When it comes to beauty gifts, there’s no better authority on splurge-worthy finds than the pros. After all, they’re putting products to the test on a daily basis, applying them to a range of different skin types, and often using new shades and formulations before they even launch. With this in mind, we tapped some of Chanel’s top makeup artists for the inside scoop on their most recommended products, from ready-to-gift sets to makeup staples they personally turn to, as well as the essentials that are always in their kit (and worn by celebrity clients like Margot Robbie, Gabrielle Union, and Gracie Abrams).
A Matte Red Lipstick With A Pearlescent Finish
Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour In Rouge Feu
“I’m rarely seen without a bold red lip,” Chanel makeup artist Anna Payne tells Bustle. Her personal pick? The Rouge Allure Velvet formula in ‘Rouge Feu.’ “This perfect orange-red shade adds a radiant touch to any winter complexion, giving it an instant lift,” she says of the long-wearing formula, which is infused with the finest of pearl particles for a finish that’s more luminous than over-the-top sparkly. Adding to its appeal are nourishing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E, which allow the lipstick to feel as velvety smooth as it looks.
- Available shades: 20
A Festive Red Polish For Under $35
Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour In Pirate
“You can’t go wrong with a Chanel nail polish,” insists Payne. “The shades are always on-trend, and the formula is flawless,” she adds of the high-shine finish. While there are dozens of neutral, bright, and metallic colors to choose from, Payne has two top picks: ‘Pirate’ (pictured) for a classic red that has a festive feel during the holiday season, and ‘Rouge Noir’ for a very of-the-moment burgundy.
- Available shades: 35
A Highlighting Balm For Party Season & Beyond
Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick In Sculpting
Multiple makeup artists put this highlighting balm on their gifting list, with Chanel makeup artist Tyron Machhausen praising it as a product he “can’t live without.” ‘Sculpting,’ a pearlescent champagne, was the most recommended shade, with the sheerer ‘Transparent’ coming in a close second. “I use it on all the high points of the face for a controlled, dewy finish,” Machhausen says of ‘Sculpting.’ “It is also gorgeous when brushed onto the collarbone and shoulders,” he adds of a finishing touch that’s perfect for holiday parties and other dressy occasions.
- Available shades: 7
A Fragrance & Moisturizer Set To Elevate His Grooming Routine
Chanel Bleu De Chanel Parfum 3-In-1 Moisturizer Set
“This is a fantastic gift for the men in your life to elevate their grooming routine,” shares Tasha Reiko Brown, a Chanel makeup artist and Boy de Chanel groomer, whose clients include Michael B. Jordan and Denzel Washington. “Scent layering is a powerful tool for long-lasting application,” she says of the two-piece set, which includes the Bleu De Chanel fragrance and three-in-one moisturizer. “The moisturizer gives you a gentle, woody scent post-shave and absorbs quickly,” explains Brown. Both products feature the same fragrance — a blend of citrus accord, tonka bean, and sandalwood — with the moisturizer offering a lighter scent, as well as nourishing ingredients like shea butter, bisabolol, and squalane.
A Multi-Use Shadow Stick That Simplifies Your Makeup Routine
Chanel Stylo Ombre Et Contour Eyeshadow In Contour Clair
Another must-have among the makeup artists, this versatile eye pen can be used as an eyeshadow or an eyeliner. “It is the number one essential product for creating gently contoured eyes,” says Chanel makeup artist Pati Dubroff, who has used the ‘Contour Clair’ shade pictured here on Margot Robbie. The creamy formula means it’s easy to blend, and Machhausen adds that the darker beige color of ‘Contour Clair’ can be used to add definition to other areas of the face, too. “I even use it for a barely-there nose and cheek contour,” he says.
- Available shades: 10
An Eye Makeup Set In A Limited-Edition Chanel Bag
Chanel Look Sharp Makeup Set
Dubroff also recommends this three-piece eye makeup set, which comes packaged in a limited-edition makeup pouch. “This is the most perfect makeup essentials kit for the eyes, as it includes a waterproof eyeliner, mascara, and the cutest little mirror,” she explains. Both products come in universally flattering shades, with the mascara in an inky black and the eyeliner in a rich brown that can be used to create subtle or dramatic looks, or even applied along the waterline to create the illusion of fuller lashes.
Tinted Lip Balm That Hydrates & Plumps
Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Hydrating Beautifying Tinted Lip Balm In Natural Charm
For something in between a lip balm and a lipstick, Dubroff recommends this tinted formula, which gives you a sheer wash of color with one swipe but can also be built up for a bit more intensity. Because of its softer color, you can apply it on the go, and it includes nourishing ingredients like olive fruit oil, shea butter, and peptides to moisturize and plump up the lips. “‘Natural Charm’ is such a perfect, natural-looking lip shade that looks great on almost everyone,” Dubroff shares of one of her favorite shades.
- Available shades: 12
A Classic Red Lip That Won’t Budge
Chanel Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue In Daring Red
“A glossy lip is one of the most difficult makeup looks to maintain,” confesses Machhausen. “But this ultra-wear liquid color consists of an intensely pigmented base color and a high-shine glossy top coat that makes it super easy to wear.” The dual-ended lip color comes in 26 shades, with ‘Daring Red’ being a go-to for Machhausen. “It is also, hands down, the best invention for anyone who loves a glossy lip that does not move!”
- Available shades: 26
A Festive Gift Set Featuring Chanel’s Most Iconic Fragrance
Chanel N°5 Eau De Parfum Body Oil Set
“There is a reason why this scent is so timeless and has been an icon for so many decades,” Brown says of the rich floral Chanel N°5 scent that was first introduced in 1921. This holiday set pairs the original fragrance with its jasmine, rose, and vanilla scent alongside a moisturizing body oil — packaged together in a limited-edition, snowflake-decorated case. Not only does layering the body oil with the fragrance make for a more luxurious beauty routine, according to Brown, but it also serves a practical purpose. “Using an oil during the colder months is a lovely way to keep the skin hydrated, as well as provide an all-over scent.” Chanel’s body oil promises to leave skin satiny-smooth for eight hours, thanks to a blend of sunflower seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, argan oil, squalane, and jojoba seed oil.
A Limited-Edition Set For Lipgloss Lovers
Chanel Maximum Brilliance Lipgloss Trio
For the friend who can never have enough lipgloss, this limited-edition set of glosses lets you gift three luxury formulas, as well as a woven, white metallic makeup pouch with gold Chanel embroidery. “There is a playfulness to gloss, and this trio works for multiple looks,” says Brown. “Wear it alone as a punctuation on the mouth or as a topper to your favorite lip color,” she suggests, adding that the shades (golden beige ‘Melted Honey,’ sparkling rosewood ‘Bourgeoisie,’ and soft lilac ‘Icing’) complement almost any skin tone.
The post The Best Chanel Beauty Gifts, According To Makeup Artists appeared first on Bustle.
