I knew Printemps Précieux was going to be very tempting for me, when I saw the collection in person I wasn’t disappointed at all.
Here are the items I have selected, a lot, but surprisingly all were interesting – even the Raffinement quad in the EU version :
As you may know already, Chanel Poudre Signée is a masterpiece. The compact is slightly bigger than other compacts like the Lumière d’artifices or the Ombres Tissées, but the product weights 8g, vs 18g for the Lumière d’artifices.
Both the color and the texture are exquisite. That’s the glow I am looking for, natural glow with a very subtle iridescence.
Some highlighters here are completely different but you may want to see how they compare, the Trish looks dark when swatched heavily but this Trish makes me look like a sex bomb 😀 no, seriously, it delivers a bronzey glow absolutely gorgeous on my skintone and I can’t wait for the summer days to abuse it 🙂
The Chanel Lumière d’Artifices Beige was a great find, the finish is more satin, it evens out my skin, I have been loving it in 2012 and will continue loving it in 2013… and I will pay extra to get a second one.
The Empreinte is a bit too gold for me, looks amazing on darker skintones though. It has solid micro-sparkles and they are pretty obvious, after blending the finish is much more wearable although it delivers quite an opaque gold shine.
Ombres Tissées de Chanel is supposed to be for the eyes, blends to a nice glowy-shimmery finish but doesn’t have the complexity of the Chantecaille Petales de Rose of the Chanel Poudre signée.
Armani Platinum is a gorgeous shade, the closest to the Poudre Signée but the Chanel is much more creamier. When applied I don’t see much difference between the two. The iridescent gold finish is a bit more obvious on the Armani, when blended the Chanel will be more subtle but I love both equally. I might prefer to wear the Chanel for the office and the Armani for casual or party days.
The Armani Madrepela 2 is for the eyes but I don’t see why you could not use it on the cheeks… For the eyes it’s not that pigmented for me.
Chantecaille Petales de Rose is a perfect highlighting shade and worth every penny, very fine, extremely beautiful. It’s pink with a golden iridescence. A must-have and if you still can get your hands on it, don’t even hesitate. If I had to keep only one highlighter this would be it.
My favorites are the Chantecaille, the Chanel (poudre signée and Lumières d’artifices), the Trish and the Armani Platinum.
There are two other Chantecaille that look a bit similar (but they are LE), the Chantecaille Baleine Blanche is more pink than gold, the glow and iridescence are more subtle than the Chanel, also very finely milled and a must-have if you love Chantecaille. Not sure you can still find it but if you do, you should have a closer look at it. I found out that at the UK Chantecaille counters, sometimes they don’t have the testers but they still have some LE palettes in their drawers.
The eyeshadow quad was a surprise, I don’t even bother buying the European versions of Chanel quads, they are not pigmented enough for me but when I swatched it I loved it, probably not as much as I would love a US version though, I actually intend to get both and then swatch them side by side for you. In the meantime, I have swatched it with Kaska Beige just for you to see how the shades compare.
I was also playing with the Lancome Ombre Hypnose Mono Eyeshadows and swatched one of the taupes side by side with the Chanel quad, the Chanel had much better pigmentation and staying power so I left the Lancome and got the quad instead. If Chanel is expensive, Lancome is obscene, ~40$ for one single eyeshadow is way too much. Maybe some are exceptional, I don’t know, the only shades that I liked weren’t pigmented enough and most of them are easily dupeable…
You can also see more swatches here and here but it looks like the darkest shade might be a bit more matte in the European version. It does apply evenly, I am wearing it today and the result is sultry and not over the top sparkly, I just need to control the application of the shimmery shades when I wear it at the office. It does makes my eyes pop and will wear it for any occasion.
I also don’t bother for EU version blushes, not a fan of baked products, it doesn’t appear to be baked but it is, mine has 4g of product and the same US version has 6g. Maybe it’s the same amount of product at the end but the weight differs.
I have swatched just two other blushes near the Frivole EU, the Espiègle US and the new Dior Tender Coral (my only purchase from the Dior spring collection). They look similar, the Chanel Frivole is more a coral-orange and the Dior a coral-raspberry. Also wearing it today, actually I am wearing the Dior on one cheek and the Chanel Frivole on the other 😀 both are gorgeous, the Chanel has a more matte finish and seems to be lasting longer but both are really right up my alley.
I got the three waterproof eyeliners, I love them and I wanted to swatch them with all the others. I am always in the hunt for beautiful waterproof pencils, I love the Kose Addiction but the color range is quite small, same for the Rouge Bunny Rouge. Furthermore the RBR you cannot use them on the waterline (so I heard). These Chanel are sometimes a bit hard but that’s often the problem of waterproof textures, if I use the creamier By Terry waterproof for example, the downside is that they don’t last as long as the Chanel.
I often use the lightest colours on the waterline or on the bottom lash line, to open up my eyes, sometimes I mix a lighter shade in the inner corner with a dark shade in the outer corner, a gradient application that looks great and lasts all day. For darker colors, most of the time I apply the pencil on the tip of a smudging brush and then I apply it from the brush, it’s much easier to control the intensity and blend.
The Beryl is a Godsend, I wear lilac shadows on a very regular basis so this is just the perfect eyeliner to pair with. The Santal is a very easy to wear everyday eyeliner, both work very well with the Raffinement quad. The Or Rose will be an excellent option to wear on the bottom lash line.
The Armani 05 Copper (LE) is really similar, more creamy but the shade is almost the same. I don’t have a similar lilac shade but the By Terry could be an option if you prefer a creamier waterproof formula but the finish of the By Terry is a bit too metallic, but you may want a more brighter finish…
The lipliner Rubellite is very bright, scary bright, but I love Chanel lip definers, they last a very long time and don’t dry out my lips.
I intend to wear this lipliner applied as a lipstick with the extrait de gloss in Attirance on top. It tones down the pink and delivers a more long-lasting application. I always use a base (Chantecaille Lip Contour) then I apply my lipliners on top, helps to smooth the application and delivers a more even result.
I wanted to try the new foundation so they gave me a generous little sample and I was matched to 30, I am NW20/25. I have tried it today but I think this is going to be too matte for me, not sure this will work on dry skin but I will keep you updated anyway. So far, I love the coverage but it doesn’t do anything for me except for emphasizing my wrinkles and dry patches.
That’s it for the Chanel spring collection haul … big haul = big love !!
Now, for something a bit different but also in the spring collections theme, since I don’t want to create a special dedicated post but I still would like to say something about what I saw at the counters, I am adding a few comments on “why I did not purchase anything from Guerlain” and on my tiny Dior haul.
I had a look at the Guerlain counter. Guerlain released Attrape Coeur and Coup de foudre. I am linking Rouge Deluxe and Drivel about frivol for their great swatches since I did not purchase them.
I have played very briefly with the Guerlain quads. I loved the idea of the purple and the green shades but I think I have similar shades that have better pigmentation and that are even more unique so after my huge Chanel haul I just did not feel like I needed to get more !
I can maybe give you some options for their Guerlain quads, although I am not sure they are exactly similar but you get the idea…
For the purple quad, if you get the Inglot Matte 392 you will be blown away, it’s a GORGEOUS shade and the quality is outstanding. I cannot believe it’s so cheap. Then Shu Uemura and Rouge Bunny Rouge have better pigmentation than the Guerlain, they apply more evenly and they are easier to work with. The Shu Au-M was probably in a palette, unfortunately I have no idea what kind of shade it is and if it exists in the permanent collection but Shu have gorgeous purples of superior quality than the Guerlain.
For the green/coral quad, I don’t know if you have ever heard of Stars Makeup Haven, if you haven’t maybe it’s time. The swatches below have not been photoshopped, it’s their real pigmentation and they are creamy and easy to use, some are very metallic but they also have more matte or satin shades. Metro and Light My Fire seem nice alternatives to the Guerlain and they cost only 6 $.
For the Dior Spring collection, well, I have tons of grey/pink Dior shadows so their spring look is not that extraordinary and innovative. But, I saw this Tender Coral blush and even if in the pan it doesn’t look that interesting, when swatched it’s a really gorgeous coral raspberry.
They gave me a Dior beauty bag because my total haul deserved it (really ? 😛 ). The bag is elegant, I love grey and white together, very sophisticated, it’s also a nice size for a daily bag. I will also try their new BB cream since they gave me a sample.
I have plenty of Dior blushes, when I started into high-end brands, Dior is something you could easily get here. I have to say they are not very pigmented but they will never make you look like a clown, easy to wear and flattering. I could have skipped a few but other than that, it’s the kind of blush that doesn’t need effort. You just need to pick up the “right color”, understand : “that will show up”.
My insane spring shopping haul will carry on with Suqqu *and others* but for now I am enjoying this huge high end haul and loving every single product I bought.
33 comments
What an informative post, Sonia, you’re the superwoman of the blogosphere 😉 I hate Chanel, whatever I’ve tried, it dissappointed me, but it was some years agos. The Poudre signée is calling my name but RBR Sea of tranquility seems more complexe and more reflective. I’ll probably take the poudre signée as it is limited edition and later in the year.
thank you Nikoleta, so sweet 🙂
How do you manage to get just the right amount of product ? I always squeeze out too much of the RBR Sea of Tranquility 😛
I meant I’ll take RBR later this year 🙂 In fact I have two samples of this and take a litlle bit on my hakuhodo G545 brush, then blend a little on my hand and work with the brush on the C zone (under the outer corner of the upper cheek and above the outer corner of my eyebrowbone). I think the easiest way not to waist too much product is to put it in a little sample box. This highlighter is so strong and pigmented that the first time I was like a disco ball, I had to tone it with foundation. That’s why I love Shiseido’s stick but here it has been discontinued 🙁 I prefer cream highlighters as I use often cream blushes but sometimes a powder is better with powder products (shiseido sticks are meant to be used also over powder but it is a little bit patchy and should blend like crazy).
oh I see 😀
By the way, I forgot to swatch it with the Lancome and the Laura Mercier 🙁 I’ll try to do that sometime this week and will upload the pic !
you’ll see that it’s so difficult to take only a tiny bit, even if you push the pump very very slowly and briefly, you’ll still have product for 4 applications. If you use it often it might be better to store a little bit in a separate tiny container….
🙁 Chanel does have its hits and misses. My favourite items from the brand are its single eyeshadows, its eyeshadow duos and the US version of the eyeshadow quads. Skip the Asian/Euro quads. Blushes vary from shade to shade (though I really can’t tell the US version from the Euro version because they all say “Made in France” nowadays) while reactions to foundations vary greatly. I dislike the Aqualumiere – it slides off my face – but love their new CC cream and their translucent powder is a beautiful product that works discreetly so I never realise how good it is until I stop using it and go onto something else. You should think about giving them another go because I think that Chanel makes products with beautiful finishes and textures so while they might have shades similar to other brands, each colour tends to be unique because of its particular beautiful sheen or grown-up sparkle, etc. In particular, their holiday collections in recent years have had the best textures and colour pay-off. Hope this helps! 🙂
I think the EU/Asia version blushes are 4g and the non-baked 6g. I can be wrong though but it appears to be a difference I found.
WOW! This post is a masterpiece. Incredibly helpful! I’ve switched from powder to cream highlighters as I feel the latter blends better. This Chanel temptation really makes me torned. Seems to me the shimmer sits on top of the powder, right?
Hi Joanne !
thank you ! 🙂
I do prefer cream highlighters over powders because they appear more natural and often have less sparkle particles (that I am not very fond of), I believe that once you tried creams, it’s hard to go back to powder textures…
I have difficulties answering your question, usually yes, powder highlighters feel powdery and you can see the shimmer sitting on top of the powder but this Chanel although it’s powder, it’s very creamy, doesn’t feel powdery and you won’t see powder on the skin, just the shine without any powder feeling or appearance. But it does look quite obvious so I am not sure I will be wearing it often at the office for example (and to me it’s more difficult to precisely apply it than a cream) so I only apply a tiny tiny bit with a tiny brush, it really looks like golden creamy diffused shine with little gold particles more than a powdery shimmery finish. Unlike the Armani Platinum where you can feel the sparkles (kind of gritty texture) this Chanel is a creamy silky texture, you won’t feel the texture of the sparkles nor the powder.
Hope this helps you 🙂
Such a lovely post. 🙂 I really wish that Rose Platine was permanent. But I may be picking up Beryl and the Chantecaille (trying to decide between this and Shiseido’s High Beam). Thanks for the gorgeous photos and the detailed reviews!
I understand you hesitate between the Chantecaille and the Shiseido (is that the WT905?) if yes, that’s the one I have, they are both so incredibly finely milled ! the Shiseido is angel-white iridescence, but the Chantecaille is very unique and this pink glow is just made for my skin… If I had to keep only one I would keep the Chantecaille but honestly both are extreme highlighters, the best of the best !
Yes, Sonia, it is the WT905. 🙂 I want the Shiseido highlighter because it reminds me of the white shade in Shiseido’s LE Camelia blush. I love using that white but the hoarder inside of me is saying that there’s so little product… Also, I need that white to sheer out the red, which can be a little overwhelming. I like the Chantecaille on Temptalia and it’s really pretty swatched on your arm but it’s pink and I’m Asian with fair yellow-based (neutral for East Asian skin but still) and I feel that the white might just show up better and look more complimentary. I wish that I could go down to a store and try on both but Chantecaille is not sold in my country so I’m SOL… Pink highlighters that are well-done are so rare though… You can clearly see that I’m still waffling between the two. 😉
you are absolutely right, and it’s going to be a tough decision…
So. My highlighter dilemma? Well, it’s gone. I might still get either or both of the Shiseido and Chantecaille but I bought a white highlighter from Chanel today so that’s that. LOL.
Due to a snafu (actually more of a FUBAR) with my Nordies order of the Versailles collection in which Nordstrom charged my credit card, had the charge go through, then thought there was a hold on the transaction and so cancelled my order but then later refunded me for the charge (are you confused yet?), I popped down to a Chanel makeup boutique and lo and behold: the Versailles collection! I tried the eyeshadow on and got that. It’s got a little more yellow in it than I like, which makes me look a little sallow but it’s nice as a blush so I may just use it as that. The mouche highlighter is… I don’t know. I love the way it looks in the pan but there’s SO MUCH GLITTER. The sales assistant told me that no one at the counter really uses it as a highlighter on the face but it looks very pretty on the decolletage when you brush it on after using body oil as a base. I used it as ahighlight in the inner corner of my eye too and it works fine as an eyeshadow. I would have gotten it as a huge eyeshadow if I don’t already have Guerlain’s Cruel Gardenia, which I got for the exact same purpose. 😉
And then, the SA pulls out this white shimmery thing from a drawer and I go, “Ooh…” Add the words LE and I was done. Had to get it. And then I looked at a display banner and realised that in between the spring and summer collections, there was one other release that hadn’t received much hype: http://www.chicprofile.com/2012/11/chanel-spring-2013-les-delices-de-chanel-collection-sneak-peek-photos-info.html
So I also got the quad with camelias imprinted on it. Don’t know if I can bear to use it really and I’m contemplating a backup. It’s formulation is similar finish that of the quad in the holiday collection so it’s uber pigmented. The green shade looks very interesting so I may dig into it some time soon. This collection is only going to be sold at Chanel makeup boutiques and access to it may be limited. Therefore, in the interest of the Greater Good (so you can take and post more pretty pictures), tell me if you want me to help you get anything. 😉
Oh Sonia, this is such a lemming-creation post 🙁 I want everything!
The Signee is gorgeous and it’s texture is unbelievably creamy, as you said. I can’t decide between Chanel Signee and the Mouche, but I also want the Chantecaille. I can’t get the Chantecaille here so I guess that’s that 🙁 sad, but maybe lucky for my wallet!
The Chanel Printemps Precieux collection is beautiful – thank you for reviewing it for us!
Thanks Bonnie, I will shortly receive the Mouche so that I can compare both of them…
Thank you! I will probably end up getting the Signee if I get any at all. While I love the rose gold of the Mouche, as Tori said earlier, it’s simply too glittery.
On the other note, I am picking up the La Mer foundation, thanks to Neo’s encouragement haha! Sigh 🙁 Spending too much! Maybe I shouldn’t get the Chanel….
Let us know how you like the La Mer… still not getting the best out of it on my skin 🙁
I was wearing a sample of it the other day when I was out with friends (horrible rainy summer’s day) and my friend commented that she really liked it on my skin and in fact, considered trying it herself….
This was such a fun post to read. My eyes popped open when I saw how many Chanel eyeliners and lip liners you have! What a nice collection.
Thanks for all the highlighter swatches. I like the idea of but am never comfortable wearing them thinking they will be too sparkly. If I do, though, I prefer cream also as I think they look more natural than powder. Maybe will stop by the Chantecaille counter to check the Petales de Rose!
I have many Chanel (and others…) waterproof pencils but I am lemming the Tarte ones at the moment. I wonder if someone has tested them??
I just can’t afford touch ups during the day so a long-lasting formula (with nice shades) is my go-to on a daily basis.
I have and love the Tarte eyeliner pencils. They last all day on my oily lids and crease only a tad bit by the end of the day. They can also be used as eyeshadows since they are so blendable and smooth, Messywands has a post on them.
they do have nice shades, I will definitely try them 🙂 thanks for letting me know !
Oh man now i dont need the chanel but all the other from your collection 😀
Some highlighters are really beautiful and the armani platinum too now the chantecaille is on the way to me 😉
I hope you will love this Chantecaille! whatever your opinion, please could you let me know what you think of it ? I’ll really appreciate it 🙂 thank you !!!
Haha i hope the shipping takes not that long i’m glad i found that fast someone to swap for 😛 Sometimes customs sucks here ….
Its so sad that some brands WANT to be “exclusive”. I dont know if thats the case by chantecaille but for example i can only buy this brand in berlin like tom ford and so on….
@ 212kiki, I’m also based in Germany & get very frustrated about the lack of access to some brands. You can get Chantecaille on uk.Spacenk.com and they#re pretty close to the US with their release dates, so you don’t have to wait months for the new collection to become available. They also have a points system which is worthwhile because the points basically pay my shipping fee on every order 🙂
ha a little world 😉 yes thats right but the highlighter was 64gbp = 74€ and when i convert 74usd its only 55€ 😀
I’m glad i found someone on mua 🙂
Nice savings 🙂
Who knows why we europeans have to pay such a mark up on all our cosmetics. It’s totally unfair 🙁
Yes only one online shop from usa with all the brands would help. When a shop have the brand i want and the shop regularly ship to germany this brand is not available for my country. And all these shops have horrible high shipping fees … 30usd up.
I got the highlighter today and owe you a opinion 😀
I’m glad i got it, it has a very very nice fine texture and subtle sheen i only applied it with my fingers on the cheeks i will try it tomorrow with a brush but i think i’ll love it 😀
it’s one of these products you might be happy to own it before it’s gone..
by the way I just realized I own the “Lumière sculptée de Chanel”, I think I even prefer it… both are great Chanel products.
This is a really informative post 🙂 I am so interested in raffinement but sadly the baked version feels too dry for me hence I skipped it. But the poudre signee really caught my attention and I can’t help myself to buy it.
Thank you 🙂 Chanel lovers will find it irresistible …