CHANEL | 31 Le Rouge L'Esprit Cambon Lipstick Collection

Chanel has a very special collection this fall - 31 Le Rouge L'Esprit Cambon. This is the most exclusive lipstick collection from the house, inspired by the iconic 31 Rue Cambon address which is the birthplace of Chanel creation. 

The presentation and the artistry set this collection apart from any other Chanel lipstick collection but the extravagant price tag definitely makes it a collector's item. To this date, I don't consider myself a Chanel collector. I am more of an enthusiastic Chanel consumer and this is the first time I have dabbled into the collector's side. 

CHANEL 31 LE ROUGE ($195, Chanel)

When I first saw a generic promo image, I immediately thought the clear lipstick case looked like those L'Oreal lipsticks and even shared that thought on my Instagram. Many still seem to think that and dismiss this expensive new lipstick from Chanel. Well, after having owned both, I can confidently say that it's nothing like the L'Oreal lipstick. (Don't get me wrong. The L'Oreal lipstick has a very neat packaging and the formula is awesome as well.)

First of all, the 31 Le Rouge lipstick case is made of crystal glass and feels way more substantial in my hand. Chanel took 4 years to design this case cause they encountered some technical challenges in putting crystal glass and metal together. Everything is magnetized and the refill mechanism is seamless and neat.

The first purchase is $195 and it comes with a full lipstick (crystal glass case, 1 lip color), 1 cardboard case, and 1 black quilted lipstick pouch for protection. Refills are $80. You need at least one lipstick case to be able to use the lip color since the bullet won't twist up on its own.

CHANEL 31 Le Rouge Coffret ($405, Chanel Boutiques)

You can also purchase a coffret which comes with 1 full lipstick, 2 refills, 1 leather lipstick pouch (choice of black, silver, white), 1 black quilted fabric pouch, and 1 wooden box with a mirror inside. You can choose the colors for your coffret. This is currently only available at Chanel Boutiques.

Everything comes separately.

The wooden box feels sturdy and well-made. It has a magnetized closure and a mirror inside. You can remove the wedge inside and use this box for jewelry storage.

This is what you get from a Coffret. I chose the silver case. (I don't think the white case is available in the U.S. just yet.)

There are 12 shades available in this collection. Chanel basically has covered all spectrums from light to dark but there are various shades of red, which is not surprising since red is Chanel's house shade. I love saturated red and berries in my lip colors so I am not complaining.

5 Rouge Premier is the star shade of this collection. It is a deep vermilion, "a nod to the FIRST GESTURE of the seamstresses and models who treated Gabrielle CHANEL's arrival with a stroke of RED", according to Chanel.

7 Rouge Privé is a brownish red, "tinged with MYSTERY, like the one that surrounds the CREATIONS imagined behind the Atelier door on which the sign 'MADEMOISELLE PRIVÉ' hangs", according to Chanel's description.

9 Rouge Tailleur is a bold, vibrant raspberry red, "that of the TRIM which audaciously structures the LEGENDARY TWEED JACKETS", according to Chanel.

They come in this beautiful satin formula that surprisingly satisfies both comfort and longevity. I would describe it as something in between Rouge Allure and Rouge Coco. Compared to Rouge Allure L'Extrait, the new formula feels lighter and less melty. 31 Le Rouge adheres to the lips very closely and feels weightless. Chanel boasts the "lip-caring" aspect infused with their special Gardenia oil so you might expect some Gardenia scent from this lipstick, but it just smells like a Chanel lipstick but scented more lightly. Sounds cliché, but it does feel like the "ideal" lipstick formula for me.

I have only swatched 5 and 9 since I plan to exchange 7 with 6 (this is a fuchsia shade) once it becomes available.

5 Rouge Premier and 9 Rouge Tailleur in context:

Wearing 5 Rouge Premier

Wearing 9 Rouge Tailleur

This is definitely a collector's item that will have different values for different people. I still think the price could be better than $195 a piece but let me tell you this, I don't feel I am being swindled here. It is an absolutely beautiful collection and I can clearly see the works and thoughts put into it. I do feel that I am a bit gullible, though.

CHANEL 31 LE ROUGE Collection is available for purchase here:

https://shopmy.us/collections/240181

Update: I received the 3rd shade for my Coffret so here are the updated swatch photos:

Thanks for being here. What are your thoughts on the new Chanel 31 Le Rouge Collection?

*The coffret was purchased by me. This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for choosing to use them.