Chanel Holiday Lip Collection 2011

Are you guys sick of my Chanel blog posts yet? LOL Yes, I have another post here for you! As promised here.  I thought I'd get it in time before Christmas in case you were considering purchasing any lip products from their holiday collection either as a treat for your self or for a loved one.

I purchased all of them in the U.S.A. save the Glossimer in 'Sparkle D'or' and the Rouge Allure lipstick in 'Famous'.  (The latter is similar to Rouge Allure in 'Rouge Byzantin', which I reviewed here).  Initially, I was only going to get one (maybe two) based on swatches I'd seen online, but when I personally swatched them at the store, I fell in love with a few more - totally unexpected! ^_^

Here are the ones I bought:

• Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in 'Triomphal' (#517): This is described aptly as a 'pure shine intense colour long wear lip gloss' that 'offers the shine of a gloss and the colour intensity of a lipstick'.  If you find that Chanel's glossimers lack lasting power, are too sheer or not pigmented enough (I find that most aren't, but there are a few that have reasonable enough coverage) especially, for what you pay, then I recommend checking out either the Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss or the most opaque Rouge Allure Laque range.  'Triomphal' is a stunning bright cherry red with fuschia sparkling shimmer.  Perfectly pairs with the holiday nail polish in 'Rouge Carat', which I'm currently in love with and reviewed here.
• Levres Scintillantes (Glossimer) in 'Sweet Beige' (#297):  The glossimers impart a beautiful shimmer to the lips that is particularly flattering in the sunlight.  I would say this is the perfect nude pink for my olive/tanned skin tone even though I don't tend to wear nude lips very often.  It doesn't wash me out like many 'nude' lip glosses do!  1-2-3...huzzah!!!  While it's not your typical festive lip colour, it will pair beautifully with intense eye make-up should you do so this Christmas, or New Year's celebration.  I know I will be getting most wear out of this for work, or just every day wear, particularly layering on top of a pink lipstick/lip liner.  The coverage of this is one of the few glossimers that are actually decent - similar to 'Wild Rose' (#119).  The colour is a milky pink-beige nude with subtle gold shimmers - pretty.
• Rouge Allure Laque in 'Empire' (#707): is a 'luminous satin lip lacquer'.  Its texture is light and creamy, and I can literally feel it 'cling' to my lips so I know it will last and last!  It's non-sticky, gives a lovely shine and the colour is just amazingly opaque and intense.  'Empire' is a gorgeous peachy pink and can be worn with an intense eye make up, or just anything really!  I prefer this pink shade to the Rouge Allure Laque in 'Ming' (#76) as it suits my darker skin tone a lot better.
• Rouge Allure Lipstick in 'Enivree' (#197): is a warm pink with beautiful subtle sparkly shimmers.  It has a sheer coverage.  This fits me to a tea if I can't decide what lipstick to wear, and I need something on the go - quick and simple (no mirror necessary!), yet it's very pretty and has a subtle sophistication about it.

Here are some photos, the swatches and a comparison with other Chanel lip colours...

Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick in 'Enivree' (#197)

Again, but this time up close and personal: 'Enivree' Rouge Allure

Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in 'Triomphal' (#517)

Above swatches (L - R): Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in 'Triomphal' (#517), Rouge Allure Lipstick in 'Enivree' (#197) 

Close look at the pretty sparkles in Chanel's Glossimer in 'Sweet Beige' (#297)

Above (L - R): Glossimer in 'Sweet Beige' (#297), Rouge Allure Laque in 'Empire' (#707)

Above: swatch comparisons of Glossimers and Rouge Allure Laques (RAL).

Below are the swatches on my pigmented lips and olive/tanned skin tone.

Chanel Glossimer in 'Sweet Beige' (#297)

Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick in 'Enivree' (#197) 

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in 'Empire' (#707)

Chanel Allure Extrait de Gloss in 'Triomphal' (#517)

Texture & Feel

All the lip products mentioned are lightweight and comfortable to wear - very smooth, non-sticky/gloopy textured lip glosses. All quite hydrating.

Prices & Availability

These are all limited edition for the holiday 2011 so be quick if you're interested!

• Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in 'Triomphal' (#517) - US$32
• Glossimer in 'Sweet Beige' (#297) - US$28.50
• Rouge Allure Laque in 'Empire' (#707) - US$32
• Rouge Allure Lipstick in 'Enivree' (#197) - US$32

Sorry, for Australians, since I bought these in the U.S.A. I don't have the retail prices in AU$...however, I assume they will be exactly the same as the permanent range in their respective product lines. So I would say:

• Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss - AU$50
• Glossimer - AU$46
• Rouge Allure Laque - AU$55
• Rouge Allure Lipstick - AU$50

If a fellow Aussie reader knows for sure and I've listed them incorrectly, please kindly let me know by leaving a comment below! Much appreciated! x :)

Overall

I highly recommend any of these lip products from the collection, but if you want a stand-out, Christmas appropriate pop of colour and glamour (and therefore, more 'bang' for your buck so to speak), then I'd say go for 'Triomphal'!  I'd say it's quite wearable for the day as well if you don't have too much going on on your eyes.  You just can't go wrong, and you can't have too many reds...this one has sparkly fuschia hues, which makes it unique in my current personal lipstick collection.  Actually, I don't think you can do wrong with any of the others either, especially if you love extremely wearable and versatile pinks.  I'm personally also glad I got the 'Sweet Beige' because it will motivate me to wear more dramatic eyes more often and pairing it with nude lips now that I've found a suitable shade for my skin tone!  Do check them all out at your nearest Chanel counter though to really experience their beauty. ;)

Hope you're keeping safe and well ready for Christmas and New Year celebrations!

Thanks for reading. xo