CHANEL | Campanule & Caroube Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect, Orchidée Stylo Yeux Waterproof

The much-anticipated CHANEL Collection Mediterranée for Summer 2015 has finally landed at counters across the country, pieces filled with the sun drenched colours of the French Riviera. I was kindly send three eye pencils to test out: N°107 Campanule & N°147 Caroube in the Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect format (first released in 2013) and N°997 Orchidée Stylo Yeux Waterproof – all limited edition.

The Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect bears a unique cream eyeshadow formula made with a higher than usual concentration of water, which provides a ‘cooling’ sensation upon the skin at first application. The travel-friendly & retractible pen style has a tapered edge (although that does wear down and round out with use) which can deposit a dense layer of colour or sheered out for a lighter wash along the lids. There are 5 shades released with this collection (all limited edition), all in a satin finish and with each bearing a complex shimmer. Note that all shades can be worn alone, or mixed & matched for more effect.

The Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect formula is meant to be long-lasting, but I still need to apply primer first (the curse of oily lids) in order to keep the colour intact and crease-free. The cooling sensation is indeed noticeable, but dissipates quickly and if you’re planning on any blending or smudging out of the colour, you do need to work relatively quickly because once it sets, it’s near impossible to move around. The formula is a soft-solid in the pen with the tip wearing down and taking on a rounded shape by just a few uses – which actually makes application even easier, but not conducive for detailed work (although perfect for a more diffused eyeliner application).

CHANEL’s Stylo Yeux Waterproof range of eye pencils are slim retractible pencils that never need sharpening, are soft enough to avoid stressing the delicate skin of the eyes but bear a solid enough density to help deposit colour easily. Long-lasting, they are safe for use on the waterline (inner rim of the eye) and are meant to stay in place.

I have been a fan of CHANEL’s Stylo Yeux Waterproof pencils for many years now (I swear by the black version as my go-to liner, especially for the waterline) and appreciate how easily they apply, as well as how long-lasting most can be. N°997 Orchidée is quite unique in my collection, with its vividly intense violet shade truly making my green eyes stand out.

CHANEL Collection Mediterranée 2015 | Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect 107 Campanule & 147 Caroube, Stylo Jeux Waterproof 997 Orchid swatches

CHANEL Collection Mediterranée 2015 | 107 Campanule & 147 Caroube Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect

CHANEL Collection Mediterranée 2015 | 107 Campanule & 147 Caroube Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect swatches

N°107 Campanule (CAN $38.00) | Inspired by the Florentine Iris so beloved by Coco Chanel, this is a nice mix of lavender and violet tones with hints of blue reflects in the base. The shade can be intensified by layering (as well as complimented by the addition of N°997 Orchidée), or sheered out for a whisper light wash of colour.

CHANEL Collection Mediterranée 2015| 107 Campanule Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect swatches

N°147 Caroube (CAN $38.00) is a complex bronze-brown hue with hints of taupe in the base. Inspired by the beauty of golden Summer skin, this shade is ultra rich in both texture and appearance, and is universal enough to suit all skin tones and eye colours across the board.

CHANEL Collection Mediterranée 2015 | 147 Caroube Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect swatches

Upon first looking at N°147 Caroube, I was under the impression that it would be almost identical in colour to N°07 Moon River (released in 2013 – now discontinued) but the two couldn’t be more different; Caroube is obviously several shades darker and more chocolate hued, while Moon River is not only lighter and rather platinum-leaning, but displays much more shimmer as well.

CHANEL | 147 Caroube vs 07 Moon River Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect

CHANEL | 147 Caroube vs 07 Moon River Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect swatches

N°997 Orchidée (CAN $35.00) is a vivid violet pencil shade and much more intense than what’s seen by just looking at the pencil. Worn along the waterline, the colour seemed a little subdued at initial application, but once the pencil has warmed up and has been worked in a bit, the effect is definitely amplified. Applied along the lash line, this pencil stays in place until removed – when used in conjunction with N°107 Campanule, the effect is just gorgeous; a modern & still elegant way to wear vivid colour.

CHANEL Collection Méditerranée 2015 | 997 Orchidée Stylo Yeux Waterproof swatches

I absolutely love the versatility & unique tones of the Stylo Eyehshadow Fresh Effect pencils, as well as how easy they are to use. Portable and long-lasting (although those with oily lids should prime beforehand), there are an infinite number of ways to wear/apply them for a wide variety of looks, not to mention how easily they can all mix & match. The Stylo Yeux Waterproof in 997 Orchidée is a wonderful addition to my Summer makeup wardrobe, and by just adding a few swipes of mascara I’m able to achieve an easy, yet fun eye look. Do yourself a solid and check these out next time you’re at a CHANEL counter – but don’t wait too long to do so, as they are limited edition and are sure to go rather fast (judging by how fast they sold out back in 2013).

Collection Mediterranée Summer 2015 is available now at all CHANEL counters across the Canada. Visit chanel.com for more details.