Chanel Rouge Coco Review and Swatches – Rouge Noir

Chanel Rouge Coco in Rouge Noir # 18 ($30) evokes the iconic blackened burgundy made famous by the original Vamp in the early 1990′s.  I still remember the write-up in Vogue, that described this as the new “it” color that would become a classic.

The Rouge Coco version of Rouge Noir has the ability to be sheered out, which gives a deep, dark red-black tone that can be rather dramatic.  I must admit that I have always loved this color–I would die if an eyeshadow or eyeliner were released with this same tone.  As a lipstick, I save this for either formal occasions, although not necessarily evening.  To me, the Hydrabase Rouge Noir has always delivered a “wear me with all-black and watch the fabulousness happen” message.  Although I haven’t owned this long, I’m hopeful that this will work with less formal occasions.

As an aside, am I the only one who noticed that the number for this lipstick– #18 — is the same as the older Rouge Noir nail polish and Vamp?

How similar is this Rouge Noir to the former Hydrabase version?  I found the former one too pigmented and strong for my coloring, nonetheless I’ve ordered one that should be on its way soon so we can do a side-by-side comparison.  At present, I believe that many will find that the Rouge Coco version is less intimidating and far more wearable.  Here’s a quick swatch on my lips:

(Go easy on me! I haven’t learned how to take good lip swatches but I’m trying.)  If you’d like to see a comparison between the Rouge Hydrabase and this Rouge Noir, look here.