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)

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 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 (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