THE EYES HAVE IT

This month, Chanel launches Ombre Essentielle, a collection spotlighting 14 single eyeshadows in rich yet wearable hues inspired by the maison's heritage.

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Think Ble d'Or Antique, a metallic gold with a hint of green that's reminiscent of wheat, which the superstitious house founder Coco Chanel saw as a symbol of luck; Rouge Cuir, a matte dark red that mimics the colour of the lining of the 2.55 handbag; or, for something even more enigmatic, Beige Suede, a matte camel-like tone that references - get this - the sofa in the late designer's apartment at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris.

Available in a matte, satin or iridescent finish, each eyeshadow has been formulated to be creamier so that it can be blended effortlessly to adjust its colour intensity. The idea is that with a single shade and plenty of freedom, one can make a strong personal statement and, to paraphrase the brand, remember that "monochrome is not monotonous".

In fact, the maison offers three different application techniques to help users better express themselves. First, one can wear the colour all the way to the base of the brows a bold look that accentuates the peepers. To add structure to the eye area, apply the shadow to the brows using a tapered brush with a dampened tip. And to intensify the eyes, why not wear the eyeshadow on the lids as well as the lower lash lines?

The whiz behind these editorial-esque makeup tips and the entire Ombre Essentielle collection is Cecile Paravina, the Serge Lutens-trained, Paris-based makeup artist who's a favourite collaborator of some of fashion's most poetic and playful image makers (Lea Colombo, Drew Vickers and Charlotte Wales, to name a few).