Press sample provided for my unbiased consideration
CHANEL’s Arabesque Harmonie Lèvres (Limited Edition, CAN $75.00) released as part of the La Perle de CHANEL Collection, is a grouping of 5 complementary lip shades in one convenient compact. Inspired by the beauty of the ballet, these 5 rose-hued lip shades (2 glosses, 3 lipsticks) can be worn individually or mixed & matched to create plenty of interesting and personalized layering combinations.
Other items from La Perle de CHANEL Collection previously reviewed, include:
CHANEL | Arabesque Harmonie Lèvres, La Perle de CHANEL Collection
CHANEL | Arabesque Harmonie Lèvres, La Perle de CHANEL Collection
CHANEL | Arabesque Harmonie Lèvres, La Perle de CHANEL Collection
CHANEL | Arabesque Harmonie Lèvres, La Perle de CHANEL Collection
CHANEL | Arabesque Harmonie Lèvres, La Perle de CHANEL Collection
Arabesque Harmonie Lèvres, Limited Edition | A selection of five lip shades in one palette, consisting of 2 glosses (the lightest hues) and 3 lipsticks. The compact bears a large mirror on the inner lid (convenient for on-the-go touch ups) and includes 2 dual-ended & slant-headed lip brushes that are surprisingly well made, enabling you to apply each shade with ease. Fragranced with CHANEL’s signature rose scent (relatively undetectable when applied) it’s still worth noting for those with sensitivities.
Both glosses are non-sticky in feel and come in a slightly thicker formula than what you’d typically find in the brand’s tube glosses, bearing CHANEL’s patented extra-fine shimmer that feels ultra-smooth upon the lips. With regards to staying power, the glosses wear typically about 2-3 hours on me and always leave my lips feeling well nourished. The three lipstick shades need a bit of work initially to build up the colour (most noticeable when the palette is new, not an issue with continued use) and are unique in that the colour seems to almost intensify once applied (or so it appears to me), becoming fully pigmented upon the lips and with a finish that is less than a gloss, but more than satin. I’m able to get between 5-6 hours wear out of the lipstick shades, with a light stain left behind on the lips once the majority of colour has worn off and a well hydrated sensation upon the lips throughout the wearing, as well as after the colour has faded.
- Arabesque 1 – pale peach-tinted pink gloss with a ultra-fine silver shimmer (non-gritty)
- Arabesque 2 – warm rose gloss with fine sparser silver shimmer (non-gritty)
- Arabesque 3 – true rose-pink, warm leaning, pigmented, no shimmer, gloss/satin finish
- Arabesque 4 – bright pink, cooler-leaning, pigmented, no shimmer, gloss/satin finish
- Arabesque 5 – rosewood pink, both cool & warm leaning, ultra-fine shimmer (detectable more in the pan than on the lips), lighter pigmentation, gloss/satin finish
In the past, I’ve tended to pass on lip palettes for a variety of reasons, whether that was because not all shades drew me in, or the fact that they have the potential to become rather messy with use. That being said, there is something so lovely about Arabesque, that resisting its allure becomes pointless. Factor in that every shade is easily wearable by a wide variety of complexions and the excellent texture of each individual colour, and you have a winner. Another advantage to Arabesque, is in its versatility; rather than carrying around a bevy of lip products, these five hues can literally take you from day/work to evening with just a quick change-up. To round things off, there’s the numerous layering possibilities of these shades, where creating a unique customized lip colour is basically in the palm of your had.
CHANEL | Arabesque Harmonie Lèvres, La Perle de CHANEL Collection
CHANEL | Arabesque Harmonie Lèvres, La Perle de CHANEL Collection
CHANEL | Arabesque Harmonie Lèvres, La Perle de CHANEL Collection
CHANEL | Arabesque Harmonie Lèvres, La Perle de CHANEL Collection
CHANEL | Arabesque 1 swatch Harmonie Lèvres
CHANEL | Arabesque 2 swatch Harmonie Lèvres
CHANEL | Arabesque 3 swatch Harmonie Lèvres
CHANEL | Arabesque 4 swatch Harmonie Lèvres
CHANEL | Arabesque 5 swatch Harmonie Lèvres
CHANEL | Arabesque 1 & 5 swatch Harmonie Lèvres
CHANEL | Arabesque 2 & 4 swatch Harmonie Lèvres
CHANEL | Arabesque Harmonie Lèvres swatches (in sunlight)
CHANEL | Arabesque Harmonie Lèvres swatches (alternate lighting)
I don’t own many lip palettes (apart from 1 from MAC, I actually own 3 from CHANEL that were released about 20 years ago – and they have surprisingly lasted rancid-free to now), and I confess to being skeptical about Arabesque at first – both in terms of usefulness and suitability. I’m so happy to to say that every shade I apply impresses me, both in terms of feel and how it appears against my skin tone. There’s something fresh and modern about these rose hues, and they add a gorgeous brightness to my completed makeup look (at least, the lipstick shades do – the glosses have their own unique brilliant beauty), while the layering possibilities make this one of the most versatile pieces you can own in your beauty arsenal. The only downside, is the steep price, although you might say that it’s offset by getting 5 totally wearable shades in 1 compact. Regardless, I’m absolutely loving these colours (and I never wear pink/rose hues, so that says it all).
Available now for a limited time. Find more information via chanel.com