An Ode to Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque
Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque
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.
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
OH MY MY !!!! Do i need to say how GORGEOUS you are looking ??
I have lovedddd this color on you forever and ever …
I so wish to be included in your special 5 😀 😀 …
nevertheless am going to buy this for sure , you know how mad I about your personal favorites … from ECHO to MARGIN to JACK Black to Sweetie to Nymphette I purchased everything without even swatching and trying ( recent one is Korres NATURAL ) and made the bill in your a/c …
i sware ….
Ohhh thats too much isnt it ??
But seriously honey you are looking amazingly beautiful in this 😀 😀
let me runnnnn and buy this 😀 😀
Thank you, Rashmi! How are you like Korres Natural?
hey sweetie … just placed the order this week from SEPHORA sale , it will take another one – two months to reach here but i have all the patience in the world as i know when its your favorite it has to be perfecttttt …. and can you believe along with that i will get my JW … am so excitedddd and i am sure i will not even touch it for few days , will just admire the beauty and the fact who is behind all the creativity 😀 😀
Luckily my friends were able to grab it at last moment 😀 😀
Aww!! 🙂
Been thinking about Dragon for quite some time now and finally bought it 2 weeks ago when I saw your tweet. I knew I would regret not getting it if it was no longer available. Red is not my go to color, but I love it! Also bought Empire (which is definitely my go to color) and have been wearing it everyday since. Too bad Empire is LE, but I was lucky enough to score a back up.
I’m glad you do love Dragon, even if it’s not a go-to color! Red isn’t something I wear all the time, but when I do, and it’s not for a look/something new, I usually turn to Dragon.
I feel for you. When I read that you had planned on giving one of your five coveted backups to favorite people as Christmas presents, my only thoughts was “Christine, you are a bigger person than I am, no way would I surrender one of my holy grail items when there are no more!”
……Of course that is unless they are prying it from my cold dead hand!
LOL! I think I have enough to get me through to finding something else to love and obsess over!
That is such a gorgeous red on you!
Thanks, J!
so that means that dragon will be sold with ridiculous prices on ebay.I don’t like liquid lipsticks and bright reds so Dragon has never caught my attention.I swatched it once and decided not to buy.But this swatch looks great,a lot greater than the way I remember it:)I may got it nowadays,especially considering that I won’t be able to do so when 100+ $ tags come out:)
It’s worth trying, but if the formula isn’t something you like, there are plenty of fantastic reds out there in lipstick form!
And powerful red it is! I don’t own a single Chanel product yet but I’ll see if I can get my hands on this here in India. Thanks for this post!
Chanel does do a good red!
Your raves about Chanel Dragon completely inspired my recent purchase, soooo pretty! Thank you!
I hope you love it as much as I do! OK, half as much 🙂
I was so disappointed when I heard about this! Dragon (which I bought after reading your raves about it) has become my HG red as well and I hate to lose it. I also really love Mandarin. I can’t imagine why Chanel would discontinue all but one shade (or if they did, I can’t imagine why Dragon wouldn’t be the shade they kept, since every associate tells me it’s the best-seller). I suppose there’s some marketing strategy at work… Now I have to check out Garconne (which I hope is permanent- have to check that).
I’m really not sure – one reader pointed out that Coromandel was originally discontinued, so maybe Chanel considers it done and gone, so really all are discontinued… I did try to ask the CS if they knew for sure Coromandel wasn’t discontinued now and they just said corporate came back with a final list.
I hope for a dupe as well because I would wear that shade.
as for what to do when your HG lip colour is discontinued. For me my HG shades tend to be LE to a disappointment. Being so fair I stick with corals and variate in corals are lacking in most permanent line. After 2 to 3 years I have dispose of my favorite shades as then tend to break down but at the time I’m usually hunting the new spring LE colours for something wearable.
I feel you – there are few really standout corals in permanent ranges!
I’ll be sure to let you all know if I find one!
I’m so sorry! I hate it when that happens!
Me too!
Christine,a question I forgot to ask: I guess you have been using your first tube for a long time right? Can you see if something wrong with the formula/texture after a long time? This is mainly the reason why I don’t prefer liquid lipsticks much because I literally hate when they go awfully thick in a short time.
Nope, I don’t have any problems with my original tube. I think it’s only been a year or two – not like five years or something!
Just a followup question, how often did you use this color in the 2 years you’ve had it?
I went ahead and bought it when Victoria told me about it becoming LE (then tried red lipstick on me, because I do have a bit of a confidence issue), and then… I bought another one 2 days after receiving the package. I just want to know how long it’ll last, since I’ve worn it for >50% of the few days I’ve had it….
I couldn’t quantify for it for you, just that it’s the product I’ve probably used more often than any other lip color I own. I wear it on special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, parties, etc.) and for business events (fashion week, speaking engagements, etc.). By no means do I wear it every day or every week even — it’s a very long-wearing shade, and since it can stain, it’s not something I wear normally, because to do lip swatches, you can’t have products that stain, and I test 10-15 lipstick shades in full-length tests per week (2-8 hours, depending on the lipstick, so sometimes I can do 2 or 3 in a day!). It’s 0.20 fl. oz. of product, which is the size of most full-sized glosses and 40-50% more product than you’d get in the average full-sized lipstick (0.10 to 0.12 oz.).
Oh no!!! Last night I finally decided to go get one today. If I really like it, I’m going to have to get a backup or two! 🙁 I hope there are still a few left! My local Macy’s will have this right?
I hope so!
They didn’t have it! 🙁 I bought Phoenix which I’m in love with!! I’m still going to try to track this down and at least get one!
I’m so glad you are loving Phoenix!! 🙂
This has happened to me so many times over the years. I have finally learnt that something equally wonderful/fitting will come along, so I no longer stock up. It is annoying as all get out though. >8-|
Very true!
I love that you bought 5 backups!
🙂
RAL is also my great love… huh i want to get some back-ups, BUT if the new thing will be even better ,,what to do now ?! lol
We can only hope there’s something new, but there is no guarantee–it’s just my hope. Usually companies will have something already out or almost out that is set to replace an older product/formula.
I’ve never tried this one myself (I don’t wear red enough to justify the price) but it’s always been one of my favorites on you. It just works so awesome with your skin tone and hair (and the shimmer, sooooo pretty!) I hope that you are able to find something as awesome in the new lineup.
Me too, Cassy!
Hi Christine,
I so know what you mean! I would buy whatever “Dragons” they have left in stores, ALL the stores! :-))
I bought 3 backups of MAC Cute-ster, here is a picture with all of them in line, one tube all done, three to go…
http://blusherine.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-cute-sters.html
we are all crazy!!
xoxo
Blusherine
Haha! Glad I’m not alone!
Looks great. I think it is too much for my pale skin.
I always love really rich colors against pale skin!
Christine that looks awesome on you, wow, just beautiful. For now I am skipping I think since I just got Garconne but I am tempted:))) The finish looks different and I do like gold shimmer.
I have a question to you; you said that you stocked up on it since it is being discountinued and got like 5 of them, also because I think I read here somewhere that some lipsticks can be lipsticks for life. Now onto the question don’t lipsticks have expiration dates or do they not expire after say five years or something? I mean it would be great if not because what can I do when some shades are limited edition but even if lipsticks lasted much longer than say creams and definitely mascaras I would still think they expire sometime, no? I remember that long time ago my grandma’s lipsticks smelled rancid when they were really old but of course back then they may have lasted shorter than the newer ones do. Any ideas on their shelf lives and after opening? I thought this would be a very useful thing to know because I am in love with Guerlain Le Brillant Bee and it was limited ed last year but I may still be able to find a couple somewhere I could stock up on but if it went bad on me then no use doing that. Thanks in advance.
Hey Ursula!
I believe the expiration on lipsticks is 2-3 years, and the clock usually starts ticking once you open it. If it’s unopened, I believe the life is 3-5 years. Some products are scented, so they may lose their scent over time, and what you’ll smell is the actual lipstick base (which is waxy), but if it smells rancid, then that’s different. Supposedly, if you store them in the refrigerator, they should last longer, too.
Wait, that waxy smell is just the lipstick base?! That’s very good news to hear, because I have some of my mom’s crazy-bright lipsticks from the 80’s that I was ready to throw away because they’ve started to smell like crayons. Not bad, just waxy. Now that I know that’s not the smell of lipstick gone bad I can keep wearing them! Thanks, Christine!
I don’t know if I’d wear lipsticks from the 80s, since that is a very long time, but I have lipsticks that are 1-2 years old that have lost their scent and smell like the actual product (typically wax, but you can read the ingredients’ list) – I know this is particularly true with drugstore brands!
This is such sad news and I can completely relate! A few years back, Chanel discontinued the Summer Plum glossimer and broke my heart. It was the perfect neutral plum on me (I’m quite fair and most plums make me look like a walking corpse.) and I felt so put together and polished whenever I wore it. I purchased a bunch of backups like you did with Dragon, and I’m only now close to the end of my last tube. Unfortunately, I’ve been putting off the inevitable and will have to start looking for a replacement. I remember there’s a company that can custom-match a makeup product if you send them a sample. Does anybody know what I’m talking about?
Three Custom Color!
Ah, thanks! Yet another reason why you’re the best!
Dragon is my favorite lipstick. Not favorite red, favorite overall. I will buy a bunch of backups.BUT, look at the bright side, this is another excuse to shop for makeup. So yeah I’m game!!! And btw,Summer Plum is still available(hope you see this hon:). Its still rolling into counters and I haven’t seen it on a discontinued list yet
I know this is an old post, but has anyone found a dupe of the channel plum?
Oh gosh… This is wonderful! *O*
It is!
Tsk Tsk, Chanel. How could you discontinue Dragon? *sulks in the corner*
I’ll join you 🙂
I have it and love it too, I am going to stock up.
How many are you getting, Sadie? 😀
That’s sad! How can they possibly take away this gorgeous product? Well, I guess it’s been available for quite a while now and sooner or later everything gets discontinued or replaced by something else. I will definitely get a few back-ups.
No idea – wish they had some kind of reason they’d share with us!
Since I saw this color on your website, I fell inlove with the color! It’s such a gorgeous red! Such an intimidating color for me, but I just ordered 2 of them! =) Figured it would be perfect for the Holidays and this will be my special occacion lip product. =)
I hope you love it!
It’s already on backorder at Nordstrom. Shipping til December. Maybe it’s all your subscribers trying to get their hands on it. =)
Wow, that’s crazy!!
Love the va-va-voom red, its possibly the most gorgeous red I’ve seen,love it
Agreed 😀
WHAAAATTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!! I had no idea of this…i need to go and buy my back-up now.
Haha!
Just purchased a few myself but I really hope they will replace this line with something better because, otherwise, it’s just stupid. Such a great product and they are going to discontinue it??
Fingers crossed!
this is like the perfect sexy red shade!
I knowww!!
Why on earth would they continue just ONE color?
Not sure!
Christine, do you know if Chanel Rouge Allure in Audace is also being discontinued? It’s my HG red and I’m planning on buying some backups as well! How long is it safe to store unopened lipsticks? Thanks!!
I don’t – I only asked about the Rouge Allure Laques. I emailed via contact us on Chanel’s website and received the first response (which was correct!) within an hour.
How many uses do you think one tube has? I’m tempted to buy back-ups just for the sake of it, but considering I only use Dragon maybe once a year (it’s just THAT special), I’m wondering if I can just pull through.
I have no idea – but plenty of them. I mean, if you literally only wear it once a year, I wouldn’t get a back-up!
Ahh I’m so gutted about this. I’m desperately trying to not order a backup and just save mine for special occasions but it’s HARD.
RIP Dragon RAL. You will be missed.
RIP!
I see your loyalty- this color is BEAUTIFUL on you. I haven’t mustered up the courage to wear bold lips yet (I’ve JUST started with fleshy tones and pinks..) but I must say, you are giving me some inspiration 🙂
Thanks, Shubana! You gotta do it! Even if it’s just at home.
Christine, I think (but of course I could be wrong) the only reason Coromandel wasn’t listed was because it had already been discontinued. It’s still available at on nordstrom.com, but Chanel listed it a while back on their Deja Vu page where they list things that are discontinued but still in stock. I own seven of the RALs including the newest holiday one, but need to get Coromandel before it disappears – and a few of my own back ups of Dragon! It’s an amazing little tube of gorgeous:D Thank you for helping me find it!
I kept asking the customer service rep, and they said it’s not on the list, that this is the final list – but I am dubious myself!
agreed!! the case is just like my fondness with dior last holiday 5 golds eyeshadow palette. I missed it, and i figured something better will come up in the future from dior or any other brand. but i was WRONG!! so with a holy grail product such as chanel dragon, i think buying back-ups more than 2 are reasonable, well to me it is. do you know why they discontinued the product?
Chanel just gave me their standard line, which is basically from time to time, they will assess and discontinue colors as it makes sense to them.
Oh no!! This looks so so fantastic on u Christine…I thought I could wait forever to purchase this..! But now I ll have to hurry up!
Do u think it would suit an NC 42 skin tone…if you say yes, I am buying it straightaway!
I think it would!
I got it asa u posted this, but I was such a fool not to try for one whole month..Yday, I tried it before I went out for shopping and its unbelievably gorgeous. First time in my life in 10 years, I got compliments for the lipstick shade from total strangers..and now, when I want to have back ups, its no more available 🙁
..I never imagined it will suit me so much(being warm toned)..Chanel, u should not have done this …my heart is shattered on my own foolishness..why did I wait for so long…sob sob..
Awww!! I’m so sad for you Neha!
I understand completely what you mean. My favorite pink was discontinued a few years ago (it was made by a Brazilian brand named Natura) and I’ve never found a dupe for it 🙁 And I think if Guerlain ever discontinued Geisha (Rouge G) I’d have a heart attack!!!
It’s amazing how one can’t find a dupe – like it’s red, c’mon!
🙂 Have you ever tried Lancome’s Rouge Desir (#130)? It’s the only one that can match up to Dragon in complexity, in my opinion. Tho I think it was limited edition…
Goddamnit, Christine, this is assballs. (and if that’s too much color you can deny my comment and I’ll understand and tone it down for a second try. 🙂
I still haven’t tried Dragon, don’t wear red very often, and absolutely have to have this before it’s dropped entirely. Does Chanel not read this blog?! Do they not know how many people you have converted?! Bastards.
Not enough, apparently! Let me know how you like it, Z!
Yikes, looks like the surge to Nordstrom’s site means Dragon is on backorder and won’t be shipping until December 2nd. That means a trip to the snarky ladie’s counter is in order…*sigh*.
The ones I ordered two weeks ago were shipped via stores, even though I ordered online! But hopefully they will fulfill them.
The reason why this surprised me is, it seems Chanel have taken no notice of influential bloggers and public opinion, or else they’d realise how much power a great review can have and the sales they’ve earned out of the love shown to it on this website.
It might just be us all being myopic, though – like we love it, but does the typical Chanel customer love it? There are so many beauty buyers who aren’t reading blogs, so it’s hard to say!
Christine,
You have made me fall in love with these RALs. After seeing a few pics of you wearing Dragon and then posting twits about it being discountinued, I decided to purchase Dragon. When it came in the mail I was surprised at how red it looked, but when applied it looked and felt great 🙂 It’s a true red. That prompted me to purchase other colors including a second Dragon. Although pricey, they are beautiful 😉
YAY! I’m thrilled to hear you loved it!
This is a beautiful colour but for me, red lips are high maintenance enough without adding a liquid/gloss type formula to the mix. I couldn’t wear a colour like this in this formula with confidence and not constantly be thinking…has it migrated, is it on my teeth etc etc.
It’s a shame they are discontinuing the RALs though 🙁 I have Phoenix and Mandarin and I love them. I want to pick up Santal as well.
I took a look at Garconne and it is fairly similar to this one!
And to answer your question, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a discontinuation of a HG product. Mainly because I rarely have HGs, I always find newer things I love better 🙂
Lucky you 🙂
Thanks Christine. I wish lipstick was like jewelry and never expired:))) At that price Rouge Gs should never expire, after all they are priced like and look like jewelry:))) Seriously though I guess I am starting to see your point about the compact; they are amazingly beautiful yes but perhaps they should either offer it without or refills. Sorry I am off subject here. Anyhow, now that I have read your advice about expiration at least I will not feel bad about using my expensive lipsticks.
The lipstick that never expires… now there’s a product no brand wants to make, LOL!
Bought, bought , bought….yay!!!!!!!!!!
I was in such a hurry that I entered my card information wrong thrice…LOL…!
LOL!!
Chanel RAL are fabulous! Do you know if this is only for the USA or it is also for Europe?
My info is from U.S. customer service, so I am not sure if it is for Europe too!
Last night I went to Chanel.com and I bought several back ups of Dragon and Empire, both holy grail shades for me. Guerlain Garconne is also my dupe for Dragon. I’m so glad you site turned me on to these products … my bank account would disagree. 😉
Glad you got your backups, Rachael!!
Noooooooo 🙁 I just bought this a couple weeks ago and wanted to buy a few more shades. Urgh. Why, Chanel!?
I’d love to know why, too!
And just because of this post, I’ve made my first Chanel purchase 🙂 Red is always high maintanance for me, but if I’m accepting those difficulties, I rather do it for a gorgeous one like Dragon. Thanks for introducing me to my new sweetheart 🙂
Congrats, Elfenben!!
This is why I do not buy Chanel. They never keep anything around.
I am not into LE items.
That being said, it is a beautiful red on you.
It’s one thing when something is LE, but discontinuing products is so much harder!
When I saw this on Facebook I was like, “NOOOO!” Hahaha. I know there is a market out there for discontinuing and reintroducing products, but this still leaves me pretty bummed. I never picked up any of these, and I know I probably won’t get the chance to before they’re gone.
I’m bummed, too, and I’m surprised!
Love Dragon! I am a pasty, pale girl and it just pops so much. This formula is the only one that has allowed me to rock the red lip the way one should. I am just so confused as to why you would discontinue something the you have just put out as part of your holiday collection. Why create Empire and re-promote Dragon only to get rid of the formula altogether?
I love it on paler complexions! Yes – I agree, that is so bizarre!
Christine – That blush you have on PERFECTLY sets off Dragon. Kudos.
Everyone else – Do you have any tips for getting reds to stay put and not bleed? Especially a liquid lipstick like Dragon? For some reason, reds migrate all over the place on me! I have tried concealer under it, MAC’s lip primer, and filling in with liner first. Nothing works! If anyone out there has a product or technique for keeping reds in place, I would LOVE to hear it!
Have you tried clear lip liner around the edge of lips? Or concealer?
This is the epic red liquid lipstick. (it does look marvelous on you btw!). I bought this for my daughter as her first red lippie. The color, the fomulation, the packaging are all perfection.
Aww!! Your daughter is lucky to have you as a mom!
Breathtakingly stunning!!
So true 🙂
GORGEOUS lip color and GORGEOUS you!
Thanks, Cat!
it looks soooooo great on you!!! awesome! I just managed to buy it, on me it’s a bit darker, blood red color. But it is great!
Thank you!
This looks so similar to a discontinued pigment I used to use in my own lip balms, it was called “Hot Mama” by my source and it had that same red on red shimmer. I always assumed it was DC’d by my source because the large cosmetic companies had started using it, but perhaps it really isn’t available to anyone. It was a gorgeous color, it made the best blends, and cost 3 or 4X what other red pigments cost, totally worth it though.
Interesting to hear!
I am normally not a fan of red; lips, nails, anything. However, this is the one red that I absolutely love. I will need to go grab another just in case!
Any particular reason you’re not a fan of red?
This color looks beautiful on you. You don’t even need any eye makeup, the lip color in itself brings out your eye color. I wish I could find a lipstick that does that for my dark brown eyes.
Thank you, Miriam!
That color is stunning on you! I am sorry to hear that they are discontinuing it! I hope that you find something else that will be just as good!
Here’s hoping 🙂
I was going to suggest Garconne myself, it is my favourite red lipstick right now and I actually find it easier to wear and apply than Dragon.
I still prefer Dragon, just because I find it to have more depth!
I like how you shaped your cupid’s bow here, compared to the points you usually do. Gorgeous colour, too. I’d personally say that Guerlain’s Gigolo is closer than Garconne is, as Garconne leans *really* orange on most people, and is also lighter.
Gigolo is too berry, not enough red, to be dupe, IMO! They’re totally different colors to me!
I really do want to invest in a tube of this. The only problem I have is that it feathers horribly, and I’m not sure how to prevent that.
You could try lip liner, clear lip liner (around the edge of lips, not on them), or concealer around the edge of lips.
I’m sorry to see one of your favorite products being discontinued, Christine! It’s really frustrating when things like that happen.
Have you had it happen to you?
My shade in the cream foundation I use seems to essentially be discontinued (the company’s website still lists it, but no stores seem to stock it), so I turned to ebay and bought a couple of backups.
Since this first jar lasted me quite awhile and I tended to alternate with a tinted moisturizer in the summer, I’m hoping I’ll have found something better by the time I make it through them all!
I hope you can find a dupe, Quinctia! Basics like foundation/skincare is the worst!
That looks so amazing on you! No wonder it’s your favourite/go-to red! I haven’t found my go-to red yet.
Anything come close?
Hi Christine! I understand why you’re so sad. I feel for you.
Do you think one or both of Rouge Allure Laque in Dragon and in Ming will suit me? I’m neutral (slightly pinker) NC 15 skintone with blonde hair and light green eyes. Will the Dragon suit me? And does it make your teeth look yellow or anything? And what about Ming, the pink? I love cool baby pinks by the way! Much love xx
Both will work; Dragon is very blue-based, so it will make teeth appear whiter, actually! Ming is more neutral to yellow pink than blue, but I don’t find it yellows teeth!
Damn!
I had looked for this the first time I read your review and I desperately wanted it, but the price (€ 29, that’s $ 39, come on!) was way too high and I just put it in my “impossible dreams” mind drawer.
Now I NEED to have it 🙁
I must think of a reason why I should be allowed to splurge. B-day was in september. Christmas is way too far, it could be sold out by the time. No other holidays in the meanwhile…and I already celebrated my victory over obesity (-50 punds and counting) buying myself an iPad.
Any suggestions?
No Thanksgiving-esque holidays? LOL! That’s the only one I can think of coming soon. How about for Christmas in advance?
No, we have nothing like that in Italy 🙁
Unless you have a b-day coming, there’s no occasion to receive a gift between Easter and Christmas. We do have holidays between the two of course, but none of them is usually celebrated with gifts. At least not in my family and none that I know of.
I think I’ll just buy it and live with the guilt 😛
Sounds like a good plan, Altea 😉
It is a gorgeous color- would it work on NW15 skin? I can’t tell on my phone of it leans cool or warm
I think it would – it is a cool-toned shade!
This is SUCH a beautiful red! I’ve been debating between getting this or Hourglass Siren for a while now, but I guess the decision’s been made for me since this is going the way of the glittery dodo 🙁 I think Dragon may fare better for my skin-tone anyway (super pale, pink undertones).
Hourglass Siren is super pretty, too, but they are fairly different! 🙂
True story, they are. I should clarify that it wasn’t a matter of wanting a red and feeling they were “dupes” or anything, but more an issue of budgeting and wanting a special red for the holiday season 🙂
Gotcha 🙂
Wow, it seems like this red was tailor made for you. Would it look good on someone as pale as I am? Thanks
I think it would, Leah!
OH MY GOD, THEY’RE DOING WHAT???! I fell in love with Dragon, bought it, swatched it – and then promptly lost it! They cost US$ 50 to buy in Sweden, though (insane, I know!)… I’m checking with my buddies in the UK, if they can act as my beauty dealers I can save on shipping 😛
I’m still in chock… O.O
OMG that is horrible!! 🙁
Yeah, Sweden’s pretty expensive in general due to our high taxes, but cosmetics are particularly painful since I’m constantly confronted with the difference on blogs! I’m getting great at finding reliable etailers, though 😛 The RAL’s are ca $38 on the Harrods web page, but EU shipping is £20… We’ll see, if I haven’t heard from my UK buddies in a few days, I’m grabbing a few Dragons! I hear they, in particular, are selling out really fast all over the place!
I hope you figure out a way to make it work! The prices internationally are frightening. I just had a lovely blogger CP me something from Sephora France (Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill), and I think between shipping and the product price, it was like $60! Double the price of the item here.
Hi Christine! I’ve been reading your blog for ages but never commented until today! One of my favorite types of posts you do is on lip products. I’m not that daring yet – I pretty much stick to neutrals, but I’m always AMAZED at how perfect your lips look with any product. I know this isn’t really your thing, but could you do a blog post, or just reply back with how you apply your lip products (lipstick alone, gloss alone, etc)? My lips never look that perfect. Thanks so much!!!
Lipstick is generally straight from the tube – the only time I use a lip brush is if it’s a REALLY special occasion and I’m actually running EARLY! and not behind, haha. Lipgloss I use from the tube or from a recyclable, disposable lipgloss wand (since I have a lot of gloss, this helps keep them fresh), but I don’t have any technique or anything. I’d just say that practice makes perfect!
Christine, oh Christine! *wrings hands* Don’t know if you’ve noticed this, but as if the discontinuation of the rouge allure laques wasn’t enough, the whole rouge allure lipstick line is showing up in the Deja Vu section of chanel.com! What the hell is going on here?? This is terrible! Can you email corporate and confirm that ALL rouge allure products are being phased out? I just don’t understand it…*sobsob*
AHHHHH now I see that the rouge cocos and glossimers are suddenly all listed as discontinued as well! What. the. frack. Please try to find out what is going on here Christine!
Hey Lucie,
Are you sure it isn’t select shades?
I don’t have corporate’s email address, but I can certainly send them an email.
I don’t get emotionally attached to products. I try not to use anything more than any number of times that I become dependent on it. If I really like something and I know I can’t buy it again, I just get my pleasure from looking it at it and knowing it is still there. Wow, I sound lame, but I can guarantee it would work. But it looks like you have backup and I am SURE Chanel is listening to you and maybe they will bring it back? More power to beauty blogging if that’s what happens and I really wish it does.
You look so pretty!
Thanks, Shivani! I doubt they’ll bring it back but who knows!
As someone who is normally fearful of reds (my go-to lippie is Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Boy) even I thought about picking up Dragon at my counter but was advised against the glossiness as a first timer. Is there a true red that is either in lipstick form or a bit sheer that you would recommend to someone who wants to get their feet wet with reds?
You could try MAC Ladybug!
Christine I join you in your sadness! I found this color thanks to you. I’ve been wearing it for about a year now. I’m a burlesque dancer and it’s my go to red. It’s just so perfect and sexy. I went to my local Chanel counter in Belk this past weekend and bought the last one they had. The counter lady didn’t even know it was DC. I told her you received an email from Chanel and she still acted like she didn’t believe me. She must not know who you are hehe. I’ll probably be hunting for 1 more back up before they are all gone.
LOL! I didn’t believe it either – but after phone CS (who said it wasn’t on their list) went up the ladder to corporate and returned back with the bad news, it seemed pretty likely! I know that counters received their discontinued list around 10/24, so it might not have made that list, which is where she probably got her info!
Oh no. Ming is my HG. Sharks, need to get back up asap then, thanks for the warning Christine.
No prob, Lena!
I actually ordered it directly from Chanel online like, at 2am when I read your post!
Yay!!
Its funny how once a product is going to be discontinued I feel the sudden push to finally cave and buy it. I’ve ALWAYS wanted this lipgloss since the day I first laid eyes on it on this very site. Now I have a great excuse to get it even though the price tag is hefty. Yesssss!
LOL! I hope you fall in love with it, Nicole! Well, maybe not?!
I have Dragon and I think it is one of the best reds out there,but I wear red so rarely that I don’t know if it’s worth buying back-ups…however, I do love the RALs and Imperial is my favourite and it makes me sad that Chanel wants to discontinue the entire collection apart from Coromandel…is there really any point in discontinuing all but one? either discontinue the entire collection or don’t do it at all….
It is weird – especially because Coromandel was the only one originally on the list!
Oh no! Dragon is my HG red too! I guess I’d better grab a backup….
So sad! 🙁
This is one of the best reds I’ve ever seen and the finish is to die for! I am so happy I found your blog. I LOVE how many swatches you have. Thank you. =D
Thank you, Peyton! 🙂
I literally went out and ordered this yesterday because of the pics you posted on FB. 🙂
How are you liking it so far, Betty?
That color is gorgeous, especially on you. I understand why you would buy that many back-ups of it!
Thank you, Ashley Sarah!
I asked the sales associate at The Bay counter, and she said that she didn’t think the Laques were being discontinued in Canada, or at least not at their counter. They still had Pro Lumiere, and were not expecting it to leave either, for what it’s worth.
I have no idea how accurate her information is, though.
Let’s hope it isn’t discontinued then!
I too went to The Bay in Quebec, Canada, and they still have plenty of laques and everything. I talked to the saleslady about them being discontinued so I had to finally get the dragon and she seemed very oblivious of the whole thing. I mean, she didn’t say it wasn’t but she didn’t say that yes it was, so let’s hope it’s a good sign?
Oh, no!!! That’s a fantastic color for you – there’s a light-reflecting quality in it (in the closeup of your lips) that’s really something special. I hope they come out with something even better for you.
I actually found my go-to red years ago (Ultima II, a sparkling candy apple red), and they discontinued it so fast I thought they had something personal against me, LOL. I’ve been checking out every shimmery red ever since, and never finding anything quite like it. *sigh* I wish you better luck than that!
LOL! That is so terrible! It sounds maybe Kat Von D Adora? I know it was LE and then they said they would bring it back. Not sure if they ever did!
I have Adora (and they are selling it in stores now). It’s definitely the closest contender I’ve found, but a tiny bit closer to orange than the one I’m remembering.
[email protected]! Maybe your next survey should be, “Would you rather see your favorite lip product discontinued, or go through a difficult breakup?”
LOL!
WHHHAAAAT? No, No, NO! I love these lip laquers so much! Although technically I guess I am safe, because Coromandel is my shade! I love each and every one of them though, and planned to collect them all over time. How can anything be better?!!
Dear Chanel, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Thanks, Edie x
I will say that the DC info on Coromandel is conflicting so you should double check with your counter!!
So I’ve been lemming this for years… I guess this is my cue to finally pull the trigger and buy it!
Uh oh… it’s sold out everywhere O_O noooooooo
Haha!! Good point!
I had no idea these were being discontinued! I just bought three this weekend,including Dragon 🙂
How are you liking Dragon?
i picked one up today!!!
Yay!
i went to my chanel counter today and picked one up and asked the lady why theyre discontinuing them and she said because they dont sell well as much as glossimer and lipsticks do!
Interesting! Thanks, Cyndi!
PSA to everyone: Chanel.com has Dragon in stock AND has free shipping on all orders…. THANK GOD I decided to check their website!!
Thanks, Victoria!
OMG! I bought that color because of you…and I fell in love with it. I also go my g/fs to get it and it looks amazing on them too. So sad that they are discontinuing it! I hope you do find and dupe…and I’ll be sure to follow 🙂
Aww!
This IS the most devastating beauty-related news for me this year!
I just don’t understand, for me, Chanel RAL is THE BEST liquid lipstick in the market right now and I didn’t find any drawbacks, then why do they have to stop producing it? Oh Chanel, you broke my heart…. 🙁
It is a crazy good formula for liquid lipstick!
woahhh!!!! it’s breath taking!!! beautifulll!!!
Is it a shade you’d wear?
It’s definitely a beautiful color…but for bold colors I prefer long-lasting formulas. This formula transfers too easily so half the time i’m paranoid about it transferring to my teeth, etc. 🙁
Dragon lasts 8 hours on me or longer. I wore it with a lip liner once, and it wore for 16 hours.
Oh yeah Power Red! Calling the local counter now!
Hope you can find it, Lark!
Christine, will you get Three Custom Color to make you a dupe or will you hunt for your new perfect red instead?
Hmm, I don’t know – I feel like I just want to find a dupe for it and be done!
I even had this in my hand once but put it back as “oh one day” that day is so NOW. I will be crazy sad if I can’t get at least one of these. I’m hoping to find at least 2 and then try not to apply from the wand to keep it fresh-ish so they last longer. Or Chanel can have a change of heart…
CHANEL CHANGE YOUR HEART! Don’t make us have a sad!! 😀
Hope you can find yours!
I have a feeling that once I stop bleaching my hair and go back to having dark hair Dragon would be my HG red. I nabbed the three RAL I’ve been eyeing, including Empire. Now I think it’s time to get a backup of Dragon.
My wallet is screaming madly this holiday season, it’s insane how many good stuff is released this year. o.O
I hope it is! 🙂
It’s clear this color is beeeaauuuutiful. I’m easing my way into red lips though. The other day, I actually wore NARS Cruella out for the first time and it felt great! Even though I’m still not ready for bright, fire-engine reds, I just ordered two Dragons from Chanel’s website. I can’t imagine this color not being around waiting for me when I’m ready for it. Sooo…it’s going to sit nicely in my makeup drawer when I’m ready for it. I’m really excited! And it looks GREAT on you Christine!
I’ve got fingers crossed you love it, Leslie!
I’m wearing red lipstick everyday without exception, my favourite being mac russian red and MUFE moulin rouge. Seeing how good this chanel one looked on you, I wanted to purchase it as a gift to myself when I’ll cure my year-long angular cheilitis (it sucks so much to have that, I always look like my lipstick ran in the corner of my mouth or like I’m trying to cover herpes!!), especially since I always dreamed of owning a chanel red lipstick. This morning I came across this post and OMG I planned to go buy it right after school, just in case! If that didn’t cost me a total of 47$ CAN, I would have bought backups because it is a PERFECT red!! Still not opening until my lips are healed though 😉
What have been your *least* favorite reds? 😉 Hope your lips heal soon!
Not counting the thousands of Maybelline/L’Oréal/Revlon/etc. I went through during my teen years (I started wearing red lipstick at 14, thanks to Gwen Stefani LOL) I would say, and this quite breaks my heart to admit, heartless by mac. I went to buy this one because it looked wonderful on you and it had Cruella on it and, while it looks beautiful freshly applied, it tends to feather (but I think I solved the problem with a clear lipliner used with the redd mac liner) and starts to look like a red lipgloss a little too quickly. I still wear it from times to times because it is a great color for a casual/summery red 🙂
That’s so funny that of all lipsticks it’s MAC Heartless!
That looks eerily similar to NYX Snow White which I always have a hard time getting a hold of, not sure if it’s also gotten the boot.
Will have to look into it!
I think Europe in general tends to be really expensive, I do not get why, I mean Chanel and Guerlain are French brands but the normal price of a Guerlain lipstick in Hungary, where I live if higher than in the US, maybe taxes, exchange rates, etc. I have never tried this formula but think it would not be so great for me, Garconne is the perfect red for me, I have very fair skin but dark hair, eyes, brows and even though my skin is fair it has warmer tones. If I wore this with my pigmented lips I think it would look almost burgundy and make me look older but that is just my feeling at this point.
OTOH, I do love some cooler toned colors like violet-plums, I think I have mentioned how my addiction with Rouge Gs started when I got Bee, now I have to go out and try to find a backup of that, smaller stores here may be a good idea, even though it was a holiday 2010 limited ed I bought it last month and hopefully I can still find another one somewhere.
Why do they always discontinue the very best colors ever? Do they want to make them more special? But since we talked about them expiring that makes no sense because people may run out and buy backups now but otherwise they would keep on buying them.
Usually they come out with a replacement color but I have found that oftentimes those are not nearly as good as the one they discontinued. I think Guerlain has Gigolo now to replace Bee but Gigolo is not a color that would look good on me at all gggh.
I do agree that I’ve often seen new formulas replacing old ones but the new colors are not dupes for older ones!
I’ve read around, alot that NYX’s Snow White and MAC’s Dubonnet are dupes, and i own both Dubonnet and Dragon – i can say that they’re completely different. Dubonnet/Snow White would be much darker than Dragon, much less vibrant.
If we talk about all these gorgeous reds; how many red lipsticks do you think a woman needs?:))) I feel guilty when buying the upteenth red shade but each is a little different, no? I mean no I do not have upteen but I feel seriously drawn to certain colors; reds are such and violet-plums as well. I also love bronze colors but not as much as the first two categories. Also, there are so many different reds like coral-red, true/pure red, blood red and the list goes on.
Christine, since this looks so amazing on you do you find this a blood red or a vibrant pure red? I am wondering how it would compare to Garconne. I know some said Garconne is orangey but it is not orangey on me at all, it is just what I would call a pure red, very vibrant and wow but I also like certain blood reds, I just tend to avoid reds leaning toward purple. I love purple but not purplish red or bluish red, I like violet-plums in purples as I have said.
Argh, now I feel tempted to try Dragon on, also love the name:)))
More of a vibrant pure red, but it’s deep and complex – but not really blood red to me. Garconne is quite similar on me, so if you find that more of a pure red, then I’d say this would be similar.
I need to try it then, well, I do not need to at all, lol, but now I feel tempted. I will let you know what I think, hopefully I can still find it here but my experience has been that in Hungary cosmetics do not sell as fast and since I work in an office building attached to a mall, I can do this in my lunchbreak:)))
Good luck! 😀
It sounds like it is the end of the world on this blog that this product will be discontinued. I learned life goes on whether you like it or not. Maybe because I am older and I have experienced may discontinued items and out of market brands. That is why I always buy duplicates when I like something. I think these cosmetic brands purposely discontinue something to generate more interest in something else and also so they can reintroduce the product later in life. The companies make you want to buy more because there is chance your item you so like will be gone. This is an absolutely beautiful red….a color I would wear since I own 5 Dolce and Gabanna reds. I am sorry to see one of your favorite items go…but that is life and it will bring you memories later in life when you think of Chanel Dragon which is appropriate name in the Chinese culture. I miss my Halston blush.
Hi Stacey,
In the post, I said that I was gifting people (four, to be exact) some of the back-ups – and I also said that I anticipate I will either find a dupe or something new to love–that I’m not dying over it. I thought, of course, that readers would be interested in hearing about it (as it is the item I am written to about most) while providing updated photos and swatches of the product for anyone who wanted to snag one before it’s gone. I’m sorry you read it as the end of the world, because the very point of the post was that it wasn’t: there will be new items, dupes, and hopefully newer and better products in the future.
Oh this is sad.. 🙁 🙁 🙁 Just as when Im beginning to appreciate its color, Chanel just likes to discontinue stuff no?
It seems like it!
I can’t believe Chanel would DC such a wonderful formula! Why would they even bother releasing a new shade for theie holiday collection? I hope they decide to keep them…probably my absolute favorite lipstick formula. Boo, Chanel!
That’s what confused me!
I just don’t get why they would discontinue such a beautiful colour! Fingers crossed for bigger and better replacements! =)
Same here 🙂