Sometimes I find shade descriptions really misleading. For example, Chanel Captivante Rouge Allure (RRP in Belgium: 32 euros. It will become part of the permanent line-up) is dubbed as a “copper brown” by Chanel. Since neither is something I can pull off on my lips easily, I did not expect to like it at all. The second I pulled it out however, I started wondering if Chanel saw the same color as I did, as it really is a rose with a brown undertone and gold sheen/shimmer!
Needless to say, I fell in love — fast!
See what I mean? Brown copper? I don’t think so! It’s an elegant rosy shade. Granted there is a healthy dose of brown in it, there is no way I would call this one brown! The copper-tinged golden shimmer and sheen are done in a very tasteful and understated way (très Chanel), not the kind that ends up bordering on frostiness at all!
Here is how it swatches: one pass/built up
Formula-wise Captivante is what you can expect from a Rouge Allure. It goes on smooth and opaque with one pass, and I find it easy to get crisp lines with the tip. I can barely feel it on my lips, though compared with Rouge Allure Velvets there is slightly more creaminess and glide. It wears for 5 hours on my lips, but it doesn’t really stain. With a formula as lightweight as this, bleeding and migrating are definitely not in the cards. Even transferring is very minimal.
Here is the comparison with shades in my stash that I thought would be somehow similar. From left to right: Chanel Captivante Rouge Allure, Dior Instinct Addict Lipstick, Chanel Mademoiselle Rouge Coco
Here I am wearing Captivante on my lips (Burberry Pale Barley on the inner half of my lids, Bobbi Brown Wheat to contour, Diorblush Sugar & Spice on my cheeks):
Bottom line: Chanel Captivante Rouge Allure is a shade that won’t get old. The golden shimmer and sheen keep it young and fun. It is great for the office or formal occasions, but definitely not one that is just standard! If you like the formula of Chanel Rouge Allure, can pull off brownish rosy shades well, and want something that has tastefully-done shimmer, take a look at Chanel Captivante!
Have you seen Chanel Captivante Rouge Allure? Is it a “you” shade? Do you also own Chanel Mademoiselle Rouge Coco? Random fact of the day: it was my first luxury lipstick, and I still like how it brightens up my face!
Sunny, your beauty culture translator xx
