Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow in Vanites ($57 /#08) is a re-release of an eyeshadow quad that was formerly launched years ago, then discontinued. It is now back as part of Chanel’s Sophisticated Eye Collection. For some reason, I missed the earlier version and so picked Vanites up this time.
Pursuing old reviews, it appears that the first release garnered efforts to duplicate the shades using MAC eyeshadow shades. Now that MAC custom quads are only a few dollars less at $53, I suspect that some of the steam has gone out of that engine.
In the pan, Chanel Vanites has a mix of colors that include a pink highlighter, a light lavender, a duochrome purple/gold and the deep violet-blue liner. Applied, these colors have a strong purple tone that predominates. Even the golden bottom right color applies with a strong, smokey purple tone.
Swatches, with arm tilted to show the shimmery shades:
With my arm tilted, you can see how the two right shades have a duochrome effect. I found that this is the way that the gold/purple duochrome shade (the third) looked applied to my eye (below):
One more:
I found that the colors had very good pigmentation, texture and tone. Overall, I’m very pleased with the quality of the quad, which is right in line with Chanel’s recent U.S.-powder formulated options. The tones in this collection compliment my blue-green eyes, as violets tend to bring out the green tones.
Overall, I recommend Vanites. I found that the overall purple/violet tones had a slight red undertone, particularly the two deeper shades (swatched on the right, above). Those who dislike wearing pinks and red in the eye area will want to note that. Also, these colors looked best on me using an opaque base layer (such as a MAC paint pot, Laura Mercier Eye Basic, or the like). That seemed to keep the colors at their most vibrant and flattering.
22 Responses to “Chanel Vanites Swatches and Review”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
Pretty! I may have to succumb to purchasing this quad…
Wow really pretty. I must own Vanites. Thank you for the review. It’s really helpful.
I have the European quad and love it to bits. I don’t get all the Euro-formula hate, actually i prefer it to the American formula. The effect on the eyes is really unique.
They look gorgeous in the pan like usual, but this quad looks too cool toned for me. (I’m an NC30/NC35 in Mac)
The most unique thing about this quad is that the colors are duochrome. It’ll look like a different color depending on the angle and lighting.
Amy, loved your review and of course the always-accurate pics. I bought both the Vanities and the Lagons. Love them both! I have enjoyed tremendously the succession of new CHANEL collections this summer and fall. CHANEL has certainly cemented its position as the best makeup on earth as far as I am concerned.
Wow. I never thought the Quad was a rerelease. I probably saw it but didn’t remember this. But the pigmentation looks great especially the chrome effect…
I’ve tried these but unfortunately it didn’t work for me. The look I created disappeared completely from my lids after only 2 hours! :/
Enigma, on the other hand, is great!
Lovely. I’m just SO glad you’re back!
I really love this quad.
Very nice. I hope they re-release Variations! I lost mine in a Jet Blue seat
I don’t like to wear red and pink on my eyes, but I fell in love with this quad after I swatched it at the shop. For this palette I actually prefer the baked version of it because it gives a more luminous effect
Oh my god, this is my dream eyeshadow palette, I Love each color!! Thank you for posting this. Perfection.
[...] Chanel Vanites Swatches and Review [...]
Amy I have a question I really love the look of the euro quads compared to the ones we get in america Is the formula different? Which do you prefer?
Hi Amanda, personally I just think they are different. It’s like Hagen Daz vs. Ben & Jerry’s. I can work with either one (I tend to use stiffer brushes with the Euro formula). I’m more used to the U.S. versions, and they tend to have less sparkle, so I have a slight preference for them. Then again, I have a slight preference for Ben & Jerry’s. But who doesn’t love a little Hagen Daz? Which do you like better?
Thanks for the great review and fabulous pictures as always. This looks alot more tempting than I thought it would. I’m just not sure about the duochrome purple/gold shade as I’m prone to that bruisey look. Maybe if I use that shade sparingly I could still love this quad. Amy, do you know if we will still be getting the Sublime de Chanel mascara in the US? I thought maybe it would have come out with this collection.
I do not believe they will Gail. I had gotten an email from Chanel earlier this year saying yes, but I have heard nothing since. From anywhere. So I’m assuming that including Inimitable Intense here is what we have in the U.S.
Thanks Amy. That’s a bummer, but I see that at least strawberrynet carries it.
Just dug out my old quad and the lower left color has hit the pan – I must have loved this at some point – will have to play around with it – I totally forgot about this until I saw it was coming back. Did pick up the taupe pencil realizing it was kinda plummy – not sure about the color payoff – I love all these pencils and they really do stay on but not sure if the last 2 i bought are dark enough?
Funny, I just swapped for the Euro version of Vanites back in May. Although I usually prefer the US formula, I chose the baked version for Vanites because it has a stronger, more unified purple tone. I have yet to wear the quad, but I will take it to my local Chanel counter to compare the finishes.
I fully agree with you, Amy, that these colors need to be worn over a base; the pigmentation is fairly weak.
I thought this was pretty in the pan, but not for me. The swatches have totally changed my mind, and the duo chrome has me drooling. I can’t wait to check this out in person. Now I hope I can just wait until the new blue polishes are released so I can order all together and get free shipping.
P.S. I may need Pink Cloud too. Thanks for the great reviews!
Lovely colors
I havent tried this since I actually dont haven any good experience with Chanel eyeshadows. I always think they’re not well pigmented at all and the texture is way to `dry` for what I prefer.. But as I said, havent tried this one. Maybe I’ll think its better than the others I’ve had before 
Nice review 