Chanel’s makeup collection for this Fall-Winter 2020 is a little reminiscent of Lucia Pica’s first fall release [see here] when she joined the brand. This time though, instead of rouges, she turns to a more romantic shade of pink. Of course, with anything Chanel, you would expect a grown-up sensibility, and the new face of pink is anything but girlie.
Aptly dubbed Candeur et Expérience Act II, Chanel’s Fall-Winter 2020 makeup collection is inspired by that iconic Les 4 Ombres palette with unexpected hues of red. The original palette from FW 2016 was entirely matte, but this time, through the use of differing finishes and tones, Chanel has reinterpreted red… making pink the new red.
To play on these theme, Chanel offers a new Les 4 Ombres – 364 Candeur et Séduction. At first glance, it was very similar to Candeur et Expérience [reviewed here] with the exception of a metallic shade breaking up an otherwise all-matte quad. I swatched both palettes side-by-side so you can see the difference for yourself. Clearly, Candeur et Séduction has a more feminine disposition with a distinct pink-red theme.
The shades in clockwise direction starting from top left, are:
I’m seldom swayed by liners, but this season’s 2 Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof are so compelling, I gasped when I swatched them. Psyche is a beautiful alternative to brown liners, and is not too red but rather a plummy brown so it is easy to wear. Romance… come on the name alone makes me smile. The shimmery soft rose-copper shade is so pretty my heart melts. Wear this smudged out like all-over shadow, pop it in the inner corner for highlight, or tightline with it… I would do it all!
There are a few options for the lips… not nearly as extensive as the first act, but good enough… especially since most of our lips are behind masks these days. Personally, I have not been wearing much lipsticks for most of this year, and only budge proof liquid stains if I do. So it is good that there are a couple of Rouge Allure Ink Fusion here. My favourite is Idyllique (apologies for the typo in the swatch picture below), which is a gorgeous deep wine red with a raspberry pull.
There is also a Baume Essentiel in Rosee, which unfortunately arrived only after I had already swatched and photographed everything. It is a very pale pink that does not show up on my skin tone, except as a highlighter. Lucia Pica recommends wearing this on the lids and lips as well, though personally I’m not sure either would work for everyday wear.
Last but not least, there are 2 Chanel Le Vernis – 765 Interdit is a classy dark bordeaux red, whilst 769 Égérie is a light warm-toned pink. Compared to the 2 nail polishes from the preceding Les Beiges collection [see here], I had much more difficulty applying these smoothly, especially Égérie. Even Interdit seemed to refuse to apply evenly, which is surprising as Chanel is famed for their reds. If you have access to professionals who can apply these for you, then definitely pick these 2 up, because they are so beautiful on the nails!
And I am so pleased to be able to show you this full makeup look – something I have not done in a very very long time. Only because it was my husband’s birthday and we were heading out some place nice for a meal. Featuring Candeur et Séduction on the lids (worn very softly), Idyllique on the lips (blended out at the edges) and you can barely make out Rosee on my cheeks.
Have you been wearing much makeup since COVID started?
This post featured products that were generously provided for my consideration. Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.