Chanel Rouge Coco

"The perfect colour is the colour that is right for you."-Coco Chanel

Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour, the new permanent lipstick collection by Chanel, has a colour for every woman. In fact, most colours are universally flattering which adds to the appeal of these luxurious, moisturizing, and long lasting lipsticks. (for high definition swatches, click here)

The mastermind behind the Rouge Coco line, Peter Philips, endeavoured to create a product that would tempt all women, whether they be lipstick traditionalists or gloss-crazed moderns: "The challenge is to keep Chanel edgy and modern but also retain the values of a luxury brand and offer beautiful, quality products." The end product was the perfect compromise between the two preferences: a smooth as silk lipstick that gives off just the right amount of sheen. Of course the lipgloss loyalists can add one of Chanel's Glossimers on top, but I prefer these lipsticks as they are.

Adding to the charm and appeal of these lipsticks is the sentimentality associated with the names. Each of the lipsticks represents some aspect of Coco (Mademoiselle) Chanel's life. For example, the Chanel store is located on rue Chambon in Paris, both of which are names in this range. When applying the lipsticks you feel a profound connection not only with the brand, but with its creator.

These lipsticks are the the beauty world's equivalent to a Manolo Blahnik shoe-beautiful with an accompanying weighty price tag. They retail for $38.00 Canadian before taxes, which means the average woman may not find this conducive with her monthly budget. If you are interested in trying one of these tubes of perfection (and there really is no rush seeing how 30 of the 33 colours are permanent) but can only afford one, I would suggest you pick one side of the spectrum: an everyday natural (Camelia or Mademoiselle), or the iconic Chanel red (Cambon or Gabrielle).

However, there is a free alternative if you are unsure if you can invest that much without being convinced for yourself. All the Chanel counters have a sample package with four colours and a small lipbrush that they hide behind the counters. Usually they only give them to purchasing customers (they have already given me two), but if you ask nicely to the right person you can try one of these samples and draw your own conclusions.

I currently possess ten of the lipsticks and, in keeping with my promise of full disclosure, I did receive several for free and others at a discount.

From Left to Right: #9 Organdi Rose, #17 Orchidee, #23 Rouge Orage, #20 Rose Comete, #15 Ruban Rose, #11 Legende, #10 Camelia

From Left to Right: #6 Egerie, #5 Mademoiselle, #33 Bois des Iles