Chanel Illusion D’Ombre In 87 Riviére

Chanel Illusion D’Ombre in 87 Riviére is a limited edition shade released in Fleur de Lotus Makeup Collection For Spring 2012 together with several other Le Blanc products. Retailing at S$52 for 4g of product, made in France – it is now available at all Chanel counters island-wide.

I believe this is an Asian exclusive collection, much like the Tourbillions D’éclat de Chanel Makeup Collection released last year. And if so, I think these items will roll out at specific Chanel outlets internationally or online in a couple of months.

Swatches above taken under natural sunlight without flash.

It’s quite funny how I never got around sharing my thoughts about the Illusion D’Ombres. I remember being so excited when news of these cream (?) shadows were to launch last Fall – my guess was, the excitement kind of wore off after the long wait. However, I have really enjoyed using them and in this post, I shall share the shades I have picked so far, swatches, a little of my thoughts about them and comparison of 87 Riviére with a few other greens I have in my collection.

Since its debut, I have picked up 81 Fantasme, 83 Illusoire and 84 Épatant.

81 Fantasme is a glittery silver-white that glistens beautifully under any light – in fact, they all do. This shade looks absolutely fabulous layered over deeper eyeshadows. Gently pat a small amount to the center of the eye lids, inner corners of the eyes or under the brows for highlight. This is quite a versatile shade. Sarah did a great review of this shade here – she also suggests using Fantasme as a highlighter on the cheek bones and this is also listed as one of her favourite products of 2011 here.

83 Illusoire is a deepen eggplant with multi-coloured shimmer. This shade is beautiful worn alone or layered over/under a neutral eyeshadow palette. Sabrina shares her thoughts of this shade here and she layered Illusoire over Chanel Les 4 Ombres in 14 Mystic Eyes, check out what else she wore here.

84 Épatant is a dark olive-green with multi-coloured shimmer. Absolutely stunning on its own, this shade alone can create a set of beautiful smoky eyes for the evening – very subtle yet sophisticated. Sophia has a great set of comparison swatches for this shade here.

Lastly, 87 Riviére is a fresh, baby mint with multi-coloured micro-shimmer. It does look ever so slightly more silver-ish when swatched than in the pot. It’s such a beautiful, almost pastel shade which is perfect for this season. I can imagine a dress, bag, accessories or a pair of shoes in a similar colour.

For me, Riviére can be used in a similar fashion as Fantasme – inner corners of the eyes, center of the eye lids to open and brighten up the eyes. Riviére is also a gorgeous transition colour, think Riviére and Épatant.

All swatches above and below taken under natural sunlight without flash.

When I was mentally going through my stash for similar shades to 87 Riviére, the first I thought would come close was MAC Glided Green Pigment. When swatched, you can see that Riviére has a silvery sheen as compared to Glided Green and that Glided Green is more crisp and bright.

I hope the comparisons below paints a better picture of 87 Riviére for you.

The texture of these Illusion D’Ombres still fascinates me because they are neither cream nor powder. They are almost like a cushion or sponge being ever so bouncy and soft to touch yet delicate. I am very much impressed with the level of colour payoff and its wearability. I have no problems with them creasing, sliding or fading even in such a humid country. If I plan to wear them for longer hours, say more than 8 hours, I will apply a primer (just in case). On a day-to-day basis, I usually apply them without a primer.

I don’t usually apply eyeshadows with fingers, I prefer brushes but for this product due to its texture and consistency, I find using fingers one of the best ways to apply them. I gently bounce/tap my middle or ring finger to pick up enough product and pat onto the lids instead of swiping. A little goes a long way, I can’t imagine finishing any of them.

Depending on the eye look, I will use either Sephora IT Brush #235 or MAC 217 to soften the edges. Crease brushes such as Laura Mercier Eye Crease or Smashbox #15 Definer Brush also helps to define or darken especially for the outer corners.

All in all, the Illusion D’Ombres are a new breed of eyeshadows which I have yet to find a replacement for. They contain such complex coloured-shimmer which sparkles beautifully and have an almost wet, metallic finish – an ultra chic and modern touch for any eye makeup. Depending on your personal style and colour preference, I believe you will find a shade that suits you perfectly.

I am also very excited to see the other two new shades from their Blue Illusion Makeup Collection this Summer. Namely, Apparition – an intense grey-blue and Destination – a pale silvery blue. Accompanying these new shades of Illusion D’Ombres, there will be Le Crayon Yeux Precision Eye Definer in Bleu Aérien and Le Vernis in Sky Line (which I am not least excited about but we shall see when the collection launches in July).

Are you a fan of the Chanel Illusion D’Ombres? Which colours did you pick and how do you normally wear them?

Thank you for reading, have a wonderful week ahead.