The Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme is the epitome of the ideal intense matte lip colour

In recent years, I’ve noticed a significant shift by brands towards favouring matte lipsticks. This leaves me conflicted because I want to do these new products justice, yet matte lipsticks are not my personal choice nor preference. I am all about a creamy lip with a slight gloss. So, when I spotted the new Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme, I almost recoiled in horror.

Not content with a mere matte lipstick, as found in their Rouge Allure Velvet range, Chanel has upped the ante, and introduced an INTENSE MATTE lipstick!

After my initial look of disbelief, I did deign to try these to see just how much more intense a matte lipstick can be. I must confess that while I do not wear matte lipstick at the best of times, if I do wear one, it is inevitably the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet.

I first discovered them about 5 years ago, and they are the only matte lip products I will wear for the simple reason, they are lightweight and not drying. They also come in beautiful opaque shades that are incredibly flattering.

So I had a very valid concern with the Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme – does extreme, intense matte come with extreme, intense drying effects? 😛

But first, feast your eyes on the beautiful packaging of the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme lipsticks. They are stunning and elegant in the way that only Chanel can be.

Unlike their regular Rouge Allure lipsticks, the lipstick bullet now comes housed in a black case, sheathed fully within a matte black cover.

I love that contrast of shiny black lipstick bullet case against the matte black outer case. The black-on-black design is minimalist, elegant and very alluring. It is also a perfect foil for the beautiful, rich, opulent lipstick colours housed within.

Visually, there is little the sets the Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme apart from the regular Rouge Allure Velvet, aside from the black and gold bullet cases. The lipstick itself looks velvety, with a noticeable matte finish.

When applied on lips however, I do notice that the Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme imparts a stronger, more opaque colour. It so happens that the 3 shades I was gifted with are shades of red, which form half the colours available. The other 3 are an orange and 2 shades of a more neutral nude pink.

There is certainly a more intensity of colour imparted in just one swipe of the bullet. It tugs a little the first time you use them, and each time thereafter. So, although it does apply very smoothly and creamy after the first swipe, you do have to get yourself over that first swipe.

Texture-wise, I find it to not be as lightweight as the Rouge Allure Velvet lipsticks are. It isn’t heavy or uncomfortable, but you will know it is there.

Unlike most matte lipsticks, I find that the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme does not fully dry down to a long-lasting, transfer-proof finish. What this means is that it will look amazing on your lips, but it will transfer when you eat and drink. However, the pigment is so strong, that even a slight transfer does not dull the velvety opacity of the colour.

Here are the 3 colours I have, as worn and swatched on me. For reference, I am a Chanel B10 in foundation, and generally, on the lighter end of the foundation spectrum.

I know what you’re going to say – they all look the same! LOL! 😀

Well yes, they do. There is only a slight difference between the shades, which are more apparent in person, and depending on your base skin tone.

• 112 Ideal – A deep pure chilli red. This one will be the one to go for if you want a straight, true red, or if you dare wear bright reds like this 😛
• 114 Epitome – A noticeably blue-based red. I’ve seen this described as ‘pink’ and I can’t imagine how it looks pink. This is a straight red with blue tones and makes your teeth look nice and white.
• 116 Extreme – A deeper red that looks almost plum in the tube. This one’s for those who want a red that isn’t too bold, and does wear well in cooler weather.

In my swatches, I have worn the lipstick straight from the tube. You can see from the swatches on my arm just how bold the colours are. This is just one straight swipe. It is beautiful!

I do however, unfortunately, find the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme to be drying on my lips. After wearing it for a few hours, once I remove it, I can feel my lips almost heaving a sigh of relief. Also, if I wear it too often, my lips do start to flake.

Granted, you can wear a dab of lip balm underneath, but it will change the texture and finish of the lipstick. So here’s my tip on how to best wear the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme without experiencing too much dryness.

• Prep your lips – Wear a thick layer of lip balm or something like the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask on your lips as you start doing your skincare routine and as you dress and do your makeup.
• Dab on the lip colour – Just before you apply your lip colour, remove the lip balm from your lips. Then, DAB the Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme on your lips. The intensity and opacity of colour means that you will achieve a very strong lip colour even without swiping it on.
• Blend out the lip colour – For a more defined look, use a lip brush and blend out the lip colour all over your lip. For a less defined look, smush your lips together to spread the colour.

As with all matte textured lipsticks, these look best on well prepped lips. If your lips are dry or flakey, avoid using these or you will feel very disappointed.

IN A NUTSHELL

The Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme lipsticks are a new range of intense matte lipsticks with a beautiful, sleek, new all-black-on-black packaging. The packaging itself is a beauty to behold! I find the formula to be a little more drying than the regular Rouge Allure Velvet. It also feels a little heavier on the lips. The opacity and pigmentation of the colours however are stunning. They are opaque with high-intensity colour with just one swipe from the tube, and have a rich, velvety finish that is not a flat matte. I do not find it settling into lip lines, nor making lips look aged the way most matte lipsticks do. But they do feel more drying than normal.

PROS: Beautiful packaging, High opacity and pigmentation of colour, Does not settle into lip lines, Glides smoothly on lips after the first application, Bold colours, Velvety matte finish

CONS: Tugs a little initially, Can be a little drying on lips

WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who enjoys using matte, opaque, intense colour lipsticks

PRICE: RM133 | US$37 | S$50

WHERE TO BUY: Chanel counters and beauty boutiques

Are these Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme lipsticks up your alley? Do you like matte lipsticks?

I don’t usually wear matte lipsticks. Just not my preference for texture. As I’ve said, the only ones I can comfortably wear without wanting to rip my lips off is the Rouge Allure Velvet. These however, are a little too extreme for me LOL! 😀

Paris B