CHANEL · Rouge Allure Ink, Gris Obscur & Bi-Phase Makeup Remover

CHANEL recently released their latest lip products, Rouge Allure Ink, a matte liquid lip colour that might be a little late to the party, but then again, this brand will always beat to its own drum. Slipped in with this collection is 538 Gris Obscur, a darkly brooding nail polish in a shimmering slate hue, a colour that not only has Fall written all over it but sits comfortably in my wheelhouse of deep & vampy shades. The last item I received was the Le Bi-Phase Visage makeup remover, a product which turned out to be quite timely in my swatch fest.

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CHANEL · Bi-Phase Makeup Remover, Rouge Allure Ink & Gris Obscur

CHANEL · Luxuriant & Amoureux Rouge Allure Ink

Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Colour (CAN $43.00) | Housed in a glass bottle, I was initially surprised by how small it is (in comparison to other lip products from the range), but it’s comfortably sized just the same and appears to hold a good amount of product. The flocked applicator has a unique bevelled flat paddle-like shape that makes it easy to scoop the colour out, as well as deposit it quickly and easily all along the lips with minimal fuss. Bearing a lighter version of the typical rose scent that CHANEL is known for, this appears to dissipate fairly quickly after application — good to know for anyone with sensitivities.

The ‘melt-away’ formula is composed of a specific wax that is meant to impart softness, suppleness and a velvety feel, while jojoba oil in the mix delivers moisture, hydration and protection. Other active ingredients include:

sappan wood
matcha green tea
sweet almond oil
vitamin E derivative

Calling this a matte lip product, however, might be a touch misleading; while it does not have the brilliance of a gloss, it definitely does not come to that flat & light-absorbing finish that’s typical of what we think of when we hear ‘matte’. Something else to note is that the colour never fully dries down either, displaying a slight sheen upon initial application that can then be lightly blotted for a more matte-like effect, if desired. On the plus side, the shades have an incredible buttery-smooth feel — both during application and throughout the wearing, along with excellent staying power; Amoureux, the lighter of the two shown here naturally lasted less but still left a rosy pigment behind, while Luxuriant went on easily for 7+ hours and left a much deeper stain behind.

If you’re like me and love the look of a matte lip but hate the desiccating feel that most leave behind, then Rouge Allure Ink is a beautiful compromise; applies like a gloss, is pigmented like lipstick but dries down to a semi-satiny finish, and all while leaving lips feeling hydrated, both during & long after. I’d call that a win-win. BONUS: applying a matching lip pencil to the entire lip before applying your chosen Rouge Allure Ink shade will not only increase the longevity, but intensify the colour.

CHANEL · 140 Amoureux Rouge Allure Ink

CHANEL · 150 Luxuriant Rouge Allure Ink

CHANEL · Le Bi-Phase Makeup Remover

Le Bi-Phase Anti-Pollution Makeup Remover (CAN $53.00) | A dual phase face makeup remover that combines known anti-pollution properties in the formula to deliver effective cleansing and protection at the same time.

Comprised of two phases each of which contains one of the key active ingredients, this lightly (and pleasantly) scented makeup remover needs to be shaken before using, turning it into a pale blue milky solution. The water phase contains blue micro-algae with known de-polluting strength, while the emulsion phase holds the moisturizing and fortifying properties of marine salicornia extract. Using a dry cotton pad to apply it to the skin (avoiding the eye contour area), it effectively removes all traces of makeup without leaving behind any greasy feel — no further rinsing needed, plus you have the added benefit of knowing your skin is left nourished and protected from external aggressors.

After putting Le Bi-Phase Visage to the test, I have to say that I absolutely LOVE how my skin felt after using it to remove my makeup; soft & hydrated without that tight-skin sensation. That being said, it can also become quite the pricey investment if you wear a full face of makeup that needs removing daily (unless cost isn’t a factor for you — then by all means, go to town), so I’ve come up with a couple of solutions. In order to maximize the product, I actually cleanse with either a skin oil beforehand then go in with Le Bi-Phase, or use a less expensive micellar water cleanser first to remove the bulk of my makeup, then follow up once again with Le Bi-Phase. This way, not only am I ensuring my skin is thoroughly cleansed, but left nourished and protected afterwards. BONUS: I used Le Bi-Phase to remove the Rouge Allure Ink swatches and it not only worked like a charm, but left my lips feeling totally hydrated afterwards.

CHANEL · Le Bi-Phase Makeup Remover

538 Gris Obscur (CAN $32.00) | A medium-sheer charcoal grey base hue that’s filled with steel-tinted ultra fine shimmer particles that can display a slight prismatic effect seen in direct light. The formula is a crème-jelly hybrid and applies in a self-levelling way without any pooling at the cuticles or nail edges, and leaves behind a cushy gloss finish – but I feel it totally benefits from a top coat to really make it stand out. Interestingly, the shimmer seen in the bottle doesn’t really show up as strongly when seen in natural/indoor lighting but does serve to add depth of tone and a nice edgy flair to this shade. BONUS: non-staining upon removal.

The formula is in CHANEL’s newly rebooted version, which is meant to provide long-lasting & chip-free wear with a high powered shine. While I’ve read of some people mentioning that CHANEL polishes chip easily on them, I personally have never had any problems in that area, as polish in general (including CHANEL) lasts like iron on my nails. If there’s one area I feel this brand needs to work on where nail lacquers are concerned, then I would say it’s with the brush shape and while I had no issues here, I would still like to see them come out with a brush that is more chiselled and tapered (along the lines of Dior or Guerlain).

Coats: 2, plus Le Gel Coat top coat

CHANEL · 538 Gris Obscur

CHANEL · 538 Gris Obscur swatch

CHANEL · 538 Gris Obscur swatch (macro)

CHANEL · 538 Gris Obscur swatch

I really like how meticulous and well-thought out CHANEL releases are; just because everyone is releasing a certain type of beauty product, doesn’t mean that CHANEL jumps on the bandwagon, but rather the House takes a wait & see approach — then comes up with their own spin. Rouge Allure Ink are lovely, albeit a far cry from matte (more along the lines of the new NARS Velvet Lip Glide) although they make up for that with an incredible lip feel. Makeup Removers have been getting more comprehensive and if you’re in the market for a product that throws in extra skincare benefits, then you may want to give Le Bi-Phase Visage a try. And Gris Obscur … grungy, sophisticated, sexy and modern. Plus it’s a fabulous alternative to black and one that upon removal, will not leave your nails looking like you’ve been digging around the garden. Only killer gorgeous vibes here.

Available at The Bay & CHANEL counters nationwide