Chanel's Rouge Coco Shine formula is by far my very favorite Chanel Lipstick because it is one of the new breed hybrid lipsticks that is comfortable to wear and it resides somewhere in the liminal space between a lipstick, a lip balm and a lip gloss. To me this makes it as close to perfection as one can get. Up until now I only had Boy (review forthcoming) and Royallieu (reviewed here), and I have my friend Zuzu*s Petals the Temptress from Everyday Beauty to blame for my latest acquisition: Antigone (60). That Chanel should have chosen to name this Saks Fifth Avenue exclusive (LE) after the daughter of King Oedipus of Thebes and Jocasta is rather funny. The idea that Sophocles inspired a sheer and somewhat buildable "raspberry red with amber undertones and very subtle gold shimmer" lipstick, as Zuzu aptly describes it, certainly seems a bit improbable.
To say that this is a gorgeous lipstick is an understatement, but opaque it is not. As with all of the Rouge Coco Shines they tend to be a bit more sheer- though they do impart a wash of color. Upon first application this formula appears a bit more like a gloss with a luscious and juicy sheen. However, after about 1- 2 hours (on me at least) most of the sheen wears away leaving a lovely stain behind. It is at this point that I either reapply the same RCS or I top it off with a lip gloss which reanimates the lipstick. Honestly I see no down side to this formula, or this color. I know that some people complain that the coverage isn't opaque enough for them, but if opacity is what you are looking for in a lipstick then Rouge Coco Shines really shouldn't even be considered- that is not what this wonderful formula is about. The other complaint voiced by some of the detractors is that it isn't a long-wearing formula- which admittedly it is not.
The hybrid lipstick/ lip balms don't tend to be as long wearing as the more conventional types of lipsticks, but they are more moisturizing and forgiving on drier lips, and are super convenient in that they can generally be applied without a mirror. This formula is so comfortable and moisturizing with the perfect amount of cushion that you may find (as I have) that it feels so good that you will be tempted to rub your lips together (which I do), and all of that lip rubbing business definitely impacts wear-time. But who cares- the Rouge Coco Shines feel so good and they are utterly gorgeous. If you are crazy about Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters- then welcome to lipstick hybrid nirvana.
This photograph was taken outdoors in the sun. This swatch represents about two passes, and the coverage is buildable, but it will never reach the point of being completely opaque.
Overall Assessment: A fantastic color with an amazing formula. If you pair this with a Chanel Glossimer - it just doesn't get any better. There are some things that Chanel does so well that it takes every ounce of self control not to buy every shade that works for my complexion, and for me it's Rouge Coco Shines, Glossimers, and Joues Contraste Powder Blushes.
$32.50 Saks Fifth Avenue. They are sold out on their website, but Antigone is still available in the company. Call your local store, or their toll free number and they can assist you.
Source for both images of Antigone |
Maybe they gave it that name because Antigone was a bride-to-be, young and beautiful and this is the type of colour that would make lips look natural yet much better (a level above your lips but better). It's a lovely colour and ,yes, these hybrid lipsticks are so addictive and gorgeous. i love the fact that my natural lipcolour is still visible when I wear them
ReplyDeleteMaybe! It really is a lovely color-- and I definitely agree that it is a level above MLBB. I really do love everything about Antigone. What are your favorite Rouge Coco Shine shades, Odyssey?
DeleteI don't think there is one that I don't like. The texture is so amazing (and I am such a lippie person) that I really wish I could get all of them! I am a bit partial to Elise though cause it's my name (though it's spelt differently!). I will definitely check out Antigone, too, to honour the hours I spent reading the tragedy when I was still a schoolgirl!
DeleteI agree!! The texture is extraordinary, to be sure! I'm a lippie person as well and these beauties really resonate with me. Your name and that Rouge Coco Shine are both very beautiful!! Yes, and what a tragic end to Antigone's epic tale, indeed!
DeleteIt's true that I would have expected something called "Antigone" to be more fiery and dramatic, but this is my favourite of the Rouge Coco Shines. I find most of them too sheer for my liking, but this one is wonderful. Totally agree with Odyssey's comment- "My lips but better but better".
ReplyDeleteI was thinking along those lines as well, Kate. Antigone really is exceptionally gorgeous. Do you find Bonheur too sheer as well? It's the next one on my list, and we can thank Zuzu for that one as well! I agree that Odyssey's description was perfect!
Deletethis lipstick sounds like heaven.. the photographs of the product are sublime as well!
ReplyDeletexo Violet Grey
www.violetgrey.com
Hi Violet! Thanks for stopping by. Yes, it is a heavenly lipstick! I'm so glad that you like the photographs! :-) xo, Lola
DeleteI think I need this in my life. I might stop by the Chanel counter next time I'm at the mall. Great review!
ReplyDeleteHi myblushisahorcrux,
DeleteThanks! It's a pretty fantastic RCS- the color is really lovely! If you want it you need to track it down through Saks Fifth Avenue-- as it is said to have been their exclusive LE color. It is sold out on the website, but I was able to track one down by calling them and having it sent to me (they were sold out at my local Saks). Otherwise you will be forced to pay above retail somewhere like Strawberry Net.
Right now poor Sophocles is snarling, "Darker! Bloodier!!!" ;)
ReplyDeleteHaving said that though, Antigone looks so pretty and you and Zuzu are both awful evil temptresses! ~points finger and runs away~
EXACTLY!!! That's brilliant!!
DeleteYes, Antigone is gorgeous! As to being evil temptresses MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
I had no idea they made a Rouge Coco Shine named Antigone! I'm definitely going to need it :)
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
Hi Jessica! It's a pretty lovely color, but truth be told I was pretty intrigued that Chanel was citing from such a lofty source-- so I sort of had to have it! It does not disappoint. <3
Deletenice posting. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome. I'm glad that you liked it.
Delete