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One of my earliest beauty memories is watching my mother swipe on a shimmery Chanel lip gloss. As a teenager, I’d save up my allowance and birthday money to purchase Chanel pressed powders, partly because the compacts were beautiful (and featured that iconic logo), and offered the most seamless, undetectable finish I could find. I quickly learned that Chanel beauty products—from the brand’s lipsticks to perfumes for women to eyeshadows—are some of the most luxurious and exquisite makeup and skin care pieces you could gift yourself.
According to Cyndle Komarovski, a US Chanel makeup artist, this is no accident. In her years working with the brand, Komarovski noticed the company’s insistence on using only quality ingredients and carefully designed packaging. “They are often crafted with a focus on combining the brand's rich heritage with cutting-edge technology to create timeless, effective, and sophisticated products with a twist,” she says. Plus, “the level of quality is apparent when using the products, both in efficacy and finish,” adds Kate Lee, another Chanel makeup artist.
Our top picks for the best Chanel beauty products of 2024
Another bonus? The skin care formulas feel great on your skin and look wonderful on a vanity. You can use the makeup to create no-makeup-makeup looks or add some real drama without it ever feeling too over-the-top. And the fragrances? Classic and timeless. However, with so many products to choose from, it can be hard to peruse the site without feeling overwhelmed, especially if you’re new to the brand or shopping for a loved one. To make shopping easier, we curated the below list of the 14 best Chanel beauty products you can buy, according to ELLE beauty editors, Chanel makeup artists, and seasoned customers.
Pros
Flexible shades
Hydrating formula
Cons
May not be suitable for very oily skin
As you apply the cooling formula onto your skin, the small beads of pigment burst to provide undetectable coverage and a glassy finish. “The serum-like texture of this tint delivers a unique, pore-blurring, luminous veil of color and provides uniformity on the skin,” says Lee. “It is truly unique.”
Size: 1 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I’m not much of a foundation person—in my everyday life, I much prefer skin tints. This one is my absolute favorite. The beads burst on your skin to disperse the color, and it feels more like a serum than a makeup product. It blends seamlessly into your skin, so much so that you can’t even tell you’re wearing makeup. When I wear this, the number one comment I get is, ‘Wow, you have really good skin.’ All credit goes to this skin tint.”—Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor
Pros
Hydrating
No visible shimmer
Cons
Does not completely dry down
“This highlighter gives a subtle, ‘glow-from-within’ effect without being glittery or overly shimmery. This is the perfect product for a natural, radiant look,” says Komarovski. She also points out that whether you use a brush or your fingers, applying this product is a breeze and virtually foolproof. Just tap it into your skin and watch yourself glow.
Size: 0.28 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I’ve kept at least one of these highlighters on my vanity for years. Not to boast, but my skin looks like actual glass when I have the product on my cheekbones. I’ll do a sparkly highlight once in a while, but most days, I want something that’ll make me look fresh or like I’ve drunk plenty of water that day. This cream highlighter does exactly that.”—Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
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Pros
Timeless
Not overwhelming
Cons
May not be as long-lasting
Chanel N°5 is perhaps one of the most famous scents in the world. With this iteration, the fashion house gave the fragrance a modern twist; it’s still powdery, floral, and feminine, but also features aldehydes, which adds a youthful sparkle. In fact, some fans have dubbed it “Chanel N°5’s younger sister.”
Size: 3.4 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.8/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “While riding in the backseat of a friend’s car, I discovered her small bottle of Chanel Premiere knocking against my shoe. I picked it up, snuck a few spritzes, and was instantly captivated by the delicate, powdery scent that surrounded me. Each spritz felt like the perfume was flirting with me; it was as soft as a plush sweater and bright as a spring morning. If Chanel made this fragrance into a body wash, lotion, and oil, I would be the happiest person on earth.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Pros
Adds a glow
Blurring
Cons
May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
If you need a little bit more coverage than what the Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint offers, but still want that hydrated, glowy effect, look no further. “This product mimics natural skin, allowing freckles and natural features to shine through. This creates the perfect fresh, dewy finish,” says Komarovski.
Size: 0.68 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “After years of acne, my main skin concerns are reducing the look of hyperpigmentation from past breakouts and rosacea-related redness. This foundation provides just enough coverage to camouflage everything. Even if I have to go in with another layer or two, it resists looking cakey. Unless someone were to look very closely, I’m willing to bet that it’s extremely hard to tell that I have anything on my skin.”—Carol Lee
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Pros
Ergonomic packaging
Non-greasy
Cons
May need to reapplied frequently
If a Chanel Beauty Product Hall of Fame is ever created, the La Crème Main is another product that deserves a top spot. The iconic egg-shaped vessel fits in the palm of your hand and dispenses just the right amount of product for each use. It’s so good that you’ll look forward to slipping it out of your purse to reapply. Your hands and cuticles will also thank you for it; a blend of camellia ceramides, oil, and yeast boosts hydration and the moisture barrier, while iris extract helps to brighten the skin.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “My hands get dry so easily, especially in the winter. I also happen to be fixated on having soft hands no matter what, so I’ve tried every hand cream in the book. What I like about this hand cream is that it isn’t just a quick moisture fix, it really makes your hands look more supple and feel softer the more you use it. Plus, I think it’s the chicest little egg shape—it’s perfect to throw in your bag on the go.”—Katie Berohn
Pros
Easy to blend
Buildable formula
Cons
May not be pigmented enough for some
These quads are a makeup artist's favorite and are perfect for anyone who wants to wear eyeshadow but doesn’t want to think too much about it. Each quad is carefully curated, and any combination of the four shades in the palette looks polished and complete on the eyes. Also, the eyeshadows almost feel butter to the touch and blend without a fight.
Size: 0.07 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Cyndle Komarovski is actually the one who introduced me to this eyeshadow quad, specifically in Candeur Et Experience. In just a few swipes, she created a brown smokey eye with a touch of red that made my eyes sparkle. She also taught me how to recreate the look at home, and the shadows are so smooth and blendable that they really are foolproof. I immediately purchased the quad, and it’s remained a constant in my routine ever since.”—Carol Lee
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Pros
Lasts through greasy meals
Cons
Some may dislike scent
The problem with many long-wearing liquid lipsticks is that they eventually start to crack, flake, or sap up all the moisture from your lips. However, this lipstick-lipgloss duo avoids all of those typical pitfalls and is one of the most tenacious lip products I’ve ever tried. Even if you wear the lipstick side alone, it’ll stay on your lips and avoid drying them out. But the real magic begins when you apply the gloss on top, as it “seals” in the color underneath and adds non-sticky moisture and shine.
Size: 0.26 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I went through a mauve lip product obsession a couple of years ago, and this lipstick in Light Mauve was the most perfect one I found. It’s a dusty rose that’s flattering on almost everybody—I’ve influenced at least two people to purchase it after letting them try mine. Plus, I love that I can wear it matte or glossy, depending on my mood, and that it stays put through greasy meals and long work days without constant reapplication.” —Carol Lee
Pros
Water-resistant
Easy to remove
Cons
May not be suitable for those with oily skin
If you have stick-straight lashes, you should know that waterproof mascara can help them maintain a curl. Plus, formulas like this one from Chanel stay in place all day, rain or shine. “This is a staple in my kit. The wand is made of silicone and tapers, making it easy to coat each lash from root to tip. Due to its strong staying power, it is my go-to mascara for award shows and weddings,” says Lee.
Size: 0.17 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Every once in a while, I try a drugstore brand that gets good reviews, only to be disappointed and come back to this one. It is waterproof. I can cry or get caught in the rain and it stays on. But it comes off easily with my eye makeup remover. Drugstore brands tend to stay on too well, making removal time-consuming and difficult. Also, it simply doesn’t clump! I can just brush it through my lashes in the morning, and I don't even need to de-clump with another brush, because there are no clumps! Drugstore brands take longer to apply, as I have to wipe down the brush initially, and they still need a clean brush for de-clumping. Plus, the Chanel is buildable; if I go out later and want a more dramatic look, I can add another layer of mascara. Again, without clumping. I can get a natural look or a dramatic look with this one.”
Pros
Non-greasy
Absorbs quickly
Cons
Some may dislike scent
Unless you have dry skin and enjoy a super thick, rich cream, you probably want a moisturizer that gives you all the hydration without feeling heavy on the skin. In that case, the Hydra Beauty Camellia Water Cream Illuminating Hydrating Fluid is worth a try. “It provides a luminous finish and acts as the perfect moisturizer pre-foundation application,” explains Lee.
Size: 1 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This is just hands-down a fabulous facial moisturizer. Neither too heavy nor too light—but just right and non-occlusive. Subtle scent which does not irritate or aggravate sensitive skin (which I have). It leaves the skin refreshed and radiant and, most importantly, in great health (as this is just the right amount of moisture so the skin is perfectly balanced).”
Pros
Moisturizing
Lasts all day
Cons
Limited shade range
Hydrated skin is healthy skin, and this foundation is designed to infuse your skin with moisture while also giving you up to 12 hours of seamless coverage. The formula blends into your skin so easily that you can use your fingers to apply it, although a brush or sponge works just as well.
Size: 1 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “In the past year, I have tried just about every foundation out there. This received such great reviews on YouTube, I decided to give it a shot. All I can say is: Wow—blows my previous favorite out of the water. Light coverage with one coat and solid medium with two. Applied with a brush. Use a concealer for any stubborn spots, but I found two layers pretty much covered what I wanted covered while still looking like healthy skin. Pores? Gone. Powder has been an issue for a few years now, but I found it necessary to set my makeup and blur things. Very light dusting of powder down the T-zone, and I’m good to go all day. No need to powder all over. I’ve worn this for a few days now and find that it just looks better as it sets in. Long-wear foundations and dry skin do not usually go well together, but not only does this last, it gives a glow without looking oily. No settling into fine lines or caking up. My previous foundation would start to dry my skin out after a few days. That is not the case with this. My skin actually looks more hydrated.”
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Pros
Non-shiny or greasy finish
Cons
Some may dislike scent
“This balm provides hydration and a sheer tint,” shares Komarovski. The French-made formula is chock-full of fruit and olive leaf oils that are both nourishing and protective, thanks to their antioxidant properties. Even if you get a tinted option, it’s so sheer and accommodating that you can swipe it on without a mirror.
Size: 0.11 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 3.9/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “The Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Baume in Dreamy White is the ultimate luxury for soothing dry, cracked lips. I have two other neutral colors in this line. I absolutely love them. They’re worth every cent! I’ve tried countless other brands to heal my dry, cracked lips, and I continuously return to Chanel.”
Pros
Non-sticky
Lightweight
Cons
May be too sheer for some
Lots of lip glosses claim not to be sticky, but this product lives up to its promises. Instead, it feels more like a tinted lip oil or balm, conditioning and nourishing your pout with hydrating vitamin E, plumping peptides, and other skin-loving ingredients.
Size: 0.19 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This is one of the best lip glosses I’ve ever used. For me, ‘best’ means a non-sticky texture, smooth with no gritty feel if there is sparkle, and doesn’t smell bad or leave a bad smell as the day progresses. Rouge Coco gloss is perfect! The texture is smooth and light. It feels like I’ve applied softness to my lips, and the gloss is shiny, weightless, and has that sweet spot of color payoff—not completely sheer, but not near solid color either. “
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Pros
Easy to blend
Cons
Limited shade range
Chanel’s cream bronzer may be one of the most beloved products the brand offers. “This bronzing cream has a lightweight, creamy texture that blends effortlessly, giving a natural, sun-kissed glow to the skin, without looking too heavy,” says Komarovski. There only used to be one shade, but you can now choose from three warm, tan-imitating options.
Size: 1.06 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “This bronzer gives me a beautiful color and a fabulous glow. Does not clog my pores. Easy to apply and smells great.”
Pros
Precise tip
Includes spoolie
Cons
May run out quickly for some
When you have sparse brows, it’s best to create small, hair-like lines with an ultra-fine brow pencil like this one. “These brow pencils are precise and easy to blend, providing a natural, defined look,” explains Komarovski. “They apply matte, unlike some other pencils that can have a shiny finish, ensuring your brows look naturally filled in without being obvious.”
Size: 0.002 oz.
Nordstrom rating: 3/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I have strawberry blonde hair, and it’s really tough to find a brow pencil that suits me—if I go too red, it looks fake, and if I go too taupe-y, it looks harsh and unflattering. This pencil in Blond Dore is the perfect shade for me. It’s also super easy to use! My trick is to brush my brows downward, do a very light line across the top, and then blend down, after which I brush the brows back up and then fill in any sparse spots on the bottom. This accentuates the shape of my brows without making them look blocky. This Chanel pencil is perfect for this technique—it’s blendable, but you can be precise with it, too.”
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What Chanel product(s) should someone new to the brand start out with?
Lee’s very first Chanel beauty product was a “lightweight, matte foundation, which I purchased in the early ’90s when I was a very poor fashion student in London,” she shares. “It was an investment for me, and I really took my time choosing the correct shade. I used every last drop. Choosing the correct formulation and color of foundation is fundamental to looking your best,” she adds. Put simply, she recommends going for a foundation. Komarovski agrees and suggests the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation. “The foundation offers a natural, radiant finish that enhances the skin’s natural beauty,” she says.
However, if you’re already set on a foundation, Komarovski also loves the Rouge Coco Baume, a tinted lip balm. “This balm perfectly combines the benefits of a balm with the versatility of a lipstick, making it ideal for everyday wear,” she explains.
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Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Carol Lee consulted two Chanel makeup artists to learn about the best Chanel beauty products. She also tested options, spoke to other editors, read through countless customer reviews, and evaluated each product on its various features.
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