CHANEL | Rouge Noir: Illusion d’Ombre, Le Crayon Khôl & Le Volume de CHANEL, Holiday 2015

The Holiday 2015, CHANEL Rouge Noir Absolument Collection (see previous post here), pays tribute to the blackened red lacquer shade that started a world-wide trend/frenzy: Rouge Noir. Three other pieces have joined this venerable family, all limited edition and each playing upon the same blood-red theme — and they have quickly become products I reach for in my makeup routine. Note that the mascara is a repromote, which makes me so happy to see its comeback, as I never got a chance to pick up a backup the first time around (but will definitely be stocking up now).

CHANEL | Rouge Noir Absolument Holiday 2015 (credit)

CHANEL | Rouge Noir Absolument Holiday 2015

CHANEL | Illusion d’Ombre 857 Rouge Noir

Illusion d’Ombre 857 Rouge Noir (CAN $41.00) | With the exception of one hue that was never released here in Canada (and which I was too late to purchase upon travelling to the US), I have every other shade in the Illusion d’Ombre series, and while not all get the same amount of love from me, 857 Rouge Noir is the one I’ve been reaching for over and over again since its arrival.

A gel-cream texture that dries down to a smooth quasi-powdery finish, CHANEL’s iconic black-red shade finally meets the Illusion d’Ombre formula. Filled with garnet and iridescent shimmer, this hue can be sheered out for a light veil of colour swept along the lids, or packed on for instant vamp intensity – although you do need to work fairly quickly (and one eye at a time), as it dries within a minute of application. Even though CHANEL claims this formula to be long-wearing, I find that if you have oily lids like I do, it’s best to prime first or risk the product creasing, however those with drier lids shouldn’t have any issues.

CHANEL | Illusion d’Ombre 857 Rouge Noir

CHANEL | Illusion d’Ombre 857 Rouge Noir swatches (in direct sunlight & alternate light)

Le Crayon Khôl 17 Rouge Noir (CAN $33.00) | A soft textured blackened red eyeliner pencil with a typical khôl texture: the softer feel means it can be applied along the lash line without any tugging along the sensitive skin of your eyes, is able to be built up for major intensity, but can also be easily blended out, if desired. A unique twist on a traditional black liner, there’s just enough hint of burgundy in the base to keep things interesting (never theatrical). Note: perfect for layering under the matching Illusion d’Ombre to act as an anchoring base, as well as to provide a multi-tonal depth of colour.

CHANEL | Le Crayon Khôl 17 Rouge Noir

Le Volume de CHANEL 27 Rouge Noir (CAN $38.00) | A deep burgundy hue in CHANEL’s ultra-volumizing mascara formula. I am a huge fan of Le Volume (I can’t even begin to count how many tubes I’ve gone through since its inception), although I do find that in the past, the formula tended to thicken up within a month of opening; that being said, I’ve yet to notice anything negative about this version, so I’m guessing it’s been tweaked somewhat to provide better longevity. A highly complimentary colour for anyone with green eyes, this shade is also dark enough to provide a rich depth of tone, giving your lashes a lush & full look. Long wearing, minimal clumping (which is great for providing thickness to lashes, but can also be weeded out with a lash comb for anyone clump-phobic), flake and smudge proof, and easily removed with a dual-phase eye make remover.

CHANEL | Le Volume de CHANEL 27 Rouge Noir

CHANEL | Le Volume de CHANEL 27 Rouge Noir (swatches)

To summarize: all three items shown in this post are must-haves in my opinion. The quality, textures and pigmentation on all three is superb and apart from the fact that they all engage in the Rouge Noir history, this colour also makes an excellent alternative to traditional black. One final word: Illusion d’Ombre Rouge Noir is NOT to be missed (CHANEL’s website has it as permanent, although my press info lists this as limited). The downside? Yes, the dreaded limited edition – I’m thinking a petition to CHANEL about making these permanent might be in order here. Let me know who else wants in.

The CHANEL Rouge Noir Absolument Collection is available through Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom and The Bay stores across Canada. Find more information via www.chanel.com