I’ll never forget the day I fell in love with Chanel. I was fresh out of high school, dreaming of a career in makeup, and while my friends were being sent off to college, I found myself working part-time behind the Chanel makeup counter at Nordstrom. To work for a brand that was notorious for sophistication, with attention to the elegance that was practically mind-blowing to an 18-year-old girl, I was over the moon. Fast forward 11 years later the love affair still remains the same. I mean, let’s just have a moment and talk about Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel. She was one of the most famous designers in history, liberating women from corsets and transitioning them into wearing pants. To think that every time we swipe our cards at stores like J.Crew or find the perfect pair of skinny jeans, Gabrielle is the one to thank for introducing the concept of casual chic to women worldwide in the post World War 1 era.
To think one woman could be so influential in fashion is inspiring, but she didn’t stop there. Enter Chanel cosmetics and fragrances. From the notorious Coco Mademoiselle fragrance to the classic Chanel red lipstick, Chanel cosmetics have deemed the highest respect from competitors alike in the beauty industry, setting the standard for absolute perfection. With quality comes a price, and understandably not everyone is capable of buying an extravagant amount of luxury makeup and perfume. Here are my top 3 product picks from Chanel beauty, that will make spending the extra dollar well worth it:
1. Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow: Just the dreamiest combinations of eyeshadows that are worth the cost. Not to mention, they last FOREVER. Plenty of gorgeous tones to choose from in the most compact and chicest of packaging. The best part? You can create several eyeshadows looks with 4 colors, giving you plenty of variety. Combine lighter shades for a natural look, and add darker, more intense shades to create depth and dressier looks for night.
Top Product Picks: 47 “Dunes”, 79 “Spices”, 93 “Smoky Eyes”
2. Rouge Double Intensite Ultra Wear Lip Colour: In an ever constant changing world, this lipstick has the staying power of a committed and monogamous relationship. Regardless if you have a significant other, this formula will meet all your needs by never leaving… your lips.
Top Product Picks: 39 “Coral Crush”, 54 “Strawberry Red”, 45 “Silky Rose”
3. Soleil Tan De Chanel Sheer Illuminating Fluid: For that effortless, sun-kissed glow that everyone wants to achieve, this product gives you just the right amount of color and dewiness without looking overdone. Mix in with your foundation to add a soft and subtle glow, or apply on apples of cheeks for a barely-there blush that has the perfect amount of highlight.
Top Product Pick: Sheer Illuminating Fluid in “Sunkissed”
Makeup Artist Tip: When using liquid highlighters and illuminators, apply a small amount to your hand and use a powder or blush brush to apply to the apples of the cheeks. Most people don’t think to use these kinds of brushes by applying liquid, but you will achieve a better blend and more natural finish by doing so.
You might do not have a million bucks, but every time you reach into your purse and pull out your shiny black compact with double c’s, you will certainly feel relevant and sophisticated. In the words of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, “A girl should be two things, classy and fabulous.”