Paint It Red: Chanel Le Rouge Collection Nº1

A big round of applause and congratulations is well in order for Lucia Pica. The Naples-born makeup artist was assigned the role of Chanel’s global creative makeup and colour designer in December 2014. This month sees her release her first collection for the house of Chanel.

The Chanel Fall/Winter 2016 makeup range, named Le Rouge Collection Nº1, offers no metaphorical pretensions. It is an unabashed celebration of the everlasting red in beauty. On the eyes, cheeks, lips and nails – red has held an unparalleled place in the eyes of women. Pica approached putting Le Rouge collection together with a modern woman in mind. That is, an alluring mix of textures and shades that comfortably straddle bold and subdued. As its launch date approaches (July 22), here are the standouts to run for before they inevitably sell out:

Les 4 Ombres in Candeur et Experience



Matte earthy shades are livened up with undertones of red in the discreetly stellar Les 4 Ombres eyeshadow quad in Candeur et Expérience ($90). Layer these over a base of one of the two limited edition seasonal cream shadows, Illusion d’Ombre Velvet in Rouge Contraste and Illusion d’Ombre in Rouge Brûlé ($52 each). The former is a deliciously deep brown with a matte finish, while the latter brings the shine in a coppery brick colour.

Rouge Allure/Velvet



Lipstick has its place of honour in any collection where red is the focus, as it is in Le Rouge Collection Nº1. The Rouge Allure and Rouge Allure Velvet lines ($49 each) see shade additions that span from warm pink beige to rich chocolate burgundy. We foresee Rouge Charnel (fiery), Feu (luminous orange), and Vie (deep rosebud) becoming instantly desirable classics.

Le Vernis Longue Tenue



Pica adds a new red to the ineffable Chanel nail polish lineup. Le Vernis Longue Tenue ($39) in Rouge Puissant is unmistakable – the duskier hue of red conveys sensual intent and a traditional power.

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