CHANEL | Entrelacs Eyeshadow Palette Fall 2015

Inspired by nature’s lush autumnal palette of colours which seems to bring out the luminosity of colours like no other season, CHANEL introduces the Collection Les Automnales – a tribute to ‘all of these natural shades that indulge in one last dance before settling down to sleep‘ (seriously though, how poetic is the imagery of that quote?). One of the quiet stars of this collection is undoubtedly the Entrelacs Eyeshadow Palette (Limited Edition, CAN $72.00) a grouping of 5 timeless earthen hues, that can take you effortlessly from day to evening looks … all fitting in the palm of your hand.

The intricate raised pattern on the surface of each shade is stamped with a graphic motif influenced by Cistercian stained glass, such as that found at the Aubazine Abbey (Auvergnes, France) in whose orphanage Gabrielle Coco was placed as a young child, and which pattern was later said to be the inspiration behind the brand’s iconic interlocking C’s.

Aubazine Abbey – Auvergnes, France (credit)

Cistercian stained glass window, Aubazine Abbey

The iconic CHANEL interlocking c’s, inspired from the Cistercian stained glass windows at Aubazine Abbey

CHANEL | Entrelacs Eyeshadow Palette

Entrelacs Eyeshadow Palette (Limited Edition) | A warm leaning palette of neutral shades in a mix of matte and softly shimmering hues. Each shade has been created to blend beautifully with the others, although your choices are only limited to your imagination & preferences. The surface pattern will eventually wear down with use, although this is no way affects how the colours perform.

INSPIRATION: lunaria, planetree leaf, acorn, chestnut peel, helleborus flower

Entrelacs 1 – soft white with gold reflects, ultra fine shimmer
Entrelacs 2 – soft milk chocolate, matte
Entrelacs 3 – brown bronze, fine shimmer
Entrelacs 4 – blackened brown, satin
Entrelacs 5 – champagne/peach, fine shimmer

What surprised me the most with this palette, is how lightly the shades initially applied, and even though the pigmentation seems to become slightly more intensified with use, do not expect any serious drama (unless you apply them with a dampened brush; then, we’re talking impact). The formula is a interesting combination of velvety smoothness but which also has enough hardness as to eliminate any powdery kickback when swirling brushes through the colours — with zero fallout as a result. As stated before, these are soft shades which can be built up for more depth (the blackened brown is the most saturated of the five), making this a perfect palette to create a diffused smokey eye (also a great alternative to a more traditional blacked-out smokey look).

CHANEL | Entrelacs Eyeshadow Palette

CHANEL | Entrelacs Eyeshadow Palette swatches

Neutral hues are my weakness [and comfort zone] and when you combine that with the beautiful inspiration behind this palette, it becomes a foregone conclusion that I will be all over something this gorgeous. That being said, the plethora of nude palettes available today makes me think that there is no reason to think you might not already own similar shades and even though I pulled out several contenders to compare Entrelacs with, I couldn’t find one palette that included all five of these hues in a single compact. For those who prefer more subtle smokey/neutral looks, then you’ll want to grab this beauty ASAP. My final verdict: while I was initially thrown with the softness of this palette, the more I use it, the more I’m loving it – and just how wearable it truly is. Like I said in my opening paragraph: a quiet star.

The CHANEL Collection Les Automnales 2015 should be available now at all counters nationwide. Find more detailed information on the collection via www.chanel.com