For spring, Chanel’s added two new (and permanent!) shades of the Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet ($35.00 for 0.12 oz.) formula. This formula is supposed to have “intensely rich, long-wearing colour [with a] soft, velvet matte finish [that is] non-drying.”

Chanel La Malicieuse (46) Rouge Allure Velvet ($35.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a brightened, coral-red with warm undertones and a satin-matte finish. It had very nearly opaque color coverage (there seemed to be a hint of translucency), and the color applied smoothly and evenly over the lips without dragging. The consistency was lightly creamy, but not too slick or emollient, and lasted for six hours. I found it slightly drying towards the end of the wear. Marc Jacobs Beauty Shout (138) (LE, $30.00) is lighter. Make Up For Ever #37 (P, $19.00) is brighter. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Chanel L’Amoureuse (47) Rouge Allure Velvet ($35.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, pinky-berry with a satin finish. It had mostly opaque color coverage, but it wasn’t fully opaque. The color applied evenly for the most part, but it didn’t apply as flawlessly as La Malicieuse. The color wore well for four hours, which is about average. It was neither drying nor hydrating. MAC Private Party (LE, $16.00) is more muted, cooler-toned. NARS Never Say Never (P, $25.00) is darker, more muted. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Chanel La Malicieuse (46) Rouge Allure Velvet

Chanel La Malicieuse (46) Rouge Allure Velvet

Chanel La Malicieuse (46) Rouge Allure Velvet

Chanel La Malicieuse (46) Rouge Allure Velvet

Chanel La Malicieuse (46) Rouge Allure Velvet

Chanel La Malicieuse (46) Rouge Allure Velvet

Chanel L’Amoureuse (47) Rouge Allure Velvet

Chanel L’Amoureuse (47) Rouge Allure Velvet

Chanel L’Amoureuse (47) Rouge Allure Velvet

Chanel L’Amoureuse (47) Rouge Allure Velvet

Chanel L’Amoureuse (47) Rouge Allure Velvet

Chanel L’Amoureuse (47) Rouge Allure Velvet