If there is one item from the Chanel fashion house that most women covet, it’s their Classic Flap bag or the 2.55 bag, both often confusingly referred as the same thing, and they are. But also a wee bit different depending on your point of reference. It gets complicated to get into details, so suffice to say that the iconic quilted flap bag is our common point of reference.
2.55 refers to February, 1955 the year that Madamoiselle Coco Chanel designed the bag we know today as the 2.55 – a rectangular bag with quilted leather design and a turnlock clasp, with thin double straps of metal chain interwoven with leather strips.
Ok, I did say “most women” but truth be told, when I was much younger, I thought the 2.55 was quite “aunty” looking and scoffed at it 😛 Naturally, I changed my mind later when I approached Aunty age haha! 😀
Anyway, what Chanel beauty has done, is drawn on that inspiration of the double-chain strap of the iconic 2.55 bag and come up with an eyeshadow palette embossed with that very design. Think of it this way – if your savings aren’t quite there to purchase your own Classic Flap or 2.55 Reissue bag, this palette would probably be the next best thing 😉
The thing about Chanel eyeshadow palettes is this. They have this permanent range of quads (recently reformulated, so I’m in love with the reformulation!) but they often release limited edition quints, and previously when Chanel quads were crap, I’d look out for these quints because the quality of these pressed shadows were far superior. My personal favourite is the Matelasses palette from a couple of years ago which I still use often.
So, when news of the L’Intemporel de Chanel Eyeshadow Palette first came out, I was very intrigued.
Here then, is one of the Chanel limited edition quints, in a selection of smokey deep colours, and 2 highlight shades to reflect the glimmer of the metal chains of the 2.55 bags.
Come closer! 🙂
Notice how the surface of the shadow has a grained leather-look, so it isn’t smooth the way most new eyeshadow pans are. The embossing of the double chain interwoven with the leather strip of the bag straps run down the middle of the pans.
Incidentally you may like to know that the embossing can survive a few swipes of the brush. You could protect it by picking up the colour from the sides, which is what I did initially, when I did the swatches below. However, when I used my brush, I inadvertently swiped it across the design and it still survived. So, it’ll be there a little while, because the product is fairly pigmented!
These are the swatches I did using my fingers. I’d be the first to admit that they don’t look very impressive, but I did find that using a brush (or applying over an eyelid primer) helps bring out the intensity and depth of colour.
Chanel L’Intemporel de Chanel Eyeshadow Palette Swatches (fingers on bare skin)
My description of the colours are as follows, from left to right:-
- Golden Shimmer – Smooth shimmer that you can use to bling up the matte colours or to use to highlight under the brow bone and inner part of the eyelid
- Matte Satin Green – A fairly deep green with a satin texture. It has a strong grey base and when you use a brush, it actually applies on skin quite deep
- Matte Black – It looks a little dark grey in the photos in the pan, but this is a straight, deep dark black. A good base for a smokey eye and the deepest colour in the palette.
- Satin Plum – A fairly deep plum shade in a satin texture that swatches patchily when you use fingers, but applies and blends smoothly when you use a brush. The colour is fairly dark with some iridescence when the light hits.
- Shimmer White – An icy shimmer white, that brings the deep shades to life when blended, or you can also use it as a highlight
What I realised is that the colours in this palette swatch quite differently when you use your fingers and when you use a brush. It is very pigmented though, so it’s very easy to pick up colour. I find that just tapping a crease brush against the colour is enough to give me sufficient colour to apply and blend on the skin.
The other thing I realised is how deep the colours were. I had expected the shades to have more jewelled tones to them, and I would have preferred for them to be that way. However, the 3 main shades – green, black and plum – were fairly dark and muted, so while they do form the base for a pretty amazing smokey eye look, it was a little hard to get the colours to look separate once you apply them on.
In this matter, I would then suggest the use of an eyelid base or primer, because it will bring out the vibrancy of the colours and make them more distinguishable from each other once you apply to your eye. I also found that the colours were well pigmented, and stayed well on my lids for most of the day, but using an eyelid primer will also prolong their life if you have oily lids because I don’t think these will survive oily lids very well.
When I use this for day makeup, I’d suggest sticking to just either the green or the plum as a base, then blending with the gold or the white shimmer shades. The shimmer adds iridescence and makes it more day-friendly. I also use a more fluffy brush so I pick up less colour and apply a sheerer wash of colour on the lid. There but barely there. Then, lightly line with the black shade. For the evening, go to town! 😀
Here’s an example of a look I wore with this palette. I freely admit to not being terribly skilled at applying complex eyeshadow so the moral is that if I can create this, so can you. The trick is to blend and blend 🙂
I wore the black as a base, topped up with the green for most of the lid and the plum in the corners. Gold and White were used to highlight and blend out the edges. It’s a little trick I picked up because I’m not very good at blending, so some shimmer always helps! 🙂
With a smokey eye look like this, finish off with light pink cheeks (Hourglass Ambient Blush Palette) and light lipstick (Dior Rouge Nude Charnelle) and you’re good to go! 🙂
Truth be told, pretty embossing aside, if you aren’t into deep eyeshadow colours or just not into these shades, then you may not appreciate this palette very much. While you can play around to lighten the colours, not everyone has the patience to, and not everyone will like the muted colours. I do like how pigmented it is, but the pigment does come at a price, because the colours are so deep that it’s easy to scare someone who isn’t used to wearing deep eyeshadow. But if you like smokey eye looks and fancy a palette you can tote about for this very purpose, then you may like this one. Believe me when I say that a brush is the way to go when using this because it helps you blend out the colours better, and also it applies the colours better too.
But then, you probably only want it because it looks so pretty right? 😉
IN A NUTSHELL
The L’Intemporel de Chanel Eyeshadow Palette is a limited edition eyeshadow palette with 5 pressed powder pans, embossed with the iconic double chain of the 2.55 bag which fronts the House of Chanel. As eye candy, it’s impressive and quite an eyeful. As makeup, it’s well pigmented, easy to blend and the shimmer shades add a lovely soft iridescence to the otherwise matte/satin colours. I do find that this palette helps you create a lovely smokey eye and the deep shades do emphasise the eyes. But it is this that is also a drawback, because the 3 primary coloured pans are quite deep and when blended together, quite indistinguishable from each other. One for the collectors, that’s for sure.
PROS: Pretty to look at, Pigmented and easy to blend, No fall out, Shimmer shades give off a soft radiance not harsh glitter, Colours are strong and deep when picked up with a brush but are less impressive when swatched with fingers
CONS: Colours are fairly deep and indistinguishable when blended, Colours swatch quite muted except for the shimmer shades
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: A makeup collector, Anyone who likes wearing a smokey eye or who isn’t afraid of deep coloured eyeshadow
LIMITED EDITION: Yes, Les Intemporels de Chanel collection, 2015
This has most certainly been one of the more interesting things to pop up this year, just when I was feeling a little jaded 🙂 A pretty palette that works well – we don’t get that often!
Are you planning to pick up this L’Intemporel de Chanel eyeshadow palette?
This limited edition Les Intemporels de Chanel collection which comprises this eyeshadow palette and a metallic silver nail polish will be available from 1 March 2015 at selected places only, which I’ve listed below. If you plan to get it, don’t wait too long k? 🙂
Paris B
Chanel L’Intemporel de Chanel Eye Palette Price: RM208 Availability: From 1 March 2015 Only at Chanel Fragrace and Cosmetics Boutique 1 Utama, Parkson Pavilion KL, Gurney Plaza, Komtar Johor Bahru, Sunway Pyramid and Chanel counter at Isetan KLCC Limited Edition: Yes
Aww I’m a little disappointed that it swatches so powdery. I expected smooth, gorgeous, jewel tones from Chanel, especially for that price. I feel like their products are such hit-or-miss, and the inconsistency is a little disappointing, since they are a high end brand. I really like your smokey eye look though, this isn’t something we see too often on you 🙂
It isn’t that powdery, Sheila, but it is much smoother and looks better with a brush. But yes, like you, I too expected a more jewelled tone because in pan, it looks amazing! So, the more muted shades did throw me for a loop. I honestly don’t think this is for everyone and while I got it to work, in the hands of someone who might not be as comfortable with deep, smokey colours, it would be a disappointment 🙁 Oh and thank you, I enjoyed this slightly different, bolder look 😀
Yup definitely my colours. Am gonna need help to get this palette. It’s been a while since I felt excited about an eye palette from Chanel 🙂
Hope you get your hands on it soon Lily! It does look like something right up your alley
Paris, you look so gorgeous with the whole look! The detail of “chain” is breathtaking. It’s been a while since my breath has been taken away by an eyeshadow palette! 😀
Aww thank you my dear 😀 I too was taken in by that chain design and the different look overall to the palette. We don’t get this often do we? Wish the colours were a bit brighter and more true to pan though.
i was really excited when i saw the promo pics for this but i’m not into palettes that look jeweled toned in the pan and usage wise end up looking so dark and smokey you can’t really tell what color group it’s supposed to be in.
i do like the smokey look you created though. i’m gonna give it a shot with the items already in my stash!
So often, jewelled toned eyeshadows tend to muddy up when you use them don’t they? I find it happening all the time, especially that particular shade of purple. Always looks so amazing in pan and then less impressive when used 🙁 It’s not hard to dupe this smokey look – just use a nice dark base and you’re good to go 😉
Funnily, I’m not tempted at all. But I’m leaning towards the 2.55 reissue bag in a burgundy with gunmetal hardware thanks to your sneaky shots of the strap. Or should I save my pennies for a classic orange item from the house of orange? So many wants, so little pennies. Haih.
2.55 in burgundy is gorgeous!! 😀 At current prices, it is getting harder and harder to justify the price though. Similarly the House of Orange. I can’t justify anything anymore >.<
How can you stand messing up the patterns??
I would collect these things, don’t dare to touch the virginal aspect of a fresh compact.. too pretty 😛
Ah well, makeup is to be used right? 😉 I used to be a bit of a collector, but eventually I figured that well, makeup only really works when it’s used. But I’m just a bit more careful that’s all 😉
The rich pigmentation and texture attracts me a lot…. Wish it had more shades that I like
Aww these aren’t shades you like then Shreya? Maybe the next palette will have it 😀 These colours aren’t that easy to work with, I’d agree
Only when i saw your photos that i scrolled up (fast) to examine the palette again…thinking i’m missing something here? Not a common look on you but it suits you so well. Smokey yet fresh on the whole and those brows… Thumbs up! 🙂
Aww thank you Lisa 😀 I think I got the colours right for this shot hehe…
Darn, sounds like it isn’t the easiest to work with, I think I’ll pass on this one. “Indistinguishable when blended” does not meet my (rather high) expectations for Chanel. Thanks for the in depth review! xo Kelly
Unfortunately for Chanel, it is true for this palette 🙁 Their new quads are very nice though, so I’d splurge on that one if pretty patterns aren’t the only thing you’d look for 😉
The colours looks gorgeous in the pan, but it’s a shame they are indistinguishable when blended. I like the look you did with them, though, it really suits you.
Thank you Gio 🙂 Yes, sadly the shades do run into each other which is something I do notice happens with shades like this. A primer helps, but I’d prefer if it didn’t
This palette is gorgeous and the embossing is so beautiful. I absolutely love the colors. That’s really the kind of shadows I like to wear. I’d really like to get this but it’s really not a priority ^^
Well, if you love it then you may have to hurry coz these are limited edition 😉