Chanel Eyeshadow Quad: Raffinement (Printemps Precieux de Chanel Spring 2013 Makeup Collection)

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow Raffinement (available here) - $59

One essential compact offers unlimited eye looks, with shade combinations that range from matte to satin to shimmer.  This versatile smudge-proof formula can be applied dry for subtle shading or dampened for more intense colour, all with long-wearing results in even extreme climates. Dermatologist tested.  Chanel Eyeshadow Quad Raffinement is part of the Printemps Precieux de Chanel Spring 2013 Makeup Collection.

On my eyes:  Chanel Eyeshadow Quad in Raffinement
(used the taupe-brown shade on the top left all over eyelid and along the lower lash line
and a bit of the lower right dark brown shade on the corners)
Also used:  Chanel Brun Intense along lashline,
Chanel Joues Contraste blush in Frivole (also part of the spring 2013 makeup collection),
L'Oreal lipstick in Nature's Blush

Chanel Eyeshadow Quad - Raffinement
(This photo is a better representation of the actual color of the quad than the others in this post)

Ever since I bought my first Chanel makeup (a pressed powder, I think) about 3 years ago, I have found a lot of products to love in this brand, but one thing I had decided never ever to buy again was Chanel's eyeshadow quad!  In India, the eye shadow quads are round pans - baked versions - and for the life of me I cannot understand why Chanel sells such overpriced, underpigmented...okay, enough of the rant - you get the point, don't you?  I do not like them.  Turns out, the US versions - squares - are a whole different species, softer, much better color payoff, and generally very beautiful!  With it's mix of lovely, neutral, brown shades, Raffinement - the new eye shadow quad in Chanel's spring lineup - was an instant must-have for me.

Chanel Eyeshadow Quad - Raffinement
The top left shade - a taupe brown and the lower right dark brown shade are my favorites.  The top right shade is a pale beige, and I could use it as a highlighting shade.  The Chanel SA recommended using this as a base with one of the darker colors layered over it for daytime looks, and it looked lovely on her lighter skin tone but doesn't work for me.  The lower left shade - a medium golden brown - works best for me as a sheer wash all over the lids for a subtle daytime look.

Chanel Eyeshadow Quad - Raffinement - Swatches
(L to R):  Top left, top right, lower right, lower left.
The lower left shade (the last swatch) almost matches my skin tone and I love using it as an all-over lid color.  The top right shade - the lightest of the 4 - looks a bit too ashy on my skin, though I can use it to highlight my brow bone or on the inner corner of the eye.

Overall, Chanel Raffinement is a quad for those who love neutral brown eye shadows and prefer simpler, subtle makeup. The colors are not unique and in fact are quite common too. The quality is fabulous, and for someone like me who can never have enough browns, this is a perfect pick. These are colors I feel comfortable using on a daily basis any time of the year, and this would also make a perfect travel palette. The shimmer in the shadows is very, very fine and grown-up, and also very office appropriate, imo.

Chanel Eyeshadow Quad - Raffinement - FOTD

Chanel Eyeshadow Quad Raffinement.
Used the dark brown shade as a base and patted the taupe brown over the center of the lid.  The quad does have a hint of plum/mauve to it, and I think it's a bit more obvious when used this way, at least on me.
The light was a mix of fading, natural evening light and a little help from indoor lighting, so please ignore all that extra-light on my face :P

Sabrina from TheBeautyLookBook has some lovely comparisons with Kaska Beige (the now discontinued neutral quad from Chanel) and Armani. I was asked for comparison with the Chanel Sable-Emouvant duo, and that will be up in a bit.  Chanel Raffinement Vs. Sable Emouvant HERE.

MORE FROM PRINTEMPS PRECIEUX DE CHANEL SPRING 2013 MAKEUP COLLECTION:
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Polish:  Fracas
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Polish:  Emprise
Poudre Signee de Chanel Illuminating Highlighter Powder
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Polish:  Accessoire
Chanel Rouge Allure Intense Lipstick:  Envoutante
Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss:  Merveille
Chanel Stylo Yeux Eyeliner Pencil: Santal