Chanel Le Rouge Collection N°1 Illusion D’Ombre Rouge Contraste & Rouge Brule, Joues Contraste Rouge Profond

Continuing on the amazing Fall 2016 Le Rouge Collection N°1, today I’d like to draw your attention to the gorgeous cream eyeshadows and stunning powder blush.  Chanel has created a smoking hot palette this season [reviewed here], but the pieces that I’m going to introduce today are equally outstanding if not more so, hence deserving of their own dedicated post.

For those who struggle with Les 4 Ombres Candour et Experience, perhaps the shades are far too warm or there is just too much red in there, I highly recommend you check out the Illusion d’Ombre in 128 Rouge Brule and 132 Rouge Contraste.  These are cream eyeshadows, the formula isn’t new, although recently improved at the end of last year so they don’t suffer from the shrinkage problem quite as much as their earlier predecessors.

Chanel Illusion d’Ombre Velvet Rouge Contraste (132)* is a matte cream that goes on with a slight luminous sheen.  It is described to be a deep chocolate brown, but there is some red in there to pull it almost aubergine.  Interesting to note that Rouge Contraste is accompanied by a sponge-tipped applicator as opposed to the angled brush that normally comes with Chanel Illusion d’Ombres.  And the formula seems to be sheerer than usual, which in turn made the sponge applicator more suitable.

At first swatch, Rouge Contraste reminded me of Rouge Noir from Holiday 2015 [reviewed here] so I pulled it out for a comparison swatch.  As you can see, the 2 are really very similar, although there are some silver micro shimmers in Rouge Noir whereas Rouge Contraste is completely devoid of shimmers.  Also, Rouge Noir pulls more purple whilst Rouge Contraste shows up with a redder base.  You cannot tell from the picture, but Rouge Contraste took multiple-fold of swatches more than Rouge Noir to show up the same level of opacity and intensity.

Chanel Illusion d’Ombre Rouge Brule (128) is an enigmatic copper orange in the classic formula that contains some micro shimmers.  It has a slight metallic finish, enough to be striking on the eyes, not so much to look completely OTT.  Compared to Rouge Contraste, this one has much better color intensity and opacity, although it is still easily bendable for a softer look as you wish.

The other not-to-be-missed piece of the Le Rouge Collection is the Chanel Joues Contraste Blush 320 Rouge Profond*!

It took me a long time to become a true convert of these JC blushes, mostly because I really wish Chanel would update the packaging… but the formula is unmistakably top notch.  It is not everyday we see a red blush, and it is a concept that can easily go wrong.  Thankfully, Rouge Profond has the perfect balance of intensity and finish!  I gently press a soft squirrel brush like my SUQQU Cheek brush or Chikuhodo Z-4 on the pan, and then sweep it long my cheek bones in short blending motions starting from the sides of my face towards the apples. This creates a very soft flush-from-within look, and I then layer on more if I need.  I have included a swatch of Rouge Profond next to the Illusion d’Ombres above, and I would best describe it as a medium russet red with a satin finish.

Combining all 3 items discussed today, along with a couple from yesterday’s post [read here], here is another makeup look featuring Chanel Le Rouge Collection N°1 for Fall 2016:

I am wearing Chanel Illusion d’Ombre Rouge Brule, Illusion d’Ombre Velvet Rouge Contraste, Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eros and Dimensions de Chanel Subversif on the eyes.  Joues Contraste Rouge Profond on the cheeks, and Rouge Allure Velvet Audace (reviewing coming up soon!) on the lips.

Here is a closer look at the eye makeup.  I first applied Rouge Contraste all over my lid, dabbing and blending it into my crease.  Thereafter, I added Rouge Brule onto the outer third of my lid before dabbing on a bit more Rouge Contraste to the outer v for definition.  Lined the outer half of my lower lash line with Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Eros and blended it out with a dash of Rouge Brule on the inner third of my lower lash line.  Finished with 2 coats of Dimensions de Chanel in Subversif.  As mentioned earlier, both Eros and Subversive have been reviewed yesterday so do pop over there for a look.

All 3 items discussed here today – Illusion d’Ombre Velvet Rouge Contraste, Illusion d’Ombre Rouge Brule, and Joues Contraste Rouge Profond –  are limited edition.  They are out in stores in Singapore now, and I recommend you take a good look at them while you can!

_{This post featured some items (denoted with*) that were generously provided for my consideration (as well as 1 that I bought for myself).  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}