Noir et Blanc de Chanel
If there are only 2 colours that I can choose to spend the rest of my life in, they would be black and white. If I made no effort at all, my entire wardrobe will be just black, and white. The simplicity and classicism of those hues make them universally flattering and easy to wear. However, these 2 hues don’t always play up well in makeup, their dramaticism often reserved for the runway or cinema. In the hands of Lucia Pica though, she has navigated the spaces in-between and found nuanced gradations that work for the everyday woman in the latest Noir et Blanc de Chanel Collection for Fall-Winter 2019.
To play up the cinematic glamour, the eyes come into focus with shades of black, grey, burgundy and white. The look is evocative of an earlier period of black and white film, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Hayworth. There are 2 Les 4 Ombres eyeshadow palettes to choose from – Noir Suprême is the more wearable one imho; and Modern Glamour that deals out greater contrasts. The texture of the shades is more sumptuous and intensity of pigmentation diffused, allowing for greater fluidity and foolproof application. I have swatched Noir Suprême below according to the relative placement of the shades in the palette, the shades are – dark pewter with hidden micro golden shimmers, dark blue-black, deep chocolate brown, and reddened plum. Unlike most other eyeshadow quads, I have difficulty using more than 2 shades at a time from Noir Suprême simply because they tend to blend into a muddy pool otherwise. But the matte finishes of the shades make them great bases to layer with the Ombre Premiere Top Coats.
There are 2 Ombre Premiere Top Coat shades which are high shine with slightly sheer base designed to be layered over another eyeshadow. Carte Blanche is a silvery white and Penombre is a light pewter with golden shimmers. If all fails, there are 2 Stylo Yeux Waterproof to achieve your look – a crisp white Blanc Graphique, and a deep Noir Intense.
An interesting addition to this season’s collection is the LE GEL PAILLETÉ which is a multi-purpose shimmer gel formulated to be used both on face and body. As we head into the holiday season, this may be 1 to collect and treasure. The gel itself is incredibly light and absorbs into the skin without any stickiness nor smell. It has very fine silvery shimmers that are not immediately visible but reflects light for an added glow. I like using it on my bare legs and shoulders, and I can imagine it working on the cheeks as well.
The lips options are crisp and concise, but individually unique and caters to all styles of makeup. For those seeking everyday options, choose from nude beige and classic rose to bolder mauve and burgundy in either the Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme or Rouge Allure Liquid Powder formula. Both are matte of course, but perfectly comfortable to wear all day everyday.
To transform your look from day to night, choose from 2 contrasting Rouge Coco Gloss. CRYSTAL CLEAR is an easy one as it is simply a clear gloss with silvery shimmers. It changes your matte lipsticks to a glossy finish and lightens the colour. LAQUE NOIR is the avant-garde option that goes on almost completely black and glossy. However, if you sheer this one out, it turns into a deep plummy wine. Layer it over a red lipstick and experience the vavavoom magic.
Nails get a lot of fun with pairing of Le Vernis PURE WHITE and PURE BLACK. Both have a creamy finish, the black is slightly sheerer than white, though they both turn completely opaque with 2 coats. I love that the formula is self-evening and does not streak, and there is enough opacity to use these for simple yet bold nailart!
This black and white Noir et Blanc de Chanel collection is currently out in stores. Have you checked it out yet?
This post featured products that were generously provided for my consideration. Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.
