Fall Product Review: Chanel Pro Lumiere Foundation

What They Say: "This foundation provides you effortless perfection with professional looking results.

This breakthrough oil-free formula imparts an unprecedented semi-matte finish that can be blended for a soft, natural look or built up for greater sophistication."

Jen's Experience: I've been a fan of Chanel foundations ever since I tried their Teint Fluide Universel. While that one is a light to medium coverage, this foundation is more of a medium to full-coverage foundation. Even though flawless skin isn't really the look for this year, I'm a full-coverage kind of girl, so this product really appeals.

The color matches my skin well; there are no obvious yellow or blue tones in it that make it apparent that I'm wearing a foundation at all. It blends really easily, too. In fact, when I put on a light layer, it's difficult to figure out where I applied and where I didn't except that my skin looks so much better in the areas with the foundation. Another thing that I've noticed is that it almost seems to have some silicone or other foundation primer ingredient mixed in with it, because of the texture and the way it camouflages the larger pores near my nose.

If you're already a fan of Chanel foundations, this product is not to be missed, and if you haven't yet tried their foundation products, this is certainly an excellent selection. I understand that there will be a Pro Lumiere concealer soon, and that's already on my shopping list!

Tips: I was told when I purchased this to be sure to use a foundation brush so that I could use less, and have more buildable coverage. And she was right! Applying it directly uses almost double the amount of foundation and seems to skip medium coverage and go directly to full. When I use a brush, I can do my entire face with just one pump, a great way to conserve a foundation that is pretty pricey.

Retail Price: $50.00 (Your local department store's Chanel counter)

Rating:

Fall Trend Watch: Can You Wear This Trend? Black Nail Polish

It's everywhere - all of the magazines, on of a LOT of celebrities. This black nailpolish trend is HOT right now. At least that's what they're telling us. But can everyday women pull it off? Well, I got all the DeLush gals on board to try it out, and here were our thoughts. -Melissa

(Alissa)
Polish Used: Living Nightmare Black Nail Polish

"I made an appointment for a manicure on Saturday morning for a nice treat. She used "Living Nightmare" brand, which I can only assume is a leftover from last Halloween. It actually turned out quite nicely considering the goopiness. After the topcoat was applied, it looked like patent leather or vinyl.

I don't think I will try this again anytime soon. I felt a little self-concious about it, like I should be listening to My Chemical Romance and wearing combat boots. I think it might be kind of sexy with the right outfit, though. Can't wait to see how everyone else liked it!"

(Jamie)
Polish Used: Cover Girl “Boundless Color” in Midnight Magic (#610)

"Knowing this color choice would be dicey for a pale redhead, I chose the warmest shade I could find – it bordered on navy, and had a hint of sparkle.

Disappointingly, the polish was thin and runny. I needed 3 coats (!) just to even out the color. Even if the polish was of a higher quality, this is one fall trend to which I won’t be subscribing."

(Toya)
Polish Used: Rimmel Lasting Finish Lycra Wear in Black Satin

"I have to say that I'm not feeling this black nail polish phenomenon AT ALL! It just doesn't look pretty to me - it looks like you painted your nails with permanent marker. Besides which, black is just not a good color for me - I think it makes my skin, which usually has really warm undertones, look ashen.

If I were to try to be in on this trend, I would go a really, really dark blood red or even a dark brown as a more fitting alternative."

(Jen)
Polish Used: CHANEL Black Satin (color available in department stores)

"I just had to have Black Satin, the hot color from Chanel this Fall, but I wasn't so sure that the black nailcolor trend was going to work for me. I have really long nail beds, and even though I had trimmed them short, I was sure that I would look too goth. And not that the goth look isn't in right now, but as someone who wears a lot of pink, feminine clothes...well, frankly, I thought I would be the subject of amusement at work and among friends. I am happy to say that I found this trend very wearable, from art parties to important business meetings. Not only did I not hear any snickers from afar, I didn't even get any comments about them! I thought the color, which is actually either a deep dark purple or a deep dark brown (I can't decide), looked very chic with my updated fall wardrobe and I never felt uncomfortable with my bold nail color.

Now, the wearability of the trend and the wearability of the color are two very different things. I didn't go to the nail salon to have them do the painting as I had planned, so this may be a lack of skill on my part, but I found that the color went away -- not chipped, exactly, but wore down -- more quickly than with other colors I've used. I also noticed that the color lost its luster more quickly. I have to apply a new layer of topcoat very frequently, every other day to be exact, to keep the polish looking shiny and fresh.

I am definitely more willing to experiment with these dark colors after trying the black, but I may end up going with a chic plum or chocolate on a regular basis if I find it easier to maintain."

(Melissa)
Polish Used: Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear in Black Out

"I've been using this pretty much for the past month and right from the start, I had no trouble getting used to it at all. I've been keeping my nails pretty short the past few years anyway, so that wasn't an issue for me. It really is KEY to keep your nails short for this. I have small hands, and I think that may be another slight advantage to the success of the look.

This particular polish got compliments everywhere I went. I'm not kidding. Every time I checked out of a store at the counter someone would comment on how shiny they were (I did NOT even use topcoat) and our veterinarian (shut up, she's young!) even commented on how she'd tried black polish before but it just didn't look as good as this one did.

It's true that you have to touch it up a little bit every 3 days or so, even with this polish which I have in other colors and wears very well. This shade seems to wear off the tips of the nails much quicker than other colors. As soon as you notice that, just apply another (thin!) coat and you're good as new. The things I noticed that are imperative to make this look work are that the polish needs to be smudge-free (be careful and you can do it, I did mine myself!), shiny, and when you apply it, start JUST above the cuticle. Don't go all the way down to it. This really looks more professional and clean.

For me, this look gets a definite thumbs up. I didn't feel obvious in it at all, and I think it's kind of hot. The re-applying isn't a big deal when you don't have to spend a lot on each bottle."

Fall Product Review: Chanel Pink Lamé Eyeshadow

What They Say: " A highly original eyeshadow that blends sophistication, luxury and fashion in one! The innovative, embossed surface reflects the intricate beauty of lamé, weaving together three opulent layers of silky powder in gold, silver and rose tones."

Jen's Experience: This was the product that I was drooling over the most this season, and I think it may be my biggest disappointment. With all the work they went into to create the separate colors in their "opulent layers", the end result is a purplish-pink that is bright but not all that becoming on me. I refused to admit it at first, and wore it daily, but after a while I just had to admit that it really wasn't the best color on me.

I also found that the color didn't last that long no matter what I tried. Primer underneath, a base of cream shadow, powder on top -- it didn't matter, the color was gone within 4 hours of application.

This was going to be my staple eyeshadow for the season, but sadly, I'm just not all that impressed.

Tip: One way to really make this color pop is with a dark purple eyeliner. I found that it really complemented the purple in the shadow.

Retail Price: $40.00 (Neiman Marcus) It's selling out at this point, so if this is something you're wanting to try for yourself, hurry to your local department store!

Rating:

Fall Product Review: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour

What They Say: "Long-lasting, chip-resistant nail colour. Fashion-forward and basic go-with-everything shades.

Brilliance to your fingertips with must-have colours from the runways of Paris.

State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails. Unique patented non-spill bottle with wiping action for easy application.

Roll bottle between the hands before opening to ensure even colour. Cover center of nail with one brush stroke, from cuticle to tip; follow with a single stroke on each side of nail."

Chanel Splendeur

Jen's Experience: I have to say, right off the bat, that this nail lacquer in Splendeur is my new favorite nail colour -- for any season. The bright raspberry color really pops against my darker winter blacks and grays, but as a spring or summer color, it's a happy shade of pink that looks great in a pair of sandals. This was my first experience with Chanel's nail color, and I am truly impressed. (I've since purchased their Black Satin nail color, which I'll be talking about next week.) All these years I thought that there really couldn't be that much of a difference between drugstore and department store nail color, but after this polish and the Carolyn New York nail polish, I do believe there's something to the higher end polishes.

This polish applies so easily, even I can use it without a major mishap. The texture is somewhat thin, but magically, it doesn't run; it stays where you put it. It seems like it dries more quickly than other polishes that I've used as well. My only complaint is that the polish did chip a lot at the tips after a couple weeks of wear, which doesn't normally happen to me. I can usually wear a color at least a month without that happening. Luckily, I was able to touch it up seamlessly. Next time I will be certain to reapply a topcoat at least weekly.

So, maybe this isn't the most long-wearing polish. I'm still so enamoured with the color and the ease of application, I think I'm willing to forgive its faults and enjoy my pretty toenails.

Retail Price: $18.00 (Buy it on DeLush Delights!)

Rating:

Fall Product Reviews: Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick and Precision Lip Definer

About Rouge Allure Lipstick: "The newest CHANEL lipstick -- destined to become an icon.

It combines fabulously wearable, lustrous colour and sensational comfort and is subtly etched with the world-renowned CHANEL logo. In a sleek black column that opens with a mere touch on the gold top."




Jen's Experience: I am always on the lookout for the perfect red lipstick, and there's no better time than this fall to get a classic red color. It's the perfect accent to a black ensemble.

I chose this color, Lover, from Chanel because it was a bright, traditional red color with heavy blue undertones. Yellow undertones in a red lipstick makes me look very washed out. Red lipsticks with blue undertones also tend to make my teeth look whiter, a true side-benefit to these bright colors. This might be a great red to try for those of you with pale to medium skin with blue undertones.

I found the application with this red, as with most reds, to be somewhat difficult. I found that the color applied more evenly when I used a coat of balm underneath, and I also had better results when I used a lip brush than when I used the lipstick directly. The color wears for a surprisingly long time, although when I'm dehydrated, my lips feel uncomfortably dry after wearing it for a while. The lipstick is very shiny alone even without a gloss applied over the top, but this would be a great lipstick to try with the wet, shiny look.

They mention the packaging in their product summary, and with good reason. It's ultra-sleek in the black container, and travels well since the lipstick cap doesn't come off without pushing the base.

Overall, this is truly a candidate for my perfect red. I wish that the lipstick was a little more moisture-rich, even if it was at the expense of the long-lasting color of this lipstick.

About Le Crayon Levres Precision Lip Liner: "Contouring lip crayon outlines, defines and corrects lip shape.

Creamy-textured pencil offers precise lip lining, to emphasize and maximize the shape of your lips with long-lasting colour.

Silicones allow ease of application. Vitamin E helps combat free radicals. Built-in brush for blending; comes with double-bladed sharpener.

Outline and contour lips, then apply lipstick with a brush. Ideal for making thin lips look fuller. For a matte effect, fill in entire lip with the crayon, then blur with the brush."

Jen's Experience: Le Crayon Levres in Wineberry is a perfect complement to the Rouge Allure lipstick in Lover. The Chanel lip liner is really the full package. It's not just a very capable lip liner (which, as they mention, makes a great matte lip color when used alone), but one end of the liner is a brush than can be used for blending. It even comes with its own sharpener.

Retail Prices:
Lipstick - $29.00 (Chanel.com or DeLush Delights)
Liner - $27.50 (Chanel.com or DeLush Delights)

Ratings:
Lipstick -
Lip liner -

The Face of Fall: Chanel

For the Fall 2006 fashion season, there is no line I am more excited about than that of Chanel. In a season filled with black, Chanel brings bright accent colors that would -- at first glance -- be appropriate for resort season, but instead are a perfect complement the darker clothes of fall. The emphasis in the fall Chanel line is on pink and shades of purple. These are no light pastels, though; each of the colors in the collection is rich and vibrant and anything but drab.
--Jen

EXCLUSIVE CREATION PINK LAMÉ

The Pink Lame eyeshadow appeared in the fall preview of just about every fashion magazine this year, and it's a product I lusted over for several weeks before I finally gave in and bought my very own. The color of this product is much brighter than what you'd expect, so it's a terrific way to spark up your fall wardrobe. It's seems to be sold out in several places, even on the Chanel site, so if you are looking to purchase this "it" beauty product for fall, now is the time. Visit DeLush on Thursday for the full review.

Retail Price: $40.00

ROUGE HYDRABASE CREME LIPSTICK

There are four shades for fall in this popular creamy lipstick from Chanel. Red Dream delivers a red plum shimmer; Ingenue, a lilac rose pearl; Morning Rose, a rose peach pearl; and Splendeur, a bright raspberry pink creme. My pick? Splendeur, the brightest of the bunch -- and a perfect match to their nail lacquer.

Retail Price: $24.50

ROUGE ALLURE LUMINOUS SATIN LIP COLOUR

Chanel also introduces two colors in the newest lipstick in their line, Rouge Allure. Stir up a luxurious raspberry creme colour with Romantic, or make your lips a subtle centerpiece with the pink champagne pearl of Crazed. Both the Rouge Allure lip color and their lip definer will be reviewed tomorrow on DeLush.

Retail Price: $29.00

IRRÉELLE DUO Silky Eyeshadow Duo

Another of the highlights of the Fall collection at Chanel is the new color combo available in their eyeshadow duo, Flash-back, featuring hot pink and black violet to deliver a brightening backdrop for lashes and a general splash of color to the fall face. Apply dry for subtle shadowing or slightly moistened for a more vibrant look.

Retail Price: $38.50

LES 4 OMBRES Quadra Eye Shadow

Or, if you'd like more options in your make-up wardrobe, Chanel's other new eyeshadow collection will give you even more color options. Sparkling satins wash smooth, light-catching colour over the eye in pink sparkle, silver, black sparkle and golden beige. Use a light touch, or layer on the color for more dramatic results.

Retail Price: $55.00

LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR

If you're already a fan of Chanel nail color, you'll love the three new additions to the color catalogue. Announcing the little black dress for nails: rev up your manicure with Black Satin, a limited-edition creamy black nail colour that will revamp your love of burgundy. Expand your pink horizons with Splendeur, a bright raspberry pink cream, and finish off your new nail wardrobe with Pink Satin, a baby pink pearl that will enliven your french manicures. We'll be covering both Splendeur and Black Satin during Fall Is Fabulous @ DeLush -- stay tuned!

Retail Price: $18.00

Chanel Sublimage Essential Regenerating Cream

What They Say: "The ultimate in skin rejuvenation starts with one unique plant-the Vanilla Planifolia-unearthed in the farthest reaches of Madagascar.

A specific patent-pending polyfractioning technique created by CHANEL Research results in powerful anti-aging: Wrinkles, loss of firmness, dehydration, lack of radiance and inconsistency in pigmentation are pinpointed at once for regenerating action.

Skin becomes beautifully taut. Silken and supple. Glowing with the look of good health."

Jen's Experience: I was in Saks Fifth Avenue in Birmingham, AL one day and the sky fell out, leaving me trapped in my favorite department store (the horror!). I had been looking at nail polish at the Chanel counter, but when the rain started, it turned into a mini-makeover session with their Chanel representative. We started talking about skin care products, and she told me about this new product that would be coming on the market in September, Chanel Sublimage. As I was paying for my order (which grew in proportion to my time at the counter that day), she handed me a gold box with 0.2 ounces of Sublimage and said, "treat this like gold."

After getting the moisturizer home, I discovered that her imperative could be taken several ways. It was like gold because the product was still months away from market (this was June), and not many people had access to the samples of it yet. It was also valuable just from the sheer price tag. The tiny portion I received was worth approximately $42, but a full-sized container available for purchase is $350. Now, those are valid reasons why this product should be treated like gold, but I found the most value in Sublimage because it's really an amazing product.

I have never used La Mer or Sisley or any of the others that approach this price range, so I have nothing to compare this to, but here is my experience. First off, this high-quality moisturizer lasts a very long time. I've worn it to bed nightly for over a month, and I still have some moisturizer left in my container. If you regularly buy department store moisturizer and spend $40-50 per container, you may find that even with the price tag that it's not a bad value.

The moisturizer itself smells of roses. A small amount spread on the face imparts just enough moisture to hydrate the skin without feeling greasy or tacky. I get a rosy glow right after I put it on, which tells me the product is penetrating the surface and working. My dry, sensitive skin loves this product, but even if your face is oily, I can't see where this product would impart oil to your face.

I am such a fan of this moisturizer, I would recommend it to anyone who can afford the price tag. This is a splurge that is worth every penny.

Retail Price: $350/1.7 oz (Chanel)

Rating:

Chanel Ultra Correction Eye Restructuring Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream

What They Say: "Get a fresh perspective on the delicate eye area, with firmer and more radiant-looking skin.

This rich, hydrating eye cream acts on all levels to help recover a youthful look. Adhesioderm significantly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and increases tone. Exclusive Life Cycle Regenerator improves elasticity and helps boost production of collagen and oxygenation of cells. It's as if surface skin is 'bonded' to its support system.

Imparting a more radiance look: soft-focus pigments that also optically diminish signs of age.

Gently tap around eye area morning and night."

Jen's Experience: With a name that long it has to be good, right? I mean, with credentials like that, it should be the super-power of the eye cream world. Well, folks, I am sorry to report that after a few months of usage of this pricey cream, I have to report that there are two things it does not do: lighten dark circles and moisturize extremely dry skin.

When I went to the Chanel counter, my undereye circles were so dark they looked like bruises. I think they were experiencing withdrawal from the fabulous Olay Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream that I used until I had completely scraped it clean of any moisture. I explained my needs, and the representative recommended this one (although I can't imagine why since they've got a lot of other products that are more geared for my specific undereye situation).

I follow the directions and I use it morning and night. But still, no relief from the circles or the dryness. I will say that it does seem to reduce puffiness and the appearance of fine lines, which is what it claims to do. Although those aren't my primary areas where I need improvement, I do actually see the benefits there. If those are your undereye issues, this product may be the one for you. However, if dark circles are ruining your life, you may be able to get some relief with the Olay undereye cream.

Note: Since then, I've gone back to the counter and they've given me the Chanel No 1 Eye Cream to try, and I found it to be much more effective in terms of reducing the dark circles and moisturizing the eye area. Some day when I have $110 to spare, I may have to give that a try. (I know some of you are probably wondering why I happily purchased a $75 cream but balk at the idea of $110...well, it's probably just a mental block, but I can't go to 3 digits for my eye creams. Not yet, anyway.)

Retail Price: $75.00 (Chanel, or your local department store)

Rating:

Chanel Teint Fluide Universel

What They Say: "Natural, radiant finish with sheer to medium buildable coverage. Healthy, fresh feel. SPF 15.

Unique vitamin-enriched, water-based formula imparts sheer to medium, no-streak coverage for a natural look and healthy feel. Soothing, anti-stress effect.

Light-diffusers provide radiant look. Multi-Vitamin Complex contributes anti-stress, anti-oxidizing benefits. Oil free. Fragrance free. Dermatologist and comedogenicity tested. "

Jen's Experience:  When I started using this product, I had just run out of my Clinique Superfit Makeup, which is very thick and really hides every bump and blotch on your face.  I wanted to get something a little sheerer when I went to the makeup counter, since I'm always trying to achieve that "dewy" look that all the magazines keep talking about.  I wasn't so sure the first couple times I tried it, but since then I have been very pleased with this foundation.  It goes on smoothly, blends well, and when I have it on, I still feel like my skin can breathe.  And when I layer it with moisturizer and maybe a little foundation primer, I think I've actually got the dewy look perfected.  If you have any redness on your face, which I inevitably do, you will have to use a separate concealer over the foundation to cover it. 

Tips:  If you're really going for the flawless look, I recommend using a makeup sponge to apply.  It's wasteful, but it's worth it.

Retail Price: $42.00 (Gloss.com)

Rating:

Chanel Illuminating Base

What They Say: "A fresh, oil-free gel makeup base that evens out and illuminates the complexion.

Beginning this season, the perfect face will have the perfect base. Hydrating formula minimizes the appearance of imperfections with a beautifully smooth finish that makes foundation application easier and extends wear hour after beautiful hour.

Contains osmopure, an anti-pollutant that helps protect skin from environmental damage. Silicones allow formula to glide on effortlessly, providing a smooth palette on which to apply makeup. Marine extracts help protect the skin from dehydration. Oil free. Fragrance free. Dermatologist tested."

Jen's Experience:  After reading about foundation primer and base as a way to get a flawless, dewy complextion, I really wanted to give one a try, and Chanel's Base Lumiere is one of the most popular on the market.   This is not something I would wear everyday, but I have been using it for nights out on the town, and I have to say, I am very impressed.   It feels really light on my skin, yet really fills in my pores and fine lines to give a nice finish to my makeup.  The really great part about this product is how well my makeup lasts.  I often come home after a long night on the town to see that my makeup has stayed perfectly in place, which is a rarity for me.  This is one product that I will be keeping around.

Tips:  Apply over a light coating of moisturizer and under your foundation.  I've read that you can just dust translucent powder over the base for a light, dewy finish as well.

Retail Price: $38.50 (Gloss.com)

Rating:

Special Thanks To: Saks Fifth Avenue of Birmingham, AL for providing our test sample!

Chanel Glossimer in Volage

What They Say: "Intense frost and shine for lips. Cool array of hottest colours in a convenient, easy-to-use case.

Gel texture imparts a shimmery, ultra-glossy look. New shades add extra sparkle and shine.

Water-resistant formula for extremely long-lasting wear. Vitamins C and E protect against free radicals. Automatic wand applicator for easy application. Dermatologist tested.

Sleek on alone for a glamorous glimmer. Or use over lipstick to intensify colour and shine."

Jen's Experience:  I stopped at the Chanel counter to look at some of their other products (which will be coming up in future reviews).  The Chanel representative tried this gloss on me and I absolutely fell in love.  It's got a great pinky nude color that is really trendy right now.  It doesn't look super shiny and glossy, but it will give your lips a nice polished sheen.  I've been complimented on my very natural looking makeup when I wore it, but I've also used it at night to compliment smoky eyes.  The consistency is very thick, and does have a tendency to stick to your hair when you first apply it.  It seems to last 2 or 3 hours for me if I don't eat or drink anything.

Rating:   

Chanel Vitalumiere - Satin Smoothing Fluid Makeup

What They Say: "Delivers a young, radiant look. Lines, wrinkles and imperfections seem to be erased. Ultra-gliding fluid provides buildable coverage. Water-in-oil emulsion provides great glide. Photo-reflective pigments help lines, wrinkles and imperfections appear smoothed away, leaving skin looking rejuvenated. SPF 15 UV protection; nut extract guards against free radicals."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: While it provided a light, natural coverage, Chanel's ever-present fragrance that is prevalent in its products probably would keep me from using this. It also seemed to slip off a bit, but overall the look was healthy and natural. Would not recommend if you have oily skin.

Retail Price: $50.00 (chanel.com and some department stores)

DeLush Rating: