Ah, Chanel beauty. Perhaps one of the great pinnacles of the industry. It’s where sophistication meets style, and every makeup lover’s dream becomes a reality — including mine.
As a self-proclaimed beauty enthusiast with (admittedly) a penchant for luxury, I recently embarked on a journey to the Chanel Atelier here in New York City’s Soho to experience the epitome of luxurious self-service. Eager to have a Chanel makeup artist makeover my face, I opted for the application service for $125, which, to me, seemed like a steal to have a professional show me how it’s really done.
From the moment I crossed the threshold, I knew I was in for a treat — greeted by the scent of haute couture perfume and the sight of gleaming cosmetic displays that beckoned me to, well, indulge. And indulge I did, starting with a glass of champagne.
Eagerly, I surrendered myself to the capable hands of Chanel’s makeup artist Carlos Olmeda, ready to undergo a transformation worthy of a Hollywood set. With a flick of his expert brushes and a swirl of luxurious powders, he worked his magic, revealing a vision of glamour I had only ever dreamed of.
But the true pièce de résistance? The shocking array of Chanel products I had the liberty to test all on my own before and after my appointment. Not only was I able to get the full Olmeda treatment, from skincare to personalized cosmetic choices, but I was able to scour the showroom for anything additional that drew me in.
The Chanel Atelier boasts seven sinks where you can come in, at your leisure and with zero fees, and wash and hydrate your face before exploring products. From there, there are stations for foundation, eyes and eyebrows, and, of course, lips. Hundreds of lipstick formulas and shades beckon from the back of the showroom, all able to be tested with the help of a Chanel professional who hygienically provides samples of anything and everything your lipstick-loving heart desires.
I went in thinking I’d leave with a few new tips and tricks to bring to my own makeup routine, but what I really left with was an entirely new makeup routine — one I’ve stuck with for over a month now. That’s right: No extraneous beauty products or spending to little avail. I’ve gotten the most out of my single visit to the Atelier, but considering there are only two locations (NYC and Austin), I’m here to report exactly what I left with, why, and how I think they could serve you, too.
What I spent
For me, investing in Chanel makeup is akin to acquiring treasure for my beauty collection. The exquisite craftsmanship, luxurious formulations, and iconic packaging not only make my makeup routine easier but also elevate the entire experience of applying makeup. With each purchase, I’m not just buying a product; I’m investing in an enduring symbol of sophistication and refinement that stands the test of time.
I’m aware that spending over $200 on four beauty products is steep, but I had saved for just this occasion and got more than my money’s worth, not only in the products I purchased but in robust sample amounts of skincare. Seriously, these skincare samples have lasted me an entire month.
Here is a breakdown of costs, including samples I’ve demarcated with a $0.00 price point (alongside their retail value).
The products
From the iconic black-and-gold packaging to the promise of unparalleled quality, each item holds the allure of luxury and sophistication. Join me as I delve into my latest beauty investments, exploring whether Chanel’s renowned reputation lives up to the hype.
I adore the Les 4 Rouges palette for its versatility and luxurious feel. The shades blend like a dream, offering endless possibilities for both subtle daytime looks and dramatic evening glamour. Plus, the compact design makes it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. This product has completely changed the way I do my makeup, using warm tones that make my blue eyes glow.
The Stylo Yeux Waterproof eyeliner is a staple in my makeup bag for its long-lasting formula and effortless application. Whether I’m going for a classic cat-eye or a smudged, smoky look (which I often do now), this liner delivers precise, smudge-proof results every time without any tugging or skipping. Seriously, it’s the softest, most easy-to-maneuver eyeliner I’ve ever tried.
As someone who values defined brows, the Stylo Sourcils Waterproof pencil is a game-changer. Its fine tip allows for precise strokes, filling in my sparse areas with a natural-looking color that lasts all day. The hues in the Chanel eyebrow collection are superior, free of weird yellow, green, or black tones. Plus, the waterproof formula ensures my brows stay on point, rain or shine.
I can’t get enough of the Vitalumiere Aqua tinted moisturizer for its lightweight feel and luminous finish. It’s been my most wanted beauty product for a decade, so I’m now proud to say it’s my go-to for those no-makeup makeup days when I want to even out my skin tone while still looking fresh and radiant. I have acne scarring which includes both hyperpigmentation and texture issues and this tinted moisturizer provides the coverage I need without causing any more texture problems. The hydration it provides my dry skin is an awesome added bonus.
The La Mousse cleanser has become a luxurious part of my skincare routine. Not only does it effectively remove all traces of makeup and impurities within seconds, but it also leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and nourished — my dry skin doesn’t immediately pucker and tighten. The texture and subtle scent of this cleanser take the chore of washing my face and turn it into a mini spa treatment every time I cleanse.
The N°1 de Chanel serum is worth every penny for its transformative effects on my skin. After just a few weeks of use, I noticed a significant improvement in the overall texture and radiance of my complexion. I’m almost sorry for what I’m about to say, but it’s like a youth potion in a bottle! I’ve been underestimating the effectiveness of Chanel skincare for years. No more.
Sublimage La Creme de Lumiere is the epitome of luxury skincare. From its rich, velvety texture to its intoxicating scent, every application feels like an indulgent ritual. My skin drinks it up, leaving me with a luminous glow that lasts throughout the day, even with my seriously dehydrated skin. I’ve even noticed it keeps my T-zone from getting too oily while it hydrates the parts of my skin that tend to get dry and make makeup look cakey. This is a sure winner in my book.
The Hydro Beauty Micro Cream Yeux is my secret weapon for bright, refreshed eyes. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly and instantly plumps the delicate skin around my eyes, reducing hollowness and dark circles. I love how awake and rejuvenated my eyes look after using it and my housemate can always tell I’ve applied it because she compliments how rejuvenated I look every time.
The verdict
Chanel makeup is worth every penny for me because of its unparalleled quality. From the luxurious formulations to the iconic packaging, each product is a treat. Whether it’s the silky smooth texture of their eyeshadows or the radiant finish of their foundation, Chanel never fails to deliver a flawless result. Investing in Chanel makeup isn’t just about enhancing my beauty; it’s about indulging in a sophisticated experience that leaves me feeling confident and glamorous every time I use it. Chanel has changed the way I do my makeup for the better, and for that, I can’t recommend the brand more.
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