Filed In: Chanel nail polish
CHANEL | 18 Rouge Noir & Le Top Coat Lamé Rouge Noir, Holiday 2015
The year was 1995, when CHANEL created a shade that would not only become an instant cult classic, but would go on to spawn an entire new colour spectrum in the world of nail lacquers. That shade, was 18 Rouge Noir first spotted adorning the nails of models during the AW/1994 runway show, and then immortalized on screen when Uma Thurman’s character, Mrs. Mia Wallace, wore it in the movie Pulp Fiction.
But the history of this legendary colour goes back even further; in the May 1926 issue of American Vogue magazine, there was an article emphasizing ‘Mademoiselle’s visionary preference for this intense and unconventional shade. “Black and white are joined by red, a garnet shade, like the heart of a black cherry, which CHANEL uses frequently and which is often called red-black“‘. And now, 20 years later, Rouge Noir has not only become synonymous with a timeless image of edgy sophistication but is joined by an entire collection of products, all in the spirit of this lushly decadent hue.
I have a personal attachment to this shade; back when it was originally released in 1995, I was fortunate enough to obtain a first-run bottle which I’ve treasured to this day – and still use, in fact! That bottle’s formulation is basically identical to this latest iteration, although subsequent releases in the US of this shade wound up changing not only the name to ‘Vamp‘, but added shimmer to the formula as well – I’ve never been able to figure out why. I’m just happy that the Canadian version comes from France, and in the original format. There were also two sister shades released (all three reviewed in an earlier post here), and while each is gorgeous in its own right, my heart will always belong to Rouge Noir.
For Holiday 2015, CHANEL is taking things in a unique new direction with the launch of the Rouge Noir Absolument Collection (more reviews coming soon) and apart from re-releasing their iconic shade, there are 2 more additions: Rose Fusion (not shown) and Le Top Coat Lamé Rouge Noir, a ‘Gold Sparkle Nail Coat’ to compliment and add a little bit of je ne sais quoi to your nail looks.
CHANEL Collection Rouge Noir Absolument, Holiday 2015 (credit)
CHANEL | 18 Rouge Noir & Le Top Coat Lamé Rouge Noir (Limited Edition)
CHANEL | 18 Rouge Noir & Le Top Coat Lamé Rouge Noir (Limited Edition)
CHANEL | 18 Rouge Noir & Le Top Coat Lamé Rouge Noir (Limited Edition)
18 Rouge Noir, Limited Edition (CAN $31.00) | The original. The one and only. The vampy shade to rule them all (please excuse my little obsession), this is a true blackened red hue in a luscious crème formula that also has some jelly-like tendencies (via the plush tone). With an incredible saturation of colour, the base leans a touch cooler (seen on the first coat) and achieves 100% opacity by a second coat. Along with a patent-glossy shine at the finish, there’s the extra bonus of no staining upon removal. Coats: 2, no top coat
CHANEL | 18 Rouge Noir (Limited Edition)
CHANEL | 18 Rouge Noir (Limited Edition)
CHANEL | 18 Rouge Noir swatch
CHANEL | 18 Rouge Noir swatch
Le Top Coat Lamé Rouge, Limited Edition (CAN $31.00) | An effect top coat that is best displayed when layered over a deep shade (as seen over 18 Rouge Noir in the swatches below). Due to the density of the irregularly shaped deep gold glitter, it will have a tendency to gather at the bottom so start by holding the bottle upside down and giving it a few quick shakes, then rolling it between your palms to create an even distribution of the glitter. There’s no ‘fishing’ or ‘placement’ needed for the glitter; you get enough per brushstroke to fully cover the nail, although your personal preference will dictate whether you want more or less of this top coat. The finished look is similar to that of glass-flecked glitter — the type that seems suspended just under the surface layer, as though trapped under a pane of glass. Spectacular, I tell you. One caveat, however; even though it says Top Coat on the bottle, I suggest adding a layer of usual top coat just the same since it will lose most of its glossiness as it sets. Coats: 1, no extra top coat
CHANEL | Le Top Coat Lamé Rouge Noir (Limited Edition)
CHANEL | Le Top Coat Lamé Rouge Noir (Limited Edition)
CHANEL | Le Top Coat Lamé Rouge Noir (swatched over 18 Rouge Noir)
CHANEL | Le Top Coat Lamé Rouge Noir (swatched over 18 Rouge Noir)
Do I even need to say it? Regardless of whether you’re a CHANEL fan or were even alive when the original Rouge Noir was launched, I’m betting you won’t want to miss out on these two lovelies. There is something magical about this top coat and I’m absolutely dying to see it layered over other shades as well. As to the shade that began it all, if you missed out the first time around, here’s your chance to own a little piece of CHANEL history. And get a backup, while you’re at it (I definitely will).
The CHANEL Rouge Noir Absolument Collection will be available early November (some counters have already received their stock – call ahead) through The Bay & www.thebay.com, Holt Renfrew, and Norstrom stores across Canada. Find more information via www.chanel.com
Press samples kindly provided by CHANEL for my unbiased consideration
CHANEL | Le Vernis Châtaigne, Écorce Sanguine & Vert Obscur, Fall 2015
The CHANEL Les Automnales Collection (already reviewed: Entrelacs Eyeshadow Palette, Pensive Rouge Allure & Téméraire Rouge Coco Shine, Tissé d’Automne, 914 Feuille & 918 Ardent) has so perfectly captured the essence of Fall with every single beauty offering – in particular with the nail lacquers. Taking cues from nature herself, the three limited edition shades of this collection (CAN $31.00 each) – Écorce Sanguine, Châtaigne, and Vert Obscur, are like taking a stroll through a dense forest and discovering unexpected pops of colour: the fiery red of changing leaves, the deep earth underfoot, and the sun-dappled but deeply mysterious greenery all around. Makes me want to head up to my chalet in the mountains right this second, and just breathe it all in, I tell you.
INSPIRATION: ocellated turkey feather
CHANEL | 669 Châtaigne, 671 Écorce Sanguine, & 679 Vert Obscur
CHANEL | 669 Châtaigne, 671 Écorce Sanguine, & 679 Vert Obscur
669 Châtaigne | Deep chestnut brown with plum undertones in a hybrid crème/jelly formula. Self levelling on application, this shade bears the typical springiness associated with this type of lacquer – which in no way affects how it applies, coming to an ultra-high gloss finish (that doesn’t really need top coat, although I never go without just the same; helps to seal everything in and make the shade last longer). A totally fresh & modern alternative to black polish. BONUS: non-staining upon removal.
Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
CHANEL | 669 Châtaigne swatch
CHANEL | 669 Châtaigne swatch
671 Écorce Sanguine | Almost a ‘one-coat-wonder’, this is a warm leaning red shade with burnished & slightly brown-based undertones, bearing ultra fine bronze shimmer in the formula – but of the stealth variety; you definitely need sunlight or direct light hitting your nails to bring out this feature. Self-levelling and with a glossy finish at the end, this is a relatively non-staining hue (for a red this saturated), although I wouldn’t skip base coat just the same. Note that the formula while somewhat thickish, applies easily and will not pool around the cuticle area of the nails.
Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
CHANEL | 671 Écorce Sanguine swatch
CHANEL | 671 Écorce Sanguine swatch
679 Vert Obscur | A blackened teal in a hybrid crème/jelly format that bears absolutely no shimmer whatsoever, applying in a self-levelling way and coming to an über-glossy finish. The paradox here, is that while the formula seems a little thin and semi-sheer (note how the dark green tones are so apparent at 1 coat), it becomes completely opaque by the 2nd coat, as well as absorbing most of that green colour. Once again, this is an excellent option to wearing straight up black polish – although you do need to see this shade in bright/direct light, to appreciate the teal undertone. Personally, I love the look at 1 coat; it’s like ombré nail art, without any skills/effort needed to achieve that effect. BONUS: non-staining upon removal.
Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
CHANEL | 679 Vert Obscur swatch (1 coat)
CHANEL | 679 Vert Obscur swatch (2 coats)
CHANEL | 669 Châtaigne, 671 Écorce Sanguine, & 679 Vert Obscur
After a Spring and Summer filled with bright/vivid/pastel shades, I for one, am just so totally ready to bring back my true loves: brooding nail lacquer colours. There is something so lush and rich about the three hues of this collection, and while the actual colours themselves may not be groundbreaking (with the possible exception of Châtaigne, as browns are not that prevalent with most brands), it’s the way they apply that pushes all my buttons. That being said, I do believe that if there’s any area where CHANEL needs to up their game, it’s with the brush shape – and while I personally have never had an issue with it, there are several more effective options out there now. Just that one small change, will elevate this brand’s lacquers to a level everyone else only dreams of … I’m just saying.
The CHANEL Collection Les Automnales 2015 is available now at all counters nationwide, including Hudson’s Bay and thebay.com (Canada). Find more detailed information on the collection via www.chanel.com
Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration
CHANEL Spring 2015 | Le Vernis Tenderly, Désirio, Paradisio
The three lacquers of CHANEL’s Rêverie Parisienne Collection – N°641 Tenderly, N°643 Désirio, and N°645 Paradisio, are a trio of shades that herald Spring in a traditional and classic way. Looking at them together, I am reminded of visiting the Jardins Tuileries in Paris during my honeymoon (which was in the Springtime, 25 years ago this April 28th) and admiring the riot of flowers planted there – and in exactly these colours that completely capture the spirit of the season, in this intoxicating city.
N°641 Tenderly is a soft dusty mauve hue in a jelly-esque formula that applies in a self-levelling way and comes to a high gloss natural finish. Slightly sheer at the first coat, full opacity is reached by a second layer, displaying very good colour saturation. I absolutely love the plush cushiony tone of this shade and due to its nature, you can expect a slight ‘spring-back’ bouncy effect during application (although it doesn’t affect how it lays down along the nail). Non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
CHANEl Spring 2015 | N°641 Tenderly
N°643 Désirio is live at first swipe! This is a lush magenta crème hue in a formula that can be described in one word: spectacular. Highly colour-saturated, no more than 1 coat is actually needed for full opacity, as it applyies in a self-levelling and über-glossy manner. Simply gorgeous and with the perfect balance of colour & brightness to make it universally wearable by all skin tones. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
CHANEL Spring 2015 | N°643 Désirio
N°645 Paradisio (limited edition) is a fresh pale mint green hue with pearlized shimmer that just borders this side of frosty (although it never quite fully gets there, thankfully). The formula applies semi-sheer with the first coat, with full opacity reached by a second layer. Uniquely, any obvious or visible brush strokes seen at initial application seem to smooth themselves out as the polish sets, although applying a ridge-filling base coat first (as opposed to a regular base coat), will ensure the best foundation for this type of lacquer and provide the smoothest finish. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
CHANEL Spring 2015 | N°645 Paradisio
Going through my collection of CHANEL lacquers for similar shades was not as successful as I initially thought it would be – which is a very good thing, in this case (I didn’t include other brands for comparison, as that would take eons with a collection as vast as mine). All three of these lacquers have a uniqueness to them, be it the finish or actual tone, and cover all bases: fans of vivid hues will adore the 1-coat-wonder that is Désirio, while those who lean towards smokier colours need Tenderly. I don’t usually care for frosty/shimmery hues such as Paradisio, but I can totally see this as a gorgeous & highly complimentary pedi shade against a light tan. Online, CHANEL lists all three as limited edition, but my brand contact confirmed that only Paradisio is in fact limited. Still available at all CHANEL counters but as the Summer collection will be rolling in very soon, don’t wait too long to check them out in person.
Find more information via chanel.com
Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Nail Color (LE), Pulp Fiction Collection
From the movie that spawned a nail polish colour (dark, blood red) that became a world-wide cult trend, Pulp Fiction celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and Urban Decay has recently released a capsule collection commemorating the event. Starring Mrs. Mia Wallace Nail Color, this shade will definitely help you channel your inner mob-girl vamp … or at least, your nails will.
The ingredients that are needed to create a ‘cult following’, are not obvious, but after decades of the same old/same old in the world of nail lacquer (read that as: neutrals, pinks & reds), the beauty world was ripe for something new, something avant-garde … something that would make us all sit up and take notice. What most people don’t know about the by now-iconic vampy hue worn in Pulp Fiction by Mrs. Mia Wallace (portrayed by Uma Thurman), was that it was actually inspired by black marker; CHANEL’s legendary #18 Rouge Noir that was worn in the film, was never seen on the fashion runway as most people believe – although the dark nail trend was born then just the same; at the last minute, models’ nails were quickly coloured in with black marker before hitting the catwalk, which subsequently sparked the birth of a deep & edgy nail shade, #18 Rouge Noir.
The year was 1994 when Pulp Fiction exploded onto our consciousness, and apart from making religious rhetoric combined with foul language fashionable, giving rise to an entire new beauty trend, and getting to see John Travolta dance on the big screen once more (for those of you too young to remember Saturday Night Fever, go rent it), something even more exciting happened to me: I gave birth to my beautiful daughter. Oh yeah, I also bought the first run of CHANEL’s #18 Rouge Noir, which I still have AND still wear to this day – 20 years later, but now Mrs. Mia Wallace will be sharing the spotlight with it.
Uma Thurman as Mrs. Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction
Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Nail Color (LE), Pulp Fiction Collection
Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Nail Color (LE), Pulp Fiction Collection
Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Nail Color (LE), Pulp Fiction Collection
Mrs. Mia Wallace Nail Color, Limited Edition (CAN $18.00) | I am obsessed with details and this product pushes all the right buttons: for starters, there’s the instantly recognizable lettering on the box along with a [blood]red interior bearing a printed excerpt from the movie, followed by the bottle cap – adorned with a skull on top – that has been re-issued in a darkly shimmering jet black colour. The lacquer is a deep blood-red hue which bears a cool-leaning blue undertone in the base, and filled with ultra fine shimmer in shades of bronze, copper and oxidized gold to balance it all out, making it suitable for all skin tones. There’s an amazing overall depth of tone to Mrs. Mia Wallace, and the final look is as though nails are lit from beneath – the glow that emanates from the nail centres is mesmerizing, at other times giving off a look of lustrous moiré satin. The formula is medium-thick in consistency which works in this shade’s favour, helping it stay exactly where placed without any pooling along the cuticles or nail edges. Highly pigmented, the first coat shows the bluer base notes which darkens significantly by a second coat – all of it laying down in a completely self-levelling & brush stroke-free way, coming to a high gloss natural finish. Due to the intense colour saturation, do not skip applying base coat first, to avoid any possible staining. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
NOTE: The brush is long, tapered, and thinner than what we’ve seen lately (most brands seem to be heading to bushier, chiselled, and/or shorter brushes) and according to Urban Decay, is made with ‘a 400-strand brush to pick up & deposit more product’. There’s a flexibility to the brush that had me re-thinking the way I usually apply my polish and even though it felt a little floppier than what I’m used to, the pro is that it makes for a very precise application – something very good to have when dealing with a shade this pigmented.
In deference to Pulp Fiction‘s ‘Nail Polish Hall of Fame‘ status (yes, I made that up but seriously, I can’t think of any other movie that had such an impact on nail polish), I decided to show Mrs. Mia Wallace alongside CHANEL’s #18 Rouge Noir (reviewed here), and included CHANEL’s #637 Malice (reviewed here) due to the closer colour match (see last swatch). How they compared:
- CHANEL #18 Rouge Noir (2 coats) Same base hue as Mrs. Mia Wallace, but without any shimmer and which appears browner beside the rest (more dried than fresh blood)
- CHANEL #637 Malice (2 coats) Similar tone to Mrs. Mia Wallace, although several degrees deeper and with magenta ultra fine shimmer
Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Nail Color (LE), Pulp Fiction Collection
Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Nail Color (LE), Pulp Fiction Collection – skull detail on cap
Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Nail Color (LE), Pulp Fiction Collection – raised logo detail
Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Nail Color (LE), Pulp Fiction Collection – closer look at the brush
Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Nail Color (LE), Pulp Fiction Collection
Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Nail Color (LE), Pulp Fiction Collection
Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Nail Color (LE), Pulp Fiction Collection
Urban Decay | Mrs. Mia Wallace Nail Color (LE), Pulp Fiction Collection vs. CHANEL #18 Rouge Nior & #637 Malice
Deep red hues are not that rare anymore, but even in this colour family, Mrs. Mia Wallace stands out; I know that a lacquer is special, when I don’t want to remove it. There’s a pulsating intensity to this shade – a look of freshly spilled blood, if you will – which makes it all the more perfect when you consider the inspiration behind it. The fact that it’s drop-dead gorgeous, doesn’t hurt either. Plus, I love the little skull on the cap.
Available through select Shopper’s Drug Mart stores (Canada), Sephora, and Urban Decay. Find more information:
*Disclosure: Press sample provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
CHANEL | Le Vernis Secret, Atmosphère & Orage – Collection États Poétiques Fall 2014
CHANEL has released three new nail lacquers with their Fall 2014 États Poétiques Collection, #625 Secret – a nude crème, #629 Atmosphère – a pearly duo chrome, and #631 Orage – a dusty navy. I absolutely love Fall launches (the cosmetics, not the fact that the weather’s cooling) and look forward to wearing deeper and more jewel-like tones, but I also appreciate how these 3 new CHANEL shades will work beautifully throughout the entire year – versatile, as well as gorgeous.
CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #625 Secret, #629 Atmosphère, #631 Orage
CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #625 Secret, #629 Atmosphère, #631 Orage
CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #625 Secret, #629 Atmosphère, #631 Orage
#625 Secret (CAN $27.00) | A nude crème hue with a combination of pale pink & light beige/mauve undertones (will suit both cool and warm skin tones), in a formula that bears jelly-like properties: self-levelling, plush finish and ultra glossy. Managing to be both crisp/clean looking as well as diffused, this is a modern yet totally feminine shade with no hints of chalkiness whatsoever. On shorter nails, 2 coats will give good coverage, while longer nails may need a 3rd layer for complete opacity. Biggest surprise? How much I absolutely LOVE the way this shade looks on me – not to mention how easy it is to apply. Coats: 3 (thin), plus top coat
With 1 coat of #629 Atmosphère layered on top, it gives a unique iridescence to #625 Secret – at times grey-tinged, at others golden, but always with a pink shimmery glow in the middle. So hard to capture in photos, but a truly gorgeous combination.
CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #625 Secret (in sunlight)
CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #625 Secret with 1 coat of #629 Atmosphère layered on top
CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #625 Secret with 1 coat of #629 Atmosphère layered on top (in sunlight)
#629 Atmosphère (CAN $27.00) | A semi-sheer pearly grey base hue with violet/pink, gold and more random green prismatic colour shifts – although the pink/violet colour flashes the most dominant. A steady hand is needed here to avoid any visible brush strokes, which does tend to level out somewhat on its own just the same. For a subtle look, this shade can be worn alone (1 coat gives decent coverage, 2 coats intensifies the duo chrome effect and adds to the opacity) and depending on your preferences, anywhere from 2-3 coats should do but layering #629 Atmosphère over any other shade is best for bringing out its multi-dimensional beauty. Coats: 2, plus top coat
CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #629 Atmosphère
#631 Orage (CAN $27.00) | A dusty navy blue with strong charcoal grey undertones with CHANEL’s ‘secret’ shimmer (mainly visible in sunlight), in a jelly-esque formula: self levelling, cushiony look, and super glossy at the finish. The first coat lays down slightly sheer, but becomes totally opaque by the 2nd layer and even though the shimmer is ultra-fine and all but invisible in deeper light, it still serves to add an overall lustrous depth of tone. BONUS: non staining upon removal. Coats: 2, plus top coat
One coat of #629 Atmosphère layered over #631 Orage, does all kinds of crazy wonderful things, with too many colour shifts to count: pink, green, gold, amber, grey, as well as unique gradient effects seen under certain lighting.
CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #631 Orage (in sunlight)
CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #631 Orage with 1 coat of #629 Atmosphère layered on top
CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #631 Orage with 1 coat of #629 Atmosphère layered on top (in sunlight)
While all three shades are new releases from CHANEL, nothing I’ve come across lists them as limited edition so I’ll assume they’re to become permanent (if anyone has other information on that, let me know). Of the three, I absolutely adore #625 Secret – mainly for how beautifully this nude works against my skin tone, but for the formula as well, and #631 Orage because I find near-black shades like this very sexy. There’s no denying #629 Atmosphère is pretty to look at, but I find that it didn’t impress me as much and therefore not a must-have … unless you’re a CHANEL collector like me (damn this addiction).
Available now, I purchased mine through The Bay (Canada)
