Chanel's Autumn 2020 makeup collection was a study in contrasts, a masterful blend of soft, diffused light and bold, unapologetic color. It wasn't about conforming to trends, but rather about empowering the individual to express their own unique beauty. The collection, inspired by the tweed fabrics that are synonymous with the Chanel brand, translated the tactile texture and rich color palettes into a captivating range of products that focused on achieving a luminous, healthy complexion punctuated by a statement lip. This wasn't a collection designed to completely transform your face; it was designed to enhance your natural features and give you the confidence to own your look.
The core philosophy behind the Chanel Autumn 2020 collection centered around two key elements: glowing skin and vinyl lips. The skin was envisioned as a canvas of radiant health, achieved through carefully chosen products that illuminated from within. The lips, on the other hand, took center stage with intensely pigmented, high-shine formulas that demanded attention. This juxtaposition created a captivating balance, a visual dialogue between understated elegance and bold self-expression.
Glowing Skin: The Foundation of the Look
Achieving the coveted Chanel glow wasn't about masking imperfections, but about enhancing the skin's natural radiance. The collection placed a strong emphasis on preparing the skin with hydrating and illuminating products. While Chanel's skincare line plays a vital role in achieving this effect, the makeup collection itself featured products designed to complement and amplify the skin's inherent luminosity.
* Hydration and Preparation: Before even thinking about color, the Chanel Autumn 2020 look started with a well-hydrated base. This involved using a nourishing moisturizer appropriate for your skin type. The goal was to create a smooth, supple surface that would allow makeup to glide on seamlessly and prevent it from looking cakey or settling into fine lines. Chanel's Hydra Beauty line, with its focus on intense hydration, was a natural partner to this collection.
* The Perfect Base: The foundation was chosen with care. The emphasis wasn't on heavy coverage, but rather on evening out the skin tone and creating a flawless, yet natural-looking canvas. Chanel's Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation, or a similar lightweight formula, would be ideal for achieving this effect. The key was to apply it sparingly, focusing on areas that needed the most coverage, such as redness or blemishes.
* Concealing and Highlighting: Concealer played a crucial role in brightening the under-eye area and concealing any remaining imperfections. Again, a lightweight formula was preferred, applied sparingly and blended seamlessly. Highlighting was strategically used to enhance the skin's natural contours. Cream or liquid highlighters were favored for their ability to create a dewy, radiant finish. Applied to the high points of the face – the cheekbones, brow bone, bridge of the nose, and cupid's bow – the highlighter caught the light and added dimension to the face.
* Blush: A Touch of Rosy Radiance: Blush was used to add a subtle flush of color to the cheeks, mimicking the natural radiance of healthy skin. Powder blushes in soft, rosy hues were a popular choice, applied with a light hand to avoid a heavy or overly made-up look. The goal was to create a healthy, youthful glow.
* Finishing Touches: A light dusting of translucent powder was used to set the makeup and control shine, without sacrificing the skin's natural radiance. The key was to use a very fine powder and apply it sparingly, focusing on areas that tend to get oily, such as the T-zone.
Vinyl Lips: The Bold Statement
The lips were the undeniable focal point of the Chanel Autumn 2020 makeup look. The "vinyl" effect, achieved through highly pigmented, glossy formulas, created a bold and unforgettable statement. This wasn't about subtle lip color; it was about embracing rich, vibrant shades that commanded attention.
* Color Palette: The color palette for the lipsticks in this collection was rich and varied, ranging from deep berry hues and classic reds to more unexpected shades of plum and burgundy. The common thread that tied them all together was their intensity and vibrancy.
* Texture and Finish: The defining characteristic of the "vinyl" lip was its high-shine finish. The lipsticks were formulated to create a glossy, almost lacquered effect, that caught the light and made the lips appear fuller and more defined. The texture was creamy and comfortable, ensuring that the lips felt hydrated and smooth.
* Application Technique: Achieving the perfect vinyl lip required precision and attention to detail. The first step was to line the lips with a matching lip liner to define the shape and prevent the lipstick from bleeding. The lipstick was then applied with a lip brush, starting at the center of the lips and working outwards. Multiple layers were often applied to achieve the desired intensity of color and shine.
* Maintaining the Look: The high-shine finish of the vinyl lip required regular touch-ups throughout the day. Carrying a compact mirror and the lipstick with you was essential for maintaining the look and ensuring that the lips remained vibrant and glossy.
Chanel Fall/Winter 2020 Collection Swatches: A Closer Look at the Colors
chanel autumn 2020 makeup