[productsamplescourtesyofChanel] There’s a big element of contrast to this Cruise collection from Chanel. Think shadow and light – the dark corners of a summer day being fleetingly lit by searing sun and you’re at the exact point of Lucia Pica’s inspiration.
Starting with the Bronze et Lumiere Duo bronzers, the actual bronzing shade in each (Clair and Medium) is matte while the contrasting shade is pearlescent. Clair is a peachy-pink mix and Medium is a deeper bronze shade with gold highlight. They’re £52 each.
I think I already know that for some, this collection will be a little bit too pared back in shade selection. We’re used to seeing Cruise collections from Chanel that are vibrant with colour rather than muted nuance, but for me personally, there is not a single shade in this Les 4 Ombres palette that won’t be on my lids. Lumiere Naturelles gives you the option of enhancing your lids with neutrals which is the perfect backdrop for doing something more dramatic with lips, or giving them plenty of shimmer and sheen. It’s £47 and you’ll see in the pictures coming up how easily and well it swatches.
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See?! I know that Lucia is too minimalist for some but this is an exceptional neutral edit that will suit most tones.
The Ombre Premiere Gloss is my favourite product of the collection. There are two colours – one more golden than the oyster shade of Lunaire above. In practical terms, eye gloss isn’t the easiest thing to wear but the texture of this is such that it’s more of a cool glaze that instantly lights up your lids. You can wear it as a top-coat over eye-shadow or as I wore it yesterday, as just a slick over bare lids with a little kohl and mascara. It’s gorgeous (you could also use it on your lips and cheeks so it’s probably the best ‘value’ at £28 in terms of multi-functionality).
There are two shades of Rouge Coco Flash (£31) in this collection – Lumiere and Contraste of which I have Contraste, a tawny rose-mauve. Actually, I wish I had the Rouge Coco Glosses from this collection because they’re green and pink and give more of an idea of the contrast concept of the collection – but for some reason, they’re US and Japan only. The Stylo Ombre I have is Metallic Flash (£25) which is a taupe shade than Lunaire – warmer and more creamy in tone and a denser pigment light flash.
I’ve got to admit that I’m slightly obsessed with the lip colour – it’s really similar (or perhaps the same) as one of last year’s summer lip shades. It’s the kind of accent that suits tones which are warm or deep because it brings depth to your natural lip tone without looking overt.
The only other pieces to mention are the nail polishes (£22) – Afterglow and Purple Ray. There’s a third shade, Open Air, which follows the pastel theme in pink. I haven’t had a chance to try these out yet but I have to admit, I’m quite keen to get Afterglow on my nails. The entire collection launches on Friday (24th) if you’re feeling like a treat. I’d recommend as absolute every-age easy wears any of the Stylos, Coco Flash in Contraste and Ombre Premiere Gloss in either gold or silver shades.
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