Ageless Chanel

I bought my first Chanel lipstick sometime around high school when Kate Moss, the world’s most famous coke-ette, made more wholesome and fashionable headlines back then wearing the black luster of Vamp on her pouting lips. The lipstick was all the rage, inspiring copies around the world. However, here’s the thing about cosmetics: there are those who wear it to hide flaws, accentuate features and add color to dull skin. In other words, its purpose is quite functional.

Then there are those who see it as a higher form – an art form, if you may. They are the kind who take every detail from formula, color, packaging, down to the little things such as applicators and design, as seriously as a heart attack. Although the Vamp inspired copies, there was still nothing like the real deal. Makeup has always been a democratic luxury, something most of us can indulge in – and no one does it better than the house of the queen of modern luxe, Chanel.

For this season, they have again introduced an innovative collection inspired by the obscure sublime streets in Paris, Chanel culture and, most importantly (and visibly), the Eastern theme of the legendary apartment of Coco Chanel. The Coromandel de Chanel is inspired by the coromandels, a form of decorative lacquer used on screens, found in her apartment. The laser technology exclusive to Chanel allows the eyeshadow and blush to bear the imperial motifs found in the coromandels in its pallets. The coromandel itself includes several phases to be completed and, unlike the oriental pieces, it’s sealed with a gum resin that creates a matte finish. The finish of the Coromandel de Chanel collection has a powdery finish similar to the screens, as opposed to the glittery finishes so common today.

Another exciting product is the Irelle Duo, which again pays homage to something uniquely Chanel, a quilted pallet. For the first time the shadows come in complementary colors producing a soft and silky finish used either damp or dry.

Chanel has been the eponymous brand of every urban starlet or sophisticate. It embodies glamour, timelessness and innovation, qualities that can be enjoyed by any femme of any age.

Chanel is exclusively available at Rustans Department Stores.

Season’s tips

This season it’s no secret that richer hues are taking over. However, for those who are less bold but nonetheless want to experiment with color, here are some tips to play with shade without looking like a holiday clown or, worse, a holiday ho.

1) Use it damp. It comes on more sheer and less defined, like a watercolor.

2) Balance things. If you’re wearing a rich shade like gold or red, use a neutral color all over the face.

3) It’s easier to experiment on the lips. If you’re not so sure of your makeup skills a good place to start using a bold color is on the smacker.

4) Line eyes, for this season, with powder eyeshadow for a soft and defined look.

5) Powder up. A delicate matte finish will keep you looking polished this holiday season.