Chanel Metamorphose (44) Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad ($59.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a new and limited edition palette exclusive to Chanel.com from their summer collection. It features four shades of eyeshadows in varying finishes that can be “applied dry for subtle shading, or dampened for more intense colour, all with long-wearing results.” Outside of the U.S., this quad and its formula will be very familiar, while those within the U.S. will note that the shape, texture, and feel of the formula is different. This is, essentially, the baked formula, compared with the traditional power eyeshadow that we typically see in the quads here in the U.S.

Metamorphose (44) #1 is a medium-dark, cool-toned green with a hint of blue/teal and a frosted sheen. It had semi-sheer color payoff applied dry, and it was more opaque applied damp, but it could have applied more evenly and smoothly. Tom Ford Emerald Lust is a touch darker. MAC Sweet & Sour is greener. Dior Garden Pastels #5 is very slightly warmer/greener. Tarina Tarantino Violet Storm is cooler-toned.

Metamorphose (44) #2 is a cool-toned, green-tinged, pale gray. It looks more like a mint green in the pan, but it comes off rather grayish when I applied it. The color payoff is very sheer when used dry, and then it is decent to good in opacity when applied damp. Giorgio Armani #10 is more metallic. Dior Cruise is similar. is a bit darker (and a cream product).

Metamorphose (44) #3 is a lightly warmed-over yellowy-green with a frosted sheen. It was sheer to semi-sheer when applied dry, and it was more opaque when applied damp. Too Faced Fantasy Island #2 is more metallic but very close in color. bareMinerals Wicked is more intense, greener. Wet ‘n’ Wild Comfort Zone #6 is much darker, greener. MAC Juxt is brighter and much warmer. MAC Valiant is very similar.

Metamorphose (44) #4 is a deep navy blue with cool undertones and a satiny finish. It had decent pigmentation when applied dry, but it was much more intense when applied damp. Urban Decay Evidence is a more pearled sheen. MAC Naval Blue is more frosted. MAC Lunar is darker. bareMinerals Climax is more pearled. Guerlain Les Ombres de Nuit #3 is darker–more blackened. Make Up For Ever #81 is darker.

Generally, the baked eyeshadow quads are less intense and pigmented than the regular powder eyeshadow quads. To an extent, I would agree. These really have to used damp to see decent color payoff, as when they are applied dry, they are subtle and on the powdery side. From my own experiences, I tend to prefer the powder eyeshadows over baked ones as well for both blending, wear, and color payoff. Metamorphose had faded noticeably when I checked at the eight-hour mark.  The texture was always on the drier, powdery side, and when applied damp, it didn’t blend out as easily as Chane’s best eyeshadows do.

P.S. — 0.04 oz.? Ouchhh! I know that baked eyeshadows tend to weigh less, but whoa does that seem crazy small. They look like a normal-sized eyeshadow, all domed and the like, but the weight is (somewhat) concerning.

Chanel Metamorphose (44) Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad

Chanel Metamorphose (44) Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad

Chanel Metamorphose (44) Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad

Chanel Metamorphose (44) Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad

Chanel Metamorphose (44) Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad

Chanel Metamorphose (44) #1 Eyeshadow

Chanel Metamorphose (44) #1 Eyeshadow

Chanel Metamorphose (44) #2 Eyeshadow

Chanel Metamorphose (44) #2 Eyeshadow

Chanel Metamorphose (44) #3 Eyeshadow

Chanel Metamorphose (44) #3 Eyeshadow

Chanel Metamorphose (44) #4 Eyeshadow

Chanel Metamorphose (44) #4 Eyeshadow

Chanel Metamorphose (44) Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad