Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad Review, Photos, Swatches
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad ($65.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a warm, bronzy set of shades with a pop of warmer green. There was something about the texture that made this really sing when applied; it didn’t seem particularly special (not bad, just more dupable than not) when I initially opened it up nor when I swatched it, but on the lids, the finish is very pearly and shiny–almost wet-looking. It yielded a very bronzy, beachy vibe to me applied, a melted, lived in look that wasn’t messy. The three neutral shades were really nice, while the darker green was blendable and wore well, it could have been more pigmented, though at least it was buildable.
Empreinte du Desert #1 is a medium brown with warm undertones and a pearly finish. It had opaque color payoff with a fairly soft, smooth texture–just not quite as soft as the other shades in the palette. The color lasted for eight hours on me. Anastasia Belize (P, $12.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Smashbox Gif Me That (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar). Smashbox Well, Hello (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Viseart Praline (Petits Fours) (PiP, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Chanel Tisse Vendome #1 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). MAC Bamboo-zled (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Dior Parisian Sky #1 (LE, ) is darker, more muted, cooler (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury The Golden Goddess #3 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Foxy (LE, ) is darker (90% similar). Sydney Grace Genie in a Bottle (P, $5.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Chanel Road Movie #2 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Anastasia RTW (P, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Giorgio Armani Stardust (04) (P, $36.00) is lighter (90% similar). Chanel Undertone (802) (P, $36.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Comfort Zone #9 (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar). Makeup Geek Purely Naked (DC, $6.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Chanel Lumieres Naturelles #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). Chanel Intense #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Too Faced Desire (PiP, ) is darker (85% similar). Urban Decay Casterly Rock (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Empreinte du Desert #2 is a light-medium, orange-y gold with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had fantastic pigmentation with a very soft, blendable texture that was easy to work with and apply to the lid. It diffused almost effortlessly but didn’t lose its intensity. This shade lasted for eight hours on me before creasing slightly. Becca Opal (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Viseart Flirt (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). ColourPop Ray (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Ardency Inn Sunday (DC, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Dior Precious Embroidery #3 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar). Smashbox Inside Scoop (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Smashbox Gold Hoops (PiP, ) is lighter, more muted (95% similar). Linda Hallberg Cosmetics Collision (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). Stila Vitality (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). Makeup Geek Magic Act (P, $9.99) is less shimmery (90% similar). KKW Beauty Armenian (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Bad Habit Daphne (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar). Urban Decay Barely Baked (PiP, $19.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Kitties (PiP, $17.00) is cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Ginger (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Desert Rose-mance (LE, $17.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Anastasia Primavera (PiP, $12.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Anastasia Moo (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Makeup Geek Karma (DC, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Huda Beauty Moon Dust (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Empreinte du Desert #3 is a muted, medium-dark forest green with warm, olive undertones and a sparkling, frosted sheen. It had semi-opaque, buildable color payoff with a soft, smooth, and blendable texture that applied well and lasted for eight hours on me. Smashbox Spruce (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar). Sephora Luxurious Boot Camp (DC, $10.00) is darker (95% similar). Chanel Quintessence #6 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). Ulta Sage (P, $10.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Sephora Hidden Treasure (114) (LE, $13.00) is darker (90% similar). Milani Bella Khaki (17) (P, $4.49) is warmer (90% similar). Ciate Soul (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Chanel Splendeur et Audace #2 (PiP, ) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Protest (-, $19.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Chanel Vert Metal (836) (P, $36.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Mildew (DC, $19.00) is brighter, warmer (85% similar). NARS Tropical Express #3 (PiP, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar). Makeup Geek Venom (DC, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Too Faced Money Bags (LE, $16.00) is darker, brighter (85% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Dragon Scales #3 (LE, ) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Anastasia Anaconda (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Sugarpill Junebug (P, $13.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Bobbi Brown Poison Ivy (P, $38.00) is darker (85% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Icon Disco Eyes #1 (LE, ) is darker (80% similar). L'Oreal Golden Emerald (P, $7.99) is cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Empreinte du Desert #4 id a muted, dark brown with subtle, neutral-to-warm undertones and a soft, pearly sheen. It had mostly opaque pigmentation with a soft, blendable texture that was a smidgen dusty in the pan. I didn’t notice the dustiness when working with it on the lid, though, and it’s the kind of shade that works well applied at full intensity, and then blended out, or used more sparingly and built up. The color wore well for eight hours on me. Viseart Cool Matte #5 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). Too Faced Everlasting (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar). Anastasia Witch (LE, $12.00) is warmer (95% similar). Natasha Denona Dark Sepia (47P) (PiP, $29.00)(90% similar). MAC Rising Passions (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Spring 2015 (LE, $45.00) is cooler (90% similar). NARS Rue Allent (Right) (LE, ) is darker, cooler (85% similar). NARS Zagreb (DC, $25.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar). MAC Collective Chic #3 (LE, ) is darker, brighter, cooler (85% similar). Dior Golden Savannah #5 (LE, ) is warmer (85% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
Empreinte du Desert
LELimited Edition. $65.00.
Empreinte du Desert #1
LELimited Edition.
Empreinte du Desert #2
LELimited Edition.
Empreinte du Desert #3
LELimited Edition.
Empreinte du Desert #4
LELimited Edition.
See more photos & swatches!
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad (with Marc Jacobs Peridot Eyeliner)
Chanel Empreinte du Desert Eyeshadow Quad (with Marc Jacobs Peridot Eyeliner)
I love the finish. Kind of like what a super long wearing eyeshadow looks like at the end of the night, after my skin has oiled it up a bit but it’s still intact, and I don’t want to take it off because it almost looks better than when I first applied it.
I’m glad you totally got what I meant! 😀
That is a VERY cool texture! I’m kind of broke right now, but if I come into some cash before this sells out, I’ll definitely consider it. I’m really into “washes of color” on the eyelids right now, and these look like they’d be perfect shadows to get that look.
They’re very blendable, so you could definitely use them as washes!
Wow, love the eye look –the shadows look very glow-y! I already have Chanel D’Automnes (also a mix of neutrals/greens), so I will be skipping, but glad this scored well. I think this will be a very popular quad
Glowing is a good way to describe it!
To my complete surprise, I have pitifully few dupes and only for 2 of the shades so either I REALLY need this quad or the colours are just not my cup of tea in real life. I’m willing to bet it’s the former and grab this as my “treat” next week for an assignment I’m taking on (assuming, of course, that The Bay gets this one!)
If The Bay normally gets Chanel’s seasonal launches, it should get this one! (This is their regular summer color launch!)
Ah, a Chanel quad that actually works! After the poor spring collection this makes me happy!
Me too 🙂
I was secretly hoping this wouldn’t do well – Ah, but now I need to save for its June release! So pretty and I love the glowing eye look you created! I do think though that this palette feels more like a Transitional Fall palette to me than a Summer one. The glowing shades remind me of the coming of Fall. Still, I’ll buy it in the heat and humidity of DC Summer anyway! Thanks for your review.
My pleasure, Michele! 🙂
Michelle, I was thinking the same thing about it looking more like an autumn palette but that suits me wonderfully since I’m not really into either pastels or crazy brights (though I’ll use the latter as a small touch of colour). But the golden shades in this are somewhat “summery” – golden sunsets, that sort of thing. But I so want this now, having seen the review and, of course, Christine’s beautiful eye look (I think there needs to be a “12 step program for Christine makeup look addicts”!)
Yay! I would love a 12 (or more) steps programme for Christines makeup look addicts. She does such an amazing job. 🙂
Very pretty but not for me!
Gotcha! 🙂
The look you created is really beautiful. I can see what you mean about the finish, the shadows look shimmery but smooth, almost in a glossy way.
Thank you so much, Lulle!
Whoa! Chanel just totally nailed it !
It’s a good one!
What a lovely quality high end quad for a change! Very tempted to get this, just love the green in this!
I’m so glad it turned out so well!
O. M. G. This is truly a magically performing little quad; it literally GLOWS on your lid looking liquid-like! Ugh, here I’ve had TF Honeymoon as 1st pick for my wish list, but this is trying to push that into 2nd. I DO have ABH Self-Made palette, plus MAC Silver Sun, wondering if replication is at all possible using those? Otherwise…. TF Honeymoon will be in August or September.?
I think Silver Sun can get you some of the sheen of these (and those types of formulas in general)! I was definitely caught off guard by how much I liked the Chanel quad applied, though. I came prancing into my husband’s office pronouncing, “I feel so pretty!”
Going by how liquid or molten like it looks applied, I would have been going ga-ga, too! I am *seriously* contemplating buying this quad!
I’ve just purchased it! I also have Honeymoon and I was thinking the lighter colours were similar, but they’re not listed as dupes. Christine, is the formula of this Chanel quad similar to the wet/dry Tom Ford ones?
This quad is really beautiful! I love that it actually has a sheen after application-I feel like I’ve been coming across way too many eyeshadows lately that fall flat after application. Although the finish does look unique and very interesting for the summer, I don’t know that this is a *need* for me (when would I ever find the time to wear it?!), but it’s nice to see such a high rating either way.
Yes, the finish is amazing! There’s something about it that feels very appropriate for summer with the way it glows.
Ooooh! This is beautiful! It’s nice to see Chanel put out some nice shadows. Dupable, so I won’t buy, but I like it.
It is always good when a pricey product performs!
Goodness this is gorgeous! That gild shad almost looks like it’s lit up. Wow!
It almost does!
OMG incredible on you…
Thank you!
So pretty! I love the shine!
Me too!
Oh my this is beautiful… I might actually opt to buy some make-up from Chanel…
Oh, wow! 🙂
What a beautiful quad! Chanel wants me to hand over the cash, and I might just do it for this.
Aww! 🙂
I am really loving this quad. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Chanel. I think that it stems from the period of time that I grew up, the late 60’s and 70’s. Chanel just meant luxury. I am so glad that this quad performed well and the eye look you did is amazing. This beauty will be mine! Thank you, Christine.
Thanks a lot, Deborah! Enjoy yours 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous – I adore all the shades and they really co-ordinate well together. A beautiful finish and it looks so good on you Christine. A great rating too.
Thanks a lot, Genevieve!
I just saw this on the Nordstrom site and was excited to find your review on the same day! I’ve been looking for a palette with a wearable green, and think Empreinte du Desert will work for me. Love the look you did with this one & hoping I can do something similar!
Heads up — Chanel.com has it available now; when I last checked, Nordstrom had a ship date of 5/27!
I would normally not reach out for CHANEL eyeshadow quads but I am really digging the green shade! Can you wear these shades wet?
I bet you could, but I didn’t see that listed on Chanel’s site (the description is very short, though). They feel/look like wet/dry eyeshadows to me, though.
I liked the palette. A- … Not bad at all. But the first and second shades look quite similar to each other… Atleast they wont be distinguished separately on my eyes. Another no for me then.
Hopefully something else catches your eye instead 🙂
Lovely colors, definitely my kind of shades. I just wish Empreinte du Desert was totally opaque.
If only 🙁
I’m so happy you gave this one a good review, Christine! I’ve been disappointed with Chanel’s quads in general the past couple of releases, so I’m excited to get this one. Sheer, shiny washes of colour are totally my jam in the summertime 🙂
I think you will love it, Cathy!
I love this quad so much! I was ready to purchase it asap but kept thinking about how familiar the swatches look. Even that magical glowy but lived in to perfection look they have on the eye. Then it hit. Christine or anyone else do you remember the Laura Mercier Folklore collection? I think it was 2 or maybe 3 years ago. There were 3 shadow singles I LOVED; Sun Glow, Earth Glow and Fire Glow. I pulled them out, swatched them and fell head over heels in love all over again. They too have that lived in at their best look and seem to actually glow but with absolutely no glitter. Idk if the shades are close enough to be total dupes, I’m not the best at dupe detecting. I bet I’m close though. If any of you have them pull em out for a look. I can not believe how beautiful they are and I just stopped using them. Good thing I declutter & sanitize every quarter or I’d never have remembered! But they don’t have the beautiful green…and I don’t have any Chanel quads…I know with all the makeup you review it’s a long shot but if you do have them or remember is it worth getting the quad too? I did try the search feature but didn’t see them. I could easily have messed up tho.
HAPPY MOTHER’s DAY to all Mom’s and Maternal figures whomever and whatever you parent 🙂
Nice! So glad you were able to find something similar already 😉 I am not familiar with that collection myself, but it sounds pretty!
I was really waiting for Chanel palette, but it was such a miss for me – too dark, too shiny, no contrast, absolutely no lasting power. And sadly also way too warm and simply not beautiful, despite bronze and green being my favorite shades. I have more beautiful bronze, gold and green in my collection thatn that:(
Sorry to hear that this doesn’t live up to your expectations!
Sigh…..I picked this up yesterday and all I can say is I am in LOVE. It takes a bit of work to get the top 2 shades to show up well (I might need to use a white base to get the “full effect”) but I am so in love with that bottom right shade (#4). What’s crazy, crazy is that I don’t have any of your listed dupes for it. Given all the brown shadows I own, it seems impossible but it’s the case. And I absolutely adore that last shade in this quad (I love all 4 but that brown is so perfect). What’s especially nice about this quad is that while it does have that summery, bronzey colour vibe, it will morph seamlessly into autumn.
I am so glad you’re enjoying the new quad, Mariella 🙂 I hope Chanel will use this formula again!
Christine, a crazy-ish question. I am fixated on the green in this palette and was wondering if you can think of a green pencil liner that is close in colour to it. I was hoping that something like Sephora’s Good Mood might be close but I used the “Swatch/Compare Any Two” feature to see them side by side and they’re not even close. I’m going to go through some of my green pencils in hopes I find something.
These are the “closest” that are permanent – I wouldn’t say they’re all dupes, but I figured I’d give you at least more of the kitchen sink so you can narrow it down!
http://www.temptalia.com/swatches/?compare=194622,108934,111181,166156,174873,222190
Oh, gosh – I’m only just seeing this now (missed the notification in my in-box). Thank you so much. I think I’ll pick up MAC Swamped, as it seems the closest colour, though I am wondering about the Chanel green liner from this collection (do you have it? can you comment one way or the other about it?). Thank you so much, once again!
I don’t have the Chanel eyeliner from the launch, unfortunately!
Beautiful!!! And that green shadow really pull up the green in your eyes ? I never understand why this very high end brands put those little applicators in their palettes though… ? Nobody use them
You’d be surprised at how many people use them, actually! They are often people who use makeup more casually.
And you think it is possible to achieve a good result with those? I mean I vaguely remember using those when I started using makeup as a teenager and I really think it was impossible to blend shadows properly… Not that I really care about that back then lol ?
You definitely can! I was just pointing out that many do use it, and as long as they’re happy with the results, then it’s all good 🙂
This has been on my radar since I read your review. I waited until I could swatch the 4th shade next to my beloved Burberry midnight brown single, the only possible dupe I had in my collection. The Chanel is warmer than the Burberry so I pulled the trigger.
Nice, Fitz! 🙂