Chanel's new eye makeup range

I adore Chanel. Coco made the LBD a fashion staple. The string of pearls that she wound with such pizzazz around her neck is still seen as the ultimate accessory. She was also the first to stress that black is beautiful. And deep. And mysterious. Just like a woman.

For me that mystery is best spelt through dark smoky eyes in true black. So I hailed Coco Chanel once more this month when the brand launched its Exceptionnel De Chanel range — a smoky eye palette defined by a volumising and curling mascara, an eye liner pen, and stunning black shadows. The smoky look this time is all about black with hint of pearl. Coco’s colours.

This is how my little makeover at the Chanel counter went: first, the Chanel Les 4 Ombres eye shadow quartet in Smoky Eye — it goes from purest white to silver to anthracite grey and black. The hues were layered and blended to give my eyes a new dimension. The smokiness was lit by little silver lights. Then the contours of my eyes were magnified with the Le Ligne De Chanel in Noir Lame. Here again the liner has two textures — one solid matte and the other with pearly lights. Choose one. Or both, as I did!

Finally, my lashes were swept with their Le Mascara Exceptionnel De Chanel. One sweep was enough to curl and add volume to my scanty lashes. Loved the effect.

But my fave were the two single black and white shadows Ombres Essentielle de Chanel, prettily called Dark Star and Platine. I can use them singly to line eyes or blend together for depth.

Finally, I have my own piece of Chanel!

The Chanel Boutique, The Imperial, Janpath, New Delhi. Phone: 41116840.
Chanel counters at:
Arcelia, Shopper’s Stop, Select City Walk, Saket, New Delhi. Phone: 64507487.
Shopper’s Stop, Juhu, Mumbai. Phone: 9967586462.
Bangalore Central Mall, 47/48, Opp Mayo Hall, Residency Road, Bangalore. Phone: 32408758.
Prices Rs 1, 600 on.