Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad Review, Photos, Swatches
Monday, July 11th, 2011
Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Byzance: Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad ($65.00 for 0.14 oz.) is one of the highest quality eyeshadow palettes I’ve seen the brand put out in the time that I’ve been reviewing their products (about four years). There have been standout palettes released, but Topkapi is no gimmick–it delivers. These are smooth, buttery shades with absolutely zero powderiness that apply like silk and deliver rich color payoff in a single pass. The texture is different from normal Chanel eyeshadow quads–much richer.
The quad contains a medium-dark brown with copper shimmer (think the tone of MAC Swiss Chocolate with the richness of NARS Galapagos); taupe-brown with a frosted finish (a better, more pigmented version of MAC Caviar Dreams, very similar to Inglot #402 and theBalm Insane Jane); deep-dark brown-black with a hint of burgundy (MAC Beauty Marked seems similar, but definitely more burgundy and a pain to work with); and a bright, metallic yellow gold (similar to Urban Decay Eldorado but better quality, also Inglot #403 and MUFE #10).
As lovely as the colors are and how they coordinate with each other, the shades themselves are not particularly unique. Depending on what your personal stash looks like, it may or may not be worth the splurge. What impressed me most here was the texture of the eyeshadows themselves. The texture is soft without being powdery, smooth and rich in color, and all of these characteristics enable the shades to blend together effortlessly.
I wish they put more product in the palette, though–it’s less than the usual (U.S.) quad, which contains 0.24 oz. compared to the 0.14 oz. weight of this quad. Of course, it’s all in your use, whether it is realistic that you’d even use the 0.14 oz. here or not. It’s $8 more and 0.10 oz. less than their typical eyeshadow quads. (Keep in mind, non-U.S. locations have a different formula, and I believe the weight is much, much less, because they are baked eyeshadows.)
I found the color palette here suited my skin tone quite well–so much so that for a few seconds, I had the urge to get a second one. If I wasn’t a beauty blogger, I could easily see this as being a go-to palette for me. Great eyeshadows exists in a variety of textures, finishes, and shades; my personal favorites are more buttery–the smoothness of a cream eyeshadow but in powder form–like the kind found here (often found in brands like theBalm, Hourglass, Le Metier de Beaute, Urban Decay, and so on).
Where to Buy: Chanel, $65
The Glossover
As lovely as the colors are and how they coordinate with each other, the shades themselves are not particularly unique. Depending on what your personal stash looks like, it may or may not be worth the splurge. What impressed me most here was the texture of the eyeshadows themselves.
See more photos & swatches!
Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Topkapi Eyeshadow Quad (NARS Taos on cheeks, Giorgio Armani #502 on lips)
Product & Review FAQ
Where can I purchase Topkapi? How much is it?
Chanel, $65.
Is it limited edition?
Yes.
Any dupes?
See individual shade descriptions.
Chanel, PLEASE bring this back!
I'm a new reader of your blog and just saw this post. I'm in love with the darkest shade and am looking for a dupe since the palette is soldout... any suggestion ??
Hi. Would you please comment on how Topkapi would work for a 52-yo woman with very light skin and dirty blonde hair? I would say I have blue tones. I usually don't wear heavy eye makeup on a daily basis and think this is a gorgeous combination or colors. I appreciate any thoughts you might have. I just discovered your site and find it fascinating!
I think it would work! :)
why is it .14 oz? are us version quads always 0.14 and uk versions are 0,24 or ıs it like that only for topkapi?
you have given the answer in the post ive seen it now sorry :)
for how long are these going to be around??
I believe this is already sold out.
wow, gorgeous
I want to buy this so badly but when I went to Chanel's website, it appears to be sold out!! Does anyone know for sure if this is sold out or not?
I went to the Chanel`s website for buying this but I couldn`t find it there. Does anybody have any information on that? I want that eyeshadow quad so badly!! :(
Hey Ladies! I just wanted to let you know that the name Topkapi is in reference to Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey. It's totally gorgeous. I know this because I lived half of my life there. If you're into history, you should look it up! :-)
i ordered this just because of its name :) also colors and the patterns on the shadows reminds me Ottoman Style..
Im debating If I just purchase this its such an ordeal...its like a box of decadent chocolates. To resist or not to resist that is the question. I hate how they are so dupable but the presentation is like wow!
I went looking for this but at nordstrom becaue that's the only place around me that has Chanel abs they didn't have it!!! So sad :(
I love this palette and ordered it already!I know that you don't do tutorials but the look that you have is gorgeous!can you please tell how did you do it?THanks!
adore, love this colors!!! and the look you crated ahhhh, to die for!!!
great review, thx. but i just cant find when is the release date in europe/Holland!?
I don't get info for Europe, sorry!
Lovely post Christine..
That deep-dark brown is a dream come true, but I don't know if is worth to buy the entire quad only for one shadow!
Love it! Im Turkish and I really like the colour choices!!!
It's showing as Sold Out on Chanel's website. :(
I already have the Naked palette but this looks gorgeous and I know I can get a lot of wear out of these shades. Chanel is going to make me go broke with their new collections!
I bought mine a few weeks ago, it is such great quality. The design is beautiful, it was hard for me to use it lol!
This looks great on you!
this is so worth splurging on! now i need to find out if the Asian markets carry it as i'm not from the US/Canada.
Awesome pigmentation...and such lovely shades!!
CHRISTINE! Why would you post such a gorgeous quad that from all the pictures will look fantastic on me (since I have the same undertone & hair color as you) but is so expensive? I feel like I'm cheating myself if I don't get this!
Chanel cosmetics will always hold a special place in my heart since I bought some of the collection when it first arrived in the U.S. and I was a teenager then....but for some reason, Chanel does not hold my interest. Possibly because the amount is so skimpy in the container...or that those colors look similar to the ones found in the Urban Decay Naked Palette.
Aw man. This means that it will be over $100 in Australia, if available at all. I REALLY gotta have it. ....and the search begins. Thanks for a great review and for all your other great reviews. You rock!!!
I have this and it really is beautiful! I too was disappointed in the size of the shadows for the weight too! I had to return my first quad because a shadow wasn't glued down when I received it. I've had a shadow come loose in the second palette too. Handle with care!
Your eyes look amazing in this. I would vote for this to be a standard look for you to reach for lots of the time. It's got a lot of colors, but blended together they look like one great smokey eye that is very complimentary.
Thank you Christine!!!!! I've been debating the purchase of this quad for over a week, no kidding! Will you be reviewing the lipstick from this collection as well?
Yes! I love, love this palette. This is my very first Chanel eyeshadow purchase. I'm considering buying another just because there's so many wearable looks I can do with these shadows and they're so darn buttery and pigmented. Almost this entire collection has been my first Chanel haul (except the byzance lipstick). Chanel has robbed me blind! "and I'm luvin it...until I'm broke" :-)
Oh my goodness.. I don't think I've ever seen such a complexity in the shadows and formula. This is definitely up my alley, however, I don't see myself paying for that price tag!
Oh dear. It's absolutely beautiful. But it's just so much money! :( And whyyyy must it be limited edition?? Oh, my heart aches right now...
I've seen this on several blogs recently, but this is the first one that's made me want it. The gold and the darkest color in particular are so gorgeous.
Your review is the icing on the cake. After all the fabulous reviews on this quad, I don't think I can resist any longer. I'm placing my order now and don't think I will regret it.
So pretty..just bought this a couple days ago. Can't wait to get it in the mail! Christine, what blush and lipgloss are you wearing? You look really good!
NARS Taos, Giorgi Armani #502
LOOOOOOVE THIS!!!!!!!!
Love the look of this, my bank balance is getting very worried about this Chanel Fall collection!
Oh I am so tempted to buy this just for the name since I live in Istanbul. Plus the colors are gorgeous.
so glad you did a look with this palette! love!
WOW Christine .. its awesome and god the colors are mouthwatering :D :D you are looking so adorable honey : D
I'm trying to keep my resolve to not get it, because of the dupeable shades/smaller size/higher price. But I'll probably cave if it's still available next time there's a free ship code lol.
Oh my god, this is absolutely beautiful! I don't know how I'd be able to use the shadows, though; they're almost *too* pretty in the pan :P
The pigmentation is just increadible! Wish it was avaiable in Brazil, and with a payable price too... Dare to dream! ;)
What blush are you wearing here?
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