Chanel is killing it this spring!!  The Neapolis Collection [reviews start from here] is so bold and fresh, although I know some people found it a little overwhelming when it is still covered in snow outside.  If that is the case for you, then you will certainly enjoy the new Dernieres Neiges de Chanel Collection!  This is a capsule collection of makeup that is part of the annual spring Le Blanc release.  Originally designed to target the Asian market, Chanel has now made the range accessible globally, though still in keeping with the Asian aesthetic of soft pearly pastels for a youthful luminous look.

If you have been perusing Instagram lately, you would have seen the museum-worthy collectible piece.  Chanel Premieres Fleurs Harmony of Powders is a trio of blushes and highlighter bearing an exquisite oriental design.  The design is a replication the older Coromandel de Chanel eyeshadow/blush palette from 2005 [view on my Instagram here], and is inspired by a coromanel screen that used to reside in Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment.

This season’s release is soft and ethereal, and the design is emphasized by a light gold overspray that dusts off with the first use.  It contains a pearly white highlighter that is semi-sheer in the base but filled with champagne gold micro-shimmers, suitable as a highlighter on its own or mixed into the other shades for a luminous finish.  At the bottom of the palette is a medium-light coral pink blush with a slight golden pearl.  In the middle is a thin strip of pale pinky-beige filled with golden shimmers.  I have swatched all the shades below without the golden overspray so that you can get an accurate view of the product.

Premieres Fleurs warms up the frost-bitten complexion lightly, and the touch of luminosity gives that blossoming spring beauty.  You can use it on the cheeks, or mixed in for an all-over glow, even as a light sculpting touch.  Of course, you may not bear to touch it at all, given how incredibly pretty the design is.

If you would rather invest in something that you can actually bear to use, you may want to consider the Palette Essentielle Rose Petale (180).  First introduced last fall [see here], Chanel’s Palette Essentielle is a 3-in-1 cream palette that contains a blush, concealer and highlighter.

This spring’s Rose Petale approximates Beige Claire in intensity, but with a stronger pink undertone.  When swatched, the shades are surprisingly close to Premieres Fleurs, though with different finishes.  The blush is pinker though with a golden pearl finish; and the highlighter pulls a light champagne against my complexion even though it looks white in the pan.  The larger section of the palette is dedicated to a light concealer with a brightening pink undertone which is useful for freshening up dark spots.  If you had been curious about the Palette Essentielles but found the 3 permanent shades too yellow or simply not a good match, you should definitely check Rose Petale out.

For a bit more colour on the cheeks, Chanel has a new shade of Les Tissages Blush in Tweed Evanescent (130).  As always, there is a hint of silver woven into the blush for that tweed-like effect, but it does not affect the underlying blush colour.  I often get asked about the quality of these blushes in comparison with the more prevalent Joues Contraste blushes, and the answer is that they are equally good.  From the past few releases, I found the Les Tissages blushes to be more pigmented and shimmery than the Joues Contrastes.

Tweed Evanescent is a brightened coral pink with a sprinkling of pale pink and gold shimmers.  It is much more pigmented than the other 2 cheek palettes discussed above, and it blends out into a beautiful fresh flush.

Apart from the cheeks, Chanel has also released a Les 4 Ombres Premiere Eclosion (302) alongside this collection.

I’m a big fan of Chanel’s multi-effect quadra eyeshadow formula, and find myself collecting every single one of them year after year.  Premiere Eclosion is the first time I am seeing a mint green from Chanel, and I am super excited.

In clockwise direction starting from the top left, the shades are:

1. Light mint green with a pearl finish and a sprinkle of pale champagne micro-shimmers.  This shade has surprisingly good pigmentation, and I love wearing it either in the water line or inner corner to brighten the eye area.
2. Light peach with a satin finish and some pale champagne micro-shimmers.  This shade layers beautifully with the other shades… it’s magical.
3. Medium taupe brown with a satin finish and pale golden micro-shimmers.  A standard well-loved workhorse that wears well on its own or in combination with the others.
4. Medium-dark plummy brown with a matte finish and some sparse purple micro-shimmers.  This shade looks purple in the pan but applies more brown on my skin tone, so that’s definitely something to watch out for.  It is not the smoothest matte ever, but it applies beautifully with a brush to deepen and define.

Chanel eyeshadows are seldom raved for their ability to layer, and certainly I do not expect the complexity of shimmers that I can achieve with Japanese brands like SUQQU.  Regardless, their soft textures and the combination of intensities render Premiere Eclosion well suited for layering.  Check out the beautiful neutrals that result from mixing the shades together!

For a simple eye look, I started with the medium taupe all over the lid, then I added the light peach on two-thirds of the lid.  Next, I lined both upper and lower lash lines with the plummy brown, blending upwards and outwards  Lastly, I popped the mint green on the inner corner using a pencil brush, and finished with mascara.

There are a couple of Ombre Premiere eyeshadow singles and several lip options in the Dernieres Neiges Collection as well, so there is plenty enough to explore.  Here is a full makeup look featuring Premier Eclosion on the eyes, and Tweed Evanescent on the cheeks.  On the lips, I am wearing Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Liquid Lip Crayon in Pink Straight [reviewed here].

Have you picked up anything from the Dernieres Neiges de Chanel Collection?  I am taking my 5yo son for a cruise this weekend, he has been waiting to get on a ship for a very long time, so it should be fun!  Do you have anything planned?

_{This post featured products that were generously provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

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As part of a series of new additions to the Le Blanc range, Chanel recently released an innovative compact foundation which marries skincare benefits with makeup expertise.  The Chanel Le Blanc Oil-in-Cream Compact Foundation is a new generation cream compact foundation that is unlike anything I have ever tried.  Just like the Les Beiges Gel Touch Foundation [reviewed here], I am completely in love!

The Chanel Le Blanc Oil-in-Cream Compact Foundation is infused with the ume flower oil which is able to stimulate skin repair, brighten and boost moisture level.  It comes in a round “cushion” format that has a swing lid that snaps shut over the product to keep it from drying out, and a luxuriously smooth and plush sponge.  The product looks like a cushion, but is actually a lightweight silky cream that transforms into the texture of oil once it touches skin.  Formulated with a Smart Thermal Complex, the Oil-in-Cream Compact Foundation feels cool and crisp on the skin, and maintains a “buffer” throughout the day, protecting the skin from extreme changes of temperature and humidity.  I especially appreciate that it comes with SPF40 / PA++ sun protection.

Coverage is light-medium though slightly buildable.  It evens out skin tone beautifully, giving a luminous glow that lasts all day.  I  love how it smoothens out my pores and gives my skin a porcelain-like finish.  For stubborn spots, extreme dark circles and redness around the nose, I still require a separate concealer.  On my dry combination skin, Chanel Le Blanc Oil-in-Cream Compact Foundation stays on well all day without fading or oxidizing, though it does get a little shiny after 5 hours’ wear around the t-zone, but far superior to any other cream foundation I have ever tried.

The texture is so comforting on my skin, it is truly unique and unlike anything I have ever tried.  There are 6 shades available, and 20 Beige suits me perfectly.

_{This post featured a product that was generously provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

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Chanel Rouge Coco is a line that is as institutional as the brand itself, my very first Chanel was a Rouge Coco Shine lipstick.  Over the years, the line has expanded considerably to include lip colors of various textures and finishes.  And now, for the first time, Chanel has launched an innovative multi-use lip and cheek color, the Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Blush.

Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Blush is housed in a slim rectangular tube that is reminiscent of the Rouge Coco Gloss [reviewed here], differentiated by a matte glass body, black band around the neck and a thinner applicator.  Housed within is a crisp fluid that feels silky against the skin, and is equally beautiful and comfortable on the cheeks and lips.  Few multi-purpose blushes perform as well on the lips as they do on the cheeks, but Chanel excels where others fail.  Formulated with the Chanel Rouge Coco signature Hydraboost complex, the Lip Blush moisturizes and nourishes the skin with a mixture of Jojoba, Mimosa and Sunflower oils.  In true Chanel elegance, the texture is lightweight despite the oil content, and the pigment is evenly dispersed.  The excess oils evaporate upon application, leaving behind a translucent veil of color with a luminous matte finish.

There are 6 shades in the range, and I have swatched them in the 2 ways that I would personally wear them – blended out for cheeks cheeks, and straight from the applicator for the lips.  The colors are:

• 410 Corail Naturel – medium-light coral that leaves a sun-kissed tinge on my skin when fully blended out.  On my lips, it is just a tad too light, but it can be mixed with another shade for an ombre effect.
• 412 Orange Explosif – brightened medium vermillion with a blue-toned base.  Orange hues seldom work on me, but Orange Explosif has a beautiful effect on my skin and lips.
• 414 Tender Rose – muted medium pink with a slightly warm milky tinge.  It sheers out substantially on my skin, and on the lips it leaves a barely there my-lips-but-better tint.
• 416 Teasing Pink – brightened medium pink with a reddened base.  The perfect intensity to be worn both on the cheeks and lips.
• 418 Rouge Captivant – medium-dark warm-toned red.  Interestingly, the darker hue blends out sheerer than some of the other shades, making it more wearable on the cheeks than expected.
• 420 Burning Berry – is a blackened grape that also sheers out significantly, making it wearable on the cheeks.  It is a sophisticated hue that has a sculpting effect on the cheeks.

To accompany the release of the Lip Blush, Lucia Pica has designed 3 limited edition shades each of Rouge Coco Shine, Rouge Coco lipstick, Rouge Coco Stylo and Rouge Coco Gloss, making a total of 12 new lip colors.  I have just 3 of them, swatched below for your reference:

No new Chanel makeup collection is ever complete without some nail polishes.  And there are 6 limited edition shades of Chanel Le Vernis Longue Tenue.  The 4 I have are:

Rose Neon is an elasticized neon pink with a matte finish.  Violet Piquant is an electric indigo that starts out slightly sheer and requires 3 coats to be completely opaque.  Prune Dramatique and Brun Contraste are very similar, one pulls purple whilst the latter gravitates towards brown.  I was surprised by how long-lasting these shades are, they survived a whopping 7 days on me without the barest wearing off at the tips, which is completely unheard of for me!

In case you were wondering how the Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Blush looks on me, here is a full makeup look featuring Orange Explosif on my cheeks, and a combination of Orange Explosif and Tender Rose on my lips.

I’m loving the portability and ease of these Lip Blushes for travel and makeup on the go.  Once applied, they last all day on my cheeks without fading nor oxidizing!  A tiny bit goes a long way, so I first place a small amount on the back of my hand, and then apply to my cheeks by tapping with my fingers.  On my lips, it dries down to a sheer matte stain that feels comfortable, nourishing even, but it does not have any notable longevity.

Have you tried these yet?

_{This post featured products that were generously provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

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Coco Mademoiselle is one of the most iconic fragrances of our generation… every woman has at least given it a whiff if not owned it at some point in their lives.  So distinctive that even my male colleague and the lady working at my neighbourhood café are able to identify it from a distance.  It is hard to imagine anything that could top it, and Chanel has not released any flankers in the 17 years since Coco Mademoiselle was released… until now.

Coco Mademoiselle sparked a new olfactory movement when it was released in 2001, with its two-tiered composition that perfectly balances the freshness of citrus with the sensuality of patchouli.  Chanel had come up with the idea of redistilling patchouli to obtain a fraction that is pared down and dusted off, leaving only the thrill of its heart.  Now in 2018, Chanel introduces the Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense that pushes the boundaries to a new limit.

At first spritz, Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense has very much the same character as the original, with a brilliant juicy start.  They feel bigger and brighter than before, but also rounder and less tart.  Unlike the original, the citrus actually fades fairly quickly, never completely exiting the stage, but handing the limelight to patchouli.  It is still a clean and lively rendition, amplified and unapologetic.  I’m hardly a fan of big florals, but I found myself embracing the more prominent use of rose and jasmine.  Rather than teasing from the background, these now swirl together with patchouli in a sensual embrace.  There is a white creaminess from jasmine, intertwined with the aroma of vanilla and tonka bean.

Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense is a cleaner, more modern take that befits the 21st century woman.  I don’t miss the tangy aldehyde of old, and am very much in love with the more focused and seductive Coco Mademoiselle Intense.  It stays on my skin for a good 10 hours, fading gently thereafter but lingering on.  Both the longevity and sillage far exceeds the original Coco Mademoiselle EDP.  With Gabrielle [reviewed here],  N°5 L’eau and Chance Eau Vive, Olivier Polge has established himself as one of the top perfumers in the world, and takes his father’s legacy at the house of Chanel to a whole new level.

_{This post featured a product that was generously provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.} 

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I was hoping to be able to wrap up my mini-series covering all the hydration heroes last week , but work and travels got in the way.  Since taking on my current job (about 1.5 years ago), I’ve had to take on more travels, and even without mentioning how stressful air travel can be on the skin, varying bath water quality, irregular sleeping and eating patterns all take their toll.  And as I am turning 40 next year, I have learnt to appreciate the importance of hydration even more.  The range that I’ve fallen more and more in love with over the years, is Chanel’s Hydra Beauty.  I had test driven it at the onset of this blog, and then as my skin got drier the Micro Serum became an integral part of my personal lineup.  Now, the line has expanded and the formulation is better honed, so there is a Hydra Beauty specialist to fit into any regime and address your skincare needs.

At the heart of the Chanel Hydra Beauty collection is Mademoiselle Chanel’s favourite flower – the Camellia.  Specially grown and cultivated in the southwest of France, each camellia is hand-picked and quickly sent for cold-extraction to ensure maximum freshness.  Fresh camellia oil extract in its purest form is encapsulated in micro-droplets that burst upon contact with skin to release its full moisturising and nourishing properties.

Chanel uses an exclusive poly-fractionating (PFA) process that breaks down active ingredients to extract the purest form for optimal efficacy.  In addition to the Camellia PFA, Chanel has added Blue Ginger PFA for a strong antioxidant boost.  This pairing helps to activate the production of lipids supporting the skin barrier, and maintains skin’s moisture level.

Chanel launched the world’s first microfluidic serum in 2015 with the Hydra Beauty Micro Serum, which is one of my favourite hydrating product ever.  It is a crisp gel-like fluid that melts into the skin upon contact, penetrates deeply and provides an intense hydration boost right away.  My skin always feels much better plumped and stays that way for longer when I am using Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum than anything else.

To complement the serum, Chanel introduced the Hydra Beauty Micro Creme last year, which is the culmination of 5 high-tech patents.  The jelly-like texture explodes upon contact with the skin, releasing Camellia oil extract for an intense plumping effect.  I had travelled with this last winter, and was surprised at how well this Hydra Beauty Micro Crème kept my skin moisturized even when other thicker and richer creams failed.  The best part is that it still retains a light and crisp texture that does not clog nor weigh my skin down.

Celebrating the success of the line, Chanel now releases 2 brand new products to the family.  The Hydra Beauty Micro Liquid Essence combines the moisturizing properties of a skincare water with micro-droplets encapsulating the energizing and nourishing camellia.  Every bottle holds 3,000 micro-droplets, each filled with 50% fresh camellia cell active ingredients in its purest form, and activated only upon application on skin.  Like with all the others before it, this Essence is a dream-come-true for everyone with dry and/or dehydrated skin.

For the ultimate camellia indulgence, Chanel Hydra Beauty Masque de Nuit au Camelia soothes and pampers stressed skin.  This is a night-time sleeping mask that may be used both on the face and neck, as well as the lips.  It has a silky soft-cream texture that envelops the skin upon application, and then turns more fluid with fine water droplets after 2 minutes with some gentle massaging.  In addition to the core ingredients described above, this masque is also richly endowed with zinc, copper and magnesium to reactivate cellular oxygenation and helps stimulate the synthesis of ATP for more optimal cellular activity.  Overnight, my skin feels smoother, fresher and visibly more radiant.

Whatever your skin type or concern may be, I strongly encourage you to incorporate some element of hydration into your regular routine.  This is the basic building block of any good skincare regimen, but the form may vary depending on your need.  Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum is a holy-grail for me and I always have a bottle within easy reach.  The new Hydra Beauty Micro Liquid Essence is a wonderful alternative for those who already have too many serums and creams, and/or prefer something even lighter.  I would recommend the Micro Crème for night-time and dry climates, and especially if your skin is very dry and dehydrated.  Finally, the Masque de Nuit is a wonderful weekly treat, and I intend to bring this with me on every trip from now on!

_{This post featured products that were generously provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

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Chanel has been seducing us with its nude summer beauty looks for years now, and this Summer 2018 it gets even better than ever!  With perfected natural skin, glowy sculpted contours, and a range of eye and lip colours to flatter your skin tone.  Say hello to the latest class of Chanel Les Beiges!

There is nothing sexier than bare skin, and Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer is the perfect choice for those who are looking to perfect their complexion subtly, without full-on makeup.  It is as lightweight as the best fluid moisturizer out there, and it blends into the skin imperceptibly with the merest touch of the fingers (no tools required!).  It is far lighter than any BB or CC creams I’ve ever tried, even more so than the most luxurious in its class such as this and this.

This is not something I’d recommend for those looking to conceal, but if you are spending the day by the beach or poolside, Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer is a nifty multi-tasker that takes care of your skin’s hydration needs, provides some SPF30/PA++ sun protection and minimal color correction.  On me, it doesn’t cover my acne scars, but adequately conceals my dark circles and redness.  I love that it leaves a healthy, glowy finish to my skin, that looks like I’ve spent all afternoon in the sun.  There are 6 shades available, and the one in Medium suits my NC25 skin perfectly.

^{**Click on image to enlarge and zoom}

Of course, every year fans look forward to the latest iteration of the Chanel Les Beige Healthy Glow Powder and this year’s Luminous Multi-Coloured Powder is even more gorgeous than before.  The striped design is reminiscent of the Mariniere range from 2016, whilst the ripped surface is similar to last year’s Poudre Belle Mine Ensoleillee.

This year’s Healthy Glow Luminous Multi-Coloured Powder gives the same luminous, sunlit glow as all its predecessors.  Though the middle coloured stripe is rather light and not quite suitable as a blush on its own, the combination of shades make this palette completely customizable.  You can get a darker shade that is more suitable for contouring by concentrating your brush on the upper half of the palette; or swirl your brush all over the palette or concentrate on the lower half for a all-over bronzer.  It complements the Tinted Moisturizer above beautifully, helping to set and extend the wear of the other without adding weight or cakiness.  There are 3 shades (light/medium/deep), and the one I have here is Medium which I love.

I swatched the various stripes of colours from top to bottom, going left to right below:

Going along the lines of naturally flattering hues for different skin tone intensities, Chanel introduces the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette in 3 different variations.  Personally, I’m not altogether sure if one needs to necessarily abide by the light-medium-deep divide, because I can see myself wearing all 3 palettes.  But in any case, my favourite is the Light palette shown below, which appears to be pink-purple hued, but on my cool-toned complexion, applies like neutral taupe.

Here are the swatches in case you are interested:

Swatched in clockwise direction, starting from the top.  From left to right, the shades are:

• Pale pink with a satin finish and a sprinkling of champagne micro-shimmers.  Good for highlighting.
• Light pink with a stronger red-pull than the one above, more translucent base and warmer golden micro-shimmers.  This one is good for inner corner highlight, or for emphasizing the middle of the lids.
• Dark plummy brown with a satin finish and some sparse violet micro-shimmers.  This shade is incredibly smooth easy to wear.  I was surprised it applies more brown as it appears purple in the pan.
• Medium-light purple-taupe with a shimmery finish
• Medium-light barley brown with a warm golden frost

This palette reminded me of a couple of my favourite Tom Ford eyeshadows, and I decided to do some comparison swatches to satisfy my curiosity..

Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Enchanted was one of those palettes that everybody loved and despaired when it was discontinued.  Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette in Light may not be a spot-on dupe, but it is certainly close enough.

The other was Tom Ford’s Eye & Cheek “Cool” Palette from Winter 2016.  Again the shades are very close, except for a brightened, frosty pink shimmer shade.  That palette contained a blush and highlighter, but retailed for a rather rich price and has been discontinued.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette in Light really surprised me by how beautiful it looks, and it’s clear to me that Lucia Pica really *gets* women.  I’m not one who easily embraces “neutral” palettes as they are often much too warm, too brown, and too matte for me.  And from initial looks of this palette, it may not seem like your typical “neutral” palette, but for ladies like me, who are cooler-toned and who need some elegant shimmers to wake up those eyes, this one is perfect.

One of my personal favourite items from the Chanel Les Beiges collections every year is the Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick.  These creamy sticks glide on smoothly, and 1 swipe is all that is needed to deposit sufficient colour for a healthy flush.  They are a dream to blend, and is as easy to work with fingers as it is with a brush or sponge.  The best part is that it does not oxidize nor fade off with the day.

This year’s addition – shade No. 25 – is the brightest and boldest yet.  It is a brightened salmon with a strong red-pull and an overall neutral-ish tone.  It is in sharp contrast to last year’s shades (23 & 24) which were more muted.

And perhaps the greatest surprise yet is that Chanel finally has some (sort of) lip color for the Les Beiges line!  The Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Lip Balm has a creamy glide on the lips, and pampers even my most chapped lips without leaving a heavy sticky petroleum aftermath.  There are again 3 variations – Light/Medium/Deep – and the shade that I have here is Light.

These lip balms leave a noticeable tint of colour on the lips, bringing life to the complexion without trying too hard.  The light shade is a lovely vermillion, though on my rather pigmented lips I’d consider it my-lips-but-better.

And to put everything into context – I am wearing Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette in Light on my eyes; Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick No.25 on my cheekbones and Luminous Multi-Coloured Powder in Medium to sculpt; and Healthy Glow Lip Balm in Light on my lips.  The only thing missing here is the Tinted Moisturizer as it is much too sheer for a day at the office.

Chanel Les Beiges 2018 is truly a fabulous and incredibly sexy collection!  Do check them out in stores!

_{This post featured products that were generously provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

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The Royal Wedding had us all enthralled last weekend, although to be honest I missed the live telecast and had to catch up online.  What impressed me most was the beautiful #MarkleSparkle, her glowy skin and airy gossamer play of colour that is so elegant and pure.  I loved that moment during the ceremony when she snuck a sideways glance at her husband, and the most genuine shy smile broke across her face.  That look really sang out to me in more ways than I can imagine, not least of which is how the transparency of it all is so on trend for this season.  Though it is rumoured that Meghan Markle wore Dior makeup, I am personally favouring Chanel’s take with the Éclat et Transparence Collection for Cruise 2018.

Eclat et Transparence de Chanel is an airy vision of beauty, just-warmed skin beautifully highlighted with plays of light.  To achieve this, Chanel presents us with several wonderful options, all guaranteed to transform us into delectable goddesses from head to toe.

For this eye look, I started by applying the bronze shade from Éclat Enigmatic all over the lid, followed by the steely black on the outer corner.  Next, I dabbed some of the red on the middle of the lid, and white on the inner corner.  I lined my upper lash line with Stylo Yeux Charme, blending out with more black; and lined lower lash line with Revelation.

The Chanel Le Rouge Crayon de Couleur is my favourite lipcolor formula ever, and I simply can’t get enough of them.  This season, there are 4 new shades, and I have swatched 2 of them above.  Both shades give that perfect juicy pout, and have a slightly warm undertone that suits the summer sunshine without turning my teeth too yellow.  You can wear them full-on, polished and perfected; or blot them down and smudge with a finger for that casual bitten look.  I also love layering Ultra Rose over Rose Shocking for an ombre effect.

Here is a full makeup look featuring Eclat Enigmatique on the eyes, Palette Essentielle Ete Eclat Solaire on the cheeks and high points of the face, and Le Rouge Crayon de Couleur Ultra Rose on the lips.

No Chanel makeup collection is ever complete without some fresh Chanel Le Vernis.  There are 3 shades this season – LÉGÈRETÉ, an elegant jade green; CHICNESS, chic medium mauve; and HALO, a pale milky pink.  Both LÉGÈRETÉ and CHICNESS wore incredibly well, lasting up to 5 days on my nails with just slight signs of tip wear.  I struggled a little with brush streaks with HALO as is usually the case with such light colors, although it did even out nicely on its own.

The Chanel Éclat et Transparence Collection is out in stores now, have you seen it yet?

_{This post featured products that were generously provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

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The humble facial cleanser gets a facelift this season.  Chanel has made a bold move to completely remove traditional segregations by product lines, and focus on developing a family of cleansers suitable for all skin types.

Instead of ephemeral claims on skincare benefits, Chanel has reformulated its family of cleansers to be equally effective at removing makeup, pollution and grime.  All 4 members contain blue micro-algae to help fight against pre-mature aging from pollution; and marine salicornia extract to boost skin’s ability to regulate water levels.

Each Chanel cleanser bear a different texture to meet every skin type and preference.  I like L’huile to dissolve makeup at the end of a long day, and follow up with La Mousse for a fresh clean sensation.  In the mornings, I enjoy waking up to Le Lait Fraicheur D’eau; and prefer Le Lait Douceur D’huile when my skin is feeling stressed.

All 4 rinses off well with water without leaving an oily film on my skin.  You may also remove the Le Lait Fraicheur D’Eau and Le Lait Douceur D’huile with a cotton pad to aid with makeup removal.  The only exception is the La Mousse which foams up nicely (not too much that it dries out my skin) when mixed with water.  All 4 are so gentle they may be used on the eyes and lips as well.

Pick and choose the textures you prefer, or mix them up on a daily basis by listening to your skin’s needs.  Whichever you choose, enjoy the same luxurious pampering you deserve!

_{This post featured products that were generously provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

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Fall is one of my favourite seasons, and this round Chanel is bringing fashion runway sensibilities to life.  Apotheosis Le Mat de Chanel plays with textures to create visual intensity, creating mesmerising gazes to bold unapologetic lips and edgy tips.  There is plenty to explore, with a variety of options to achieve Lucia Pica’s tailored femme fatale look.

The colour palette brings together rich earthy autumnal tones together with emotive shades in striking matte finishes.  In designing this collection, Lucia Pica started with the concept of matte, and imagined the ideal woman to be “confident, sophisticated and elegant; intellectual but still daring.  She’s completely unapologetic – my favorite kind of woman!”.

Let’s start with Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quiet Revolution since it is the most eye-catching of the collection.  With its matte finish – not just in pigment but the palette casing itself is unequivocally matte and chic; Quiet Revolution demands to be seen and held.  There are not 1 but 2 shades of blue, paired with a soft brown-black to further intensify the look.

Swatched in clockwise direction starting from top left of palette:

• Light mauve which gives an interesting duality to the blues when layered together, and blends out beautifully and seamlessly
• Deep teal blue that pulls green on my skin tone, and is perhaps the weakest shade in the palette as it felt slightly dry and applied patchy, thought still manageable
• Soft brown-black, lovely alternative to traditional black, and makes a much more modern liner and base shade in this configuration
• Electric blue with the most amazing intensity and pigmentation!  Blue is often the hardest colour to perfect in makeup, and Chanel has outdone itself with this shade.

Here is a sample eye makeup look featuring Quiet Revolution:

For the classic makeup lovers, Chanel has the ultimate neutral palette that transcends ages.  Chanel Les 4 Ombres Clair Obscur features 4 neutral-toned shades of taupe, beige and brown that is both mysterious and soothing.

When swatched in clockwise direction, starting from top left of the palette:

From left to right, the shades are:

• Medium brown with a slightly dusty-hued base
• Light taupe beige that is gorgeous as a standalone allover shade
• Dark espresso brown with fabulous smoothness and richness
• Pale beige that is so fine it almost crumbles in the pan when picking up

And here is a sample eye makeup look…

To be honest I surprised myself with this eye makeup look, because it is so easy to create and turned out far better than I expected since I don’t usually fare so well with matte shades on my crepe-y lids.  Clair Obscur is an incredibly easy palette to wear, and is one of very few brown-themed palettes that pulls cool.

New this season is the Stylo Ombre et Contour, a jumbo kohl liner-eyeshadow pencil.  This is a permanent product offering, 3 of which are part of the Apotheosis Collection (2 limited edition shades + 1 permanent).  I will review these separately in another post coming up real soon, so stay tuned.

One of my favorites in this Apotheosis, Le Mat de Chanel Collection are the new Le Rouge Crayon de Couleur Mat.  I had reviewed the regular Le Rouge Crayon in a glossy finish when they were first launched last year [read here]; and now they are available in a matte finish!  Accordingly, the body of these crayons are dressed in matte black, and the caps have been updated such that it clicks when completely closed and do not fall out in your purse.  The twist-up and down mechanism remains the same, and the formula has the same comfortable lightweight texture and easy glide.  It has amazing longevity for something this comfortable and easy to apply, surviving through a heavy lunch and well through the day!

There are 6 shades available, of which only Impulsion is limited edition.  I have 4 of them, and the lip swatches are above.  For your information, I normally apply a light layer of lip balm before I start putting on makeup, and I apply my lipstick at the very end so that the balm had 15-20 minutes to fully sink in.  This also explains why there is a light shiny finish to my lip swatches.  Make no mistake, these Le Rouge Crayon de Couleur Mats are quite matte and the colour pigmentation is very intense.  However, they are in no way flat, but mould to the lips in a natural dimensional way.  You can get a very precise line around the edges of the lips using the pointed tip of the crayon, or feather them out using a brush like I did with Impulsion.  I also like wearing my lip colours slightly blotted down for the day by just pursing my lips together and dabbing with a finger like in Impact.  Discretion is a little drier and too yellow for my skin tone.

If matte lips are not your cup of tea, then you can opt for a sheer glossy stain with 4 new shades of Chanel Rouge Allure Ink [formula reviewed here].  These are lightweight, easy to wear either full on pigmented or sheered out to a stain.  1 of the shades offered this season (#172 xpression) is limited edition, whilst the other 3 are permanent.  I have swatched 2 of them from this collection above, and I must say Euphoria has become one of my favorites ever since I got it!  I like to dab just a little bit to the center of my lips and feather out like the Koreans!

To finish up the face, Chanel has also released a Joues Contraste #440 Quintessence to complement this collection.  Even though it looks quite pink in the pan, Quintessence swatches out to a pinky-mauve with a neutral tone.  There is some micro-shimmer in the pan, but it applies quite matte on my skin.  I’m usually a big fan of Chanel’s Joues Contraste formula, but for some reason I found Quintessence to not as smooth as the rest and applied somewhat patchy either with a brush or fingertips.

Taking the cool editorial look down to the fingertips, Chanel has released 2 limited edition Le Vernis Velvet.  Ultime is a classic red whilst Profondeur is a deep wine hue.  Both have a matte finish, which you can top with a matte top coat to extend longevity.  Alternatively, layer with a glossy top coat to change up the look next season!  These apply smoothly and are fully opaque with 2 coats.

Here is a full makeup look featuring Les 4 Ombres Quiet Revolution on the eyes, Joues Contraste Quintessence on the cheeks and Le Rouge Crayon de Couleur Mat in Excess on the lips.

And another featuring Les 4 Ombres Clair Obscur on the eyes, Joues Contraste Quintessence on cheeks, and Le Crayon de Couleur Mat in Discretion on the lips.

Which look do you prefer?

_{This post featured products that were generously provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

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The post Chanel Stylo Ombre et Contour, Dimensions Ultimes de Chanel & La Base Ombres a Paupieres appeared first on Silverkis' World.

Chanel has been hitting us hard and fast with new launches this year, and I’m loving it!  The brand already has an extensive range of foundations, and has been expanding the offerings first with the stellar Gel Touch Foundation [reviewed here], now with a new Chanel Vitalumiere Glow Cushion!

Chanel’s Vitalumiere line has been well-loved by fans for its hydrating and brightening properties.  From the original satin smooth liquid foundation to an ultra lightweight variant to a compact powder, there is something for everyone.  And now, the Vitalumiere Glow Cushion adds a new dimension to the line-up, a travel-friendly compact with the same complexion-enhancing formula.

The cushion itself is another novelty from Chanel.  It is quite firm and does not sink in when pressed, yet it contains a generous dose of the foundation so that a gentle touch picks up enough product for half my face.  The formula also boasts of skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid derivative to lock in water and ensure 8 hours hydration.  Aqueous walnut extract provides antioxidant benefit, licorice extract brightens dull complexions, and SPF 15 provides some protection from the sun.

^{**Please click on image to open in a separate window and zoom}

Chanel Vitalumiere Glow Cushion is lightweight and yet provides good medium buildable coverage, evening out skintone and concealing my dark circles.  Soft focus powders refine the skin texture, blurring away the appearance of pores and bumps.  The shade N20 is a good match for me, and yet it has a brightening effect that erases dullness and signs of fatigue.  There is a glowy finish that best suits dry skin, those with oily or combination skin may prefer to finish with powder.

Compared to the previous Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation, this provides better coverage and is better suited for a day at the office.  Each cushion retails for SGD90 which is comparable to the Gel Touch, but contains more product at 15gm (versus 11gm before).  Chanel Vitalumiere Glow Cushion will be launched in Singapore from 24 August in CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty Boutiques and from 31 August in all CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty Counters.

_{This post featured a product that was kindly provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

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Hello October!  Another quarter has passed, and I feel immensely accomplished to be able to empty out yet another bumper crop of products.  Personally I look forward to writing these post the most nowadays, because it truly reflects how I feel about each of the items.  Through July – September, I managed to finish up not only my usual range of products, but also a good amount of things that have taken far too long.  Let’s take a closer look after the jump!

Skincare

As always, skincare make up the bulk of my empties post.  What made this round most satisfying is that I am finally done with some samples that have been residing in my travel pouch for more than a year.  Some went more quickly whilst others were just good enough to keep around but didn’t knock my socks off.  There were also a number that are near expiry and I managed to “rescue” from the depths of my hoards in time.  I classified them by product types for ease of comparison, and numbered in the picture below.

Makeup removers:

1. Neutrogena Deep Clean Oil to Foam* is the 3rd bottle that I’ve emptied [see here and here].  As before, I use it mainly to remove swatches from my arm, but if I didn’t have such an extensive reserve I would gladly use it on my face as well.
2. Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil* has attained cult status on social media, but frankly I am not a fan.  The smell isn’t pleasant, and it broke me out.  On the positive side, it cleanses really well, and does not leave a greasy after-feel.  Funny story, I recently stained a pastel blouse with chilli oil and no amount of washing detergent put a dent on the stain.  In the end I figured nothing removes oil better than oil itself, so I applied this MCO to the stain.  Right away the stain lightened!  It still took several rounds of MCO + detergent and soaking overnight to completely remove the stain, but it worked.  So the next time you have the same encounter you know what to do!
3. Caudalie Make-up Removing Cleansing Oil* is a sample from one of my Lookfantastic beauty boxes, and it is SO GOOD!  Lightweight, cleanses beautifully, and leaves my skin looking better and better every day.  It is formulated from natural plant oils (sunflower seed, sweet almond and grape seed) and filled with antioxidant vitamin E.  Go ahead and shop here [affiliated link]!
4. Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil* [reviewed here] is one of my staples and I have a couple more backups in my stash.  Skin-loving yet cleanses thoroughly without breaking me out.  If you’ve not tried this best-seller from Shu Uemura, you need to do so now!

Facial cleansers:

5. The Body Shop Drops of Youth Gentle Foamwash* is self-foaming which I like for a pampering morning routine. It is enriched with 3 plant stem cells: edelweiss from the Italian alps, criste marine and sea holly from the Brittany coast and Community Trade organic babassu oil from Brazil; all to boost skin renewal. For all its benefits though, my skin didn’t really respond well to it. It didn’t break me out nor dry out my skin either, so I forced myself to use it up.
6. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Caring Wash* was part of my spring-summer transitional line-up, and I had promised the PR to feature it on my social channels.  In the end, I just found the range so blah I kept postponing it.  This cleanser is the only item from the 3-piece set they sent me that I finished, and I can only say that if your skin is highly reactive and sensitized, this will baby your skin like no other.  It doesn’t clean particularly well, and if you use heavy night creams or have oily skin, then this is insufficient on its own.  I used it as the 2nd part of my double cleanse routine, and only after long trips when my skin is feeling stressed out.
7. Elemis Superfood Facial Wash* is another gem from my Lookfantastic beauty box.  It is the first green facial cleanser I’ve ever used, and it even smells green.  All thanks to a cocktail of wheatgrass, kale and nettle; all intended to feed essential nutrients back to the skin.  I actually fell in love with this cleanser because it is so good!  It cleanses thoroughly in the most gentle way, leaving my skin feeling plump and healthy.  I started using it whilst on a work trip, and couldn’t put it down after I returned that it was completely used up in 2 weeks.  This is now on my list for the next time I need to purchase a cleanser!  You can get yours here with free shipping now [unaffiliated link].

Lotions & Essences:

8. Cosme Decorte AQ Lotion* is from the prestigious brand’s recently revamped line, and it not only hydrates the skin but also contains birch water to tighten pores and refine skin’s texture.  White mucuna extract banishes dullness and improves skin clarity.  The Decorte routine actually puts a moisturizing emulsion ahead of the lotion, which is the opposite of most other Western-style routine.  When I tried to incorporate the Decorte AQ Lotion into my existing routine I found it to be too stripping.  But when I applied a layer of emulsion right after cleansing before patting on the lotion, it leaves my skin refreshed and plumped.
9. YSL Or Rouge Lotion* is from YSL’s luxurious anti-aging Or Rouge line.  The key component is the Or Rouge Complex formulated using glycan from the pistil of saffron which has regenerative properties and returns a youthful glow to the skin.  The Lotion is the cheapest and easiest way to experience the line, although I personally think there are better lotions out there at this price point.
10. Cle de Peau Beaute Essential Correcting Refiner is one of those products that I ran out to purchase immediately upon its release, but promptly forgot about until months before expiration.  It has a colloidal texture that needs a good shake before saturating a cotton pad and patting to the skin.  Illuminating Complex evens out skin tone; Surface Refining Complex smoothens out rough patches; and sebum absorption powder keeps skin matte.  On my sensitive skin, I found this to be really irritating – my breakouts worsened and I developed sensitive red patches on my cheeks.  After trying to live with this for the past 3 months, I gave up on the final drops and decided to bin this.  Probably best suited for oily, acne-prone skin.

Serums & others:

11. Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum* is HG for me, and a staple in my morning routine [reviewed here].  I travel with it, and simply cannot live without it.
12. SUQQU Moisture Repair Essence is technically designed to be used before lotion, but it has a milky rich texture that I prefer to apply after lotion, before moisturizer.  It is supposed to soften the layers of the skin, promote skin metabolism and restore resiliency and suppleness.  For a hydrating serum/essence, I find it inferior to the Chanel Hydra Beauty, and definitely insufficient on its own for travels / dry climates.  On the other hand, the texture is too rich for hot, humid climates in Singapore.
13. Skin Inc My Daily Dose of Vitamins ABC+* contains encapsulated Vitamin B3 and pro-Vitamin B5 to nourish, protect, and diminish the appearance of spots and blemishes.  Antioxidant Vitamin C fights free radicals and prevents aging.  As with every other bottle of Skin Inc serum, this layers incredibly well and provides hydrating benefits to my skin.  Everything else is minimal.
14. Origins Dr Weil Mega-Defense SPF45/PA++++* is a lovely light-weight texture that layers beautifully with makeup.  I like the high sun protection factor, and will happily restock this if ever I run out of sunscreens.  Check out the full review here.
15. Lancôme Absolue Nourishing Lip Balm* is soooo good I’m actually really upset that I finished this!  It is lightweight and yet so soothing and nourishing on my chapped lips.  Some lip balms are just too balmy, leaving a greasy after-feel that I can’t go and kiss my little one goodnight.  Others are too light they don’t do a thing for my lips.  Lancôme got this perfectly nailed, and a tiny bit is all you need.  This tube lasted me for 2 years even though I use it every single night.  I’m going through the rest of my extensive stash right now, but already I know I need to replace this asap.

Hair & Bodycare

It takes me much longer to complete bodycare items than skincare, so it is with lots of pride that I am able to show you these today.

Haircare:

1. Percy & Reed Wonder Wash Shampoo & Conditioner* are not only adorable to look at, they are also every bit as perfect as claimed.  These are not filled with silicones like so many other hair products out there, and still they leave my hair soft and smooth.  They smell great too which is always a nice bonus.
2. Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumizing Paste* is my first encounter with the brand, and I was really excited because I’ve heard nothing but great things about Christophe Robin.  I love that it is 85% natural, which is really rare in haircare products.  The paste texture is surprising, what is even more interesting is that it transforms quickly into a light foam once mixed with water.  It deep cleanses my hair and leaves it feeling crisp and cool.  Unfortunately this Cleansing Volumizing Paste is designed for fine hair, on mine it made my hair stiff and unyielding.  I couldn’t even get through this mini sample, though I’d love to try other items fro the brand.

Bodycare:

3. Lush Yuzu and Cocoa Shower Cream* is not only refreshing in the shower, it is also moisturizing on my skin.
4. Molton Brown Pink Pepper Bath & Shower Gel* is a unisex scent and an invigorating way to start the morning.
5. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndat AP+* is a very lush shower cream designed for eczema-sufferers.  I put this aside specially for my 5-year old son, and it is truly beneficial for him.  It prevents his skin from drying out and now that we emptied this, his skin seems to be worse than before.  For everybody else, this can take some getting used to because it leaves a sort of film on the skin.  However if you have a propensity for dermatitis, you should check this one out.
6. The Body Shop British Rose Exfoliating Gel Body Scrub* is very fine for a body scrub, and it smells amazing.  The British Rose is one of my favourite lines from The Body Shop, and this is no exception.
7. The Body Shop Spa of the World Atlantic Seaweed Cream* is a light gel-like moisturizer that is a real pleasure to use when the weather is hot.  It also soothes irritated skin, I’ve tried using it on my son and it not only doesn’t sting his eczema skin, it also stops the itchiness.
8. Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant is the most expensive deodorant I’ve ever used, but it also lasts forever.  I use this every day and it took me a year to empty.  For those natural product buffs, the lack of aluminium, alcohol and parabens put this one top of the list.  More importantly it works well at keeping away the sweaties.
9. L’Occitane Almond Velvet Hands* is lovely for dry hands, and I especially appreciate the SPF15 sun protection.  The texture is silky and it does not leave a greasy film.
10. Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Hand Cream* is a very rich and reparative hand cream.  It is heavily fragranced though and the scent lingers for quite a while afterwards.

Makeup

There were a number of other items that I was hoping would make it into this round of empties, but then I was away for most of September so I was using stuff from my travel pouch instead.  The 3 makeup items that I cleared were:

1. Chanel Les Beige Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation is the first cushion from Chanel and it is the lightest across my collection.  This is really lovely for mid-day touch-ups as it does not erase all the blusher and highlighter, yet still blots and evens out the skin nicely.  Take a look at my full review here.
2. Lancôme Sourcils Styler* is a brow gel that holds strands in place without turning them crispy and thick.  This is the tinted brown version which gives my brows a fuller look.  I like the small brush applicator tip of this one, it grabs the hairs effectively without being so large it stains the skin outside of the brows.
3. YSL The Shock Mascara* is frankly not one of my favourite mascaras.  The formula is clumpy and I found it hard to work with the brush.  I’m glad to be done with this, and have already moved onto others.

And that concludes yet another volume of #Empties post.  It has been a marathon of a read, so I’m really touched that you made it this far.  There are a lot of uncovered treasures in this quarter’s crop of products, and some that are just meh.  I tried to give a fair assessment regardless of their price points, and whether they are sponsored (indicated with *) or purchased by me.  If I had to pick my top 3 from these to replenish, they would be – Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum, Lancôme Absolue Nourishing Lip Balm, and Elemis Superfood Facial Wash!

Have you tried anything and/or have an opinion on any of the products discussed today?

_{This post featured many items that were generously provided by various brands for my consideration.  Each of them are indicated by an (*) next to their names.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

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It is exactly a year since Lucia Pica first introduced Le Lion de Chanel into the makeup line, immortalizing an icon of the house’s haute joaillerie in a much more accessible and equally covetable collector’s piece.  And now, taking the grandeur and enigma of the lion further is the latest holiday 2018 Collection Libre 2018: Maximalisme de Chanel.

For Collection Libre 2018, the motif of the lion has been expertly etched onto 2 exclusive creations.  Through metallic finishes, Lucia Pica has breathed a jewel-like sense of preciousness to the pieces, like arcane coinage.  Each of the Ombre Premiere Poudre are exquisite and dazzling to look at, and though they are relatively basic hues, the complexity as light reflects off at varying angles is beyond measure.

There are 4 limited edition Creation Exclusive Ombre Premiere Poudre [unfortunately only 3 were available when I was photographing this collection], each bearing the lion motif.  This is packaged like the usual Chanel Ombre Premiere Longwear Powder Eyeshadow [review here], with a small but rather useful brush in addition to the usual throwaway sponge applicator.  I was really dreading dipping my fingers into these precious pans, but I ventured with one of them just to get a sense of the texture.  Due to the higher amounts of shimmers contained in these 4 exclusive creations, I feel it is grittier and hence less smooth than usual for Chanel.  But they apply fine with a brush.  I do get some fallouts from these, so a good primer is recommended.  Here are the swatches:

• Electrum Lame (905) is a pale gold with a metallic finish.  This is somewhat sheer in the base and has visible silver and gold shimmers, hence it is a great topper on the lids and even used very lightly as highlighter.  It is buildable though, and becomes even more intense when applied with a damp brush.
• Vert Lame (906) is a dark blackened green (or more accurately black with a hint of moss) with a satin finish, and filled with emerald, lilac and pale gold micro-shimmers.  This one feels somewhat dry and does not apply as smoothly as expected, but it builds up to an amazing intensity for gorgeous smoky eyes.
• Cuivre Lame (907) is the one missing from the pictures here, and is possibly my favourite from the bunch.  It is a warm coppery-bronze with light champagne and purple micro-shimmers.  Cuivre Lame applies the best out of the 4, which is not a surprise as such bronze shades tend to be quite well formulated in general.
• Noir Lame (908) is perhaps the cooler-toned shade in the collection due to the slightly purplish undertone and striking green micro-shimmers.  It is an interesting take on black, and applies well if you consider most blacks tend to be on the drier side.  The shimmers don’t show up as much as the other shades, but when applied damp, the green really pops.

There is also 1 Ombre Premiere Longwear Cream Eyeshadow in shade Rose Lame (826) included in the collection.  Rose Lame is a pale warm-toned pink with a pearl finish and a touch of shimmer.  It is an unusual shade for a holiday collection and the shade does not show up well on my skintone, but adds a bit of complexity when layered to the powder shadows and is lovely as a under-brow highlight.

Le Lion de Chanel is the 3rd illuminating powder bearing this motif [there were 2 released last year – reviewed here].  This year’s rendition is a golden peach with a shimmery finish.  It is slightly sheer, the way most good highlighters are, thus allowing for a natural application and can be built up to full coverage with a more intense shine.  In comparison with last year’s Or Blanc, this is warmer toned though the formula is the same.  Unfortunately I missed Or Rose, and am not able to compare them for you.

The third exclusive creation presents a contrast to all the metallics above.  The La Palette Caractere features 5 of Lucia Pica’s favourite lip colors in a variety of satin/velvet/matte.  All the shades are rich and bold, making for a statement look whichever one you choose.  I swatched them in order they are arranged on the palette using the brush that came with the palette.  As expected, you never get the full on intensity of pigmentation with a brush than if you apply straight from a tube, but the beauty of a palette is the ability to get creative.

In case palettes are not your cup of tea, and you prefer something easier to carry in a purse for touch-up, Chanel offers just one tube lipstick this season.  It is no ordinary lipstick, but the Rouge Allure Velvet in No.5.  It comes in an exclusive limited edition red casing and is a saturated, vivid cool-toned red.  Chanel’s Rouge Allure Velvet formula is creamy and is non-drying on the lips, and has amazing longevity on the lips.

A party is not a party without some pizzazz on the lips!  I am almost never an advocate for glosses, but this collection’s Rouge Coco Gloss in Flaming Lips is magnificent!  It offers full coverage, and the red with golden shimmers start Christmas carols tolling in my head.  Liquid Bronze is a sophisticated take on the nude lip, and looks really elegant with the classic black/smoky eye.

Before I wrap this post up with a couple of makeup looks, I would like to show you the 2 Le Vernis from this collection.

Opulence on the left is a medium bronze shimmery metallic with a slightly green undertone.  Bronzes usually are a breeze to apply, but I found Opulence to apply patchy.  Notwithstanding, the formula is self-levelling and elegant to wear in any occasion.  Flamboyance is a dark sexy red with micro-shimmers, more visible than the usual hidden shimmers that Chanel employs.  As with all of Chanel’s famed reds, Flamboyance applies like a dream, a one-coat wonder.

And now onto the makeup looks!

This is a easy nude look for everyday wear… I started by applying Rose Lame as a base all over my lids.  Then I simply smudged Noir Lame along my lash line as a dark liner, and feathered Vert Lame up to mid-lid and outwards for an angled corner.  I dabbed some Electrum Lame on my inner corner to brighten.  The lips are dressed simply with the darkest shade on La Palette Caractere and topped with Liquid Bronze.  I have Le Lion de Chanel on my cheek bones too, but you can’t really see it here.

This next look is mostly similar, except I dabbed on Cuivre Lame to the inner half of my lid and skipped Rose Lame as a base.  The lips are the striking difference here – I applied Rouge Allure Velvet No. 5 topped with Flaming Lips, which is the best red lip ever imho!

What do you think of the use of the lion motif in this Le Libre Maximalisme Collection de Chanel?  Are you picking up any of the pieces?

_{This post featured some products that were generously provided for my consideration (and some I bought).  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

The post Swatches & Review of Chanel Le Libre Maximalisme appeared first on Silverkis' World.

The onset of spring should be a time of celebration as sunshine returns and everything is new and fresh again.  It has always perplexed me that spring makeup tends towards pale washed out hues, but Chanel has me all excited now with a whole new vivacious collection that is anything but ordinary.  The new Vision d’Asie: L’Art du Detail Spring 2019 Collection seeks to sculpt the facial contours with pearly luminescence, and contrast that with vivid hues on the eyes and lush matte lips.

“The beauty of imperfection makes sense to me in terms of what I do –

I want something that feels alive.” – Lucia Pica

With this Spring 2019 collection, Chanel introduces a brand new product – the Baume Essentiel.  Designed to be used on the face, lips and eyes, the Baume Essentiel brings light to the high points of the face to provide a soft sculptural effect.  Inspired by her travels to Japan and South Korea, Lucia Pica has created a product that helps to add a dewy freshness to the complexion.

The sleek tube fits snugly in my palm and is easy to carry around.  At the same time, it is a great size for swiping directly on the cheeks, and may be easily picked up using the new Pinceau Illuminateur Retractable brush.  The cream texture glides on easily without causing underlying makeup to budge, yet it does not feel heavy nor slides as the day progresses.  There are 2 shade options – Transparent and Sculpting, the latter has a slight peach tint though the difference is imperceptible on my skin .  The Baume Essentiel creates a dewy glow on the skin without any hint of shimmer, thus creates a natural-looking healthy skin effect.  Mix it with blush for a translucent cheek; apply on eyelids or center of lips for a glossy finish; or sweep it over stray brows to define the arch.

The palette that captured my imagination was the Chanel Les 9 Ombres Edition No.2 Quintessence.  I loved last year’s rendition [reviewed here] and was excited to see a new variation this spring.  The colours are vaguely familiar, with some blues, greens, and red tones thrown in.  Regardless, Edition No.2 Quintessence runs brighter and has a greater range of finishes.

I have swatched the shades according to their respective placement in the palette.  The shades are:

1. Light platinum with a satin base and lots of silver shimmers thrown in

2. Dark chocolate brown with a reddened base and a matte finish

3. Medium brick red with a warm undertone and a satin finish

4. Light champagne with a shimmery finish

5. Light gold with a shimmery finish

6. Medium satiny gold green with a hint of golden micro-shimmers

7. Light taupe with a matte finish.  This shade is very close to my skintone, so it does not show up well on me.

8. Deep petrol blue with a matte finish

9. Dark dusty blue with a matte finish

All the shades were soft to the touch and well pigmented, and particularly noteworthy for the blues as these shades often tend to be dry.  The hues complement each other well, and it is easy and intuitive to create various looks.  From a bare wash of neutral for an easy day at the office, to smokey looks for dinners and events, this is truly the Quintessence of makeup.

To complete any makeup look you whip up, you need god options for the lips.  Lucia Pica loves contrasts in makeup, and to set off the dewy skin, she has chosen to drape the lips in two matte textures.  For those seeking rich, creamy finishes, look no farther than Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet.  Since it is spring, I personally prefer a slightly undone, blended look offered by the Chanel Rouge Allure Liquid Powder.  The makeup look above feature red-brown hues from Les 9 Ombres No. 2 Quintessence palette, dewy skin thanks to Baume Essentiel in transparent, and Rouge Allure Liquid Powder in Bittersweet.  Here are swatches of the shades that I have:

The Rouge Allure Liquid Powder is a relatively new-ish product in the Chanel family, and an improved version of the powder lip concept that the brand first introduced last spring [see here].  The sleek purse-friendly tube dispenses with a simple squeeze, and a sponge tip applies and blends directly on the lip without need for messy fingers nor additional brush.  The Rouge Allure Liquid Powder has a creamy fluid texture but dries down upon application to a soft matte powder finish.  I found it easy to blend out to a stain, and to build up to a bolder more opaque look.  It has good longevity, lasting a good 6 hours on me generally but goes away with eating.  For a matte and especially a powder product, this does not dry out my lips at all!

Below is another makeup look featuring a very light-handed take of the blue tones from Les 9 Ombres No. 2 Quintessence on the eyes, and Rouge Allure Velvet Nuance on my lips.

For the final touch, the Vision d’Asie: L’Art du Detail collection features a pair of Chanel Le Vernis that are diametric opposites.

Chanel Le Vernis Bleached Mauve is a creamy medium-tone beige that has a red undertone and a soft shine finish.  It goes on smoothly and is easily opaque in 2 thin coats.  It has great longevity, only showing the barest of tip wear after Day 4.

Chanel Le Vernis Neon Techno Bloom is a brightened fuchsia that is perfectly balanced in red/blue undertones.  It dries down to a matte finish, and is again easily opaque in 2 thin coats.  This one started chipping on Day 3, which is consistent with my experiences with matte polishes.

In contrast to the previous season, this Vision d’Asie: L’Art du Detail collection for Spring 2019 is much leaner though still offering plenty of options for everyone.  I love every single piece that I have here today, and I highly recommend you check the collection out in person at a counter near you!

_{This post featured some products that were generously provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

The post Welcome Spring 2019 with Vision d’Asie: L’Art du Detail appeared first on Silverkis' World.

This Spring 2019 has been a fairly quiet one for me… I’ve not really been feeling many of the mainstream collections from the usual brands, in any case pastels and candy hues were never my thing.  But Chanel takes a different approach with its Le Blanc makeup line this year, going for skin-like glow to get us transitioning into summer, and I’m all for it!

Pierres de Lumière de Chanel is inspired by the luminous depths of minerals, and is designed to help achieve the perfect, lived-in glow.  I was most drawn to the new Les Tissages de Chanel Blush in Tweed Beige, with its coral-beige tweed hue with shimmering gold threads interwoven.  It is an unexpected shade for spring, and Tweed Beiges gives a warm sun-kissed look which highlights and sculpts my cheeks.

Generally speaking, the interweaving design on these Les Tissages blushes are an overspray but this one seems to run fairly deep as after several rigorous sweeps of my brush it still seems intact.  The gold pigments combine with the coral to give it a warm luminous sheen.  I swatched this on my arm, which you will see shortly.

There are 2 Les 4 Ombres eyeshadow palettes in this Pierres de Lumière de Chanel collection and I was rather torn between them, but ultimately I decided to go with Lueurs Ambrees because it just goes beautifully with Tweed Beige, and I’m feeling all the warm tones this spring.  On the surface of it, Lueurs Ambrees bears close resemblance to many nude palettes that we all own, but the moment I dipped my brush in, I realized the luminosity of the shades and range of intensities made this subtly unique.

What stands out the most to me with these pieces is the departure from cool pastels (although Chanel does provide for that with Cristal de Printemps) that is traditionally de rigueur for these Asia-exclusive spring collections.  It really feels like a coming of age moment when the beauty industry is able to discern that yellow-skinned Asians love nudes just as much as the average Westerner, and that we have all graduated from the pale-wash-of-nothingness on the lids look.  Tweed Beige is as versatile as one can imagine, from ethereal soft glowy eyes to more defined smouldering looks.  The shades in Tweed Beige blend into each other effortlessly for a seamless look.  And I love, love the soft microshimmers that give the look depth.

Chanel offers a few options for the lips, and personally I love the Le Rouge Crayon de Couleur formula so much that I simply had to pick up at least 1 of the 2 variations despite efforts to streamline my lipstick collection.  There is a beautiful rose shade that would click in perfectly with both Tweed Beige and Lueurs Ambrees, instead I decided to go for the brightening perk from Corail Intense.

I was ready to leave the boutique with the 3 pieces that I had already picked up, when I was introduced to the Le Vernis.  There are a couple of fun colourful options, but I was more intrigued by the 2 sheer pearlescent shades.

Perle de Corail is a warm-toned pearlescent peach with subtle shimmers.  It is semi-sheer, even with 2 coats it is still not completely opaque.  That makes Perle de Corail more wearable though in my opinion, as it gives a polished nude look that is different from the usual creamy beiges.  It wears down gently at the edges and is not easily noticeable due to the colour and translucency.

Eau de Nacre is a bright pearlescent white with a pinkish tinge and noticeable microshimmers.  It is fully opaque in 2 coats, though there are visible brush lines so extra care must be taken to apply straight.  I noticed chips at the tips after the 2nd day which is a pity as most Chanel polishes last at least 3 days on me before showing tip wear.  The bright tint makes it more noticeable than Perle de Corail though still acceptable.

My son started primary school this year, and since January I’ve had to wake up pre-dawn to get myself ready and get him to school before 7am.  I’ve had to completely switch up my makeup, picking things that are fool-proof when bleary-eyed and dark.  These pieces from Chanel’s Pierres de Lumiere collection meet my needs and make me look much more awake than I really am.  So if that resonates with you, I recommend you get hold of this collection as soon as you can!

The post My picks from Pierres de Lumière de CHANEL appeared first on Silverkis' World.

Last December I cleaned out all of my old stashes, and discovered to my horror many more products that I had been hoarding to death. And so I started this year on a mission to clear them out once and for all before starting on entirely new products.  As you can see below, it has been a very satisfactory quarter, and I’m excited to recap for you below!

Haircare:

I permed my hair in January, so it is a short wavy bob now, and I had forgotten how much work permed hair requires. So, there are ALOT of hair products this time around.

1. PHS Hairscience is a homegrown brand from Singapore that uses a research-driven approach towards formulating its products to support healthy hair growth. The brand started out as a hairspa, and has since branched out into an extensive range of products for every hair concern. I had the opportunity to try out their Repair range for hair that has been damaged by chemical processes (me me me!), and the Colour Care range.  I love that PHS Hairscience products are formulated without parabens, benzophenone and mineral oil, and are hypoallergenic. However, much as I love to embrace and support local brands, neither of the ranges really got me in love. I found the textures to be heavy and not as fine as I’d like, and did not leave my hair soft afterwards. Over time, my scalp also started getting quite irritated and itchy.
2. Philip Kingsley Elasticizer is a deluxe sample from one of the Lookfantastic Beauty Boxes and works like a booster mask. Apply it to damp hair, leave on for 2-3min, then rinse off and continue with shampoo and conditioner. It has a heavy enveloping texture, but it applies well, and after shampoo and conditioner, leaves my hair bouncy and soft! I love that it doesn’t take too much time, and is so easy to use.
3. Goldwell Kerasilk [reviewed here] is a really intensive treatment hair oil, and it’s filled with wonderful ingredients for repairing damaged hair. I only apply it to my hair ends and a tiny pearl-sized drop is all I need, so this bottle has lasted me a very long time.
4. Verb Sea Spray is great for defining my curls, giving that loose beach wave look.  Loved it so much, I almost used it all up within weeks but then the nozzle broke which was really disappointing.
5. Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray is nice for defining curls, but it left them hard and crunchy which is not ideal. Maybe I’m not using this right because there are lots of great reviews on sephora, but I don’t particularly find this holds styles well.
6. Percy & Reed Wonder Treatment Oil is one that I’ve been trying to empty for a very long time.  It’s less oily than the Goldwell Kerasilk, and is probably one of the best hair oil that I’ve used!

Bodycare:

I’m generally not as particular with body products… as long as they don’t smell off-putting, and don’t cause my eczema-prone skin to flare up.  So it seems like a hodge-podge mix here, with the aim of binning as many as I can.

1. Regenerate Enamel Science Advanced Toothpaste is a deluxe sample that I received in one of those Lookfantastic beauty boxes and immediately put to use.  It uses NR-5™ technology which forms a fresh supply of the same mineral tooth enamel is made of, restoring the high mineral content and protective function of tooth enamel with regular use.  I love that it strengthens and protects teeth against cavities by restoring the enamel’s mineral content.  It even claims to whiten teeth!  However, when I use my usual portion and brush using my regular speed and strength, I found an intense heat sensation that permeates my gums into my jaw.  Depending on how much toothpaste and how hard I brush, the heat can get so intense it actually hurts.  The feeling goes away after rinsing, but there is definitely a lot of getting used to if you are intent on picking this one up.  For me, it wasn’t a pleasant experience and will probably not subject my teeth to this again.
2. Spa Esprit Custom-Blend Shower Gel is an old product and I don’t think they are offering it anymore on their site.  The idea was rather clever – pick your choice of essential oil and mix it in an unscented shower gel for your own customized relaxing spa-like experience at home!  I think I picked a geranium blend, and even after storing for more than 2 years, it still smelled good each time I used it.
3. Molton Brown Jasmine & Sun Rose Bath & Shower Gel is part of a deluxe set from Christmas and it smells sooooo good!  I can see why there are so many fans of Molton Brown, I want to stock them in every bathroom in my home!
4. Sabon Body Scrub is one of the brand’s cult-favorites and I can see why!  It is a salt-scrub that comes mixed with a luxuriously moisturizing body oil.  The salt scrub can sting if you have open wounds, and the granules do feel somewhat coarse.  However, they dissolve quickly on damp skin, and are very effective at exfoliating.  The oil infusion softens and pampers skin, leaving my skin feeling so good afterwards!  This Patchouli Lavender Vanille scent is surprisingly not lingeringly heavy, but it does lift up into a fragrant steam when washed under warm shower.
5. Hysses Verbena Rose Hand Cream is a Singapore brand that changed name a couple of years ago, it used to be called Mt. Sapola.  To be honest, I’m not a fan of the brand, and this hand cream is so overpoweringly scented, I had a hard time forcing myself to use it up.  The texture is heavy and it does not quite soften and treat my eczema-prone dry hands.
6. The Body Shop British Rose Petal-Soft Hand Cream is a lovely rose scent, not powdery grandma rose, but a light young rose.  The texture is lighter than Hysses above, though not quite as moisturizing as its name implies.

Skincare:

The staple of my beauty arsenal… I obviously love skincare and use plenty of them on a daily basis.  This has been extremely satisfying and poignant to me because I said my final goodbyes to some products that have been sitting far too long in storage half-used.  I’m really glad they have not gone bad yet because I really hate to waste.  Given the large number of products here, I am going to discuss them by categories in the order that I would use them.

Cleansing:

1. Shu Uemura Ultime8∞ Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil is a returning feature, I love it to bits, you can see my review here.
2. Shiseido Future Solution LX Extra Rich Cleansing Foam & Concentrate Balancing Softener sat far too long in my stash mainly because there was always something newer and sexier to try, and I was worried this line would be far too rich for my skin.  On hindsight Japanese skincare are designed to be used holistically, and the cleansers are typically designed to be very thorough so as to allow maximum absorption of the ensuing products.  And in that regard, this cleansing foam performs perfectly on point, leaving my skin perfectly clean without over-stripping it.  The softener feels crisp and helps remove dead skin cells whilst rebalancing the skin.  The more I used these 2, the more I loved them and was sad to finally see them go.  They are priced at a slight premium, and I recommend you use them with a richer routine of serums and moisturizers.
3. Shiseido The Skincare Purifying Mask is a recurring feature in my skincare line-up so I will not go into details anymore.  It is a reliable, affordable and fast weekly deep-cleanse that respects sensitive dry skin; and can be used overnight as a spot treatment as well!
4. Lancôme Bi-facil Eye Makeup Remover was past of a Christmas trove from eons ago that I uncovered.  As you all know, my HG is Chanel, but I hate to waste, so for the past 3 months I had dedicated myself to this Lancôme.  I’m not usually fussy about makeup removers and cleansers, but everytime I stray from Chanel, I remember why it is my HG.  To its merits, this Lancôme removes all traces of eye makeup and my triple layers of mascara perfectly.  However, it also stings my eyes and causes the skin around my lids to itch.  It is priced the same as the Chanel, so I will not be repurchasing.
5. Albion Skin Conditioner is one of the brand’s hero products and it functions as an exfoliating toner.  I started using it years ago and put it aside as I found it too strong for my liking back then.  Surprisingly after resuming it now, I found it a gentler alternative to the Pixi Glow Tonic, albeit much pricier.  If you like exfoliating toners, and have a pretty dime to spare, you should check this one out.  You can also put it in a small purse spray and use it to refresh throughout the day.
6. Pixi Rose Tonic has emerged as 1 of my favourite soothing hydrating toners this spring.  It smells beautiful, and feels so comforting on the skin… this is a must-try for budget babes and luxury lovers alike!
7. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner on the other hand is pricey and not altogether what its name implies.  At first try, I found it stung my skin.  As I progress with the bottle, it becomes increasingly difficult to get the lotion out as the (very dead looking) petals clog up the tiny hole at the top.  There is still a little bit left but it has become impossible to get any lotion out so I am ditching this.  Not my favourite piece of this otherwise lovely line.

Serums & Moisturizers:

8. Albion Excia Whitening Brilliancy Serum is a recent addition to my skincare routine, and I LOVE IT!  Just as with most other Japanese skincare, you don’t expect to see overnight transformation because they don’t use harsh acids to achieve brightening results.  Instead Albion uses a stable form of kojic acid which goes deeper and blocks formation of tyrosine which in turn prevents melanin (aka dark spots).  This serum has a lovely milky texture that is quite light and yet hydrating, and since I have stopped going for my regular laser treatments for almost half a year now, this Albion Excia Whitening Brilliancy Serum has helped me maintain a spot-free complexion.  Prevention is always better than cure, so I highly recommend you try this out!
9. Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Serum is quite unlike its sister above, and I found this a pleasing, fuss-free product to use.  It has a crisp, light texture that gets absorbed immediately and allows me to layer on other serums and moisturizers at will.
10. Clarins Multi-Active Day Moisturizer [reviewed here] is an old friend and I’ve always enjoyed using it.  Easy, fuss-free is the best way to go!

Sunscreens & others:

11. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light is indeed ultra light.  I love the fragrance-free formulation that packs a comprehensive SPF50+ sun protection.  The slim bottle is easy to carry around for travels, and it is equally pleasant to use on face as well as on body (I apply it on my arms actually where I have been developing sun spots from driving!).
12. Clarins UV Plus Anti-Pollution Day Screen is another old friend, you can read the review here.  The high SPF 50 and broad spectrum UVA-UVB protection makes this one a force to contend with, and it also works well as a makeup base by smoothening out the skin.  The bottle lasts a very long time (if you are only applying it to the face), as you can see the letterings have all fallen off!
13. NIA Tech Neck is one of those things that sound really good conceptually.  A lightweight serum in a roller-massaging applicator, and a formula that aims to reduce those dreaded neck lines.  Unfortunately the skin on my neck is so sensitive that the serum makes me itch so  I couldn’t use this daily.  In any case, other than providing some moisturizing boost, I didn’t really see any improvements in lines.  There is a twist mechanism that locks the tube and prevents product from leaking out, which is crucial if you are standing this up on the vanity or carrying it around in a crowded purse.  I was too lazy, and whilst I did not have to clean up a mess on my vanity, it did dispense way too much product when used.
14. Estee Lauder Set + Refresh Perfecting Makeup Mist should really be in the next category, but since it is pictured here…  I use these sorts of makeup mists to dampen my brushes and sponges for makeup application.  I’ve tried misting this directly on my face, and I personally find that it sprays far too much for makeup to remain intact, which is the farthest thing from setting my makeup.  It is mainly water, and priced at $39, I can’t really see a good reason for indulging.

Makeup:

And that dovetails nicely into the final group of products.

1. La Mer The Perfecting Treatment [reviewed here] is a luxurious treatment primer, I’ve enjoyed every single use of this from start to finish.  It is better suited for dry seasons and dry skin, and keeps makeup looking fresh by protecting skin’s moisture level throughout the day.  I’m sad to see this one go, because there is nothing quite like it in my arsenal.
2. Guerlain Cils D’Enfer Maxi Lash [reviewed here] is another returning favorites.  This one is the improved waterproof version, though I still need a primer to prevent smudges.  It is a sleek beauty to behold, and it thickens and lengthens those lashes beautifully.
3. Chanel Crayon de Couleur [reviewed here] is my favourite lip formula EVER.  I have so many of these nifty jumbo lip pencils and I still can’t get enough of them.  Rose Violine is such a pretty everyday wearable shade that it has become the first lipstick that I’ve finished in decades.  I need a replacement asap.

Aright folks, that’s it for this volume of Empties.  Let me know in the comment section below if you have any new faves to share!

_{This post featured plenty of products that were sponsored, but all thoughts shared above are mine and mine alone.}

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Is it summer already?  I’m actually planning a vacation to Gold Coast Australia with the fam this June, a spot of hiking mixed with some beach time (even though it’s technically Winter down under).  So I definitely won’t be needing too much makeup, which is why Chanel’s latest Les Beiges collection resonates so well with me.  The new collection heralds in a “new era of essentials”, and is designed for women in search of authenticity and freedom.  Les Beiges is all about natural healthy glowy skin, and for the first time, we get to experience microfluidic technology in a brand new makeup product.

Pushing the boundaries on nude-skin makeup, the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint uses a patented process to suspend pure pigments in a jellified acqueous solution.  On contact with skin, the Water-Fresh Tint bursts forth to release a high does of hydration with a crisp sensation.  When mixed, the micro-droplets melt to release the right amount of pigment to even out skin tone imperceptibly.

Each bottle of Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint comes accompanied by a small dense brush.  One pump of the bottle provides sufficient product for the entire face, and you are supposed to dispense it on the back of your hand, then swirl the brush to mix and blend into the face.  There are 6 shades available, and here are the 3 lightest shades:

I am usually a shade 20 or 30 in Chanel, and I decided to go for Medium Light.  This Water-Fresh Tint is incredibly sheer, and run slightly darker than usual, giving skin that sunkissed glow.  It is so imperceptible that it is impossible to photograph a before/after accurately.  However, if you zoom into for a closeup, you may be able to see the texture of my skin seems more even, lines are less obvious, and the redness around my nose lightened.  This is a product that I can see myself wearing for outdoor play, and also as a primer or makeup topper for a flush of tan.

_{*Please click on image to enlarge and zoom in separate window}

The cult-favorite Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder returns this summer in a new limited edition case featuring Gabrielle Chanel’s personal signature.  Open it up, and the powder within also bears the same signature.  Lovers of this powder will know that it is incredibly finely milled and so densely packed, it is impossible to overdo.  Skin feels airy and natural, excess oil is blotted out without leaving skin looking flat, natural glow is allowed to shine through.

Never mistake nude-skin for pale and lifeless, Chanel Les Beiges Natural Eyeshadow Palette is the perfect all-in-one travel companion, and officially my favorite daily palette.  It has the perfect range of shades from subtle to smoky, so that you never look underdressed for any occasion.  The tones are perfectly neutral, never veering too warm nor too cool, so that it should suit virtually everybody.

I must say in all honesty that this Natural Eyeshadow Palette houses the highest quality of eyeshadows I have ever experienced from Chanel.  Each of the 9 shades are silky smooth and blend like a dream, and even when used as a liner on my lower lash line, it lasts all day without smudging which is a miracle.  Worn all day, through rain and sun, I have never experienced any creasing nor fading from this palette.

All of the shades blend seamlessly with each other, and are good enough to wear on their own.  I am so pleased that it really does not need any effort at all to create the perfect eye look.

Finally, putting it all together, Chanel has added a new shade of Healthy Glow Lip Balm Intense this summer.  This is a darker shade than we have seen before, but still in a creamy melt-away texture that has anti-aging Vitamin E.  It is a treat for the lips, and also complements the beautiful eyeshadow palette above.  Dab it on and smudge it out with a finger for a sheerer look, or layer it on as lipstick for the evening.

Chanel Les Beiges 2019 is out in stores already.  Check it out at a boutique near you!

_{This post featured products that were generously provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

The post Bare all this Summer with Chanel Les Beiges! appeared first on Silverkis' World.

Lipsticks are always fun to review, who doesn’t like breaking into a brand new bullet?  For me, the verdict is usually quite binary, I almost always love or hate a new lip formula at first swipe.  With the new Chanel Rouge Coco Flash, it is even more enjoyable…

Chanel’s latest Rouge Coco Flash is everything a woman can ask for, a vibrant colour payoff combined with beautiful shine and ultimate comfort.  Formulated with a blend of nourishing oils – jojoba, mimosa and sunflower, these lipsticks immediately smooth and hydrate lips upon application up til 8 hours.  For all its richness, the Rouge Coco Flash is airy light and comfortable.

The classic Chanel Rouge Coco casing has been updated with a transparent cover which is not only chic with its multi-faceted prism of light, but also practical.  With 27 gorgeous colours to choose from, these transparent covers make it easy to see the nature of the shade housed within.

On the arm, the lipsticks swatch with a touch of sheerness but on the lips it is possible to achieve full opacity with multiple swipes.  The shine stays true, and even builds up.  The 27 shades cover a broad range of nudes, oranges, pinks, plums, etc.  I have 9 and have swatched them on my lips for your reference:

As you can see, I had so much fun with these Chanel Rouge Coco Flash lipsticks that I decided to do full makeup looks instead of the usual lip-only blocks.  It is not often the case that lipsticks achieve consistent quality across shades, so I was really impressed that all the 9 shades I tested were equally superior.  Every one applied buttery smooth, were light and comfortable to wear, and provided beautiful colour.  The Rouge Coco Flash does contain some slip, so it wears off with eating and drinking, but it does not smudge nor fade when left untouched.

Chanel Rouge Coco Flash is out in stores now.  My favorite is 66 Pulse, and I’ve been wearing 91 Boheme on a daily basis.  Have you tried these yet?

_{This post featured products that were generously provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

The post Chanel Rouge Coco Flash appeared first on Silverkis' World.

No summer is ever complete without some good bronzers.  After introducing some glowy but natural skin-perfecting makeup earlier this season, Chanel now takes us a step further into our dream vacation along the Riviera.  The latest Chanel Lumiere et Contraste Collection creates sultry silhouettes using flattering light and gentle shadows.

At the heart of the collection are 2 exclusive limited edition creations – Chanel Duo Bronze et Lumiere Bronzer & Highlighter Duo.  Within each palette houses a bronzer with a soft velvety finish, and an iridescent highlighter.  A beautiful double-c logo is embossed on the surface of the pans, making these all the more covetable.

There are 2 shades available to suit a fairer and a darker complexion.  The bronzer shade in Claire is very close to my roughly NC25 complexion, and is so finely milled I can wear this as an allover powder.  The highlighter is a slightly pink champagne shade that is my favorite type of highlighter shade.  On the other hand Medium has a darker brown bronzer that is neutral- to cool-undertone, which is lovely for contouring.  The accompanying highlighter is a yellow gold though which is better suited for darker complexions.  I swatched them on my arm to give you an impression of the shades:

The eyes are glowy and minimal by design, and Luca Pica has designed a luminous gloss.  The Chanel Ombre Premiere Top Coat in Lunaire has a cream-to-powder texture, and a slightly translucent base that allows it to be layered over eyeshadow or used on its own for a brightening effect.

There is a lovely natural eyeshadow quad that is part of this collection, but I went instead for a new Les 4 Ombres Lueur Ardente.  This is a pretty red-toned palette with a reflective satin finish that is equally apt for this season.  Here are the swatches:

The shades in clockwise direction from top left are:

• Pale pink in a soft matte finish
• Light medium peach pink with a metallic finish
• Light beige with a satin finish
• Deep russet red with a satin finish and sparse violet micro-shimmers

I seldom have the occasion to wear nail polishes these days as I usually have gel polishes on my nails.  However when I do, it is invariably Chanel’s range of elegant nudes.

Chanel Le Vernis Afterglow gives nails a bare but polished look.  It has a soft dimensional shimmer that is a signature of Chanel.  It wears amazingly well, lasting for well over a week.

In case Afterglow is too nude for your liking, Chanel Le Vernis Purple Ray is an interesting one.  The pale lilac may turn out too chalky on deeper tans, but on the average complexion it is an elegant way to wear colors this season.  It has a creamy finish and is opaque in 2 thin coats.

Here is a makeup look featuring Les 4 Ombres Lueur Ardente on my eyes, Medium Bronzer & Highlighter Duo to sculpt and Clair to highlight, and Rouge Coco Flash in 212 Contraste on my lips.

And because I could not resist a bundle of gorgeous peonies, here is another one for you!

Chanel Lumiere et Contraste is now out in counters.  Be sure to check them out for yourself!

_{This post featured some products that were generously provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

The post Cruise through Summer 2019 in light appeared first on Silverkis' World.

I love a good smokey eye, but black or brown can get boring at times, which is why I am embracing the new Chanel Eyes Collection with wide open arms.  Lucia Pica has reinvented the smokey eye this year by incorporating 4 different colours, and building them across 3 different product lines to allow varied ways of dressing up the eye.  Rather than over dramatising with colour play (which may be ok if you’re half my age… but as a newly-turned 40 yo….), Lucia Pica has created a blurry effect with this collection, allowing shades to be layered and mixed easily regardless of makeup expertise.

The new Chanel Eye Collection 2019 revolves around 4 color themes – Blurry Grey, Blurry Green, Blurry Mauve, and Blurry Blue.  I have 4 of the new Les 4 Ombres, and the matching Stylo Yeux Waterproof and Le Volume Revolution de Chanel.  Let’s start with the Les 4 Ombres eyeshadow palettes!

Chanel Les 4 Ombres 322 Blurry Grey is perhaps the closest thing to the traditional black smokey eye, but it is interesting quite the opposite once applied!  The shades are generally cool-toned, and softer than black, hence more forgiving and easier to wear for the day.  I swatched the shades according to their placement in the palette:

The shades in clockwise direction starting from top left are:

• Pale muted dove-grey with a matte finish flecked with hints of purplish iridescence
• Dark charcoal grey with a matte finish
• Light silver with a light satin finish
• Dark grey with a slight purple tint flecked with champagne micro-shimmers

Chanel Les 4 Ombres 318 Blurry Green reminds me of Tisse d’Automne [reviewed here] which is a lot warmer, and Tisse Venitien [reviewed here] which is a lot cooler.  Both of them made me appreciate Blurry Green a whole lot more because it feels more grown-up and elegant.  Here are the swatches according to the palette placement:

In clockwise direction starting from the top left:

• Brightened gold with a strong gleam
• Muted dark olive with a velvety finish.  This shade seemed to lack intensity for the swatch, but I suspect it is by design to give that blurry effect.
• Light muted barley gold wit a velvety base and flecks of golden micro-shimmers
• Dark olive green with a matte finish but flecked with pale gold micro-shimmers

Chanel Les 4 Ombres 328 Blurry Mauve seems to be echoing a rather popular combination of red-toned palettes such as the Candour et Experience [see here] and Leuer Ardente [here].  The interesting thing though, is that Blurry Mauve still manages to be quite unique amongst them.  Here are the swatches according to their respective placement:

From top left in clockwise direction:

• Light lavender with a matte finish
• Dark pewter with a metallic finish
• Pale pink beige with a matte finish
• Medium reddened brown with a matte finish

Chanel Les 4 Ombres 324 Blurry Blue is the most unique imho because of the muted sombre shades of blue, the entire palette feels very high fashion to me.  Blurry Blue is also the most matte of the 4 from this collection.  Here are the swatches:

In clockwise direction starting from top left:

• Light barley grey with a satin finish
• Medium-dark blue-grey with a matte base and a golden sheen on top
• Light slate-grey with a matte finish and some pink-champagne sheen
• Dark teal with a matte finish

As always, there is a Stylo Yeux Waterproof to complement every eye look that Chanel designs.  There are 5 brand new shades released in this collection, and I have 4 of them here:

The formula is consistently creamy and easy to flick across the lids, and I’m particularly excited by Jungle Green with its light green and golden shimmers.  Intense Teal is a stunner, but not an everyday shade.  The intensity and purity of the color makes it exceptional though, and I will definitely pull this one out for fun looks.

And of course your summer will not be complete without some colored mascara!

Last year, Chanel launched the Le Volume Révolution de Chanel mascara.  This was highly lauded as the world’s first 3D-printed mascara brush, which is so technically superior it blows my mind.  My first experience with this brush was that it had a textured surface that seems to absorb more of the formula and deposit more onto my lashes when coming through.  The bristles are surprisingly short, but thankfully for me they do a really good job of coating all my lashes and do not clump.  In a single coat, my lashes appear fuller, thicker and longer without any messy fibers.  For this new Chanel Eye Collection, there are 4 accompanying shades – Volcan (black), Intense Teal (midnight blue), Deep Eros (deep red), and Jungle Green (deep inky green).

I first thought I’d show you the eye looks for each of the 4 colored themes, but then I figured why not go for the full face?!  That way, you can get a better idea of how the makeup looks overall.  They don’t always match my clothing, but each of these looks were worn to the office without mishap!

Here is the makeup look featuring Les 4 Ombres Blurry Grey on my lids, Le Volume Révolution in Volcan on my lashes, and Stylo Yeux Waterproof Black Wood along my lash line.

Here is the makeup look featuring Les 4 Ombres Blurry Green on my lids.  The green is much less noticeable as you can already imagine from the swatches earlier.  I wore the Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Jungle Green on my lower lash line so you probably can’t see, and the matching Le Volume Révolution mascara is also really subtle on my dark lashes.

Blurry Mauve is the most distinct of the 4, particularly since I tried to emphasize the red using a tulip placement.  But I feel the shades are all too close to each other in intensity that the palette is not well suited for distinction.  Rather, it is this blurry, blend-into-each-otherness that makes Blurry Mauve special.  You can also see how the Deep Eros Le Volume Révolution mascara tinted my lashes into a reddish brown hue.

And lastly, here is the makeup look for Blurry Blue.  The teal shade in the palette pops really well against the other hues, and it is further emphasized by adding a touch of the Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Intense Teal and blending it out.

Chanel The New Eye Collection for 2019 brings us many ways to wear and play with color.  Regardless of your skill level or appetite for experimentation, the result is understated elegance which I love.  All the items mentioned here are permanent, so you don’t have to rush out and grab all of them right away.  But I recommend checking them out and putting some of them to work this summer and fall!

_{This post featured products that were generously provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}

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