Sometimes make-up crosses our desks that is so beautiful, we can hardly bear to use it. But that reminds us of our grannies, who saved things for ‘best’, stowing things carefully away and not getting the pleasure out of them they deserved.

We’re not like that. So – while it took a deep breath – we’ve dared to dip and dab and swipe what is (even by Chanel standards) a glorious collection.

What first enraptured us were the compacts for the Ombre Première Poudre eyeshadows and the shining gold ‘star’ of the collection, Le Lion de Chanel highlighting powder, which adopt Gabrielle Chanel’s beloved lion as their symbol, embossed in smooth-as-silk, shimmering powders. A touch is wonderful on brows and (lightly) on cheekbones, but we also love a sweep of this across the décolletage, as the party season ramps up. (Click here for the movie on their site on how to use it, including a rocking smokey eye tutorial.)

As you can see, lipsticks also feature – we’re all about Rouge Allure Velvet in No.5, in a limited edition red lacquered case.

Objects to treasure, for sure. But also very much objects to enjoy using.

In other words: life’s short. Wear the lipstick.

£28-50 - buy here

Prize Draws