By popular request, here are a few comparisons of Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in L’Eclatante (originally reviewed here) for Spring 2013 with some other vibrant pinks. These are Chanel Rouge Allure Insolente (reviewed here), Chanel Rouge Allure Exaltee (reviewed here) and Chanel Rouge Allure Extatique (reviewed here).
One more:
I hope you find these helpful! Cheers, gorgeous!
This post contains affiliate links. If you have questions, please see the “About Cafemakeup” link.
Chanel Spring 2013 introduces the Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Merveille ($32 / #69). We’re huge fans of this formula, and Merveille delivered more of the qualities that we adore from this line.
Chanel Merveille is a complex mauve shimmer formula that seems to glide over lips and leave a smooth, glossy finish. Here is a swatch next to Chanel’s other Extrait de Gloss released with this collection (Attirance/ review to come soon).
Here is Chanel Merveille on Liz:
Here is a look on Liz using Chanel Merveille, together with Tom Ford Gold Dust Bronzer.
I like the way that this blue liner works with the cool tones in Chanel Merveille. Bottom line: We love Chanel Merveille. Merveille certainly plays well with my mauve undertones, and coordinates well with Liz’s lighter warm skin. I believe Chanel Merveille will coordinate beautifully on those with neutral to cool skin tones. Love.
Chanel Merveille is now available at Nordstrom.com.
This review includes affiliate links (if you have questions, please see the “About Cafe Makeup” at the top of the page.)
The minute that I saw the promotional image for Chanel Spring 2013, I wanted to investigate the strong pink lip color. I emailed Chanel, who responded that the following makeup was used:
Face
- Poudre Signee de Chanel Illuminating Powder (reviewed here)
- Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Frivole (reviewed here)
Eyes
- Chanel Raffinement Eyeshadow Quad (reviewed here)
- Chanel Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Santal (reviewed here)
- Chanel Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Béryl (reviewed here)
Lips
- Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour in L’Éclatante
- Chanel Precision Lip Definer in Rubellite
Nails
- Le Vernis Nail Colour in Emprise
I found the lipstick in the promotional image–Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet L’Eclatante ($34), a striking deep pink.
I was concerned that I would not be able to carry off a color this bright and saturated. My fears were unfounded. Chanel understands. This is a believable, deeply gorgeous and luxurious pink.
The formula is genius–it applies as a soft near-matter but there is a very slight sheen. There is no sparkle. It feels rich and moisturizing when I apply. Although nothing lasts on me, this formula gives me up to two hours (that’s unusual for me, because I sip water frequently) with some eventual fading.
The color is saturating and brightening. Here is Chanel L’Eclatante on Liz (no lipliner or base):
Here is Liz wearing Chanel L’Eclatante. She’s wearing Chanel Vitalumiere foundation (Claire 20). She’s also wearing Tom Ford Bronzer in Gold Dust (discussed here).
Here are some comparison swatches of Chanel L’Eclatante with some other pinks: Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense in Secrete and Seduisante (reviews coming soon), and Chanel Rouge Allure Imagination. I’ve also swatched Chanel Rouge Coco in Chanel Magnolia. As you can see, she kept the rest of the makeup very simple, refraining from adding strong color elsewhere and keeping the rest of her face as a neutral, glowing canvas (Liz is wearing Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme moisturizer under her foundation).
For more comparisons with other vibrant Chanel pinks, see this comparison post here on Cafe Makeup. As you can see, Chanel L’Eclante is an amazing color for Spring 2013. It’s a high end, sophisticated take on the “color is back” trend. I’ve worn it out for day and for dinner, and absolutely love it.
This review contains affiliate links. If you have questions, please look at our affiliate link policy under the “About Cafe Makeup” tab at the top of the page.
This picture is something that I posed on Instagram today. I’m starting to follow some beauty lovers on my phone. It’s so easy to just open the app and see what’s going on in the beauty world. I’ve put up a few images on my account “Cafemakeup” and found some other instagram lovely people worth following:
Instagram is pretty hard to navigate on my computer, but a dream on my phone. Basically, I’ve found it best to follow people via my iPhone app (I’m sure the platform is made for Android). Right now, I’m just playing with the format but really enjoyed the image stream that comes through periodically. It’s opened a whole new world of makeup information. I hope it will remain active throughout the upcoming Fashion Weeks. Do you have an Instagram app? If so, who do you follow?
Face of the day is Chanel Soho blush palette, Lancome Regenerist foundation sample (Claire 20), MAC Amber Brown blush, Chanel Vega eyeshadow, Burberry Midnight Brown eyeshadow, Lancome Precious Cells Defincils, Bobbi Brown Brow Shaper, and Nars Liquid Liner (this liner was sent for review to me by NARS without charge for consideration for review, and yes I still love it). What are you wearing?
I’ve had a long time fascination with neutral blushes. I suppose it is only a matter of time before I just move into contour powders. But for now I thought it would be interesting to compare some recent acquisitions with some old favorites.
In the Strength Collection, Mac released Taupe Shape ($20) and Poised ($20). These sold out almost immediately online. According to a response to my email, Mac’s customer services stated that neither will be restocked online. The Strength Collection was also released in Mac stand-alone stores (but not department store counters). Several Mac stand-alone stores seemed to have gotten a good supply of both Taupe Shape and Poised, so if you are interested those stand alone stores are the only places to find them.
Intrigued by the name “Taupe Shape,” I wondered whether this blush might be a more user-friendly version of Chanel Notorious (now apparently sold out). As it turns out, it is (sort of). Mac’s Taupe Shape is softer, ever so slightly warmer, and far less pigmented. These combine to make early morning application more user-friendly and foolproof. Of course, Mac’s Taupe Shape lacks Chanel Notorious’ drama, but I don’t know of any blushes (ever) as dramatic as Notorious.
Some will find Mac Taupe Shape far too cool and too edgy. For those, I recommend Mac Poised, or a more brown or amber blush. Here I compare this to my well-worn Shu Amber 85 (long discontinued, a matte) and Mac Sur, a mauve-brown that sold out in a heartbeat last year. However, there are other brown blushes on the market (check Illamasqua Create, Nars Madly, Burberry Earthy and others) or even soft bronzers that can do the trick. Other worthy contenders are the softly mauve Giorgio Armani Blush #5 (reviewed here by The Black Panties) and the amber Rouge Bunny Rouge Delicata (reviewed here by The Pink Sith).
I can barely apply Chanel Notorious with a standard brush. I use a duo fiber and also wipe it down before application. Mac Taupe Shape can be used with an angled or small-headed blush brush (for precise placement). Some may find Mac Taupe Shape and Poised too shimmery for contour purposes (compare these to The Beauty Look Book’s review of the Mac Sculpting powders). I didn’t find Taupe Shape very shimmery on my cheeks, personally. Heavy application with flash:
Other posts that you might find interesting is Messy Wands review of Chanel Notorious and Temptalia’s Review of Mac Taupe Shape. Another is Cafe Makeup’s review of Burberry’s Light Glow Earthy Blush.
By popular request, here are some quick swatch comparisons between the Chanel Raffinement eyeshadow quad (reviewed here) and Tom Ford Enchanted (reviewed here). I hope you find them helpful!
First:
You can tell that Tom Ford Enchanted as a more pink/mauve impression. Second:
Third:
Yesterday, we looked back at some of our favorite products of 2012. Today, we’re going to look forward to create a wish list and observe a few things about the future of beauty. At this same time that this is posting, Sabrina at The Beauty Look Book is posting her thoughts as well here. This is Cafe Makeup’s little thought piece, looking at potential directions and trends. We’re speculating and opining, so take this needs to be taken with a wink and a grain of salt.
So, here we go, what do we think will (or should) happen in 2013?
Cafe Makeup believes that the key concept is “giving the customer a reason to buy.” At this point, the beauty and skincare market has myriad options. Which will customers find most compelling?
1. Color trends for the face. Over the past year, nail colors have gotten more vibrant. At the same time, companies have worked to improve makeup formulations to create strong color with thinner layers. We suspect that the bright color trends that we’ve seen in Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense lipsticks and MAC’s Iris Apfel collection will continue into 2013. We predict that bright pops of color using new technology will spread to other lines, and also to eye products. Color is decidedly back!
If you’ve tried this look, you know that it starts with a flawless face and a neutral canvas. Skin care and subtle products that cover and contour will continue to be important.
2. Luxury Travel Products: Tom Ford’s successful launch may signal that some women are ready, willing, and able to invest in looking right, including while on the road. We suspect that we’ll see more travel-friendly products, like this Nars skincare set that is set to release soon. Will other companies follow suit? We suspect that they will.
3. Wishing for a most customized customer experience. Luxury fashion has discovered a customized experience, and will pay a premium to do so. Although sometimes makeup companies promise customized products, that typically means that the product “adjusts” to your coloring. This isn’t really controllable, and sometimes delivers dubious results.
We’re left to self-mix foundations, mix blushes, or top a lipstick with a gloss to get everything right. We wonder when (or whether) makeup companies will give customers a genuine custom experience, including the ability to choose textures and colors. Wouldn’t you love a foundation that was genuinely customized to your skin?
Moving toward a customized experience
4. Resistance against micro-releases. Although some might believe that in the thrill of the hunt, our reading is that customers are growing weary. Some items sell out in less than an hour. Some are understandably questioning the entire system. Some great makeup companies, like Nars, Chanel, Guerlain, and many others, manage to do limited edition releases in a balanced way. Why can’t everyone?
5. UV/LED Gels: The next nail frontier. Over the past year, we’ve seen the gel nail trend blossom. This nail polish is set with a UV light, and lasts for up to 2 weeks. After First Lady Michelle Obama wore a chip-free blue at the Democratic National Convention, we discovered that she had used a UV-set polish. We’re wondering why no high-end polish company has executed this trend safely and well. That set would get our vote!
6. Untold color stories. We’re hoping that some makeup companies can leave their personal drawing boards to ask women about color stories that don’t yet exist. As one tiny example, why not pick up on the Chanel Notorious frenzy, and apply this mauve blush idea to bronzers? Some women found Notorious too grey, so that would have to go. Mixing mauve with a bronzer would dispel the unfortunate orange that now seems so passé (especially as Jersey Shore has officially aired its last episode) and work better on cooler skin tones.
What other color stories could be told, if customers were meaningfully consulted? What would you like to see?
7. Double-duty products, merging science and beauty. This year, BB Creams became mass-marketed. These products promised coverage plus sunscreen and skincare benefits. Eyeliners promise longer lashes, and lipsticks promise conditioning and SPF protection. Cafe Makeup believes this trend will continue, as more become responsive to customer’s skin/sun care needs.
8. Customized sampling (for a price). A while ago, free beauty samples seemed to became more scarce unless you developed a good relationship with a sales associate. Now we see a proliferation of samples in charge-per-month sample services like Glossybox, Birchbox, and others. These samples are usually larger, and some items are full-sized. In addition, some companies sell “try it” sets.
We believe that the more customized experience for these boxes, the better. We don’t love paying for items we don’t wish to use. We’d like to see more samples from high-end skin lines and foundation samplers for different skin tones (whether from a single brand, or a mix).
9. The continued proliferation of inspired similarities. High end brands may find that their products inspire others to offer similar features at lower price points. These may be authorized, but does put pressure on the high end companies to continue to justify their prices.
Cafe Makeup suspects that this will encourage luxury companies to offer super-special formulations that are impossible to deliver at low prices. This may include drawing on hand-created custom palettes and the creation of entirely new versions. For consumers, this will widen choice but might entail ever-higher prices at the “super luxury” end.
10. Natural beauty. Despite the proliferation of color, Cafe Makeup knows that many women prefer a subtle look and will always continue to do so. Although sometimes this is accomplished with genetic advantages, it might be created with an artful application of well-formulated skincare and makeup (shhhh–we won’t tell!). We’re hoping that companies continue to love and appreciate this market sector with fabulous products for a flawless face.
As we said, please take these observations and opinions with a grain of salt. We have no inside information, but plenty of hopes, thoughts and dreams. We’d love you to share yours as well!
It’s been quite a year here at Cafe Makeup! We’ve had a huge year–we passed our 3rd blog birthday and we’re very thankful for our amazing readers.
As you might now, we’ve both had a very busy year off the blog as well. Between Amy’s travel schedule (she was on the road almost continuously from June through November), and Liz’s busy work schedule, we’re so pleased that we’ve been able to keep our love of beauty alive on the blog now that we’re reached December 31st. We’ve had a lot of help along the way. Cafe Makeup would like to do a special “thank you” to Sabrina at The Beauty Look Book (her Best of 2012 is here). She’s been so wonderful and and encouraging throughout the entire year. I’d also like to thank all of the lovely readers and other beauty bloggers who’ve kept us alive by linking, retweeting and continuing our beauty conversations. You might also wish to explore The Non Blonde’s Top Products of 2012–I really respect her taste.
To celebrate the year’s end, we’d like to raise a glass of champagne to our readers! As we sip, we’re going to go through our Top Ten Products of 2012. As you know, we’ve seen many things throughout the year. Here’s a feature which tells you which ones won our hearts, which ones we still depend on, and are truly the very Top Shelf Products of the Year 2012.
1. Tom Ford Blushes: Although released in 2011, I’ve come to love the high quality, beautiful glow of these blushes. As an aside, the brush is incredible as well. The original review is here.
2. Giorgio Armani Maestro Concealer: I can’t believed that a concealer made my top 10 list, but there it is. This is truly an androgynous product–appropriate regardless of gender. I originally bought this on a whim. Over time, I’ve become dependent on the extremely high quality, great coverage, incredibly natural look, and skin care benefits (it contains ingredients to breaks up sun damage and dark spots). The application is incredibly natural–sometimes I cover few spots and under eyes, and skip foundation entirely. This makes this a truly travel-friendly product, as you can leave your liquid foundation at home. The original review is here, I’ve since switched to buying shade #3.
3. Perricone MD Skin Care: I’ve been working on my skin with intensity since February. Last week, I got a few random compliments from strangers–”your skin looks beautiful–what are you using?” As a beauty blogger, I’ve been using several different things, but I’ve added a healthy dose of Perricone MD. My favorites so far are the Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester 15, the Blue Plasma Peel and the Formula 15 serum. Although I haven’t reviewed it yet, the Perricone Face Finishing Moisturizer appears to have some magical ingredients in it as well.
4. 2012 was the year of the BB Cream: Over the past several months, the term “BB Cream” has entered the beauty vernacular with a vengeance. Although originating overseas with formulas that combine anti-aging, skincare benefits, and sunscreen, in the U.S. some formulas are said to be nothing more than glorified tinted moisturizers. However, there are some that stand above the crowd. Cafe Makeup’s former favorite was Dior DiorSnow BB Cream, a remarkably stable version with serious sun protection(SPF 50) and all-day tenacity (even in the Florida summer humidity).
The Dior would still be my favorite, except that I was recently sent the Omorovicza Complexion Perfector BB Cream (SPF 20) by the company. I’ll be doing a review soon, but this creamy, light foundation is absolutely perfect is so many ways.
The most startling effect is that my skin looks improved after I remove it at the end of the day. To my eye, it’s noticeable. In 2013, we can expect to see “CC Creams,” which are next-generation products (including one from Chanel). A few have started to land at drugstores, according to Nouveau Cheap. Those new products will have some very stiff competition from Omorovicza’s Complexion Perfector.
5. Tom Ford Enchanted Eye Quad. This one makes me hear angels sing. The original review is here.
6. Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lipsticks. Why should the MAC lovers have all the fun? These are intensely pigmented lipsticks that provide gorgeous coverage with a very thin layer of product. The colors are outstanding–complex, intense, original, sophisticated, and very beautiful. I’ve purchased several, and am eyeing several colors from the Spring 2013 collection (I’ve caved on one already). Swatches of all colors are here (except for the Spring 2013, which were just released).
7. Nars Andy Warhol Collection. This highly original collection melded fine art and beauty. This included an incredibly rich and thoughtful array of choices, with something for everyone. I certainly found some favorites among them, including the Flowers palettes with the incredible taupe. At the same time, the collection helped us relive just a touch of the 1960′s makeup era just as Marc Jacobs made it fashionable for clothing. I’ve read that Francois Nars plans to do another artists collaboration next year, and I’m certainly hopeful that he will. Regardless of whether you purchased anything from the collection, this one warrants serious recognition for its attention to detail and creativity, as well as its sweeping scope.
8. Le Metier de Beaute CHEM60 Pro-Peel and GLOW10ai Mask Set. Applause for giving busy women truly ingenious results at home. I love this set. The original post is here.
9. Dior Nail Polish. There is something about Dior that has been excelling in the nail polish realm lately. Yes, I loved OPI’s Skyfall collection–the colors are fast, fun, and highly affordable. I got a 4-5 of them, and still wear them. Can you think of a Fall on-trend color that wasn’t part of Skyfall? I sure can’t.
Still, Dior’s formula spreads like butter, levels off beautifully, and has a helpful, manageable brush. Unlike OPI’s Skyfall, Dior has been truly cutting edge in its color development this year. Rather than capturing trends, Dior is setting them. I have to love an imaginative industry leader.
10. Guerlain This traditional French company has done so many things right this year. From its beautiful summer Terracotta Pucci collection, the new Petit Robe Noir perfume, and the development of new formulas of lipsticks. Liz and I both love the new Guerlain Rouge G L’Extrait Lip Color (the review for Paresse is here). I’d love to include more Guerlain in this list, if I could.
Thank you for another wonderful year in beauty, Gorgeous! And cheers!
What were your favorite products for 2012? We’d love to know!
Chanel’s Spring 2013 collection includes three Style Yeux Waterproof Eyeliners in Or Rose (rose gold), Beryl (a light lavender), and Santal (a shimmering warm brown)($30 each).
In the past, I haven’t loved the Stylo Yeux formulation–I found the pencils very hard and requiring too much pressure to use easily. In the meantime, two things happened. First, other pencils from lower and similarly priced brands improved dramatically. Second, Chanel released Ebene, a deep, smooth, and highly pigmented shimmery black that worked beautifully. Other Chanel Stylo Yeux pencils seemed to have improved, which gave me hope for the three new shades in this Spring 2013 release.
Unfortunately, I found Or Rose, Beryl, and Santal difficult to apply, with the same hard texture as pencils released during the pre-Ebene era. Although Chanel gets points for intra-line consistency with its older pencils, I really wished it had borrowed a page from Giorgio Armani, Nars, Bare Escentuals or even the drugstore brand Prestige, to give me a softer texture. I really had to work to get any pigment out of these, passing them 5-7 times over my lash line to get a good solid color. For example, for Santal I finally gave up and fixed the liner with a quick pass of Laura Mercier’s Brown Copper.
Chanel Beryl is a light lavender. The color is embedded with multicolored particles, but the color applies as a single uniform (very soft) color.
This type of shade might be used to add a pop of interest in an otherwise neutral eye. Because Chanel Beryl applies so lightly, I found that my best use is an inner corner highlighter. The soft color, which lightens but barely deposits color, gave me a soft cool bit of color that played a just bit with my blue-green eyes.
“Or Rose,” which translates to “rose gold,” is a shimmery warm metallic.
Of these three, Or Rose seemed to have the best pigmentation.
Here is Chanel Or Rose swatched next to Chanel Rose Platine and Chanel Taupe, both in the Stylo Waterproof formula (and both much better in softness and pigmentation):
Liz used Chanel Or Gold in this eye look (on her lower lashline). Do not worry about your vision if you do not see the effect, it is very subtle:
Chanel Stylo Yeux is Santal is a warm shimmering brown.
This was my biggest hope, and therefore my greatest disappointment. When Liz tried to use it for her eye look, above, she also gave up and went over Santal with a trusty black Prestige Total Intensity liner in black.
Here is Chanel Santal swatched next to Nars Via Appia and Laura Mercier Brown Copper (both of these applied much more easily than Chanel):
Final verdict: I’m not loving these. I found that they got a softer after 5-7 tries, but they never reached the level of pigmentation of Chanel Ebene or some of the newer formulations of eyeliner pencils.
These are currently available at Nordstrom.com, as well as other department stores and online at Chanel.com.
Other reviews:
This post contains affiliate links. If you have questions, please see the “Ask Cafe Makeup” link.
Chanel Spring 2013 brings three new Le Vernis nail colors ($26 each)– Emprise (#569), Fracas (#571) and Accessoire (#573). This is a pleasant spring collection of pretty, wear-everywhere colors. However, some Chanel fans may feel that this collection has a familiar feel.
First, is a pearly pink nude Emprise. One very carefully-applied coat gives a sheer, shimmery effect. This is two coats with Chanel Reflet de Laque High Gloss Top Coat.
Some women will find Chanel Emprise hits a very sophisticated sweet spot. This subtle shell pink shade is very Chanel, and looks breathtaking when wearing almost anything, even black. Here are comparisons with Rescue Beauty Lounge Om, Chanel Rose Jade, and Chanel Beige:
Rescue Beauty Lounge Om is a cream texture which builds to opacity far more quickly. Both Chanel Rose and Chanel Beige have the very same sheer texture as Chanel Emprise–it takes some work to build to opacity if that is the look that you would like to achieve.
Chanel Fracas is a very warm pink. The color reminds me of Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Tea Rose in its very proper feel. Chanel Fracas is unquestionably a work-appropriate color (and honestly, the color will work almost anywhere).
Chanel Fracas has a very subtle hot pink pearl that shows up in full sun. Here, with Chanel’s Haute Reflect top coat:
Although when viewed in isolation Chanel Fracas looks l like a hot pink, it is quite warm. Here’s a comparison with a true hot pink, Nars Schiap:
Finally, my favorite of this collection–Chanel Accessoire. This is another extraordinary vampy color that is so striking, yet still works almost anywhere.
There’s a slight brown tint to Chanel Accessoire. Although it is not a traditional Spring color, I find colors like Accessoire very refreshing and beautiful. It looks amazing with a shiny topcoat, here Chanel Reflet de Laque:
Chanel Accessoire has some very close cousins. It is more brown that Chanel Rouge Noir, and less purple/violet than Dior Mystic Violine. Chanel Accessoire is just a shade lighter than Chanel Madness (you probably don’t need both if you have a good stock of Madness).
Overall, I found this a nice, well-rounded and crowd-pleasing collection of shades for Spring 2013. If you would like to shave a bit off your total, I would recommend skipping Emprise–it’s a little challenging to apply smoothly. On some skin tones, a light nude like Emprise can gives one’s hands a reddish appearance.
Francas has a good formulation and I liked the little bit of pearl. It’s a safe bet, although I couldn’t swear that it’s entirely unique among other brands.
I love, love, love, Accessoire. The formula is perfect, and it just looks really amazing when applied. I do go through these bottles to their very end, so it made sense for me to get this newest version. However, as these comparisons show, Accessoire it is not a unique shade.
The Beauty Look Book’s review is here. These are available at Nordstrom.com (with free ship) here.
This post includes an affiliate link (see “About Cafe Makeup” for more information).