Chanel Beauty Spring 2026 has arrived and seems to be selling out fast! I ordered everything sight unseen as soon as it launched online. I shared swatches here and after testing these for the past week I finally have my review. The collection is out now at Chanel.com and Nordstrom.
If you’re still looking for anything that’s sold out online at Chanel each product page has a “Find in Boutiques” option link. I clicked and it brings up a list of the Chanel beauty boutiques that have things in stock. Nordstrom also has the store locator per product page, so I recommend using the tool to check your local counters.
As a long time Chanel beauty lover I expected to love everything in this collection but I feel there are some big misses.
Rouge Noir Confidence Eyeshadow and Blush Palette
I had the highest hopes for the Rouge Noir Confidence Eyeshadow and Blush Palette ($95, Chanel and Nordstrom) but have mixed feelings based on application. The two lighter colors apply well with a smooth pretty finish, but they disappeared from my skin almost the second I applied them. The two darker shades go on the skin very patchy and unevenly. Even with a lot of blending they did not blend well. I tried this multiple ways since my skin is on the dry side now and I could not get this to work for my skin type even with extra moisturizer and a hydrating foundation underneath.
I haven’t read other reviews yet but a number of you messaged me about this. Half of you love it, the other half also said you also had some application challenges.
Swatched next to Tendresse:
The colors are for sure beautiful and perfect for a pretty Valentine’s Day theme. For me this is a pass. If the application is not perfectly smooth or easy to blend, I’m going to say this is a miss.
Ombre Essentielle
There are two new Ombre Essentielle Eyeshadow Singles ($42 each, Chanel and Nordstrom) and for me these are the stand outs. I expected to love Brun Rose (a coppery rose shimmer) more but Gris Rose (a lavender, grey, pink almost multi-chrome shimmer) surprised me with the way it flashes pink! I swatched these next to a few other shades. They do have a similar vibe to last year’s collection but they are still different enough to justify. I think these are worth tracking down!
Rouge Noir Mascara and Eyeliner
I love a monochromatic color theme and I think the Rouge Noir packaging is beautiful! The Noir Allure Rouge Noir Mascara ($45 at Chanel) is a nice one but I think the Volume de Chanel Mascara is the superior formula in terms of Chanel mascaras. The burgundy tint of the Rouge Noir shade doesn’t really show up on my lashes, it pretty much looks black.
The Stylo Yeux in Rouge Noir ($36 at Chanel) I received in my order might be a dud, but this one also is on the dry side, applies patchy on the arm and tugs the eyes to the point that it’s painful to apply.
Les Pinceux Rouge Noir Brush Set
I was the most excited for the Les Pinceux Rouge Noir Brush Set ($153 at Chanel) as I love the accessories Chanel beauty launches. This is a beautiful set with brushes that are well made. They do look more machine cut than the full sizes but they’re very smooth and I really love them. There are two eyeshadow brushes which I actually already own in the full sizes. The cheek brush looks like a new one and it is very VERY small. I do think it is useable but a bigger fluffier brush is much easier to use for blush.
Spring Lip Colors
The lip colors in this launch are very bold and dramatic. They are all outside of my comfort zone but I wanted to try something new. Formulas are 10/10 for the Rouge Allure Velvet ($53 at Chanel and Nordstrom). I picked up a mauve shade Irreverente and a bold fuschia berry Effrontee. Unfortunately I feel both are too cool toned for my skin tone but the formulas are a solid A+ as these are some of the best velvet lipsticks I’ve tried.
The Rouge Allure Laque in Rouge Noir ($53 at Chanel) is a very dark color and requires some layering for a smooth finish. Since it’s very contrasted with my natural lip tone, one coat results in a very patchy uneven finish. Two coats will even it out to a smooth application. This shade is also not my shade, but given the cult status of the Rouge Noir Le Vernis I wanted to try it.
Baume Essentiel
There’s a new Baume Essentiel in Cute ($50 at Chanel and Nordstrom). It’s a beautiful lavender pink color but pulls very sheer. I swatched it next to Lilas from a few years ago. Cute is clearly a lot more pink, but since it’s so sheer it doesn’t really give much color payoff on the skin. I wish they would have made this into a lip gloss because the color is so beautiful! Similar to all the other previous Baume Essentiels, this is balmy, dewy and does not dry down.
New Le Vernis Shades
Last we have a look at the three new Le Vernis ($34 at Nordstrom) shades. Performer is a bright raspberry pink, Moderniste is a deep cool grey and Rouge Noir is a dark burgundy. I swatched these all with two coats. They’re beautiful creams but don’t really feel like a spring color story and with the exception of Rouge Noir, I don’t really see myself wearing these colors.
That wraps up my Chanel Spring Beauty haul. Overall mostly misses for me. Primarily due to the fact the color story isn’t really me since I tend to wear warmer and brighter shades. The two eyeshadow singles were the only items I was truly impressed with formula and color-wise, but I do know many of you were excited about this launch so if you love it, please don’t let my review ruin it for you!
Online now at Chanel.com and Nordstrom. If you tried anything from this launch I’m curious to hear your thoughts!
