October 7, 2008

Chanel Professional Eyeliner Duo in Lame Noir Review

I recently got an email from a rather lovely email asking me, “Muse, will you be reviewing the Chanel Smokey Eye Quadra Eye Shadow Palette?”

Sadly, I had to say no, I love the palette, it’s stunning, it’s gorgeous…and it’s matte….eep! I believe two of the shades in the palette are matte and I honestly cannot, for my life, pull off a matte smokey eye.

So, no, I’m sorry you won’t see me reviewing the Chanel Eye Quadra Eye Shadow Palette anytime soon. However, to make up for the fact that I’m not reviewing the palette I’ll bring you a review of the rather awesome Chanel Noir Lame Eyeliner Duo.

Do you love me a little bit more now that I haven’t completely forsaken Chanel’s Fall Collection? Go on, kiss me why dontcha!

Yes, there is a story behind the wrapping paper and no it’s not my birthday! The Chanel MA at Macy’s 34th gets rather excited when I bring my best friend Jai along for the ride so virtually everything I purchase gets wrapped up like a Christmas goose! I think maybe she hasn’t realized that Jai is actually gay and she’s hoping to impress him with her awesome wrapping skillz? I’m not really sure but she positively glows when he gushes about how cute a job she did wrapping! *shrugs* Stranger things have happened when I’m out with Jai, stranger things, truly…!

I’ll start my review by saying I’m rubbish with eyeliner! Indeed, I am! I admit it for all the world to know! I’m really not that fab lining my eyes and if I do line my eyes I prefer using a potted gel like Smashbox Cream Eye Liner, this is my liner of choice as it’s virtually goof proof when using a brush like the Smashbox #9 to apply.

Now taking things to the next level I find that powder liner is simply divine but lord knows no one makes it anymore!

I remember, back when the Muse was young and free, coming across my very first powder liner in some cheapy, cheesy clearance makeup catalog! God, for the very life of me I can’t recall the name of the catalog but I do recall ordering some of that powder liner and using it daily for many years after!

I haven’t had my hands on a proper powder liner in a long time until Stila introduced it’s talking Smoky Eye Palette which came with an ideally textured powder liner that was positively brilliant! It was like pay dirt when I hit that jackpot!

The moral of the story is that I find working with powder liner is simple, easy, mess free, and virtually goof proof. It glides on amazingly easy, smudges beautifully if you so desire, and you aren’t poking an eye out or creating a mess when using it!

In comes Chanel Professional Eyeliner Duo and the Muse is in heaven! At $45 USD it’s not the cheapest option around however this is liable to last a few hundred years so you’re getting alot of bang for your buck!

The palette is made up of two shades, Lame and Noir, well duh as per it’s name right? Contrary to images I’ve taken and images you’ll see on the Internets, Lame is not a full on black, it happens to be an off black that borders gray. The color creates a very nice smoked out look to eyes or if you prefer, with a heavier hand, you can get more definition to the eye area to create a more intense look.

Noir is my favorite of the two shades as it contains a nice dose of shimmer (but not too much). This too is not a full on black either but leans more towards a deeper, darker off black shade with touches of gray and of course some beautiful silver shimmer.

The palette comes with two applicators which, although small, make lining and defining the eye area simply and easy. The colors could probably be used wet if you like but I personally feel like that would ruin the palette and defeat the purpose of using a powder liner, hell if I wanted wet I’d have gone and gotten a liquid eye liner for $30 bucks less! You could also probably multitask the palette easily enough by using either shade as an eyeshadow but again the main point of the palette is to line eyes. The applicators included are a rounded sponge tip and a softer brush tip. The sponge tip makes for easy smudging while the brush applicator makes for a nice straight eye or curved cat eye. Whichever one you use you’re guaranteed a flawless lined eye!

I highly recommend this for those that are liner retarded like myself or those who just like the simplicity and elegance of an easy eye lining experience. The palette is virtually goof proof and you don’t need to take brain surgery class prior to application…thank god for the Muse as she hates that damn class, way too long and boring!

Like all Chanel products, the palette is beautiful, elegant, and sophisticated in it’s design and presentation.

I definately approve this one for purchase for it’s ease of use, the elegance factor, and just for the sake of saying “Hey, it’s Chanel!”

See more of the Chanel Exceptional Collection by clicking here!

The Muse likey, alot.

Love this one?

Want it for yourself?

Lemming any of the other pieces from the Chanel Fall Collection?

Tell the Muse!

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22 Comments

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Gee

    I want my Chanel stuff wrapped in cute Chanel paper topped with a Chanel bow!! Oh wait…that means I’d actually have to be able to afford Chanel, lol. Wishful thinking!

    Might have to check this out! I’m horrible at lining too…

    Thanks! 🙂

  • Dao

    Wow, cute wrapping! You need to take Jai out more often 🙂 I also recommend using a powder to line the eyes for my liner-challenged friends. Do you use a MAC 219 brush? It’s perfect to create smokey eyes look or line your eyes with powder.

  • MandyPandy

    Awesome wrapping skillz will ALWAYS impress the gays. For realz. Don’t kid yourself: that MA knows exactly what she’s doing, the little minx!

    PS: You don’t wrap me flowers anymore!

    PPS: You don’t visit me, either! :*(

  • 2sheds

    Speaking of powder liners, do you use (or have you tried) Clinique’s? I’ve never tried it myself, but I’ve always been interested in it. Unfortunately I need practically flood-proof liner or it disappears on me within a few hours.

    BTW, I’ve only recently started reading your blog, and I love it! Your reviews and pics are so detailed and full of useful information. Thanks!

  • Nell

    Hi Musey,

    hope you are well!
    Too bad you didn�t check out the Chanel Smoky Eyes quad, it is perfection. And not matte!!! There are three quite shimmery, gorgeous shades from white to dark grey and one matte black, which is amazingly smooth and blendable. You are missing out!!!!
    I looove this quad, the most sophisticated smoky eye ever!!!
    Okay, enough with the praise already.
    Have a great day,
    Nell

  • the Muse

    morning gee!

    lol 🙂 Go out with Jai and you too can have Chanel wrapped lol!

    Aw lol..the way things are going right now no one can afford $9 bucks worth of lipstick never mind chanel sheesh hopefully things rise up soon!

    I’m terrible at lining ugh!

    You’re most welcome!
    Hugs!

  • the Muse

    hi dao!

    hehe I love the silly wrapping too! LOL…Jai is somewhat attached to my hip and me to his so it’s not often I’m seen without him 🙂

    I love the 219 but the #9 from smashbox is my hg 😉 Even for powders! But you’re right 219 works fabulously for lining with powder!

    Hugs!

  • the Muse

    LOL Mandy 😉 Indeed that’s what it is 😉

    Oh my gods I wrap you up boxes of tempura chicken and still it’s not enough! What do you want damn it blood!? Is that it?!

    Iz coming to visit now…update damn you and I come visit more oftens 🙂

  • the Muse

    hiya 2sheds!

    I never tried it..I didn’t even know they had one isn’t that awful? Sounds like something I need!

    Thankfully my liner stays in place but damn it all I’ve never successfully had my foundation stay put long! I’m still seeking an answer to that problem 😛

    Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my blog 🙂 I love speaking to new readers and getting to know them!

    It really pleases me that you find my reviews helpful 🙂 makes my day when someone says that!

    You’re most welcome, it’s my pleasure 🙂

    Thanks again and look forward to hearing from you again really soon!

  • the Muse

    Morning Nell!

    Out now..get out..lol! Now you’re creating a lemming for me…leave! heehee!

    I guess I need the palette now lol!

    I thought that the black was quite matte which prevented me from nabbing this particular palette. Plus I have the too faced smokey eye so I thought I was doing myself a favor not picking this up but now it sounds like I need it *head=desk*

    Ok ok I’m convinced *slinks off to Nordies to order one*

  • Laurie

    Hey!

    This is a pretty duo – I too like powder liners. I think the first liner I ever used was an old school Clinque cake liner back in the day.

    I do prefer my gel liners though:)

    I actually got the smokey eye quad and i really love it. The dark gray is so glittery and shimmery, you would really love it. Except that you’re right – the black is matte.

  • Nell

    Yay, I�m glad I could return the favor of creating a lemming, since you do it for me all the time 😉
    I hope you really get it AND enjoy it too.
    Hugs, Nell

  • the Muse

    hi laurie!

    Isn’t it lovely? Everyone keeps mentioning Clinique cake liner and I never seen this! How did I miss it 😉

    I work well with gel but I really love powder…it’s easier for me or some reason!

    I was worried about the matte in the quad but I now want it lol!

    The shimmer sounds lovely…I’m guilty..I went to nordies and ordered it after hearing Nell rave on it 🙂

  • the Muse

    guilty nell! i ordered it eep!

    Thanks for the rec 😉 I’ll review it shortly I’m sure!

    hugs!

  • Laurie

    LOL, I’m so happy you decided to go for the smokey eyes! You have to blog about how you love it – because you will! Besides, you can just use the matte shade as a liner or smudge it on the lash line. You will not be disappointed!

    Oh and the Clinque cake liner? It came in the brands signature slide case (silver) and came with a brush. In retrospect it was a lot like playing with watercolor paints! I think I soaked mine or something – it always had that chalky paint feel.

  • the Muse

    you’re all bad for my wallet now hehehe 🙂

    I surely will blog it 🙂 I was thinking the matte shade would be ideal as a liner good idea 🙂 I’m hopeful a sponge applicator will help apply it nicely onto the lid though!

    Hmmm..I swear I don’t remember this! Wow…and I used to be into clinique a few centuries ago! hehe! But I can’t recall a powder liner how odd!

    I think someone mentioned it’s still around!?

  • Misty

    You get your Chanel make-up purchases wrapped, I’m so jealous!! XD I wish they would wrap mine!! XD Lol!! I’m just joking 😉 But that wrapping with the ribbon is so beautiful!! ^^

    Could that catalogue have been Avon’s?? I know they sell by catalogue, and it’s an American brand, so it must be more popular in your side of the Pond =)

    BTW, you didn’t post a pic of the result =( It would have been good to see how it looks. I love eyeliner!! ^^ But I don’t always get they line as I had planned it… XD

  • the Muse

    hi misty!

    hehe only get the special treatment when I bring my best friend Jai along for the ride! I keep the ribbons 🙂 hehe!

    catalog? Which catalog?

    Yes I know Avon 🙂

    LOL I can totally relate..my lined eyes sometimes come out wicked strange lol shaky hand!

    Sorry 😛 I meant to do a finished result but got sidetracked!

    Check some of my new fotds as I am using this in those 😉

    hehe!

    Thanks for the comment!

  • Leila

    Mmmm… Being a great advocate of eyeliner, I use this one wet and I must say that the sparkling one (“Lamè”) gets on some of its sparks even wet.

    Black gets deep black, nearly tar-like and kind of shiny. I mean, it doesn’t get dull. Sparkling gets quite black but you could still tell there’s some spark to it, and you could tell the difference between the two of them.

    I guess being cake-like will make them more durable and will not have the problem of getting sticky or dry-out completely as liquid eyeliners may eventually do.

    • the Muse

      hey leila! oo haven’t tried wet but must do 😀 I always find working with powder is a little easier than working with liquids which is why I dig these but the way you describe them wet sounds like a LOVE 😀

      thanks for the tip!