In tandem with the recent Fall 2022 Collection (reviewed here), CHANEL has also just launched the Noir Allure Collection that’s inspired by — but not limited to — their latest Noir Allure Mascara. This may be a capsule collection, but there’s no denying that its impact is much larger than that.
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Les 4 Ombres 58 Intensité, limited edition (CAN $76.00) | I have had a long-time love for red/red-based eyeshadows, and I have to say that few brands have done that shade as much justice as CHANEL. This latest quad is no exception to that, but what I really love about the colours in this palette is that they’re a unique take on red. Slightly muddy, a bit earthy, and with hints of glam thrown in, all four hues are beautifully pigmented and colour saturated, blend effortlessly, and last amazingly well (provided you apply a primer first, a non-negotiable first step if your lids tend to get oily as mine do). Another selling point here is that none of the shades lean either too warm or cool, making this an almost ‘neutral’ red palette, and thus wearable by a broad range of complexions.
I went into my collection and pulled out the palettes that had similarities (I omitted any others that I felt were too warm leaning), but with the exception of a few shades here and there that appear to overlap, it’s clear that they’re quite different from each other. The only quad I was sure would be very close was Candeur et Provocation, but the swatch below tells a different story. In conclusion: Intensité stands unique.
Stylo Yeux Waterproof 44 Bleu Carbone, limited edition (CAN $42.00) | My most reached-for eye liners have long been these Stylo Yeux Waterproof, and apart from the original colours the brand puts out, the main reason is because they deliver on all counts. This latest shade is a smoky grey hue with a blue undertone, and what’s weird is that I’ve been looking for something like this for a long time — I guess CHANEL read my mind. The retractable pencil format is also a favourite, as it keeps the contents hygienically safe, and I like how the top pops off to reveal a sharpener inside it — a convenient touch, in my opinion. The texture is also excellent, gliding easily along the delicate skin around the eyes without tugging or pulling, and it stays put when applied to the waterline. As this can set rather quickly, I suggest working one eye at a time if planning on blending out, to give yourself some play time. Not only is this shade suitable against all eye colours, but the bluish undertone also has the added benefit of making the whites of the eyes look even whiter.
I went into my collection of Stylo Yeux Waterproof liners to find something similar, and surprisingly there’s nothing even remotely close. The closest of the 5 I’m showing in the swatch, is potentially Ardoise, but only because of the matching undertone — it’s still deeper and has some shimmer, while Bleu Carbone is matte.
Noir Allure Mascara 10 Noir (CAN $55.00) | The star of the collection, this is the newest addition to CHANEL’s mascara range, and it’s a goooooood one. One of my all-time favourite mascaras is the brand’s Le Volume (of which I’ve gone through more tubes than I can count), so I was very curious to see how Noir Allure would stand up to that. Spoiler: it definitely does that … and more. Inspired by CHANEL’s iconic Rouge Allure lipstick case, this has a similar opening mechanism: you simply press on the gold cap and it pops open & closed with a very satisfying click. A patented innovation, this system guarantees that the airtight case remains perfectly sealed. Something else that’s truly unique to this mascara, is the colour: the iconic intense black hue has been infused with a hint of red (clearly seen below in the macro shot of the brush head), and while relatively imperceptible (unless seen at a specific angle and in the right light), this touch gives the shade an indefinable ‘je ne sais quois’, adding a hint more drama and mystery. Said to provide volume, length, curl and definition, the formula also includes naturally derived waxes (beeswax, carnauba wax, rice wax) and is infused with provitamin B5, all of which add conditioning properties to help protect lashes. Smudge, transfer and flake-proof as well, lashes look amazing until you’re ready to take your makeup off. Removal is a breeze with a deal phase remover.
As a self-professed mascara aficionado, my standards are high and Noir Allure has checked off all the boxes. I even put it to the test on an insanely humid day while playing tennis outdoors, and while the rest of my makeup may have melted off, my mascara stayed put and looked fabulous … thank God for that, lol.
In summary, every single piece reviewed in this post is a 100% WINNER and worth picking up. I’m glad the mascara is part of the permanent range because something tells me it’s about to become my new favourite. I’m not happy that the liner and eyeshadow quad are limited edition, because they’re both amazing and deserve stay in line spots as well. That said, I’m already planning on picking up back-ups … especially that gorg liner.
Available at CHANEL counters and online
Kindly provided by CHANEL for my unbiased consideration
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