CHANEL | Signe Particulier Quadra Eyeshadow, Rouge Noir Absolument Collection

You had me at CHANEL. Seriously; one glimpse of the quilted pattern embossed on the surface of these eyeshadows, and I was a goner. Destined to be a focal point of the entire Rouge Noir Absolument Collection for Holiday 2015, the Signe Particular (Limited Edition) compact is a quartet of eyeshadow hues that takes the inspiration behind the theme – that iconic blackened red shade, and turns it into the must-have colour for your eyes this season. And I suspect long into the coming seasons as well, for that matter.

Also reviewed from this collection:

CHANEL | Signe Particulier, Rouge Noir Absolument Holiday 2015

Signe Particulier Quadra Eyeshadow, Limited Edition (CAN $68.00) | Housed in a sleek black lacquered compact case, the real treasure lies within: 4 luxurious eyeshadow hues that are embossed with the CHANEL signature quilted pattern and double ‘C’ logo. Made completely talc-free for heightened colour and radiance, the formula also contains a unique gelling system as well as spherical powders for a creamy, almost gliding texture along the skin, paired with a gorgeous luminosity they leave behind. The shade breakdown (going clockwise from upper left):

oyster pink, satin shimmer
soft violet taupe, velvet shimmer
saffron gold, metallic shimmer
rouge noir, luminous matte

After summoning the courage to dip my brush into these miniature works of art (and only after I took about 10 zillion photos), I got to work swatching. Initially, the colour payoff from my first testing session seemed to be less intense than anticipated, but that quickly changed as I worked my brushes through each shade. Once past that initial barrier, the results met – and exceeded – my expectations. Centred around the ‘Rouge Noir’ theme of this entire collection, the deepest shade of the Signe Particulier acts as an anchoring base for the other three colours and provides contrast and depth. The palest hue looks ethereal when applied under the brow bone or the inner eye corner, while the taupe makes an amazing crease shade or simply worn solo as a soft wash of colour to the lid. That GOLD! Simply stunning, whether added as a focal point on the lid (above the iris), blended into the other hues for even more complex shine, or applied with a dampened brush and worn as a graphic liner – stellar, I tell you. Displaying an effortless blendability along with the versatility of being able to be worn either dry or dampened, lasting power (over primer) is excellent and stays true until removed.

CHANEL | Signe Particulier, Rouge Noir Absolument Holiday 2015

CHANEL | Signe Particulier Quadra Eyeshadow swatches (sunlight & alternate light)

CHANEL | Signe Particulier, Rouge Noir Absolument Holiday 2015

I couldn’t wait to compare Signe Particulier to the previous versions that bear the same design, namely Topkapi released in 2011 from the Collection de Byzance and Harmonie du Soir released with the 2012 Holiday Collection. Apart from the same pattern on the eyeshadows, all three seem to also share a similar outlook colour-wise, with overall warm-leaning hues. Where Signe Particulier differentiates from the other two, is that the colours themselves seem to be somewhat more wearable and display less drama (in other words, the shimmer seems slightly more refined), although the texture of the powders for both Harmonie du Soir and Topkapi appear to have a deeper pigmentation.

Comparison swatches of Topkapi (left), Signe Particulier (centre) & Harmonie du Soir (right)

Comparison swatches of Topkapi (left), Signe Particulier (centre) & Harmonie du Soir (right) – alternate light

If, like many others, you missed out on either Harmonie du Soir or Topkapi, then here’s your chance at redemption with Signe Particulier … although I wouldn’t wait too long to scoop one up if I were you (yes, the dreaded Limited Edition). Apart from the obvious (I mean, just LOOK at it), I was pleasantly surprised to find how totally wearable this eyeshadow quad is and how beautifully all four shades work together – just be ready to experience something close to real pain before marring that pristine surface with your brush.

The CHANEL Rouge Noir Absolument Collection is available now through The Bay, Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom’s and select Shopper’s Drug Mart/Pharmaprix stores across Canada. Find more information via www.chanel.com