Chanel Summer 2014: Illusion d'Ombre in New Moon no.97

Here's my other cheeky purchase from Chanel Summer 2014 collection: the limited edition Illusion d'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in New Moon no. 97 ($36 for 0.14 oz/ 4g). While I ogled Chanel cream shadows in the past and admired the shades, I wasn't eager to purchase after hearing they tend to crease on oily eyelids, which I regrettably have. But... I couldn't say no to New Moon. Just look at it!

Chanel Illusion d'Ombre shadows come packaged in a hefty glass pot with a screw-on lid, and a nifty little brush for applying on the go; although the shape of the brush suggests it may be better for lining the eyes rather than packing on color. While the design of the packaging doesn't make me very assured as to the shelf life of the product, it sure does look pretty on my vanity.

If you've never had the chance to play with the Illusion d'Ombres, they have an interesting, slightly moussey/bouncy texture when pressed. The cream itself isn't actually overly creamy; it feels a bit dry to the touch and reminds me more of the L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow formula than a typical cream eyeshadow like the Benefit Creaseless Creams. This results in some difficulty when trying to pick up product with a brush; I find that fingers work best for packing on the shade. In terms of longevity on the eyes, other reviewers were right: it creases in a couple hours when used on bare lids, but stays put without any issues over eye primer (NARS Pro Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base).

What I couldn't resist, however, was the shade New Moon itself (How excited are those non-French speaking beauty fanatics for a shade name they can actually pronounce? Emerville... Emervelle... Emerveille... Oh for God's sake!). New Moon is a warm, rosey brown with a touch of burgundy somewhat akin to shades like Urban Decay Toasted or Too Faced Push Up, and some amazing, complex microglitter - I spy with my little eye some fuschia pink, lime green and gold. The actual warm brown base becomes more diffused when blended out on the eye, and the glitters really shine through, giving an almost wet/glistening appearance.

My favorite part of this shadow, which I would usually call a glittery mess and call it quits, is the fact that the multicolor glitters really stay put and don't migrate all over my face (I'm looking at you, Urban Decay Sidecar and Too Faced Nude Beach!). This allows me not only to avoid looking like a five year old at a birthday party, but also to place the Illusion d'Ombre exactly where I need it, and/or use it as an accent for textural variety.

Here's another simple (or, you know, boring) look showcasing New Moon all over the eyelid, blended slightly out, and smudged along the lower lashline. As you can see, this shade doesn't have very opaque coverage, so that some of my pinky purple eyelid veining peeks through (but it's in the same color family as the shadow! Whatevs.). I used Urban Decay 24/7 pencil liner in Whiskey for some definition at the lash line, and finished with two coats of black mascara. I was slightly bored of the usual summer bright peaches and pinks, so I opted for a wine red shade on the lips (Wet n Wild 522A with Osmia Luster for extra shine). Base is Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum mixed with YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat, Stila Convertible Color in Lillium on the cheeks.

In one sentence, I love my Illusion d'Ombre in New Moon and have nothing remotely like it in my collection (hence no comparison swatches - well that, and I got too excited and forgot). Definitely check it out if you've had enough of 'boring neutrals' but need something easy to wear on the eyes. Do you own any Chanel Illusion d'Ombre eyeshadows? What are your favorite shades?