In the case of Chanel eyeshadows, the quality of 1 Taupe Grise single far outweighs the quality of 4

I don’t seem to talk a lot about Chanel shadows do I? Reason is pretty simple. I absolutely abhor the Chanel eyeshadow palettes we get, which is the European version. It is the one with the round shadow pans, which are baked, but lacking in pigment, highly glittery and just not worth paying the money for. I’ve owned a couple and gotten rid of them. I’ve read that the USA versions are much better but I haven’t tried so I’m not in a position to judge. Still, their last limited edition release of the 51 Montaigne Matelassees palette was quite impressive. Hopefully they shift over to that formula soon and I might be more interested.

However, if you have the budget, and the inclination, the Chanel Soft Touch eyeshadow singles are something to take a look at. I’d been eyeing one in Fauve for the longest time, but haven’t gotten round to getting it. Instead, I picked one up in Taupe Gris or Taupe Grisé (depending on whether its English or French) and if you like taupe shades, or if you like an eyeshadow colour that you can literally just swipe on and go, this is one worth checking out.

What catches me here is the colour. Its a gray brown taupe shade that is very pretty. There is no perceptible shimmer, but it isn’t matte either and on skin, there is a lovely satin sheen. What makes this colour so lovely is the fact that it is a perfect 1 colour shadow.

The pigmentation is smooth and it applies fairly smoothly on skin, whether you use your fingers or a brush. In fact, its good with either which makes it even more versatile. The colour is easy to blend out at the edges and if you are really pressed for time, just swipe this on, lightly blend out the edges, apply liner and mascara and you’d be good to go to work, or even to switch up a look for the evening.

On my skin, Taupe Grise is a warmer slightly more purple toned brown that is quite interesting. In fact, it looks like a grey-purple in pan and it is only on skin that the brown tones show up.

Packaging wise, I wish Chanel would just ditch the sponge applicator. It bugs me when I see a good high end product paired with a really crappy sponge tip applicator that picks up more colour than it deposits. It lulls people into thinking that a product is crap when it in fact, could just be the crappy sponge. Anyone who can afford a Chanel eyeshadow can afford to buy a good eyeshadow brush (which could cost much less than the product!).

In a nutshell

The Chanel Soft Touch eyeshadow are literally soft to the touch and well pigmented. Taupe Gris is a lovely grey brown taupe shade that would suit most skintones. On my skin, it pulls a purple tone that makes the colour quite unique. There is no perceptible shimmer but it does have a satin sheen on the skin. I like to use it alone, with liner and mascara for a simple quick work eye or even as an alternative to black for a smokey eye. Its versatile and easy to blend and the only problem is I’m not sure if its limited edition or permanent 😛

Pros: Easy to blend, Interesting colour that can be easily used alone, Well pigmented

Cons: Pricey, Maybe Limited Edition

Who will like this: Anyone who likes a good taupe shadow

Here’s how I wear the colour alone, with just liner and mascara. I kept the rest of the look simple so it wasn’t too much for the daytime.

I like how it softly adds colour to the eyes without looking over done. It is a very simple effortless look that anyone can achieve because anyone can swipe on just 1 colour on your lids right? 😉

I like this and I’m still contemplating Fauve so I might find a way to pick it up. I’m not sure if this is limited edition but it is available on StrawberryNET.com(aff) if you’re keen. I see Fauve there too. Uhoh … 😛

Is Taupe Grise a colour you might like? Have you tried any other Chanel Soft Touch singles and have a colour you like from there? Or perhaps you have the opportunity to compare the European and US versions of the eyeshadow palettes and have thoughts to share?

Paris B

Chanel Soft Touch Eyeshadow Single in Taupe Grise 87 Price: RM102 (I think) Availability: Chanel counters although this colour may be limited edition