It’s Taupe, It’s Gray, It’s Taupe Gris!

In addition to Vert Khaki, Chanel will launch Taupe Gris ($28.50 for 0.07 oz.) with their fall collection. The name is completely spot-on–it’s a grayed taupe brown with a soft sheen. It has the same silky smooth texture of Chanel’s single eyeshadows, and while the pigmentation is there, it’s not quite as rich as Vert Khaki’s. Fans of shades like MAC Smoke & Diamonds and Stila’s Lil’ Diamond may want to consider adding this smoky taupe shade to their collection.

I like Taupe Gris for a subtler smoky eye–when you don’t want to go silver and gray and black. It can work well with plums and burgundies, as it almost looks like it takes on a purple tone when paired with them. Similarly, it is just as nice to add darkness to the crease in a smoky brown eye, too.

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• Product: 27/30
• Value: 8/10
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Packaging: 4/5

RECOMMENDATION: The formula is good but not quite as great as I’d expect from Chanel. It’s just a little sheerer than other single shades, but it’s still smooth and buttery, and on the lid, the pigmentation difference is further minimized as it blends out beautifully.

AVAILABILITY: July 2010

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Chanel Taupe Gris Eyeshadow

Chanel Taupe Gris Eyeshadow

Chanel Taupe Gris Eyeshadow (right)

Crazy for Khaki!

There are two single eyeshadows included with the Chanel Les Contrastes de Chanel Collection:  Vert Khaki (khaki) and Taupe Grise (chocolate grey).  Each retails for $28.50 and contains 0.07 oz. of product.  I originally planned to review them together, but I adore Vert Khaki too much–it deserves its own post!

Confession time:  I ADORE OLIVE GREENS.  (Is it a confession if everybody already knows?  Guess not!)  No, but seriously, I totally have a thing for antique-y earth tones.  I’m so smitten over Vert Khaki as soon as I gazed down upon it… and then fell head-over-heels in love with it after swatching it.  It’s this beautiful concoction of darkened olive green with a metallic gold sheen and flashes of gold and emerald green shimmer.  Divine!  LOVE!

It has the same silky, soft texture of Chanel eyeshadow, and it’s richly pigmented and a little goes a long way.  It’s shimmering without being frosty, and it blends out beautifully with other shadows. Not the most affordable eyeshadow on the  market, but at least they don’t skimp on quantity–a little more than average.

I’m excited to try this over a gold base, just to bring out the golden tones in it!

If you want to know more about how products are evaluated, read out Rating System FAQ!

• Product: 29/30
• Value: 8/10
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Packaging: 4/5

Recommendation: If you’re a fan of smoky eyes, Chanel has you covered with the Enigma eyeshadow quad. It’s very dark and seductive, but it seems a little limited in its combinations.

Availability:  July 2010

See more photos & swatches!

Chanel Vert Khaki Eyeshadow

Chanel Vert Khaki Eyeshadow

Chanel Vert Khaki Eyeshadow (left) Chanel Taupe Gris Eyeshadow (right)