An Ode to Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque

What would you do if one of your holy grail beauty products was discontinued? (And I’m sure that many of you have had it happen, so what did you actually do?)

About two weeks ago, I tweeted that Chanel Customer Service confirmed, via email, that all but Coromandel were going to be discontinued in 2011. I called their customer service line to get confirmation through that route, just in case, and they had the reverse information–Coromandel was being discontinued but nothing else–but they said they would escalate my question up to corporate. Last Wednesday, I had to tweet confirmation by Chanel corporate that all shades (except Coromandel) were being discontinued in 2011.

Long-time readers know that Chanel Dragon (75) Rouge Allure Laque ($32.00 for 0.20 fl. oz.) is one of few holy grail products for me, and it really is; it’s the red I reach for on every special occasion. It’s my power red. There is no other lip color that garners as many compliments as this shade. So I did what any beauty addict would do: immediately bought back-ups upon back-ups. I haven’t finished my original tube of Dragon, though I suspect I am nearly the end, and had already repurchased a second tube for future use. I bought five more, though I plan to distribute a few of those to my favorite people this Christmas.  It’s still available (at least online) at Nordstrom and Saks.

Realistically, there are numerous other reds I love and enjoy, and while it may not be that on oh-my-goodness-this-is-perfect level, they’re close enough, and I’ll make it through. With luck, Chanel is replacing the RAL line-up with something bigger and better. With even better luck, I’ll discover a dupe or an even more fantastic red over time. Guerlain Garconne is the closest I’ve found so far.

See more photos & swatches!

Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque

Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque

Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque

Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque

Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque

Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque

Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque

Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque

Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque

Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque

Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque