Chanel Les Indispensables Les 9 Ombres Multi-Effects Eyeshadow Palette Review & Swatches
Les Indispensables
Chanel Les Indispensables Les 9 Ombres Multi-Effects Eyeshadow Palette ($70.00 for 0.22 oz.) is a new, limited edition set of more muted neutrals across multiple finishes–mostly matte and satin with a few more pearly/frosted shades thrown in. There was a decent mix of lighter and more mid-tone shades, but the palette could have benefited from at least one deeper shade (as #7, which is the deepest, isn’t that deep!). I’d recommend pairing this with your favorite eyeshadow primer to ensure longevity and true-to-pan color, as those were the areas that were a bit weaker across several shades.
Ingredients
Les Indispensables
LELimited Edition. $70.00.
Les Indispensables #1
Les Indispensables #1 is a light-medium, golden brown with subtle pearl. It had good color coverage that was buildable to full coverage with a second layer. The texture was soft, finely-milled, and a smidgen dusty in the pan but adhered fairly well and blended out without trouble. This shade stayed on well for seven and a half hours on me before fading visibly.
Top Dupes
- Hourglass Atmosphere #3 (PiP, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Atik (117CM) (2020) (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Can't Escape Me (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Too Faced I Want It All (LE, $16.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Milani Bella Cappuccino (03) (P, $4.49) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Mari (PiP, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Becca Toasted Marshmallow (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Kaja Cool Khaki (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Inglot J313 Honey (LE, $10.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Viseart Brioche (Warm Mattes #5) (P, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
Les Indispensables #1
LELimited Edition.
Les Indispensables #2
Les Indispensables #2 is a soft, golden beige with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. While the texture was incredibly silky and smooth to the touch, it only had medium coverage applied to my skin, and it was hard to build it up without using a primer. It wore well for seven and a half hours before showing signs of fading.
Top Dupes
- Make Up For Ever I514 Pink Ivory (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Skinshow Nude (PiP, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Satin Ochre (Left) (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Bribe (PiP, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- LORAC Sugar (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Glitter Glue (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- PIXI Beauty Petal (PiP, $20.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Givenchy Tentation #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever D716 Crystalline Papaya (DC, $21.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Morphe Beam (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
Les Indispensables #2
LELimited Edition.
Les Indispensables #3
Les Indispensables #3 is a light-medium brown with warm, muted yellow undertones and a matte finish. The pigmentation was opaque in a single layer, while the texture was soft, silky, and blendable without being powdery. It lasted nicely for eight hours on me before fading noticeably.
Top Dupes
- NYX Underneath It All (P, $4.50) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Too Faced Cream Puff (LE, $16.00) is lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- Sydney Grace San Diego (P, $5.25) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS Undressed (LE, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- PIXI Beauty Soft Brown (PiP, $20.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Pat McGrath Statuesque (DC, $25.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Stila Warm Honey (LE, $18.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Head Over Heels (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Too Faced Painkiller (LE, $16.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Bite the Beat (LE, $17.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
Les Indispensables #3
LELimited Edition.
Les Indispensables #4
Les Indispensables #4 is a pale peach with moderate, warm undertones and a pearly sheen. The eyeshadow had opaque pigmentation that adhered evenly and smoothly to bare skin. The texture was soft without being powdery and blendable. It stayed on well for seven and a half hours on me before fading visibly.
Top Dupes
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Rose Cashmere #1 (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Silk Teddy (PiP, $16.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Dior House of Dreams #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Devinah Cosmetics Tinny (PiP, $5.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Tarte Seashell (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Midas (LE, $17.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Naked Lunch (P, $17.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Pat McGrath Eternal Opulence (LE, $25.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Amanecer (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
Les Indispensables #4
LELimited Edition.
Les Indispensables #5
Les Indispensables #5 is a light-medium, gray-ish taupe with neutral-to-warm undertones and a sparkling, pearl finish. The color coverage was mostly opaque in a single layer but could use a half-layer or so to achieve true-to-pan color and shine. The consistency was soft, a little drier and dustier in the pan, but it didn’t seem prone to sheering out and didn’t yield fallout during application. It wore well for seven and a half hours on me before I noticed any fading.
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Mushroom (P, $19.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Full Orbit #4 (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- NARS Thistle (DC, $25.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Full Orbit #3 (LE, $21.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Maxi (458M) (PiP, $29.00) is darker (90% similar).
- bareMinerals Bling (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop LA Baby (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Cle de Peau Pewter Veil #3 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Viseart Argente (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Chemical Bond (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
Les Indispensables #5
LELimited Edition.
Les Indispensables #6
Les Indispensables #6 is a light, taupe-brown with neutral-to-warm undertones and a matte finish. It had opaque pigmentation that applied well to bare skin with a smooth, even lay down of color. The texture was finely-milled, almost velvety, and blendable on my skin. It lasted for just over eight hours on me before starting to fade noticeably.
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Cherish (Deep) (PiP, $5.25) is lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Smashbox Taupe (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Ambition (P, $4.50) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Wet 'n' Wild Secret Garden Rendezvous #2 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Flint (184CM) (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Wilted (P, $6.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Omega (LE, $17.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Give Me Glow Teenage Dirtbag (PiP, $7.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Prissy Princess (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Soleil, So Lovely (LE, $17.00) is lighter (90% similar).
Les Indispensables #6
LELimited Edition.
Les Indispensables #7
Les Indispensables #7 is a medium brown with warm, reddish undertones and faint micro-shimmer strewn over a more satiny finish. It had nearly opaque color payoff that applied evenly to bare skin and was able to be built up if desired. The texture was soft, velvety, and blendable without becoming too powdery or prone to fallout. It stayed on nicely for eight hours on me before it started to fade.
Top Dupes
- Guerlain Tonka Imperiale #4 (DC, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar).
- NARS Fetish (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Ruca (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Clarins Brown Sugar #3 (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Stiletto (PiP, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Tarte Abyss (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty White Suede #3 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Anastasia Boie (LE, $12.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Hot Bod (PiP, $4.50) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- NARS Unbuttoned (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
Les Indispensables #7
LELimited Edition.
Les Indispensables #8
Les Indispensables #8 is a light, golden brown with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It had semi-opaque color coverage that was somewhat buildable but best applied with a dampened brush or over an eyeshadow primer to get true-to-pan color. The consistency was soft, a little drier and dustier in the pan, but it didn’t seem prone to fallout when I used it during application. It wore well for seven and a half hours before I noticed any fading.
Top Dupes
- Zoeva Unfinished (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Gilty as Can Be (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Benefit Gilt-y Pleasure (P, $20.00) is more shimmery, brighter (95% similar).
- NARS Endless (DC, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- NABLA Cosmetics Glitz (P, $8.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- MAC Gogh Lightly (PiP, $17.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Moss Agate #1 (LE, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Laura Mercier Rosegold (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Dior Golden Reflections #2 (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- LORAC Amber (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
Les Indispensables #8
LELimited Edition.
Les Indispensables #9
Les Indispensables #9 is a medium-dark, reddish-brown with warm undertones and a satin sheen. It had excellent pigmentation in a single layer, which applied evenly and blended out easily on my lid. The texture was soft, firmer without being stiff or difficult to pick up with a brush. It lasted well for eight hours on me before fading noticeably.
Top Dupes
- Coloured Raine Intergalactic (DC, $6.99) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Buxom Precious Metal (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (95% similar).
- LORAC Tails & Top Hats #7 (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Chanel City Lights #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (95% similar).
- Dior Terra #1 (LE, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Money Trees (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Anastasia NYC (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Cocoa Mirage #3 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Guerlain Electric Look #6 (LE, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes 2 #6 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
If I’m going to go all out and buy a very practical neutral e/s palette that has lovely quality overall (especially when I’ve seen it used with primer and a dampened brush for that one pale shimmer!), this is the one I would buy!
Should I, though? I have UD Naked 1 and 2, Lorac Pro and Unzipped, MUFE Nudes You Need, plus many MAC neutrals. Yet, this one is so tempting!
I think you are covered, IMO!
I have this – its my perfect travel palette.
Oh, I am feeling tempted like mad, though I shouldn’t be as I’ve dupes galore for most of the shades. BUT….if the Shoppers Drug Mart in Ottawa has it when I’m there later this month, this will probably be mine (unless the Canadian price is so ridiculously high that even with my 20% off AND Optimum points, it seems wasteful…)
Mariella, when I saw the review up for this palette, I immediately thought of you too. We both seem to like the same kind of eyeshadows. I would be perfect for you and I hope you can get it at a reasonable price.
I purchased this before a trip last month and brought only it and the more colourful spring 2019 9 pan. I must say that Chanel has really nailed it with these two. The shadows are user friendly and the palettes are quite compact, although the shadows are big enough to be easily used. I know that I have all the shades in both palettes covered (in triplicate, at least) but I don’t like fishing around for 3 palettes in the morning trying to find the shades I want to use. This neutral palette is perfection for doing a quick, professional look. Personally, I find the deepest colour dark enough for me, but I use a tinted eye primer (Clinique Touch Base for Eyes) which probably lightens up my lids a bit. Chanel has really been upping the quality of their eye shadows in the past couple of years. My wallet is saying “ouch”, but I have no regrets purchasing this before your review, which I rarely do.
Lovely but unnecessary unless high-end branding is your thing. It looks like a decent neutral travel palette for warm light toned people but I try not to travel with expensive limited edition items unless absolutely necessary in case it gets lost or broken.
In general I don’t like palettes with a multitude of shades, but I’ve been making an exception for these nine shade palettes that Chanel has been releasing since Lucia Pica came on board. She has an artist’s eye for color combinations and selects and positions colors that give you three looks right off the bat. But then, you can also use colors from the different groupings to create even more beautiful, cohesive looks. I’ve been particularly pleased with the formula and find the shades very easy to apply and blend. This latest Les Beiges palette is a real winner in my book as I prefer more neutral looks that have a lot of depth and complexity to them. Bonus points for this being an excellent travel palette. It’s already logged thousands of miles with me.
I love this palette and I was hoping that you would review it at some stage, so thank you Christine. I love the muted tones and as I would never use a darker shade than what is there, it is perfect for me. As I am getting older I do prefer less darker shades and more softer ones on my eyes right now. I just love it and hope it comes to Australia.
This actually looks like a really nice neutral palette.. For someone like me, the darkest shade is plenty dark enough.
Thank you for taking the time for this review.
*sigh* This looks lovely! However, I already have too many good quality neutral palettes. I certainly don’t need this one, and especially at this price. There’s one shade here that I doubt I have a dupe for, and I do really like how compact it is-but will have to skip this one.
Tempting but I’m not sure if I need a 9 Pan. I tend to prefer 5 or under. But I love that it has a warm, cool(ish), and Smokey night option. I like the way these 9 pans are organized.
Oh boy, this looks lovely but I.have.so.many.neutral.eyeshadows. But there are one or two shades here that are unique, #6 & #8. I am using more and more neutral looks for the past 2 years now so if reviews for this are good, it’s a decent price for all that product as Chanel quads are $62 now. I may have to see this in person. I like that there is no dark shade as I never use that palette shade.