Who says makeup can’t influence the weather?
Chanel’s latest mascara does exactly that. When I wave it over my head outdoors, the clouds part, beams of sunlight rain down, and distant trumpets start playing.
LOL! Seriously, I’m not kidding. 🙂
To put it another way, I’m in the process of stuffing that new Sterilite 4-Drawer tote I told you about. I’m filling it with makeup and beauty products I intend to use often — my standbys — so that I have a nice, organized set of essentials in one place.
Well, I just replaced six other tubes of mascara in the tote with this new one from Chanel.
Now that’s 
love.
It’s the new $30 Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara, and it’s available in a single shade called Noir.
Next time I have to get up and get out the door before dawn to catch an early flight, this will be in my makeup bag. No doubt about it.
Jet black and built for bold, yet elegant, lash looks from a single coat, Le Volume de Chanel thickens, lengthens and separates.
So it’s one of those makeup triple threats…
Carbon black pigments hug lashes in black cat color, while the formula, rich in camelia oil, nourishes and moisturizes those little lash hairs.
The buxom brush bristles with short, nubby stubs. It’s a new design for Chanel, one they call their “snowflake wand,” and it’s supposed to build bigger lashes by thoroughly, quickly coating each lash from root to tip.
I wore the dickens out of it last weekend, and in a word, “BAM!” One layer delivers the lush lashes I love, without clumping, smudging or flaking, and the formula holds a curl sky high all day long.
It reminds me of YSL Faux Cils, except with a little better length. And where Faux Cils tends to concentrate more volume at the roots, Le Volume distributes it more evenly along the lash.
I can’t see it now… It’s the morning of our big trip to Cannes. The alarm rips you from favorite recurring dream (the one where Jeremy gently brushes your hair with his powerful fingertips).
Uh, oh! Wrong dream. That one’s mine. 🙂
Since we’re not about to go to the airport bare faced (birds of a feather, and that’s why I love ya!), you apply some tinted moisturizer, under-eye concealer, cream blush and powder. Then, you fill in your brows, curl your lashes, and treat them to a coat of Le Volume de Chanel.
When we arrive at the airport, it’s still dark! — but no one would ever guess we’re exhausted. All they see are two wide-eyed, bushy-tailed girls. At the security checkpoint, an official looks your way and wonders, “How the heck does she look so alert under these horrid florescent lights?”
Of course, the prospect of frolicking on a French beach with Jeremy Renner (wearing dangerously low-hanging board shorts) could have something to do with it, but it definitely has at least something to do with Le Volume De Chanel.
PRICE: $30
AVAILABILITY: Available now on Chanel counters and coming soon to chanel.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A+ (expensive but perfect in every way)
Cheesy cute or cheesy cheese?
Question of paramount importance for you! — what do you think of these Call to Action Kate Spade bags?
I peeped them online this morning, and I’m not quite sure how I feel. I love clever wordplay, but I dunno about these…
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Hyzenthlay says
November 12th, 2012 at 5:09 pmI think I’ll add this to my Christmas list . . . My current favorite mascara is Benefit’s “They’re Real!” that I’ve been out of for a while. Just bought a new one yesterday, and I’m excited I’ll get to use it tomorrow! CoverGirl LashBlast just doesn’t compare!
Karen says
November 12th, 2012 at 5:42 pmHi Hyzenthlay,
I have a few buddies who are obsessed with that mascara! Did you get your tube from the Sephora VIB sale?
Hyzenthlay says
November 12th, 2012 at 7:04 pmI did 🙂 And a few too many other things – but I got a gift card for my birthday! It is by far the best mascara I have tried so far – every other one I have tried has paled in comparison. But I’m always glad to try new ones, too!
Karen says
November 13th, 2012 at 7:52 amHappy belated birthday! I hope you did something fun to celebrate. 🙂
Katherine G says
November 12th, 2012 at 5:27 pmSounds like a great mascara. I used to buy DiorShow Blackout before the price increased on that one. Right now I like Rimmel Scandal Eyes and Maybelline Lash Stiletto – for drugstore mascaras they do pretty well. I will keep the Chanel mascara in mind, I’m itching for a luxe mascara again.
Karen says
November 12th, 2012 at 5:33 pmIt’s really good. My high-end of choice was always Faux Cils, but this has replaced it as my number one. 🙂
Have you ever tried Maybelline Full ‘N’ Soft Waterproof? Whenever I need a drugstore mascara fix I grab that one.
becca says
November 12th, 2012 at 5:40 pmI’m currently using lancome hypnose drama, do you know how this new chanel one compares?
Karen says
November 13th, 2012 at 7:54 amHi Becca,
Chanel’s builds volume faster. I’ve worn Hypnose Drama before, and I need between 3-4 coats.
Le Volume also seems to do better in the curl hold department.
Marla says
November 12th, 2012 at 6:01 pmI used to be a fan of Chanel INIMITABLE mascara but am now totally addicted to benefit They’re Real! Mascara. Makes my lashes super long and full of volume.
Karen says
November 13th, 2012 at 7:55 amYeah, lots of people love that mascara!
Sunny says
November 12th, 2012 at 6:03 pmOOO I’ve got to try this one! My favorites for the moment are Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill and Diorshow New Look. The GA formula is fan-frickking-tastic, but if I could only pick one I’d pick New Look, just because the teeny tiny brush works so well on my non-existent lashes and I don’t have to worry about smudging it all over the place!
Sunny recently posted … I Dream about a Voyage in Italy with Acqua di Parma Mirto di Panarea!
Karen says
November 13th, 2012 at 7:55 amSounds good, Sunny!
Heidi says
November 12th, 2012 at 6:47 pmI just picked up a brand new mascara just released from Physician’s Formula today so I’ll be test driving that this week. I had some extra care bucks from CVS, plus a coupon so I couldn’t resist giving it a try.
Oh, and Karen, in case you’re not aware, this coming Saturday’s guest host of Saturday Night Live will be none other than JEREMY RENNER!
Karen says
November 12th, 2012 at 6:55 pmWell, Heids, you just made my day. I read that last sentence and my mind immediately went ARMS ARMS ARMS ARMS ARMS ARMS ARMS. ‘Tis time to fire up the Tivo.
Heidi says
November 12th, 2012 at 8:41 pmI THOUGHT you’d be interested in that little bit of programming information! ;
Karen says
November 13th, 2012 at 7:56 amThe J-Renn countdown is officially on. I hope he does a musical number! 😀
Elizabeth says
November 12th, 2012 at 7:25 pmI’ll have to try this. I use LM full blown and it rocks, but you can never have too many mascaras. Does it smell rosy like the rouge coco shines?
Julie says
November 12th, 2012 at 7:42 pmCan you do a post on cleaning brushes? I’m new to make up!
Karen says
November 13th, 2012 at 7:52 amHi Julie,
I use bar soap to clean my brushes. Wet a brush head with lukewarm water, swipe it across the soap until it lathers, rinse with tap water, squeeze (I like to also blot with a dry washcloth), reshape, then leave to dry on a clean towel. My fave is by Burt’s Bees:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/drugstore-beauty-finds/brushes-and-bodies-are-buzzing-over-burts-bees-5-mango-orange-energizing-bar/
Emi at Project Swatch says
November 12th, 2012 at 7:54 pmWow, that looks FANTASTIC! So much volume and no clumps!
Emi at Project Swatch recently posted … NOTD: Hits Mari Moon Unconventional
Karen says
November 13th, 2012 at 7:49 amYes, it’s an exceptional mascara! Chanel totally nailed it.
Tiffany Martin says
November 12th, 2012 at 9:44 pmI can’t believe how fun you make reading a mascara review (:
As for the Kate Spade, I’m with you, I like wordplay but I’m not sure there’s enough to scratch that itch.
Tiffany Martin recently posted … Baviphat Apple AC Therapy Sleeping Pack Review
Karen says
November 13th, 2012 at 7:49 amAww, thanks Tiffany! 🙂
Have a nice Tuesday.
snoopysteph says
November 12th, 2012 at 9:57 pmGAH! I wish Nordstrom had this mascara during their buy 2 get 1 free promo earlier this month! I would’ve snapped this up for sure.
Karen says
November 13th, 2012 at 7:48 amHi Steph,
It’s definitely worthy of stockpiling! I plan to snag a couple of tubes next time Nordies runs that promotion. 🙂
penelope says
November 12th, 2012 at 9:57 pmThat was a super dramatic before and after picture. That after picture sold me on this product. Must try!
penelope recently posted … The Lip Scrub That Tastes Like Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Karen says
November 13th, 2012 at 7:47 amHi Penelope,
It’s a super mascara. 🙂 I hope you like it!
Melissa says
November 13th, 2012 at 2:36 amMascara doesn’t normally excite me except when I find a really good one like my No7 Extreme Length or No7 Intense Volume Waterproof. They hug my lashes with their one-swipe-is-enough flexible formula and never go clumpy or spidery – I hate that brittle, thick-spider-legs-are-coming-out-of-your-eyes look. But oh, Karen. You may have converted me to designer mascara with this one…
On a side note, I had great pleasure in telling my mum (who has epic trivial and general knowledge) that Jeremy Renner is a former makeup artist! Boy, was she surprised!
Karen says
November 13th, 2012 at 7:47 amHi Melissa,
I think you’ll like this one, then. It definitely steers clear of that spidery look — huge plus!
Oh, I’ll have to try both those Boots mascaras. They sound like something I’d love.
Nina says
November 13th, 2012 at 5:45 amThe bags seem a tad young-ish. 😀 BUT Jeremy Renner is definitely adult fare. 😛
Karen says
November 13th, 2012 at 7:45 amHi Nina,
Yeah, I’m getting that vibe from the bags too. Usually I love everything that Kate Spade does, but I’m not really feeling these.
And woo hoo, J. Renn!
Nina says
November 13th, 2012 at 11:22 amHe is hosting SNL this week. 🙂
Chelsea says
November 13th, 2012 at 9:09 amSeriously cannot wait for this to come in at Macy’s! I have the counter manager holding one for me, because she could not stop raving about it. I love their other mascaras too, but this one sounds brilliant.
Kim says
November 13th, 2012 at 9:45 amOoh, you know I’m a Faux Cils devotee so I’m quite interested in this Chanel gem. Of course, I just ordered a new tube of YSL during the VIB sale so it’ll have to wait. 🙂
Thanks, as always, for the delightful inclusion of JR in your post. And a big thanks to Heidi above for the info on SNL. I know what I’ll be DVRing on Saturday night!
I’m waffling on the Kate Spade bags, too. Trending toward “no, thank you”. 🙂
Bristol says
November 13th, 2012 at 3:28 pmI have totally been eyeing up that mascara for a while now. I think I will probably cave and order it sometime in the near future. Also, I did the same thing with all my makeup last week. Got one of those 8 drawer totes and packed it full of makeup and hair products. Now when I open the drawers all my pretty gems are looking up at me begging to be used and I don’t have to pull everything out just to find an eyeliner!
Not really feelin’ those bags.
Honey says
November 13th, 2012 at 6:08 pmHows the staying power Karen? I have oily eyelids and might have raccoon eyes. Thanks!
Leslie says
November 14th, 2012 at 11:32 amI WANT this SOO Bad!! I was told I could reserve one pre-order for next week, I have to know ur opinion, is it better than Inimitable Intense??
Pinki says
June 3rd, 2013 at 2:18 amI think I may have found my perfect mascara. I have been using this for 3 mts now and am replacing it today (I normally use it 2x a day as I go for a run/gym at lunch most days). I agree that one coat is usually enough, I sometimes touch up with an extra coat if I am going somewhere straight after work. I feel naked without it! Plus, it is the only mascara that doesn’t melt in the rain or leave little black goopies in the corners of my eyes. Highly recommended, definitely worth every penny!
Kristen says
February 15th, 2015 at 9:05 amI’m at the bottom of my tube of the Chanel Le Volume and just hopped online to see if I should splurge again or go for something less expensive, but this just sealed the deal for me. Heading over to my beauty counter to restock now. I absolutely love what it does for my lashes and confidence first thing in the morning. Absolutely worth every penny for long, luscious, clump-free lashes!