CHANEL Illusion d’Ombre #94 Rose des Vents (LE), Jardin des Camélias Collection

Along with the Jardin Zen eyeshadow quad (reviewed here), CHANEL has also released #94 Rose des Vents (limited edition) as part of the Jardin des Camélias Collection, a true pink hue with loads of smooth shimmer in their cult-fave Illusion d’Ombre format. There’s a beautiful versatility to #94 Rose des Vents, with its ability to be either worn alone for a quick swipe of bright colour, or used as the foundation to layer a matching shade on top for more drama, and this shade in particular, seems to draw light and warmth to the eyes.

CHANEL #94 Rose des Vents

Illusion d’Ombre #94 Rose des Vents, Limited Edition (CAN $38.00) – A medium-deep pink hue which leans neither too cool nor too warm,with finely milled & incredibly brilliant shimmer, in CHANEL’s innovative crème format. For those unfamiliar with the Illusion d’Ombre range, the texture is a mousse/crème/gel hybrid with a soft spongy feel upon touching it. Experience has shown that using your fingers for application is best, although synthetic haired brushes are also recommended (natural bristle brushes absorb too much product, resulting in a patchier application). Once applied, you can definitely then go in with your usual blending brush to smooth out any edges, if desired. The wear time will depend on your lids and skin type; as my eyelids tend to run more oily than dry, I absolutely need a primer first. Without primer, I can get about maximum 2 hours before I see noticeable ceasing, but with a primer underneath, the wear time is then extended easily past the 9 hour mark for me.

As this formula isn’t quick-setting, you have time to build it up for more intensity or blend it with other eyeshadows (powder or crème). I noticed absolutely no fallout with #94 Rose des Vents, primarily due to its shimmer being of the smoothly laying variety, as opposed to chunky glitter.With its complex mix of gold and slight bluish glints, this is a highly complimentary pink shade for basically all skin tones and eye colours (not to mention absolutely no fear of looking like you’ve got an eye infection).

CHANEL #94 Rose des Vents

There are two other CHANEL Illusion d’Ombre shades in the pink range, but as can be easily seen in the above photo, neither is remotely similar to #94 Rose des Vents. How they compared:

#93 Impulsion – The palest in tone, with a stronger white/silver shimmer, cool leaning
#88 Abstraction (reviewed here) – Looking more peach beside the other two, shimmer slightly more toned down, warmer leaning

CHANEL Illusion d’Ombre #94 Rose des Vents, #93 Impulsion, and #88 Abstraction

CHANEL Illusion d’Ombres #94 Rose des Vents, #93 Impulsion, and #88 Abstraction

You might say that I have a bit of an obsession in collecting CHANEL’s Illusion d’Ombre shades (only Rivière, has managed to elude me – which was never released here in Canada) and even though they are definitely nowhere near as long-lasting as the brand claims, or come close to the iron-clad staying power of the Armani Eyes to Kill Intense line of eyeshadows, there is still something very ephemeral about the tone and look that the Illusion d’Ombre shades can give to the eyes. #94 Rose des Vents is a welcome addition to my collection – unique in tone, yet still a most totally wearable vibrant & shimmery shade. Just perfect for hot Summer nights, no?

Purchased from The Bay (Canada), available now and part of CHANEL’s limited edition Jardin des Camélias Collection.