Something unique occurred with CHANEL’s Holiday 2011 “Les Scintillances” Collection: almost every item released, is so very wearable…and unfortunately most are also limited edition. Case in point, #27 ‘Noir-Ivoire’ is one of those eyeshadow duos that every “beautista” needs in her makeup arsenal, with its incredibly versatile shades of black and ivory, but made soft enough to compliment every conceivable look, skin tone and eye colour – so it comes as somewhat of a surprise to me that CHANEL would opt to make this duo limited edition. All swatches are on skin primed with Guerlain’s Lingerie de Peau Foundation in #03 Beige Naturel (not yet reviewed).
A view of the outer packaging, with its iconic CHANEL lettering and gold band across the bottom.
The top of the box has the name of the product clearly printed, making it easy to locate when placed on its side.
I really appreciate that CHANEL compacts come with an individual velour sleeve, for added protection.
The compact: glossy black, with a luxurious heft to it.
#27 ‘Noir-Ivoire’ (black-ivory), are two shades that in my opinion, should be staples in your makeup drawer. The powder of both shades is exceptionally finely milled, and while the black is obviously quite dark, it does lean more on the matte side with a faint hint of a delicate shimmer, with a buildable density that can easily be applied lightly if so desired. The paler side is a slightly gold based shade of ivory, with a more detectable yet still subtle shimmer, and applies more as a wash of colour, but it can definitely be built to a deeper opacity, especially if applied wet. I noticed absolutely no fallout with either shade, and even without primer, I found the staying power to be at least 6 hours on me, without any noticeable creasing.
The above swatch of both shades (in sunlight), heavily applied on the left hand side and blended out on the right, displays the colours as they would appear in natural light, with the shimmery pieces winking at you ever so gently.
The same swatches, seen here with flash, adds an icy coolness to the shades overall, and emphasizes a slight reflective finish on each.
A closeup of the “Ivoire” side of the duo, giving you a clear view of its ultra fine iridescence.
Sunlight casts a golden tone to this hue (heavily applied on the left, blended out on the right) and gives it such a beautiful warmth.
Flash appears to lighten the colour somewhat, and lends it a more delicate wintry appearance.
The “Noir” side of the duo, displaying its luxurious shadowy tone, yet lightly sprinkled with an almost imperceptible shimmer.
Sunlight paradoxically intensifies a more ebony depth of the heavily applied swatch (left), and touches the blended out side (right) with a glimmery warmth.
Flash appears to add a hint of grey to the carbon nature of this shade, while amplifying its hidden shimmery depth.
When the two shades of ‘Noir-Ivoire’ are combined, the new colour that results is a gorgeous pewter-like hue, seen here in sunlight.
The combination of the two colours (seen here with flash), would also make an exceptional liner shade, highlighting the best of both hues.
Final thoughts: This has become one of my “go-to” duos since the day I brought it home with me; I have used the colours: worn singly, together in various patterns, combined, as a highlighter (the white shade, inner eye corner & under brows), as well as a liner (primarily the dark shade), and in a pinch, I have no doubt that the paler side can even work as a facial highlighter! Talk about multi-purpose! I really like how the black is not so deep and can have its intensity adjusted, while the ivory avoids looking too stark by virtue of its golden undertones. A highly under-rated eyeshadow duo, it was definitely eclipsed by the much anticipated ‘Lumière Sculptée’ highlighter of the same collection (previously reviewed here) but certainly deserves to be recognized for what it is: an incredibly well-made and versatile product, or the real “star” of this collection!
14 Responses to CHANEL #27 Noir-Ivoire Ombres Contraste Duo for Holiday 2011 (swatches & review)