My First Impressions of Chanel Summer 2008 Makeup Collection

As of January 1, 2008, Dominique Moncourtois and Heidi Morawetz handed over the role of creative director at Chanel to Belgian makeup artist Peter Philips. In the last two years, Peter Philips had been working with the duo team to prepare for the transition in the makeup creation at Chanel. It is sad to say the Chanel Summer 2008 Collection is the last work by Dominique Moncourtois and Heidi Morawetz.

Having been a huge fan of this duo in the last years, I always admire their talents and creativity for capturing the understated class and luxurious essence of the brand. Chanel has been a private company in terms of marketing. They, however, have always created innovative products, and lead the make-up trends, making it one of the pioneers in the cosmetic arena.
First Impressions of Chanel Summer 2008 Makeup Collection
Honestly, Chanel Summer 2008 Collection didn't intrigue me at the first sight. Much of the reason was the star product, LUMIÈRES FACETTES Eyeshadow quad in Oasis, which incorporated iridescent khaki, bronze, coral and pink. The color combination is quite unique in a way. But I didn't see the colors attractive. After trying out the colors from the collection by the counter back and forth at different times, I am liking the summer collection's OMBRE ESSENTIELLE Soft Touch Eyeshadow and Nail Colour.

LUMIÈRES FACETTES Iridescent Effects Eyes Eye Shadow Quad in Oasis
The eye shadow quad in Oasis features khaki, bronze, coral and pink. The khaki is more of an olive khaki green with subtle gold shimmer. The bronze is a golden brown with an orange undertone. The coral gives a golden peachy finish. The pink is subtly light and iridescent. Overall, the combination of pink, peachy coral and orange bronze didn't look appealing on me. The colors of the Oasis quad contain gold shimmer, which delivers a warm, shimmery finish. The finish was too warm and too orange for my liking.

The OMBRE ESSENTIELLE Soft Touch Eyeshadow
The OMBRE ESSENTIELLE Soft Touch Eyeshadow line is a series of individual eye shadows. The eye shadows for the summer '08 are a soft version of shades from the eye shadow quad in Oasis. The line-up includes Khaki (in sage green), Safari (in stone brown), Tigre (in soft bronze), and Nomade (in pink). Tigre and Nomade are limited-edition shades.

I found these four shades are more flattering than the Oasis eye shadow quad. They are soft, wearable, and complimentary to each other. The Khaki has more green with a hint of gold. Safari is more of a dusty taupe with silver shimmer. Tigre is similar to the quad's peachy bronze. Only it is less orangy-brown and shimmery. Normade is more pastel and light than the quad's pink-rose. I especially like the colors of Khaki and Safari, and am tempted to buy these two colors.

Nail Colour in Antelope and Flamingo
For the summer, Chanel has released two nail colors, Antelope and Flamingo. Flamingo is a bright bubblegum pink with silver flecks. I am less excited about Flamingo since I probably can find something similar at Essie, or OPI.

Antelope is a frosted golden beige with densed shimmer. When reflecting with light, it gives a cream beige pearl finish with a hint of soft golden pink, which I really like. It has the neutral tone with a feminine touch.

Readers from the US might notice there are additional three lip glosses from the Glossimer line on the display at the counter. They are not featured on Chanel's official web page of the summer collection. The line-up includes Pin-up (frosted golden peach), Seashell (soft shimmery pink) and a new limited-edition shade called Gazelle (praline pink). The lip glosses of Pin-up and Seashell are re-promoted items.

On my last trip to the Chanel counter, I took home the Pin-up lip gloss. I love how the light golden peach lip color goes so well with summery eye makeup. I am still pondering if I should pick up the Soft Touch Eyeshadows. Do check back for my review on the Pin-up lip gloss, and perhaps more on eye shadow(s)!


Updated on June 11, 2008:
Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer Lip Gloss in Pin-up

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Chanel Summer 2008 Collection