Chanel Gris Exquis ($28.50) is a limited release from the Aquarelles collection. It’s described per Chanel as an “elegant dove grey, ideal for achieving soft, romantic eye looks.” I couldn’t describe it better. The finish is matte although it’s not completely flat in texture. On my skin it goes on very blueish. I applied this alone over eye cream this afternoon and initially I felt it made my skin/eyes look aged. Taking the tips from a few readers in the Beiges posts, I tried layering it. On one eye, I layered it with a softer brown, Chanel Slate, and it looked softer on the eyes. On the other, I layered Beiges highlighter and mixed/blended on top of the Gris Exquis. The result was a well put together look which softened the blue tones. For me, since I have olive tones (Asian skin), if shadows have any hint of blue-grey, I need shimmer or else I end up looking like death. I am glad that Gris Exquis layers well (I ordered it sight unseen from Bergdorfs) although if I had seen/tried it in person first I know I would have passed.
Here are two swatches, even with a heavy swatch you can see the finish is still very soft.
Looking at my collection of greys, I noticed that even my blue greys were not quite as blue as Gris Exquis for mattes. Here are some comparisons to others including Chanel Safari, Chanel Slate, Chanel Gris Exquis, NARS Notorious, MAC Apres Ski, MAC French Grey and Laura Mercier Stone Suede.
Overall, I agree with Chanel that it is a soft, romantic and elegant. If you love blue-toned shadows then this is one you will adore. I like it, but don’t love it simply because blue-grey mattes aren’t my thing. I need shimmer, although I will say this makes a nice layering shadow. Wearing this shade alone on eyes makes me look at least 5 years older. Did you try/buy this shade yet? What are your thoughts? If you love blue-grey mattes, how do you wear them?
One last shot of the 2 Aquarelles items I purchased: Gris Exquis and Beiges.
This is a gorgeous color, your swatches are always amazing 🙂
It's very pretty but blue-grey mattes are not my thing either.
I love the grey color it's pretty. I like wearing grey on my eyes it is a color that stands out in a elagent way.
The colors are simply elegant
I'm not a fan of blue-grey mattes, but your swatches make Chanel Gris Exquis look pretty. =)
I would use Chanel Gris Exquis as a blending/transition color when I'm wearing a shimmery blue smokey eye look.
I want to like this shadow more. I like blue-greys as a general rule, but have never worn such a hue as a primary eyeshadow. I don't usually wear just matte or glittery shadows but a combination of the two. I guess you could say I like a pearly luminescence. Here's a thought: maybe you could try Gris Exquis with LMdB's Corinthian or Jojo? They may add a bit of warmth and liven up the matte factor.
I love blue grays, especially NARS Thunderball. This one looks like it'll be much softer and lighter than Thunderball, and since I'm super pale, I think I might have to pick it up 🙂
It would definitely make for a great smokey eye. 🙂
I had the same experience on my NC10-15 skin Sabrina, it just doesn't do anything for me. Wish it was more neutral.
I like how you zeroed in on specific products, instead of the whole collection. A collection in its entirety feels internally consonant, but it looks so impersonal because it's Peter Phillips' style, not yours. Whereas seeing Gris Exquis and Beiges Ombres Tissées alone together feels more idiosyncratic (even if that blue-grey isn't normally your kind of color).
But maybe that's full o' air. I just like that final image of those two side by side. : )
Thank you for a great review! I didn't purchase Gris Exquis for the same reason. I was wondering, how does Gris Exquis swatch next to two darker shades in EB Soft Smoke Trio?
I'm curious about the Pink Cloud blush – I didn't order it because it looks very light, reminds me of JC Winter Shimmer from few years ago… I completely agree with you about the blue tone of this shadow, I also find it unflattering on me.
greys look great on blue eyes/ cool skin so i'll def check this out. I use mac scene a lot which looks similar in colour
Doesn't look like nothing special expect the name although the colors look very nice and pigmented 🙂
Gris Exquis and Beiges together are a winner for me. My collection of grays is limited, maybe that's why I'm so in love with it 🙂
I still need Safari but glad to know that I don't NEED this.
I adore grey-blues and intend to go for this one once it hits the shelves around here!!! Thanks Sabrina for your thorough reviews!
Gorgeouuus shades!
Lucky you!