CHANEL Illusion d’Ombre in #88 Abstraction & #89 Vision – Summer 2012
When CHANEL introduced their revolutionary Illusion d’Ombres eyeshadow pots in the fall of 2011, I immediately bought all 6 shades – one of my better investments, as far as I’m concerned, as I’ve used them in so many ways and often, not to mention how they’ve become staples for some of my contract work. The only problem? Once you start playing with this formula, you’ll beg CHANEL to create one in every conceivable hue!
I knew that CHANEL was planning on releasing new shades, but I assumed they would be for the fall 2012 collection – imagine my surprise when I was shown an early promotional photo for these two beauties! From the pictures, it looked like #88 ‘Abstraction’ was a dainty pink hue, with #89 ‘Vision’ a cool-toned pale gold – not so; ‘Abstraction’ turns out to be a rather warm pink, while ‘Vision’ looks like liquid gold – and just as luxurious. *On a sidenote, the two colours side by side together look like eggs sunny-side-up … but that could be just me! When I swatched them, the image that came to mind was that of a glorious sunset in all its fiery beauty (see below)!
a tranquil island sunset … sigh … (source)
CHANEL’s iconic black & gold packaging
elegant lacquered caps with their interlocked “c’s”
Illusion d’ombre #89 ‘Vision’ & #88 ‘Abstraction’ are created much the same as the rest of the shades in this range: ultra-creamy, intensely shimmering, and long-lasting, able to be worn either wet or dry. Their unique texture lends itself to be applied best using just your finger, as your skin’s heat helps the colour lay down evenly while keeping the look fresh & modern, and not overly glitzy. Both are housed in glass pots with a lacquered lid that bears CHANEL’s interlocked “c’s” embossed on top, and hold a hefty 4g/0.14 oz of product. The small synthetic-fiber angled & capped brush that is included with each shade is actually quite versatile, especially for lining purposes, but I prefer to use either my finger or one of my full sized brushes for application.
#88 Abstraction is a warm-toned pink hue with obvious coral/peach undertones and pulverized golden shimmer for added depth. Seen with flash, the colour lightens up somewhat and emphasizes a cooler rose tone, while sunlight brings about a more luminous flush of colour. Interestingly, while the colour looks somewhat orange-y in the pot, it actually appears more pink when applied.
#89 Vision is pure molten gold with some sparser bronze glitter flecks added for more impact and substance. Slightly thinner in its spreading consistency, you can apply this over any other shadow for some extra sparkle, but applied more densely on its own is where all the stunning glamour lies with this shade. Once more, the pot colour says one thing, making ‘Vision’ look quite yellow-toned, although once applied it softens to a true gold hue.
versatile synthetic fiber brushes that come with each Illusion d’Ombre
#88 Abstraction & #89 Vision – profile view
#88 Abstraction, natural light
#88 Abstraction & cap, natural light
#88 Abstraction, with flash
#89 Vision, natural light
#89 Vision & cap, natural light
#89 Vision, with flash
The following swatches are all on unprimed skin: left – ‘Abstraction’, right – ‘Vision’
in sunlight
indoors
with flash
A quick look done using:
- ‘Vision’ on the inner third of the eye and along the inner third of the lower lashline
- ‘Abstraction’ on outer 2/3 of the eye, up to the crease & along the outer 2/3 of the lower lashline
- ‘Grenat’ Long-Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner on the waterline
- ‘Vegas Gold’ (previously reviewed here) at the inner corner
Final thoughts: Just as with the rest of the Illusion d’Ombre range, ‘Vision’ and ‘Abstraction’ are a dream to work with. The formula – somewhere between a mousse, cream, gel and powder – can be easily applied using just your finger for a super-quick eye-opening look, or more in depth using brushes (wet or dry) for more impact and drama. Another convenience is how you can layer these shades over powdered hues for a completely new look and custom colour, as well as adding to the overall staying power. While the Illusion d’Ombre shades are somewhat price-y, ringing in at CAD $37.00, a little goes a long way and there is plenty of product in each pot to ensure that you won’t run out any time soon. Available now, I was told that ‘Abstraction’ will become part of the permanent lineup, although the verdict is still out on ‘Vision’s’ status … in other words, act don’t think if you love these!























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The sunset correlation is definitely on the spot! I think they’re stunning colours but definitely not for shy old me.
But once things get better, I do have PLANS for the other shades in the range!
I can’t wait to see the blue ones coming out — BLUE!!! Definitely need some blues to add to my Illusion d’Ombre collection!
wow these look great, have the other 6 shades which I adore, so you understand I need to add these to my collection as well. thanks for this lovely post!
You’re welcome, Nawi! I can totally understand needing these – I thought the same as soon as I saw them, especially since I love all 6 of the first shades released as well!
Oh wow, this is absolutely stunning. Like a beautiful tropical sunset indeed!
That’s exactly what I saw too, when I held the two of them together!
Wow. I never wanted to wear any pink on my eyes…but Abstraction looks perfect on you!
Lol…thanks, Eileen! I always avoided pink for the eyes also – didn’t want to look like I had an infection or anything – but the shimmer in this shade plus its peachy tint, really seems to just work!
AHHHHH! Can I scream? I did scream, okay yelped upon seeing your pix! They are gorgeous! I only have one but waited and hoped new colors would be out and they are! So pretty too that I am totally mesmerized.
You did the perfect eye look for the summer. Very pretty and beachy sexy!
Lol — You kill me, “Pong Master”!!! And there are a few more coming down the pipes: there are a couple of blues, and potentially a matte black (if it doesn’t get nixed) and you know the fall collection will have some beautiful pieces too. But I digress….these are gorgeous and really apropos for summer!
Thanks for the compliment, my friend!
That’s so wild that Abstraction is a completely different animal when applied. It’s pink, and I love pink, it’s just such a wonderful counter point to our olive tone with a nod to femininity. They seem a bit sheer, but I would definitely be layering with different shadows. I must investigate further.
Have you ever tried the Shiseido creme shadows? I haven’t tried their new formula, but their old one was quite good. Another side note, RGB = LOVE!!!!
I actually applied both really quickly and using just my finger, plus I was going for more of a “wash” of colour – hence the sheerness, but they’re not designed to be opaque, that’s for sure. I loved the intensity when I layered them over shadows – really adds some major depth.
! And RGB is a brand I’ve been thinking of trying for a couple of years now, but haven’t gotten around to it -YET! Let me know your findings if you’ve tried anything by them!
I’ve never personally tried anything other than the foundation brush and the cotton pads from Shisheido (which I LOVE), but have heard nothing but great things about the brand – I must investigate them further
A wash of gold makes gold a wonderful daytime option, brilliant idea my friend. Most creams are sheer but can be layered for intensity. I think an opaque eye cream may be running into theatre make up. Not cute in real life.
The funny thing is that the line released outside of Asia is so limited compared to their domestic offerings. I think one day, when I get a chance to go to Japan, I am just going to spend a good deal of time exploring their beauty items. It’s truly expansive.
I just received two polishes from RGB this week and I am absolutely in love with it. Application is fantastic, self leveling, and color sublime. Truly worth the purchase.
We should plan that Japan trip together, Danny….think of the blast we’d have exploring their beauty bounty together! Which RGB shades did you pick up?
Oh that would be wonderful. I would love to explore the bounty of beauty that they have just waiting for us.
I got the Skin Tint in 3 and Beach. I love both. I am definitely going to try a few other shades in the future.
We can plan, right?! I’ll definitely be looking into the line — thanks for sharing!
I’ve got a drafted list of things for us to do already. Let me know what you find.
Sounds like fun!
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Very subtle but it looks good for summer! Can you build up the pigmentation easily or will they always apply this sheer?
You can definitely build up the pigmentation, especially if it’s on primed lids or over a similarly toned eyeshadow, but as the shades are on the lighter end of the spectrum, you can’t expect them to get too deep on their own – which isn’t the effect CHANEL was going for anyway!
Yeah that’s true. Too vivid would put me off, that’s for sure. They work really well together
I thought so too…glad you liked them!
GORGEOUS on you Big Sis! So pretty! And your eyebrows are perfection btw! So jealous of them!
Thanks Lil Sis…and here I was thinking that perhaps I need some grooming there!
OMG, the gold is to die for!!
Lol…you should see it layered over a gold shadow: ooh-la-la!! I couldn’t even totally capture the colour as my camera got a little freaked out at its brilliance!
All I can say is…ANYTHING will look good with your eyes!
Awww….that a nice thing to say! Thank you!
These are beautiful! I feel the texture of Vision looks patchier than I expected, though. You say these are out now? I will have to go to a counter and swatch!
It could be the way I applied it; over primed lids it glides a lot better, and over a similarly toned eyeshadow, well let’s just say your lids look dipped in gold! I even mixed it with a darker shade and it made the most original and intriguing colour! Let me know what you think when you come across it!
::sigh:: I love Abstraction, my kind of color for sure. Great post as always, I read every single one!!
Thank you so very much, Bridget…I really appreciate the support! Abstraction is pretty gorgeous, and applies to easily too!
Oh dear………………..
I WANT THESE!!!!!!!!! Yay to finally loving something and being able to spread my happiness and excitement here rather than always being like “well, I don’t know Eugenia…” LOL I didn’t know these were coming out AT ALL, but I totally love both shades and want them for my very own
Particularly Abstraction as I have NOTHING like that at all. Be still my heart!! Thank you for giving us the heads up on these my dear, I can’t wait to get my greedy hands on them!
Hahaha! I hadn’t even realized that that’s what you had been doing, Toya – I always found your comments quite supportive, actually!
Glad you like these beauties – now go check them out at the counter!!
Oh, I’m totally supportive of YOU, my dear, and all your awesome posts! I just feel like sometimes I take the fun out of it when I’m like ‘I’m not sure this is for me’ blah blah blah. Anyway….these are TOTALLY FOR ME!!!
Toya, that’s part of the charm of writing and/or commenting on blogs: you get to be totally honest and say what you feel. I always appreciate your feedback, even if it’s not something that may be your cup of tea!
Oh, wow.
Indeed!
These are gorgeous! Exactly like a sunset!!!!!
Didn’t I say so? And just perfect for summer, don’t you think? I can totally see myself wearing these shades as I lounge beach-side somewhere tropical….!