What They Say: "Delivering a new level of performance: SUBLIMAGE SÉRUM. Planifolia PFA, the customized precious oil extracted from the powerful botanical fruit at the heart of SUBLIMAGE, is now at twice the concentration of the cream. In addition, 100% of the water contained in the serum is distilled Planifolia Concentrated Water for unprecedented results."

Jen's Experience: As a huge fan of the CHANEL Sublimage cream, I was thrilled to get a chance to try out their serum as well. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to test the serum with the cream, which would probably have given extraordinary results, but I was able to see how this serum, when worn under my normal cream, really upped the intensity of the results. My cream applied more evenly and the moisture seemed to last much longer to the touch, but without being tacky like a lot of really thick moisturizers. My skin definitely looks more radiant and healthy.

So how great is it? Well, maybe not $385 worth of fabulous. I rarely let price interfere with my ratings, but for the cost of this cream, I would expect it to give me a foot rub and maybe pick up my dry-cleaning as well. In other words, I would have expected to have a life-changing skin experience. If you have this kind of money to throw around, it's truly a fantastic product (and if you don't have the Sublimage cream, by all means, pick that up first) but for the rest of us, it's probably not worth taking out a new line of credit.

Retail Price: $385.00 (CHANEL.com or your local department store counter)

Rating:

What They Say: "The ultimate in skin rejuvenation starts with one unique plant-the Vanilla Planifolia-unearthed in the farthest reaches of Madagascar.

A specific patent-pending polyfractioning technique created by CHANEL Research results in powerful anti-aging: Wrinkles, loss of firmness, dehydration, lack of radiance and inconsistency in pigmentation are pinpointed at once for regenerating action.

Skin becomes beautifully taut. Silken and supple. Glowing with the look of good health."

Jen's Experience: I was in Saks Fifth Avenue in Birmingham, AL one day and the sky fell out, leaving me trapped in my favorite department store (the horror!). I had been looking at nail polish at the Chanel counter, but when the rain started, it turned into a mini-makeover session with their Chanel representative. We started talking about skin care products, and she told me about this new product that would be coming on the market in September, Chanel Sublimage. As I was paying for my order (which grew in proportion to my time at the counter that day), she handed me a gold box with 0.2 ounces of Sublimage and said, "treat this like gold."

After getting the moisturizer home, I discovered that her imperative could be taken several ways. It was like gold because the product was still months away from market (this was June), and not many people had access to the samples of it yet. It was also valuable just from the sheer price tag. The tiny portion I received was worth approximately $42, but a full-sized container available for purchase is $350. Now, those are valid reasons why this product should be treated like gold, but I found the most value in Sublimage because it's really an amazing product.

I have never used La Mer or Sisley or any of the others that approach this price range, so I have nothing to compare this to, but here is my experience. First off, this high-quality moisturizer lasts a very long time. I've worn it to bed nightly for over a month, and I still have some moisturizer left in my container. If you regularly buy department store moisturizer and spend $40-50 per container, you may find that even with the price tag that it's not a bad value.

The moisturizer itself smells of roses. A small amount spread on the face imparts just enough moisture to hydrate the skin without feeling greasy or tacky. I get a rosy glow right after I put it on, which tells me the product is penetrating the surface and working. My dry, sensitive skin loves this product, but even if your face is oily, I can't see where this product would impart oil to your face.

I am such a fan of this moisturizer, I would recommend it to anyone who can afford the price tag. This is a splurge that is worth every penny.

Retail Price: $350/1.7 oz (Chanel)

Rating:

What They Say: "Get a fresh perspective on the delicate eye area, with firmer and more radiant-looking skin.

This rich, hydrating eye cream acts on all levels to help recover a youthful look. Adhesioderm significantly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and increases tone. Exclusive Life Cycle Regenerator improves elasticity and helps boost production of collagen and oxygenation of cells. It's as if surface skin is 'bonded' to its support system.

Imparting a more radiance look: soft-focus pigments that also optically diminish signs of age.

Gently tap around eye area morning and night."

Jen's Experience: With a name that long it has to be good, right? I mean, with credentials like that, it should be the super-power of the eye cream world. Well, folks, I am sorry to report that after a few months of usage of this pricey cream, I have to report that there are two things it does not do: lighten dark circles and moisturize extremely dry skin.

When I went to the Chanel counter, my undereye circles were so dark they looked like bruises. I think they were experiencing withdrawal from the fabulous Olay Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream that I used until I had completely scraped it clean of any moisture. I explained my needs, and the representative recommended this one (although I can't imagine why since they've got a lot of other products that are more geared for my specific undereye situation).

I follow the directions and I use it morning and night. But still, no relief from the circles or the dryness. I will say that it does seem to reduce puffiness and the appearance of fine lines, which is what it claims to do. Although those aren't my primary areas where I need improvement, I do actually see the benefits there. If those are your undereye issues, this product may be the one for you. However, if dark circles are ruining your life, you may be able to get some relief with the Olay undereye cream.

Note: Since then, I've gone back to the counter and they've given me the Chanel No 1 Eye Cream to try, and I found it to be much more effective in terms of reducing the dark circles and moisturizing the eye area. Some day when I have $110 to spare, I may have to give that a try. (I know some of you are probably wondering why I happily purchased a $75 cream but balk at the idea of $110...well, it's probably just a mental block, but I can't go to 3 digits for my eye creams. Not yet, anyway.)

Retail Price: $75.00 (Chanel, or your local department store)

Rating:

What They Say: "The art of perfect brows is simplified with this all-in-one brow kit. Features three powder shades, mini tweezers and mini brush for professional results."

Melissa Says: It feels a little decadent, in its shiny black case filled with three blendable brow powders and tiny perfector tools (tweezer, brow brush, and applicator brush), but seeing the end result is just about enough to justify the luxury.

The powders are the perfect sheerness to add depth to brows without making them obviously "touched-up". Utilizing a slightly lighter shade to do most of the filling in and then a shade up to finish creates an incredibly natural-yet-groomed look. The size of the applicator brush may seem ridiculous, but actually when you apply the powder a small bit at a time, you are less likely to go outside of your natural brow shape. Also, you can easily perfect even the tiny outer corners with no obvious shading showing.

This is a great tool for creating that perfect face frame with your brows. And there is plenty of product to last a very long time.

Retail Price: $65.00 (at Chanel online or in select department stores)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "A patented complex creates a weightless 'veil' effect, while setting makeup imperceptibly and controlling shine, without a hint of chalkiness."

Melissa Says: I tried to like this. I really did. Unfortunately, no matter how I tried to apply it, it didn't work out well. With the pretty puff, I had to be incredibly careful not to get a white-ish dusting on my face (nearly impossible without knocking almost any trace of it off the puff first), and when I tried to be creative and utilize a large brush to apply it instead, I still felt like the resulting look was quite dry with a bit of white tinge. Honestly, I fully expected this to be a fabulous invisible secret weapon, but instead my perfect makeup look suffered a minor casualty. It just wouldn't give me a natural finish, and was not translucent enough.

Retail Price: $60.00 (online at Chanel's website or in select department stores and retailers)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Intense frost and shine for lips. Cool array of hottest colours in a convenient, easy-to-use case. Gel texture imparts a shimmery, ultra-glossy look. Three perfect new shades-Waterlily, a frosty pink; Moonlight, a pearled white; and Galactic, a white glitter-add to your Spring lip colour wardrobe."

Jen's Experience: It's been awhile since I've applied any Glossimer, and I had forgotten how different than it is from the other lip glosses in my supply. It's really thick, but not terribly sticky. And as a result, it delivers amazing shine and lasts for hours. I tried Waterlily and Galactic out of the Spring Collection, and was pleased with both, especially when paired with the eyeshadows and blush. The sparkles in the formula are barely noticeable, which makes them work appropriate, and the clear Galactic shade is useful anytime (I've even worn it running and found that it coats better than many of my lip balms). Overall, these are some great shades, especially when paired with the more dramatic colors that are offered this season.

Retail Price: $25.00 (Chanel.com or your local department store counter)

Rating:

What They Say: "Unique powder blusher imparts a flattering radiance to cheeks. Remarkably silky texture for easy application and subtle shading. Accentuate cheekbones for a youthful look. Softer tones around the eyes soften expression and rejuvenate."

Jen's Experience: I have really had a hard time deviating from my normal routine of NARS Orgasm blush every single day, but this product has challenged my normal routine. This blush from Chanel is a beige with just a hint of rose, like a bronzer and blush all in one. The color is fantastic with everything in my wardrobe, clothing and makeup. It applies so nicely and blends like a total dream. I wear it pretty much everyday. This is a limited edition color for Chanel, so hit the counter and check it out before it's gone!

Retail Price: $40.00 (Chanel.com or your local department store)

Rating:

What They Say: "Best-selling LES 4 OMBRES Quadra Eye Shadow in new Bleu Célestes, a palette of navy and pale tones. Wet/dry formula delivers day-to-evening looks. Apply dry for subtle shadowing. Slightly moistened applicator gives a more intense shade. Organic polymer derivatives ensure smudge-proof long wear, particularly in high temperature or humidity. "

Jen's Experience: I have tried several of the CHANEL eyeshadow quads, some of which are staples of my cosmetic wardrobe, some don't work quite as well with my skin tone. I took one look at the Bleu Célestes quad and thought it would be way too gaudy for regular use with its one very bold navy shade, two lighter, brighter blues and a pink.

I used the lightest blue as a base for the entire lid area, not going too heavy so that it's little more like a frosted white. I use a tiny bit of the pink as a highlighter on the underside of my eyebrow. For work, the medium blue works in my crease, with the navy blue wetted and used as an eyeliner. It translates well into evening by using the navy on my entire lower lid. I am not sure if it would have the same effect for all eyecolors, but I have to say, the more of the navy I use, the more my blue eyes pop.

I don't know if Chanel recently changed their formula or if this selection is just very pigment-rich, but I don't think I've ever seen eyeshadow last this long. I do use an eyeshadow base, but I am still impressed that I can go out with the navy shadow and come back in the wee hours with it looking just like when I applied it. Between the wear and the way these colors look with my skin, this compact is a surprise favorite of this Spring collection from Chanel.

Retail Price: $55.00 (CHANEL.com or your local department store)

Rating:

What They Say: "CHANEL modernizes matte with a lightweight formula that delivers a soft, natural look with maximum staying power. Medium coverage looks impeccable and shine-free for up to 12 hours."

Melissa Says: If I ever wanted to give a product a 5-lip rating, this is it. Why? Well, because it has truly turned out to be perhaps the most fabulous liquid foundation I've personally used to date. It neutralizes redness, provides ample coverage without hiding the skin, blends invisibly, and gives a flawless radiant look that is still natural.

If I'm being very specific, it doesn't give me quite the 12 hours of no shine, but it comes as close as any liquid foundation has while still allowing my skin to look luminous and completely natural. True, my skin still gets a tad oily on the nose and forehead about midway through the afternoon, but this product does minimize it significantly. If you have very oily skin, this will not completely ease your troubles on its own.

Still, I have never used a liquid foundation that gives a matte sort of finish for several hours while still looking this radiant. I think for many women with normal to only moderately oily skin, you too will be pleased with this product's results. It is pricey, but the size of the bottle is ample and a little goes a long way. I would highly suggest asking the CHANEL consultant at the counter to prepare a small sample for you before you commit to the purchase if you're unsure. As far as liquid foundation is concerned, I personally believe this is among the best to date for those like myself.

p.s. I tested this in Clair, which melted invisibly into my skin. See other shades here.

Retail Price: $52.00 (on Chanel's website or go here to find a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "A hybrid of gloss and lipstick, chic colour and intense shine combine for creamy full coverage that feels soft and lightweight on lips."

Jen's Experience: There's a new offering in the Chanel lip color offerings, and I have to say, this might just be the best yet. When I first ripped open the package and applied it, I thought, "wow, this is like lip color and gloss all in one", and as it turns out, that's exactly what they were aiming for! The coverage is like a lipstick, super-saturated color that really pops. But unlike your average Chanel lipstick, they have a lot more shine. Both of the colors I tried, Plum Souffle and Madeleine, were on the pink side, and were great with my fair skin.

I was really impressed with the wear; it lasts for hours without drying out my lips, making it great for work or a night out. While this may be a little more expensive than your average lipstick, or gloss, it's less expensive than buying one of each from Chanel. Easier to apply, too. This is one of the best new lip products I've tried in ages.

Retail Price: $32.00 (CHANEL.com or your local department store)

Rating:

About the blush: "Soft, light pressed powder sweeps on a sheer, luminous glow without ever streaking. Quilted surface inspired by the newest CHANEL handbag is unarguably chic. Nylon powder provides easy glide and long wear. Photo-reflective pigments help reduce the appearance of fine lines. "

Jen's Experience: This is my first experience with Chanel blush, and I am definitely pleased with what I've seen. The Holiday 2007 shade, Neroli Rose is a very light pink with blue undertones and a fair amount of sparkle. On my skin, I needed a fair amount of blush to give significant color, but on a friend who is even fairer-skinned than I am, it looks absolutely gorgeous. For those with cooler skin tone and very pale skin, I highly recommend this shade. And since the texture and wear is so nice on this blush, I am eager to try other shades on my own skin tone.

Retail Price: $40.00 (Chanel.com or your local Chanel counter)

 

About the eyeshadow: "Shade combinations ranging from matte to frost to satin for multiple looks, contrasting or complementary. Apply dry for subtle shadowing. Slightly moistened applicator gives a more intense shade. Organic polymer derivatives ensure smudge-proof long wear, particularly in high temperature or humidity."

Jen's Experience: I have tested the Chanel eyeshadow quads with great results in the past, and this one is no exception. The color collection for the Radiant Gems quad, though, is an absolute standout. The quad contains a white and silver, certainly perfect for evening, but great for day as well at low concentration. The other two shades are pinks that coordinate perfectly as accents with the white and silver. If you're looking for a fun gift for a fan of CHANEL cosmetics, this is definitely my pick.

Retail Price: $55.00 (Chanel.com or your local Chanel counter)

DeLush Ratings:
Blush of Youth
Eyeshadow Quad

What They Say: "A mix of best-selling and exclusive colours - four eyeshadows, four lip colours and one blush - combine in two shade harmonies that transition smoothly from day to evening."

Jen's Experience: I have a vast collection of Chanel products in my bathroom drawer, and they tend to be what I reach for when I am getting ready in the morning. Even with my high hopes, this palette exceeded my expectations. The eyeshadows in particular are spectacular; they seem to work with everything in my wardrobe. The blush, which to the eye looks like it will be sort of understated, packs quite a punch when applied (in quite a nice shade). The lip glosses are okay and do coordinate nicely with the eyeshadow and blush, although I have never been a huge fan of cake lip gloss, so that's not something I will be using as much as the other items. The palette is packed in the usual velvet Chanel bag, and also includes a lip, blush, and eyeshadow brush. The brushes are okay, but I might have expected more for the cost. I would recommend using your own brushes when possible to deliver the best color. That's a pretty minor complaint, though, and overall, I think this is an excellent palette for yourself or a gift if you've got the cash.

Retail Price: $85.00 (CHANEL.com)

DeLush Rating:

About the Rouge Allure: "It combines fabulously wearable, lustrous colour and sensational comfort and is subtly etched with the world-renowned CHANEL logo. "

Jen's Experience: I have used some of the Rouge Allure lipsticks in the past with good luck. The colors are very rich and apply very true to color, so you don't have to wonder what the color will look like or layer it on to get the color in the tube. On the other hand, the color doesn't last as long as some of my other lipsticks, so it does require frequent reapplication throughout the day. The shade I tested, Rose Blossom, is a limited edition color that is part of Nordstrom's anniversary collection. This one is a less frosted version of the Hydrabase shade I tested earlier this year, and for that, I'm quite thankful. If you're in the market for a nice bright pink to wear with your Chanel Eyeshadow Quads or other grays in your wardrobe, hurry to your Nordstrom counter before this limited run is sold out.

Retail Price: $30.00 (Available only at Nordstrom counters)

Rating:

About the Ultra Wear Lipcolour: "Base Colour Coat: Innovative fluid texture delivers long-lasting performance, comfortable application and perfect adherence to lips - without transferring or feathering. Dries quickly, too. Top Gloss Coat: Clear gloss's soft, non-tacky texture provides high shine and comfort throughout the day."

Toya's Take: I have to admit that I am not a fan of long-lasting lip products. I have found that they make my lips feel really dry and, while they do last longer than regular glosses and lipsticks, as they claim, the extended wear isn't worth the nasty texture, in my opinion. I didn't find this lippie to be any different. The color was a nice, neutral rose, but other than that, this is no big whoop. The product is long-lasting and will stay on your lips much better than your ordinary gloss, but be prepared for dryness throughout the day.

Retail Price: $32.00 (Chanel.com or your local department store counter)

Rating:

About the lipstick: "Satin cream lipstick. Long-lasting colour wears for hours.

Moisturizing formula imparts broad range of fashion-forward colours with long-lasting satiny finish and medium coverage.

Vitamin E and chamomile protect and soothe lips. Soft, creamy formula won't fade, smudge or feather.
Apply to bare lips, after outlining with Aqua Crayon or Precision Lip Definer. To make lipstick last even longer, powder lips before application. "

Jen's Experience: This lipstick in Magnolia Rose is the coordinating lipstick for both the Garden Party eyeshadow quad and the other eyeshaow quad in their fall collection, Sequoia, reviewed below. I love the fabulous lipstick shades in Chanel's collection this fall, but I can't help but think this shade would be better if it weren't frosted. I have been seeing frosted lipsticks all over the place this season, so I guess that's the trend, but I can't help but feel like I'm back in middle school when I'm wearing one. That said, the rose shade looks good with my skin tone and coordinates perfectly with the other pieces in this collection or with the bolder eye looks for the season. The wear of this lipstick is not quite as good as I would like; it lasts 1-2 hours before it needs a touch up.

Retail Price: $25.00 (Chanel.com or your local department store counter)

 

About the Eyeshadow Quad:

"Four eye shadows in one compact. Coordinated quartet of shades in wet/dry formula.

Shade combinations ranging from matte to frost to satin for multiple looks, contrasting or complementary. Apply dry for subtle shadowing. Slightly moistened applicator gives a more intense shade.

Organic polymer derivatives ensure smudge-proof long wear, particularly in high temperature or humidity. Dermatologist tested. Ophthalmologist tested. Safe for contact lens wearers.
For a soft, natural look, use a single shade with graduated intensity. For a more sophisticated look, apply lighter shade from lashes to brow, medium shade on the lid, medium-dark shade in the crease and deepest shade to outer corner of lid."

Jen's Experience: I have much less of a problem with frosted eyeshadows than I do with frosted lipsticks. This palette contains four pink to neutral shades, two matte, two frosted, which in combinaton make up one of the most wearable palettes I've tried this whole season. Much like the Garden Party shadows, these don't necessarily seem like something I would have normally chosen for fall. But with colors this wearable? Pick it up now and stash it for Spring!

Retail Price: $55.00 (Chanel.com or your local department store counter)

Ratings:
Hydrabase Lipstick
Eyeshadow Quad in Sequoia

What They Say: "Autumn gardens inspire the season's sumptuous, sophisticated look - told in deeply sensuous earth tones that lend lips and eyes rich new emphasis. Silky powder shadow pairs in runway shades provide crease-free, long-lasting wear. New Lotus-Cactus couples a shade of soft pink with a precious emerald green."

What Lisa Says: This pale pink and khaki green duo is choc with shimmer and should be beautiful with the falling offerings coming off the runway this year. My Lotus however is more than half gone compared to the Cactus. Lotus is great for highlighting the brow and inner eye areas. It has just the right amount of color and shine. If you like just a simple wash of color try the Cactus. But if it's depth of color you're looking for, you'll find you'll use much more Lotus than Cactus in this duo. I just could not get the Cactus dark enough for my liking. Even using a mixing medium and applying it wet did not add depth of color but did add sheen. A nice effect but not much darker than applying dry. As is so common with duo's and quad's, I'm liking one better than the other. Still, it's a nice duo, it stayed on without creasing and I'll wear both during the day but would not recommend for evening. Chanel always packages their products nicely with two applicators and a mirrored compact.

Retail Price: $38.50 (at chanel.com or in select department stores)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: Intense frost and shine for lips. Cool array of hottest colours in a convenient, easy-to-use case. Gel texture imparts a shimmery, ultra-glossy look. New shades add extra sparkle and shine.

Jamie's Thoughts: First off, allow me to admit that I am one of THOSE women - I carry at least 4-5 lip products on my person at all times. Lip gloss, in particular, holds a special place in my heart because I'm not brave enough to risk a full-out lipstick. Oftentimes, they simply look too drastic against my pale skin. So I tote about at least one balm, and a stable of lip glosses.

That being said, this new shade of Chanel's wildly popular Glossimer line has more than earned a place in my handbag. It has enough staying power without turning tacky, the shimmer element isn't gritty in feel, and it can be layered on lipstick or worn alone. Because of its very neutral peachy-pink tone, this is a product I would recommend to anyone, regardless of their complexion. Seriously.

This product makes my lips look natural and alive in less than 5 seconds. Fabulous!

Retail Price: $25.00 (in select department stores and online at chanel.com)

Delush Rating:

What They Say: "Shade combinations ranging from matte to frost to satin for multiple looks, contrasting or complementary. Apply dry for subtle shadowing. Slightly moistened applicator gives a more intense shade. Organic polymer derivatives ensure smudge-proof long wear, particularly in high temperature or humidity. Dermatologist tested."

Jen's Experience: I have gotten so much wear out of last Fall's Chanel limited edition eyeshadow in Pink Lame, I was very eager to try out this season's palette, which seems to have some similar tones. I am not normally one to wear a lot of green eyeshadows, which are prevalent in this particular Quadra, but combined with the other pink and coral shades, I found it to be a completely wearable collection for my fair skin and hair. The pale green shade is a fun alternate to the usual pearl or cream shades that I wear on my browbone.

As for wear, I wasn't particularly impressed with the staying power of the eyeshadow when worn without an eyesahdow base, although I've always had trouble getting eyeshadow to stay put throughout the day. One thing I did note is that this eyeshadow doesn't smudge at all, even when I rub my eyes, which to me is a huge plus. I think this is due in part to the feather-soft texture that really allows it to melt into my skin.

Overall, this collection is a pretty way to brighten up all those dark clothes that come out for fall, and for those who are pale like I am, I think you'll find that the colors in the palette will liven up your look for the season.

Retail Price: $55.00 (Chanel.com or your local department store)

Rating:

What They Say: " As seen in Allure magazine (April 2007 issue, p74). Pure lightness, this new liquid makeup from CHANEL provides dream coverage. A unique formula allows skin's natural glow to show through while it evens out skin tone and helps to conceal imperfections. In 13 perfectly natural shades. "

Jen's Experience: While normally I'm a full coverage kind of girl, during the summer months I generally feel the need to go with something a little more lightweight. I often go with Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, but since Chanel foundations have always worked out so well for me, I thought I would try out this one. Like the Laura Mercier moisturizer, this one feels super-lightweight, so I never feel like there's a coating on my face. I like the way it evens out my skintone, but I do feel like the effect is sort of fleeting. When I get back home at night, the effects of the foundation are gone. Indeed, when I wash my face at night, there's not a speck of color on my washcloth. I like the way it looks when I leave in the morning, I just wish it would stay put. For someone looking for something lightweight, much like a tinted moisturizer, this is a decent enough choice, but for those of you looking for all day coverage with something lightweight, sadly this is not the holy grail of foundations.

Retail Price: $42.50 (Neiman Marcus and other department stores)

Rating:

What They Say: "This foundation provides you effortless perfection with professional looking results.

This breakthrough oil-free formula imparts an unprecedented semi-matte finish that can be blended for a soft, natural look or built up for greater sophistication."

Jen's Experience: I've been a fan of Chanel foundations ever since I tried their Teint Fluide Universel. While that one is a light to medium coverage, this foundation is more of a medium to full-coverage foundation. Even though flawless skin isn't really the look for this year, I'm a full-coverage kind of girl, so this product really appeals.

The color matches my skin well; there are no obvious yellow or blue tones in it that make it apparent that I'm wearing a foundation at all. It blends really easily, too. In fact, when I put on a light layer, it's difficult to figure out where I applied and where I didn't except that my skin looks so much better in the areas with the foundation. Another thing that I've noticed is that it almost seems to have some silicone or other foundation primer ingredient mixed in with it, because of the texture and the way it camouflages the larger pores near my nose.

If you're already a fan of Chanel foundations, this product is not to be missed, and if you haven't yet tried their foundation products, this is certainly an excellent selection. I understand that there will be a Pro Lumiere concealer soon, and that's already on my shopping list!

Tips: I was told when I purchased this to be sure to use a foundation brush so that I could use less, and have more buildable coverage. And she was right! Applying it directly uses almost double the amount of foundation and seems to skip medium coverage and go directly to full. When I use a brush, I can do my entire face with just one pump, a great way to conserve a foundation that is pretty pricey.

Retail Price: $50.00 (Your local department store's Chanel counter)

Rating:

What They Say: " A highly original eyeshadow that blends sophistication, luxury and fashion in one! The innovative, embossed surface reflects the intricate beauty of lamé, weaving together three opulent layers of silky powder in gold, silver and rose tones."

Jen's Experience: This was the product that I was drooling over the most this season, and I think it may be my biggest disappointment. With all the work they went into to create the separate colors in their "opulent layers", the end result is a purplish-pink that is bright but not all that becoming on me. I refused to admit it at first, and wore it daily, but after a while I just had to admit that it really wasn't the best color on me.

I also found that the color didn't last that long no matter what I tried. Primer underneath, a base of cream shadow, powder on top -- it didn't matter, the color was gone within 4 hours of application.

This was going to be my staple eyeshadow for the season, but sadly, I'm just not all that impressed.

Tip: One way to really make this color pop is with a dark purple eyeliner. I found that it really complemented the purple in the shadow.

Retail Price: $40.00 (Neiman Marcus) It's selling out at this point, so if this is something you're wanting to try for yourself, hurry to your local department store!

Rating:

What They Say: "Long-lasting, chip-resistant nail colour. Fashion-forward and basic go-with-everything shades.

Brilliance to your fingertips with must-have colours from the runways of Paris.

State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails. Unique patented non-spill bottle with wiping action for easy application.

Roll bottle between the hands before opening to ensure even colour. Cover center of nail with one brush stroke, from cuticle to tip; follow with a single stroke on each side of nail."

Jen's Experience: I have to say, right off the bat, that this nail lacquer in Splendeur is my new favorite nail colour -- for any season. The bright raspberry color really pops against my darker winter blacks and grays, but as a spring or summer color, it's a happy shade of pink that looks great in a pair of sandals. This was my first experience with Chanel's nail color, and I am truly impressed. (I've since purchased their Black Satin nail color, which I'll be talking about next week.) All these years I thought that there really couldn't be that much of a difference between drugstore and department store nail color, but after this polish and the Carolyn New York nail polish, I do believe there's something to the higher end polishes.

This polish applies so easily, even I can use it without a major mishap. The texture is somewhat thin, but magically, it doesn't run; it stays where you put it. It seems like it dries more quickly than other polishes that I've used as well. My only complaint is that the polish did chip a lot at the tips after a couple weeks of wear, which doesn't normally happen to me. I can usually wear a color at least a month without that happening. Luckily, I was able to touch it up seamlessly. Next time I will be certain to reapply a topcoat at least weekly.

So, maybe this isn't the most long-wearing polish. I'm still so enamoured with the color and the ease of application, I think I'm willing to forgive its faults and enjoy my pretty toenails.

Retail Price: $18.00 (Buy it on DeLush Delights!)

Rating:

About Rouge Allure Lipstick: "The newest CHANEL lipstick -- destined to become an icon.

It combines fabulously wearable, lustrous colour and sensational comfort and is subtly etched with the world-renowned CHANEL logo. In a sleek black column that opens with a mere touch on the gold top."




Jen's Experience: I am always on the lookout for the perfect red lipstick, and there's no better time than this fall to get a classic red color. It's the perfect accent to a black ensemble.

I chose this color, Lover, from Chanel because it was a bright, traditional red color with heavy blue undertones. Yellow undertones in a red lipstick makes me look very washed out. Red lipsticks with blue undertones also tend to make my teeth look whiter, a true side-benefit to these bright colors. This might be a great red to try for those of you with pale to medium skin with blue undertones.

I found the application with this red, as with most reds, to be somewhat difficult. I found that the color applied more evenly when I used a coat of balm underneath, and I also had better results when I used a lip brush than when I used the lipstick directly. The color wears for a surprisingly long time, although when I'm dehydrated, my lips feel uncomfortably dry after wearing it for a while. The lipstick is very shiny alone even without a gloss applied over the top, but this would be a great lipstick to try with the wet, shiny look.

They mention the packaging in their product summary, and with good reason. It's ultra-sleek in the black container, and travels well since the lipstick cap doesn't come off without pushing the base.

Overall, this is truly a candidate for my perfect red. I wish that the lipstick was a little more moisture-rich, even if it was at the expense of the long-lasting color of this lipstick.

About Le Crayon Levres Precision Lip Liner: "Contouring lip crayon outlines, defines and corrects lip shape.

Creamy-textured pencil offers precise lip lining, to emphasize and maximize the shape of your lips with long-lasting colour.

Silicones allow ease of application. Vitamin E helps combat free radicals. Built-in brush for