love to own is the Fracas shade in Le Vernis, this bright pink is really pretty and will be perfect for spring.  However I already own a very similar shade from OPI in my collection (Kiss Me On My Tulips from the Holland collection) and therefore I will not be heartbroken if I get to the counter and it is already sold out.  The new shades in Stylo Yeux also really catch my eye, each of these shades will really complement my blue eyes and I bet that I will end buying at least one of them the next time that I go to the counter.  Lastly, the new shade in the Rouge Double gloss will look great with my skin and I will be about to wear it in a professional environment or when going out.  This collection really gives me some great choices for the spring months.

There are two products that I really don't want or need.  The blush shade is much too warm for my skin and I wouldn't find it flattering at all.  The Poudre Signee de Chanel is a very lovely highlighter but I know that this is one of those products that I would gaze at in wonder rather than actually use it and I don't have room in my traincase for items that I doubt that I would ever use so I will skip over this one this time around.  This is pretty big collection and for there only be two products that I really don't like is pretty good for any collection.

Printemps Precieux de Chanel (Chanel's Precious Spring) is one of my prettiest collections that I have looked at so far and I know that it will be one of my favorites of the season.  I will be visiting this counter the next time that I go to Macy*s...

photo courtesy of Chanel

Chanel Holiday 2012 Collection - Eclats du Soir de Chanel

We have been looking at mostly gift collections so far for the holidays and I am ready for some single product collections, I want to do some shopping for myself that doesn't involve a set or palette.  I was very excited to see that the Chanel holiday collection is now up on their website, this brand has often been a favorite of mine however I just finished a wonderful biography about Coco Chanel and now I am more in love with the brand than ever and I have a feeling that I will be spending more money than ever at their counter in Macy*s over the next few months...

Eclats du Soir de Chanel is a collection of metallics and jewel tones that will all work perfectly at all the holiday parties that are coming up over the next two months and then will still be perfect throughout all winter.  This collection has a variety of deep lip hues and golds for the eyes and all of these products will help create one of my favorite looks for the fall and holidays, I love the look of gold eyes and red lips and try to collect as many of these shades as I possibly can.  Knowing that these products are from Chanel, I know that I will get quality products with optimal pigmentation.

I must say that I don't even know what product that I am most excited for from this collection.  I see a deep metallic red nail polish, a deep berry cream lipstick, and an Illusion d'Ombre shadow in a perfect metallic gold.  This collection is going to be a huge part of my next Most Wanted list...

Here is Eclats du Soir de Chanel!

Regard Signe de Chanel - This limited-edition, holiday-inspired quartet offers endless looks of festive glamour. Deep, dense bronze-gold with a radiant sheen complements colours from violet-plum red to smoky taupe to pink. Embossed with a quilted effect and the CC monogram, each powder eyeshadow is reminiscent of the classic Chanel jacket button. Part of the ÉCLATS DU SOIR DE CHANEL Collection.
- Harmonie du Soir - deep bronze-gold/plum red/smoky taupe/light pink

Ombres Contraste Duo - This foolproof pairing of complementary shades — in two unique textures — is housed in one convenient compact. The softly shimmering light shade is a creamy powder, which can be worn alone for a luminous effect, or as a base to extend the wear of the accompanying deep-toned shadow. The dark shade has intense micronized pigments for true colour application, and a matte finish to create depth and contour. Two applicators are included: a foam-tip to apply the shadows and a brush to blend. Available in six essential shade harmonies designed to take the guesswork out of harmonizing and applying eyeshadow.
- 47 Nuit Claire - deep black/champagne gold

Illusion d'Ombre - 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. Includes a specially designed shadow/liner brush, developed specifically for this unique formula.
- 817 Apparence - metallic pure gold
- 86 Ebloui - deep metallic red plum

Stylo Yeux Waterproof - Waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner delivers long-lasting definition with a twist of the wrist: Colour winds up when you need it, winds down when you don't. Gentle, soft, silicone-enriched formula delivers smooth, even lining. A built-in sharpener at the opposite end detaches for quick refreshes.
- 85 Grenat - medium brown with a hint of red

Inimitable Intense - This technologically advanced formula builds on the success of the original mascara, delivering dramatic effects with a unique brush. The result is a more intense lash look, with the same easy application. Lashes appear longer, thicker and more curled, yet each lash, even the finest, is still precisely separated – without clumping, spiking or flaking.
- 10 Noir - deep rich black

Joues Contraste - Unique powder blusher offers buildable coverage, from natural to dramatic, and imparts a flattering radiance to cheeks. Remarkably silky texture ensures easy application of seamless colour. Applied high on the cheekbone, or near the eyes, it instantly 'lifts' and softens the face for a more youthful look.
- 73 Star Dust - neutral medium pink

Rouge Allure Velvet - Elevating matte to a new elegance, this next-generation, non-drying matte lipstick glides on lips with intensely rich colour and a sumptuously soft, velvet matte finish.
- 307 L'Impatience - deep berry matte
- 36 La Caline - medium cool blue pink matte

Le Vernis - Classic and trend-defining shades from the runways of Paris. State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails as it delivers long-wearing, high-shine, chip-resistant colour. Applies evenly without streaking.
- 637 Malice - deep metallic red
- 521 Rose Cache - pale pink with a metallic finish

I have several favorite products from this collection, the Illusion d'Ombre eye shadow in the gold hue and Le Vernis in the deep red are at the top of my shopping list.  I have been hoping that Chanel would release a gold shade in that formula ever since I tried and fell in love with that product last summer and now my dreams have finally come true.  I really hope that this shade will be become permanent as these shadows sell out very quickly and take a few months to get back into regular stock at the counters.  These shadows produce a lovely shimmer finish and are the most unique product that I currently own and I always search the newest Chanel collections in the hopes that more shades have been released in this formula.  This is the perfect eye shadow to sparkle at night and the formula lasts all day and then into the night.  I just can't think of a more perfect eye shadow formula than this one!

The next product that I am dying for is Le Vernis in 637 Malice, this deep metallic red will be perfect for the fall and holidays.  It is not that most unique shade that I have ever seen (Illamasqua Scarab is very similar) and therefore I really want to own it but I won't die without it since I could easily get that Illamasqua hue at Sephora.

The other two products that I would really like to own is the deep berry lipstick hue and the eye shadow quartet that is offered with this collection.  This lipstick formula is pretty new for Chanel and I believe that this is the first limited edition collection that it has been brought out with, I think that I got an invitation to an event for this lipstick at my local counter.  I will have to see if I can attend it and try the formula out.  I will finish out my shopping list for this collection with the eye shadow quad as I will get lots of use from these shades and I just love Chanel eye makeup overall.

This is the first single product collection that I have looked at and this one really sets the bar for the rest of the companies, I know that this collection will be one of my favorites for the holidays!

photo courtesy of Chanel

Chanel Fashion Night Out 2012 Collection - Les Twin-Sets de Chanel

Happy Fashion Night Out!  This is one of my favorite days of the year and I love to celebrate all the special designs and products that have been created especially for this day.  Unfortunatly, I have my Microeconomics class to night so I cannot take the train in New York City and really celebrate.  School will come first right now but it will pay off in the next few years when I move up to the city and can celebrate the event in style every single year.  More companies than I can name off the top of my head have released special limited goods for Fashion Night Out.  I am currently drooling over the Christian Louboutin heels that have dragons on the sides of them and the thought of meeting the Clarins sisters at one of the NYC Sephoras tonight. 

With all of the great companies celebrating this holiday, I could have written tons of posts on all the new products that will be available for today only.  Since Fashion night Out is only one night, I have decided to pick my favorite brand and see what they have introduced to celebrate.  It is will surprise no one that I picked Chanel and wanted to see the small limited edition collection that they have released for the holiday.  I was even more excited to see that this collection contains two of my favorite products, nail polish and lipstick.  I am intrigued about trying the trend of matching my nail polish and my lipstick shades, this trend reminds me so much of I Love Lucy and the rest of the ladies that lived in that era.

This collection is named Les Twin-Sets de Chanel and contains three new, limited edition shades that are offered only in lipstick and nail polish.  "This limited-edition colour collection celebrates fashion's most exceptional evening with three chic duos for lips and nails."  The nail polish is the traditional Le Vernis formula that has been a favorite of mine since I got my first bottle in junior high.  The lipstick is a matte finish (a current favorite finish of mine) and is the Rouge Allure Velvet formula. 

My favorite part of Fashion Night Out!

Le Vernis - Classic and trend-defining shades from the runways of Paris.  State-of-the art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails as it delivers long-wearing, high-shine, chip-resistant colour.  Applies evenly without streaking.
- Infidele - intense, energetic pink cream
- Delicatesse - elegant medium warm beige cream
- Provocation - deep rich plum cream

Rouge Allure Velvet - Elvating matte to a new elegance, this next-generation, non-drying matte lipstick glides on lips with intensely rich colour and a sumptuously soft, velvet matte finish.
- L'Infidele - bright energetic pink matte
- La Delicate - sophisticated warm beige matte
- La Provocante - deep rich plum matte

I am already seeing myself with the combination of Infidele on my nails and L'Infidele on my lips, I have been in love with bright matte pink shades since the beginning of the summer and then combintion will help carry this shade into my fall and winter look.  I will need to order these two products very soon since they are very limited edition.  The pink hue is my favorite and I must own these products however I would also like to have the deep plum nail polish, I don't own a deep rich creamy plum shade yet and this would be a great addition to my nail polish collection.

Ladies, get ready to celebrate Fashion Night Out!  I will be keeping up with Facebook and Twitter during my class breaks and pretending that I am celebreating in the city!

photo courtesy of Chanel

Chanel Fleur de Lotus Collection

Fleur de Lotus is the second Chanel fall collection, we looked Les Essentials de Chanel at the beginning of my fall collection coverage and I have been loving it ever since.  Before that, Chanel introduced an online-only collection, Bombay de Chanel, a series of gold shades that are perfect for both summer and fall.  In addition to all my excitement around the fall collections, I have bought my first Illusion d'Ombre eye shadows this summer and have been in love with the formula ever since.  This has really been a great for season for both myself and the Chanel counter and I can only image that Fleur de Lotus and the new Coco Noir fragrance that it coming soon will just continue the love affair.

I have not yet received confirmation that Fleur de Lotus will be at the counters, I would assume that it will be online only since most of the smaller collections do not come to the counters.  I will be calling my counter to confirm over the next few days but if there is something that I really want, I will just order it online.  Fleur de Lotus looks very different than Les Essentials or Bombay Express, it is a series of pinks and neutrals that would work best in the spring months.  I am not quite sure why this collection was released now since many of the shade will work best in the spring and summer months...

The Chanel website provides a description of both the collection and the products contained in it.  "Inspired by the freshness of the lotus flower, delicate pinks and contemporary neutrals offer a spirited palette for joyful, radiant beauty."  This collection will contain some shades that will work well with my skintone and have the potential to become staples in my traincase, I see a great neutral eye shadow palette and a lovely pink lip gloss.

Here is the Fleur de Lotus collection...

Joues Contraste - This powder blush, available in a variety of limited edition shades, offers seamless colour in a silky, delicate texture.  Buildable coverage allows for tailored effects, from natural to dynamic, and imparts a radiant glow, beautifully suited to the season.  Applied high on the cheekbones or near to the eyes, it instantly "lifts" and softens the face for a more youthful look.
- 69 Fleur de Lotus - peach pink coral

Les 4 Ombres - One essential compact offers unlimited eye looks, with shade combinations that range from matte to satin to shimmer.  Versatile smudge-proof formula can be applied dry for subtle shading, or dampened for more intense colour, all with long-wearing results - even in extreme climates.
- 35 Rives - warm copper shimmer/pearly warm white shimmer/deep bronzed brown shimmer/very dark brown shimmer

Illusion d'Ombre - 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.  Includes a specially designed shadow/liner brush, developed specifically for this unique formula.
- 87 Riviere - shimmering mint green

Stylo Yeux Waterproof - Waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliners delivers long-lasting results with a twist of the wrist: Colour winds up when you need it, winds down when you don't.  Gentle, soft, silicone-enriched formula delivers smooth, even lining.  A built-in sharpener at the opposite end detaches for quick refreshes.
- 86 Beige Clair - shimmering warm peach beige

Aqualumiere Gloss - Brush on the exquisite, water-light look of this ingenious lip gloss and discover perfect comfort in a sheer wash of colour.  Making this a must-have for every lip gloss lover: a mirror-like shine that gives lips a fuller, more sensual look with the precision and ease of the built-in brush applicator.
- 80 Alize - warm sheer peach
- 81 Roselin - cool sheer rose pink

Rouge Coco - Chanel presents a modern interpretation of the classic creme lip colour as a homage to the rich life and legacy of 'Coco' Chanel.  New lightweight lip colour glides on for easy application, and features a Hydratendre Complex to help soften, soothe, and condition lips - even boosting their ability to hold in moisture - for a plumper, smoother, and healthier-looking appearance.  a range of wearable shades with full-coverage finishes, from matte to pearl to soft shimmer.
- 40 Charme - neutral rose cream
- 38 Supersition - warm peach cream

There is a new shade of the Illusion d'Ombre, this is the one product that would makes me need to make an order from this collection!  This is the first time in over a year that we have seen a new shade in this product and I will order it now and set it aside for next spring.  I don't see why this collection is being released this time of the year, it would be perfect for next spring and I think that it would have gotten more attention if it was released in March instead of August.  This is my favorite piece of the collection and the only one that I would chase down.

I like the Les 4 Ombres shade that comes with this collection however I don't find it to be super unique, I have seen several palettes from this company that are contain very similar shades.  If I can't get this palette, it will be very easy for me to find one of the other great neutral eye palettes from Chanel.  This palette will work well for me throughout the entire year, this is one of the very few pieces in this collection that I could actually use this fall instead of having to put away for several months. 

I love two shades of the new lip products that have been released with this collection, both of them would be staples for me and I could use them both now and all throughout the year.  The Aqualumiere Gloss in Roselin has the potential to become one of my favorite gloss shades, I have never tried this formula before and this will be a new experience for me.  The Rouge Coco lipstick in Charme will work very well with my pale skin this fall and winter and this is another shade that I really want to order.

This collection is actually making me crave spring collections already, I love spring collections and now I want to see more lovely spring shades!

photo courtesy of Chanel

French Week Day 6 - Chanel Illusion d'Ombre Luminous Eye Shadow

The latest Chanel fall collection has me teeming with anticipation for the cooler weather and I have already began to collect pieces from it.  In addition to picking up items from the current fall collection, I purchased one of the major products from last fall's makeup collection, the Illusion d'Ombre Luminous Eye Shadow.  This product was the big hit of last fall and quickly became a sell-out cult favorite, when I went to the counter last year, all the shades that I wanted to try were sold out so I had to wait quite a long time to purchase them.  Illusion d'Ombre is one of the most unique eye shadow formulas on the beauty product market and is a product that French women have worked right into their style and culture.  French women love long wearing, high quality makeup formulas that will take them from day to night with minimal touch ups.  When I have both work and then school in the same day, I am very interested in long wearing products since I will have going for over 12 hours.
Chanel has had so many cult products over the years that it nearly impossible for me to list all of them here.  We have looked at many of them over the years and this product has quickly reached the same status as Le Vernis and Le 4 Ombres.  This might be one of the products that has reached cult status fastest for this company, it is very unique and extremely high quality.  I originally thought that this would be very much like a traditional cream eye shadow, however the texture is much spongier and the application method and wear is more like a high quality powder eye shadow.  After using and wearing this product all day long, I can honestly say that I have never tried anything quite like this eye shadow before!
"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.  Includes a specially designed shadow/liner brush, developed specifically for this unique formula.", states the Chanel website when describing this product. 

I have tried this product as both an eye shadow and a liner.  I prefer it as an eye shadow, it is a nice eyeliner but is nothing amazing and I really reaped the benefits from using as a shadow.  When using this on my eye lids, I have used it with the included brush and with a finger mode of application.  Either way will work, but I found that the fingertip method allowed me to build the color quicker and the application control was very much the same as with the brush.  I used both of the shades that I tried with Urban Decay Primer Potion underneath (as I would any eye shadow formula), the shadow applied smoothly and blended with next to no effort on my part.  I have only used these shadow shades blended with each other, I have not yet tried to mix and blend them with any other formula shadow and I have not found any reviews on other blogs were people tried to blend multiple formulas.  Based on all the reviews that I read, I made sure that the two shades that I bought could be worn together or stand alone.

This formula eye shadow is currently available in six shades.  All of the shades are very shimmery and have full pigmentation with one application.  If you don't feel comfortable with full shimmer on your eyes, then this might not be the best formula for you.  These are the original shades from the release, I was hoping that more shades would have come out over the year but nothing else has been released. 

- Fantasme - bright white with white and silver shimmer
- Emerveille - soft peach with champange shimmer
- Illusoire - deep gray-purple with silver shimmer
- Epatant - deep olive green taupe with gold shimmer
- Mirifique - deep black with multi-colored shimmer
- Ebloui - deep burgundy with red shimmer

I was originally taken with the Illusoire shade, this deep gray-purple shade was like nothing that I have ever seen before.  I believe that this was the best selling shade of last year since I saw it in every magazine and beauty blog last year.  I planned to purchase that shade and the Emerveille when I went to the counter and I held fast to this thought for about two weeks before I went.  After looking at the products, I thought about not seeing any posts about mxing this formula with others so I decided to buy Emervielle and Epatant instead, these two shades could be worn alone or blended together. 

Emerveille is a very easy shade to wear during the day, it applies a soft peach shade with champagne and gold shimmer.  I mostly use this shade alone when I don't want a full eye makeup look and I have used it to blend with Epatant.  This shade is best used for blending, if you only want one shade from this product line, this is not a must have product but it is good solid shade that I will get a lot of use from.  Epatant is simply beautiful, the shadow applies a deep olive khaki and the gold shimmer pops out.  This is one of the most amazing and unique shades that I own and I don't think that I have every seen a shade like it before.  If you are only going to buy one shade, this one is worth the purchase.  I do plan to buy Illusoire at some point but I do want to see if there is a shade in this collection that I can blended with it.  I am hoping that a silver or gray shade will come out within the next few months...

This is one of my favorite eye shadow formulas that I have ever used and I can count on a company like Chanel to consistently release great new formulas and shades to keep me coming back.  One of my dreams is to visit the massive Chanel store in Paris.

We have one more day left in French Week and we will be wrapping it up with a classic French perfume from Guerlain!

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Chanel Fall 2012 Collection - Les Essentiels de Chanel

Earlier this week, we looked at the smaller of the two collections that have just popped up on the Chanel website and today we look at the collection that promises to be one of my favorite of the entire year.  As soon as I get to the end of the summer collections, I immediately begin thinking about what the Chanel fall collection and will look like and begin stalking their website for it.  As of this week, I have not yet seen it at the counters (at least the one nearest to me in Macy*s did not have any of it out) and I know that many of the pieces will sell out very quickly so I must move fast to get what I love the most in the first round of shopping.  When I did my Fall Trend Preview post, I posted a photo of the model for the collection, the smoky eyes and plum lips will work very well for me and are making my long for fall so that I can put some of this makeup look to the test!
The official fall collection from Chanel is named Les Essentiels de Chanel, in English this translates out to "the essentials of Chanel".  These are the shades that many women will build their fall makeup look around and many high end and drugstore makeup lines will set out to replicate.  "A chic makeup collection inspired by Coco Chanel's iconic essentials."  This collection is rather large and contains products for use on every area of the face, if I had to make an early choice I would have to say that I am most excited for the eye makeup shades products that will be part of this collection and also the new shades of Le Vernis.  I can see myself shaping a good amount of my fall makeup purchases around this collection...

The fall collection that I wait for all year!

Lumiere d'Artifices Beiges - Designed to extend a summer glow, this limited edition duo of lighter and darker beige shades - enchantingly rendered to resemble sequins - blends together harmoniously for a subtly iridescent complexion.  Part of the Les Essentiels de Chanel collection.
- pale warm shimmering beige/medium warm shimmering beige

Joues Contraste - Unique powder blush offers buildable coverage, from natural to dramatic, and imparts a flattering radiance to cheeks.  Remarkably silky texture ensures an easy application of seamless colour.  Applied high on the cheekbone, or near the eyes, it instantly 'lifts' and softens the face for a more attractive look.
- 72 Rose Initiale - medium shimmering cool rose

Perfection Lumiere - Effortless to apply with seamless blendability for a naturally flawless effect, this breakthrough foundation is the ideal all-day, everyday formula - suitable for all skin types in a diverse range of 20 shades.

Les 4 Ombres - One essential compact offers unlimited eye looks, with shade combinations that range from matte to satin to shimmer.  Versatile smudge-proof formula can be applied dry for subtle shading, or dampened for more intense colour, all with long-wearing results - even in extreme climates.  Dermatologist tested.
- 38 Premier Regard - medium bronze shimmer/pale champagne shimmer/medium gold shimmer/deep warm satin

Ombre Essentielle - An instant Chanel classic, this ultra-fine powder eye shadow is sensuous in feel, foolproof in application, and fabulous in its range of matte, satin, and shimmer finishes.  The versatile formula can be applied dry for subtle shading, or dampened for more intense colour - and the complementary shades can be blended with one another to lighten or deepen tone.
- 93 Complice - pale pink shimmer
- 94 Eclaire - medium gold satin
- 95 Furtif - medium gray matte
- 97 Infini - pale gray shimmer
- 69 Black Star - medium charcoal shimmer
- 47 Ebony - warm black matte

Stylo Yeux Waterproof - Waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner delivers long lasting defintion with the twist of a wrist: Colour winds up when you need it, winds down when you don't.  Gentle, soft, silicone-enriched formula delivers smooth, even lining.  A built-in sharpener at the opposite end detaches for quick refreshes.
- 88 Noir Intense - deep rich black
- 87 Silver Light - shimmering bright silver

Inimitable Intense - This technoliogically advanced formula builds on the success of the original mascara, delivering dramatic effects with a unique brush.  The result is a more intense lash look, with the same easy application.  Lashes appear longer, thicker, and more curled, yet each lash, even the finest is still precisely separated - without clumping, spiking, or flaking.
- 40 Rouge Noir - deep burgundy plum

Rouge Double Intensite - Glorious long-lasting colour paired with high-shine gloss delivers full-coverage colour that lasts all day.  Glossy top coat imparts brilliant shine and superb hydration, while the innovative fluid texture of the base colour coat applies smoothly, comfortably, with perfect adherence to lips - and no transferring or feathering.
- 34 Alamandine - deep wine cream
- 04 Rose Quartz - medium blue pink cream

Rouge Coco - Chanel presents a modern interpretation of the classic creme lip colour as a homage to the rich life and legacy of 'Coco' Chanel.  New lightweight lip colour glides on for easy application, and features a Hydratendre complex to help soften, soothe, and condition lips - even boosting their ability to hold in moisture - for a plumper, smoother, and healthier-looking appearance.  A range of wearable shades with full-coverage finishes, from matte to pearl to soft shimmer.
- 45 Caractere - medium cool plum cream
- 40 Charme - medium pink coral cream

Rouge Coco Shine - Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipshine provides lasting moisturizing shine in a water-light texture.  The formula glides on for easy application, and a unique Hydratendre complex hydrates and softens lips, giving them a healthier and fuller appearance.  Available in a complete range of shades, from delicate beiges to dazzling berries, with a hint of shimmer to enhance a glossy finish.
- 73 Chic - medium sheer nude
- 74 Parfait - light sheer blue pink

Levres Scintillantes - Gorgeous shimmer and high-shine glow is delivered effortlessly to lips with just one stroke of this best-selling lip gloss.  A wide range of shades, from sheer and natural to sparkling and rich, look beautiful on their own, or over your favorite Chanel lipstick.  Equally beautiful: the conditioning formula's comfort and long wear.
- 297 Sweet Beige - sheer pink beige with natural shimmer

Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss - Chanel reveals a new generation lip gloss - with colour so rich and shine so intense, it could only be inspired by the iconic lipstick, Rouge Allure.  Bold colour combines with the smoothest, silkiest gel texture for luxurious wear and deeply dramatic effect.  Lips feel comfortable - never sticky or tacky - and look luminous, full, and sensuous for hours.  The double-sided, flocked applicator is beveled to deliver ultra-precise definition.
- 68 Troublant - medium plum cream
- 67 Caprice - medium blue pink cream

Le Crayon Levres - Enchance the shape of your lips and give them perfect definition with this creamy-textured pencil.  Long-lasting, full coverage colour with a semi-matte finish glides on to softenand soothe lips, and ensures lipstick stays in place while extending its wear.  Makeup-artistry touches for the most professional-looking result: a built-in brush for blending and a lip pencil sharpener for precise application.
- 54 Amarante - deep brown
- 34 Natural - nude

Le Vernis - Classic and trend-defining shades for the runways of Paris.  State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails as it delivers long-lasting, high-shine, chip-resistant colour.  Applies evenly without streaking.
- 563 Vertigo - deep gray black with shimmer
- 561 Suspicious - medium pink red cream
- 569 Frenzy - light taupe with frost finish

I am already plotting when I am going to being home from the counter when they get it in stock.  My first choice from the collection is Le 4 Ombres, I love the combination of the bronzes and the golds that are in this palette and they will be perfect for the fall season.  I have beebn seeing some great eye palettes already for this season and I am wondering how many I will end up buying before the end of fall.  In addition to the palette, I love the Eclaire shade of the single eye shadow.  To round out the eye makeup from this collection, I want both of the new shades of the eyeliner pencil.  I want to try the mascara formula but I would not use the shade that comes in this collection, I would purchase the product in a black shade instead.
I am on somewhat on the fence with the lip shades featured here.  I like the lip shade that the model is wearing, I am assuming that it is the Rouge Coco in the plum shade.  I like the shade in the tube and on the model but I consult with the makeup artist at Chanel to see how this shade will work with my skintone.  I feel that it will work better when my tan is gone so this would be a shade that I would save for the fall months.  I like both shades of the Rouge Coco Shine, these sheer shades will work well for me all year round and with many different eye makeup looks.  The lip gloss shade is pretty but it is nothing that I must own so I will skip over it for the other products in this collection.  The Rouge Allure gloss excites me very much, I feel like this is a product that Chanel had brought out in the past and now it relaunching with this limited edition collection, I want the deeper of the two shades for the fall.

This is one of the first times that the Le Vernis shades have done nothing for me, all three of them are nice but I don't find them very unique and I am more likely to skip over them in favor of some new Butter London or Nails Inc shades. 

I like this collection a lot and I believe that it will be one of the stronger fall collections.  Overall, this is a nice Chanel collection but I think that last year's was much nicer and was more on point with the trends that were all over the runways.
A few days later...  I went to my counter to buy two Illusion d'Ombre Eye Shadows and I have now seen this collection in real life.  Let me start by saying that many of the pictures on the website do not do this collection justice.  The Le Vernis shades look totally different in real life, Vertigo is a deep gray black with red shimmer, it shines a different shimmer shade in every single light.  I bought this polish on the spot.  The Joues Contraste shade is very pigmented and a great pink choice, this one is going on my shopping list for fall.  My thoughts still remain consistent on the rest of the collection but I never thought that I would have bought the Vertigo shade after playing with it for less than five minutes!

photo courtesy of Nordstrom