This summer Chanel brings us three new stunning shades of Illusion D’Ombre Long Wear Luminous Shadow in Mirage, New Moon and Utopia ($36 each for 4g/0.14oz). All three colors are breathtakingly gorgeous. I think all are universally flattering colors, each with a stunning mix of shimmers. Both New Moon and Utopia are listed as limited-edition, while Mirage is listed as permanent. As with all other Illusion D’Ombres, these are semi-sheer but layer able with intense shimmer.
Swatches:
More pics and swatches:
Mirage is a luminous warm bronze. It seems to have been launched to replace Initiation from Holiday (which is now discontinued, but still available at Neiman Marcus). If you compare the two shades, Mirage has a more refined shimmer while Initiation has more visible silver flecks of sparkle. Both are similar on the eyes.
It was a bit difficult for me to capture the differences with a flash, the shimmers blinded my camera so I have two sets of swatches. The one with flash is more accurate with color.
Chanel Initiation, Chanel Mirage, Bobbi Brown Bronze Sugar, Armani Eyes to Kill 5 Gold Blitz, Armani Eyes to Kill 6 Khaki Pulse and Armani Eyes to Kill 26.
This one is without any flash, under artificial light, it makes the colors look a bit green, but shows the difference in undertone and texture better.
New Moon is my favorite of the three. It’s a complex burgundy, gold, brown, red mix. It can appear reddish when swatched on the arms or hands but it applies much more neutral on the eyes.
Two sets, same items in each, just different lighting include MAC Constructivist, Bobbi Brown Velvet Plum (review here), Chanel Ebloui, Chanel New Moon, Armani Eyes to Kill 28 (swatches here) and Chanel Fatal (review here).
Utopia is a gorgeous lavender sparkle. It’s one of the few lighter pink/purples I can actually pull off without looking like I have pink-eye. Medium or dark purples are easy for me to wear (as long as the red in them is minimal), lighter purples tend to clash with my olive skin and make me look sickly. Utopia has the perfect mix of pink and purple.
Below comparisons swatches to Armani Eyes to Kill 30 (hard to find but swatches/review here), Bobbi Brown Cool Lilac, Chanel Utopia, Chanel Illusoire, Chanel Impulsion (review here) and Armani Eyes to Kill 8.
These are must-haves for summer in my book – especially for Chanel fans. For those who avoid dupes/similar colors, I think you’ll find these shades particularly unique. I’ve had a lot of fun playing with these over the last week. They are extremely versatile and easy to wear for any occasion (day or night). Lasting power is quite good as long as you’re not one who rubs your eyes frequently throughout the day.
The Illusion D’Ombres are $36 each, now at all Chanel counters in the US. Currently online at Nordstrom, Saks and Chanel.com.
