• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To MakeupMakeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

I’ve Got a Brain Filled With Cheese Whiz and a Chanel Quad Filled With Plums: The New Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow in Raffinement

January 2nd, 2013 by Karen 48 Comments

chanel raffinement
Wearing the new Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quara Eye Shadow in Raffinement ($59) on my eyes, from the new Printemps Précieux de Chanel Spring 2013 Collection

Thanks to the 20-something hours (at least) of The Hills I watched on Netflix over the Christmas break, my brain is now cheese fondue.

Even though I could see my faculties deteriorating, could feel the brain cells evaporating, and even though I must have spent half of that time rolling my eyes and exclaiming, “OH, PUHH-LEASE!” whenever Spencer and Heidi were on screen, I simply could not look away.

And now, I feel like I’m in so deep (at the end of Season 4, right after Speidi got “married,” air quotes, in Mexico) that if I were to give up now, all of those 20-something hours would seem wasted…

Or, more wasted. More of a waste. LOL! 🙂

What does this have to do with the new Chanel Les 4 Ombres Eye Shadow Quad in Raffinement, you may ask? Well, pretty soon, at the rate I’m losing brain cells, I may not be able to handle any makeup looks that require the blending of more than two eyeshadows.

Good thing this spring collection quad, with its mix of plum, mauve, taupe and purple, is really great at two-color eye looks…

Chanel Raffinement Quad

I actually brought it with me when I visited my family last week over the holidays and did a number of quick looks with one of its lighter colors on my lids and one of the darker colors along my lash lines. And that was it.

If you’re one of those gals (or guys) who likes a little color, as in looks with far fewer than 18 blended shadows, and plums and purples that don’t scream “PUNK ROCK, 4EVER!” take a closer look at Raffinement.

Normally, when it comes to punk rock colors, I think of brands like Urban Decay. They do vibrant, sparkly punk rock plums and purples really well, and it’s a very distinct, eye-catching look that I like. Sometimes.

Chanel, on the other hand, excels at things like this quad, where they execute colors like purples, blues and greens in ways that make them blend so beautifully into your overall outfit and look.

Like, when you’re watching The Hills, and you see LC carrying a classic black Chanel flap bag (SWOON!), and you can tell that it was meant to be a part of her outfit, but not the only part — that’s how I feel about the way Raffinement looks on the eyes.

When I’m wearing these colors and see myself in the mirror, I see the color there, but I don’t feel like I’m wearing two tons of eyeshadow.

chanel raffinement swatches

chanel raffinement

Chanel Raffinement Quad

Chanel Raffinement Quad

If I were to dig through the cheese whiz of my mind, I could probably find colors very similar to these, like MAC Satin Taupe, and maybe — oh, gawd, what’s that dark plum…? I think it’s called Sketch?

But you get certain things with Chanel. You get ease of use, powders that don’t suffer from fallout, and products that last through the day. You also get to feel elegant and pampered in ways that you don’t always get from other brands.

PRICE: $59
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Chanel counters, boutiques and chanel.com
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+/A- (great quality, luxurious packaging and pretty colors, but you can find similar colors in other lines)

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

I’ve Got a Brain Filled With Cheese Whiz and a Chanel Quad Filled With Plums: The New Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow in Raffinement / Originally published January 2nd, 2013

There are 48 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Chanel, Eyes, Makeup, Product Reviews

The products in this entry were provided by the manufacturer for consideration. For information about my posting policy, please see my Disclaimer.

Previous Post: May I Present to You the Flexible, Lightweight Zella Quilted Frame Clutch?
Next Post: Dior’s Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara Has Some Serious Curve Appeal

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Icaria says

    January 2nd, 2013 at 5:08 pm

    Beautiful quad but you’re right, easy to dupe. I have similar shades already since I find they go well on green eyes. 😀

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:51 am

      Hi Icaria,

      Green-eyed girls look great in purple. 🙂 Hope your 2013 has been wonderful so far!

      Reply
  2. Janet ODell says

    January 2nd, 2013 at 5:15 pm

    I LOVE your kitty cat. He looks exactly like my Charley. I have four. Love my kittybabies.

    That quad is gorgeous. I have green eyes and always wear some shade of purple. Will check it out this weekend.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:50 am

      Hi Janet,

      Lucky you! I would love four cats, but Tabs insists on being the only “child.” 🙂 How old is your Charley? Tabs is six.

      Reply
  3. Leah @ Mile High Beauty Blog says

    January 2nd, 2013 at 5:16 pm

    Looks like I have another Chanel Quad to add to my ridiculous collection.
    Leah @ Mile High Beauty Blog recently posted … And The Winners Are….

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:49 am

      Hi Leah,

      YES! Do you collect Chanel quads? Please tell me you have Mystic Eyes.

      Reply
      • Leah @ Mile High Beauty Blog says

        January 3rd, 2013 at 11:40 am

        Do I have Mystic Eyes…. YES!!! It is my absolute favorite. I probably wear some combo of it at least 3 times a week. I don’t know what I’d do without it.
        Leah @ Mile High Beauty Blog recently posted … Happy New Year! Make Your Skin a Priority this Year!

        Reply
  4. lovenailpolish says

    January 2nd, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    These are super pretty on you.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:46 am

      Thanks! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Becca @ The Beauty Sample says

    January 2nd, 2013 at 5:31 pm

    Pretty pretty pretty! I had originally decided just to get the 2 cheek products from this collection but then decided I couldn’t live without Raffinement. It WILL be mine tomorrow! Muahahahaa!! 😛
    Becca @ The Beauty Sample recently posted … 12 Things for 2012!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:46 am

      Sweet! Let me know what you think of it.

      Reply
  6. Katherine G says

    January 2nd, 2013 at 5:38 pm

    That is a beautiful quad. Lately, because I am looking for good neutrals, I am attracted to stuff like that. I will always be attracted to the bright, sparkly, and different, but good neutrals are hard to come by. Especially when they come in soft shades of purple, pink, and taupe. You look amazing, and my addictions lately have been old seasons of the Real Housewives of New York, Army Wives, and the West Wing.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:45 am

      Hi Katherine G,

      If you find any must-have neutrals please let me know.

      By the way, I hope you’re feeling better and that you had a good NYE.

      Reply
      • Katherine G says

        January 3rd, 2013 at 9:03 am

        A good one I’ve used lately for any interviews or times where I have to look professional and neutral is the Maybelline Illuminating Lights quad in Rose Lights (warm, shimmery pinks similar to blush that brighten eyes but keep it neutral and not overdone). I’m attracted to warm neutrals because my skin has a lot of olive in it from the Italian side, even when I’m pale in the winter. Another good neutral is UD’s Midnight Cowboy 24/7 eye shadow stick – I’ve used that one for interviews a lot because it brightens the eyes without adding tons of color. Hope you had a good NYE, too 🙂

        Reply
  7. karenkay says

    January 2nd, 2013 at 5:42 pm

    You also get to feel elegant and pampered in ways that you don’t always get from other brands. – i can so relate to this! my hubby frowns when i buy premium (pricey) make up, he even shows me pics of typhoon victims at home (PH), to make me feel guilty 🙁 but but chanel make me feel special you know..

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:43 am

      Hi Karenkay,

      It does make you feel special. What are your Chanel must-haves?

      Reply
      • karenkay says

        January 3rd, 2013 at 10:57 pm

        Perfection Lumiere is my special occasions foundation. I work as a telephone operator and it’s a bleh job, my Rouge Allure lipstick gives me something to look forward to in my day. yup! i’m vain 🙂

        Reply
  8. Tracy@Beauty Reflections says

    January 2nd, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    Looks like a nice neutral quad for sure and I’m a sucker for plummy browns. But I know I have something similar in the stash for sure! It does look lovely on you!
    I just rewatched Firefly on Netflix! Still don’t get why it was canceled. Oh well.
    I think I’m going to start watching Merlin next!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:42 am

      I remember you saying that you were going to do that. It’s a good show! Have you seen the movie? I totally cried.

      Reply
  9. sillylilacs says

    January 2nd, 2013 at 6:20 pm

    I just saw this today when I was out shopping! 😀 It’s so pretty, I swatched and fell head over heels. Buuut then I realized that I had similar shades. I don’t think this quad is limited edition, so perhaps one day! 😉
    sillylilacs recently posted … 2013 New Years Resolutions: Health and Fitness Edition!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:41 am

      Yes! 🙂 Hopefully someday soon.

      Reply
  10. Gotham Polish says

    January 2nd, 2013 at 6:29 pm

    Oh my these look absolutely stunning on you!
    Gotham Polish recently posted … A New Year

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:40 am

      Thanks, Gotham Polish!

      Reply
  11. Liz says

    January 2nd, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    This look on you is very classy! I do not own any Chanel products but you sure make this one sound great!
    Liz recently posted … Beauty Confession #2: Sunscreen

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:40 am

      Thanks, Liz. 🙂 Have a nice day!

      Reply
  12. steph b says

    January 2nd, 2013 at 8:05 pm

    I bought this the day of a holiday party so excited to wear it. Got home and they’d given me the wrong quad. When I returned it, they were out of this one. I really need to go pick it up. These are my best colors. The very first counter makeover I got was Lancôme with my mom. Got a gorgeous duo with a dirty gold and a plum. They’ve been my go-to colors ever since.

    Reply
    • steph b says

      January 2nd, 2013 at 8:06 pm

      How awesome that your blog auto fills in the accent on Lancôme!

      Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:40 am

      Hi Steph,

      This has happened to me before. Now I always check to make sure I have the right colors before I leave the store. Anywho, I hope you get your hands on it soon. And thanks for the idea of pairing it with a gold shade. I bet it would look really cute with something like MAC Powersurge on the waterline.

      Reply
    • Ava says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 8:05 am

      Dirty gold and plum! sounds like a wonderful combo. Now I want to go home and experiment!

      Reply
  13. Sarah says

    January 2nd, 2013 at 11:05 pm

    Love your cute earrings. Colors looks beautiful in swatches. Lovely quad.

    Sarah
    Sarah recently posted … Visibly Clear..!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:37 am

      Thanks, Sarah! They’re by Kate Spade.

      Reply
  14. Chris says

    January 2nd, 2013 at 11:13 pm

    This quadrant looks gorgeous on you. I’m still on the fence because I’m sure there are dupes but these shadows blend so beautifully.
    Chris recently posted … What I’m loving right now: BaubleBar

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:36 am

      Hi Chris,

      Thanks! Yeah, these are GREAT when it comes to blending. They hardly need any effort.

      Reply
  15. Tori says

    January 3rd, 2013 at 3:52 am

    I can’t wait to get my quad! But I’m really sad that they’ve discontinued Kaska Beige and replaced it with Raffinement. Truth be told, Kaska Beige’s shades are just that much more unique and their textures less dupeable so I would rather keep Kaska Beige as a permanent item and have Raffinement as a LE quad. But maybe I’m just whinging because I didn’t realise that Kaska Beige was to be discontinued and didn’t get a backup. Now it’s nowhere to be found. I love most of Chanel’s eyeshadows and blushes (US formulation) but drat their constant discontinuing of makeup items that I’ve gotten attached to.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:36 am

      Hi Tori,

      Kaska Beige is a great quad. Who knows? Maybe they’ll re-release it. You never know. 🙂

      Reply
  16. KPrice says

    January 3rd, 2013 at 5:23 am

    I’ve been waiting to see your swatches. Very pretty. Thanks for sharing – I’ll have to try and find this.

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:35 am

      Hi KPrice,

      I did swatches of most of the products a while back. Here’s a link:

      https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/daily-beauty-cat/chanels-printemps-precieux-de-chanel-spring-2013-collection/

      Reply
  17. IndianGlamPrincess says

    January 3rd, 2013 at 6:35 am

    Oh dear! I just love the sophisticated look of these eyeshadows!! Gorgeous yet subtle! xx
    IndianGlamPrincess recently posted … My 2012 Faves + Bloopies!!!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:34 am

      Yes! Are you a Chanel quad fan?

      Reply
  18. Michelle says

    January 3rd, 2013 at 7:12 am

    This quad is gorgeous, I have it and love it! The texture and subtle shimmer is amazing 🙂

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:34 am

      Hi Michelle,

      Yay! I’m glad you love it. Are there any other things from the Chanel spring collection that you love?

      Reply
  19. Ondina says

    January 3rd, 2013 at 7:14 am

    So glad I ordered this! Can’t wait to get it!

    Reply
    • Karen says

      January 3rd, 2013 at 7:33 am

      Hi Ondina,

      You’ll love it. 🙂 Did you pick up anything else from the Chanel spring collection?

      Reply
  20. Ava says

    January 3rd, 2013 at 10:08 am

    Raffinement is a lovely quad. I love all the colors except the lightest one, which looks ashy/silver on me instead of pink. I found that Chanel I’llusion D’Ombre Emerveille makes a great substitute for the lightest shade and a good base for the other colors. Do you know if Raffinement is really intended to be the replacement for Kaska Beige? They really are not similar at all; Raffinement is much cooler than Kaska Beige, and creates quite a different look. Also, personally, Kaska Beige is my perfect neutral, and thus my everyday, go-to quad. I’ve heard several others say the same, so fingers crossed that they bring it back – my back ups will run out eventually!
    Ava recently posted … Chanel Les 4 Ombres "Raffinement," #39, Spring 2013

    Reply
  21. Jennifer says

    January 3rd, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    Honestly, I’ll stand by my statement on Chanel. THEY DO NO WRONG! GOD, that is stunning! I just got the email for this today!

    Reply
  22. Elizabeth Moran says

    January 3rd, 2013 at 6:56 pm

    Hi Karen love this look on you! In fact I love it so much what other products are you wearing the whole look is perfection!

    Reply
  23. Cassi says

    January 4th, 2013 at 10:39 am

    Maybe I overlooked it, but what lip product do you have on in these photos?! Its beautiful!!!

    Reply
  24. Maryana says

    January 6th, 2013 at 8:48 pm

    What a beautiful palette, Karen. So classy! And, yes, we don’t have to think too much by blending the colors: lighter on the lids, and darker to shade. Easy and perfect 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog
Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

SHOP THE STORE


Long Live Lipstick Tee 💄



Blush Is My Crush Tee



Mascara & Kitties Tee



Thank You For Being a Friend Tee



You Hair Me Tee


Recent Posts

k honest beauty happiness jan 2021

Check In With Your Makeup-Loving Friends…

duri burgundy charade

5 Things I’ve Been Loving Lately

be strong coffee mug youve got this

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 662

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 643

window bed balcony

Saturday Surfing, Jan. 23, 2021

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Featured Posts

Lady Unicorn

Weird Things I Like to Do

brows fill out beforehand

Before You Pluck or Wax Your Brows, You Must Do This

current bare skin status

What’s One Thing That Drastically Changed Your Skin for the Better?

red brown smokey eyes tutorial top pic 2

A Glamorously Grungy Makeup Tutorial: Smoky Reddish Brown Eyes and Vampy Matte Lips [MODERATE SKILL LEVEL]

Copyright © 2020 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.