Chanel Imperial Rouge Allure Laque ($32.00) is the second up in our seven days of Chanel Rouge Allure Laque feature.

Imperial is a slightly warmed-up, muted red-coral. It’s not quite the coral that comes to mind when I think “coral,” but it’s certainly not the “deep rose” that Chanel describes it as. I always find the descriptor “rose” to mean something pinky, but this has more red in it. It’s like a wearable version of a red with a touch of coral. I suppose if we think of red roses, maybe this is “deep rose.” I would say this is one of the harder shades to describe, because it’s beautiful, but I can’t find the words to aptly describe it! The shade has a dusting of slightly rosy-gold shimmer and the same glossy sheen as others in the line-up. It applies evenly without a fuss and goes on full-color right away.

Since I don’t want to just re-write what I say about the formula (since it is the same–if there are any variations, you can be sure I’ll call them out), here’s a quick bullet-point summary.

Pros

• Satiny, creamy lip color that hydrates
• Opaque color in one layer–very pigmented
• Lasts for hours and even through eating/drinking
• Glossy sheen
• Looks like a lipstick AND a gloss
• Easy to travel with
• Sleek packaging

Cons

• Pricey at $32 each

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

Recommendation:  For a more muted, but still opaque lip look, consider Imperial.  Not too warm or cool, it can easily be worked into your lip wardrobe.

Availability:  Nordstrom

See more swatches…

Coromandel (#72), Imperial (#73), Dynastie (#74), Dragon (#75)