Chanel Le Crayon Yeux No. 02 Brun: A Deep Dive Review
Chanel. The name itself evokes images of luxury, sophistication, and timeless elegance. When it comes to makeup, Chanel holds a prominent position, and their Le Crayon Yeux eyeliner is no exception. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the No. 02 Brun, a classic brown shade, to see if it lives up to the brand’s reputation and justifies its price tag. Is it the perfect everyday eyeliner? Let’s find out.
First Impressions: Packaging and Presentation
The Chanel Le Crayon Yeux comes in a sleek, black pencil with the iconic Chanel logo subtly displayed. It’s simple yet chic, reflecting the brand’s understated luxury. The pencil feels substantial in hand, hinting at the quality within. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice the smooth, even finish of the wood, a testament to Chanel’s attention to detail.
The packaging, while minimal, is functional. The cap fits securely, preventing the product from drying out. While it doesn’t come with a sharpener, which is a slight drawback considering the price, the overall presentation is undeniably elegant. It is important to keep the pencil sharp for precise application.
The Shade: No. 02 Brun – A Versatile Brown
No. 02 Brun is a warm, medium-toned brown that is universally flattering. It’s not too dark, so it avoids looking harsh, making it perfect for daytime wear. However, it’s also buildable, allowing you to create a more intense look for the evening. This versatility is one of its key strengths.
Compared to other brown eyeliners, No. 02 Brun leans slightly warmer, which helps to brighten the eyes and create a softer, more natural look. It’s an excellent alternative to black eyeliner for those who find black too severe. It is a great option for those with mature skin.
Application: Smooth and Effortless?
The texture of Le Crayon Yeux is where it truly shines. The formula is incredibly creamy and smooth, gliding effortlessly across the eyelid without any tugging or skipping. This makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin around the eyes. Achieving a precise line is remarkably easy, even for beginners.
The pencil is also easy to sharpen, maintaining its point for precise application. Whether you prefer a thin, defined line or a smudged, smoky effect, this eyeliner delivers. Its creamy texture allows for seamless blending, making it perfect for creating a soft, diffused look.
Here’s a quick guide to applying Chanel Le Crayon Yeux No. 02 Brun:
- Prep your eyelids: Start with a clean, dry eyelid. You can apply an eyeshadow primer to help the eyeliner last longer and prevent smudging.
- Sharpen the pencil: Ensure the pencil is sharp for a precise application.
- Apply the eyeliner: Gently draw a line along your upper lash line, starting from the inner corner and working your way outwards. You can also apply it to your lower lash line for a more dramatic look.
- Smudge (optional): For a softer, smoky effect, use a smudging brush or your finger to gently smudge the line.
- Set with eyeshadow (optional): To further enhance longevity, you can set the eyeliner with a similar-colored eyeshadow.
Longevity and Wear: Does it Last?
While the creamy texture is a dream to apply, it does come with a slight trade-off in terms of longevity. On its own, Le Crayon Yeux No. 02 Brun tends to smudge slightly, especially on oily eyelids. However, this can be easily mitigated with a few simple tricks.
Using an eyeshadow primer underneath can significantly improve its staying power. Setting the eyeliner with a powder eyeshadow in a similar shade also helps to lock it in place and prevent smudging. With these techniques, you can expect it to last for a good 6-8 hours without significant fading or smearing.
The formula is not waterproof, so it’s not ideal for swimming or heavy rain. However, it holds up reasonably well in humid conditions, especially when paired with a primer and setting powder.
Pigmentation and Color Payoff
The pigmentation of No. 02 Brun is excellent. It delivers a rich, even color payoff with just one swipe. The color is buildable, allowing you to create a subtle, natural look or a more intense, defined line. The warm brown hue is flattering on a wide range of skin tones and eye colors.
Compared to some other brown eyeliners, Chanel’s No. 02 Brun has a slightly richer, more complex tone. It’s not a flat, one-dimensional brown; instead, it has subtle undertones that add depth and dimension to the eyes. The color payoff is consistent throughout the day, without any fading or patchiness.
Value for Money: Is it Worth the Splurge?
Chanel Le Crayon Yeux is undoubtedly a luxury item, and its price reflects that. The question is, does it justify the cost? While there are certainly more affordable eyeliners on the market, Chanel offers a unique combination of quality, texture, and color that sets it apart.
The creamy texture and effortless application make it a joy to use. The versatile brown shade is universally flattering, and the pigmentation is excellent. While the longevity could be better, it can be improved with a few simple techniques. Ultimately, whether it’s worth the splurge depends on your personal preferences and budget. If you appreciate luxury makeup and are willing to invest in a high-quality eyeliner, Chanel Le Crayon Yeux No. 02 Brun is a worthwhile option.
Pros and Cons: A Quick Overview
To summarize, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of Chanel Le Crayon Yeux No. 02 Brun:
Pros:
- Luxurious packaging and presentation
- Creamy, smooth texture
- Effortless application
- Versatile brown shade
- Excellent pigmentation
- Buildable color payoff
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- May smudge on oily eyelids
- Not waterproof
- Does not include a sharpener
Alternatives to Chanel Le Crayon Yeux No. 02 Brun
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Chanel Le Crayon Yeux No. 02 Brun, here are a few options to consider:
- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil in “Whiskey”: A long-lasting, creamy eyeliner with excellent pigmentation.
- Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner in “(Earth)quake”: A waterproof, gel-based eyeliner that delivers intense color payoff.
- NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Liner Stick in “Brown”: A budget-friendly, long-wearing eyeliner with a creamy formula.
- Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in “Barbarella Brown”: A blendable, creamy eyeliner with a soft, smoky finish.
- KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Liner in “Mad Max Brown”: A liquid eyeliner with a precise brush tip for creating sharp, defined lines.
Comparison Table: Chanel Le Crayon Yeux No. 02 Brun vs. Alternatives
| Product | Price | Texture | Longevity | Pigmentation | Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chanel Le Crayon Yeux No. 02 Brun | $$$ | Creamy | Medium (6-8 hours with primer) | Excellent | No |
| Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil in “Whiskey” | $$ | Creamy | Long-lasting (8+ hours) | Excellent | Yes |
| Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner in “(Earth)quake” | $$$ | Gel-based | Very Long-lasting (10+ hours) | Intense | Yes |
| NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Liner Stick in “Brown” | $ | Creamy | Long-lasting (8+ hours) | Good | Yes |
| Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in “Barbarella Brown” | $$$ | Creamy | Medium (6-8 hours) | Good | No |
| KVD Vegan Beauty Tattoo Liner in “Mad Max Brown” | $$ | Liquid | Very Long-lasting (10+ hours) | Intense | Yes |
Tips and Tricks for Using Chanel Le Crayon Yeux
Here are some additional tips and tricks to get the most out of your Chanel Le Crayon Yeux No. 02 Brun:
- Store it properly: Store the pencil in a cool, dry place to prevent the formula from drying out.
- Sharpen regularly: Keep the pencil sharp for precise application. Use a high-quality sharpener to avoid breaking the tip.
- Use a light hand: Apply the eyeliner with a light hand to avoid creating a harsh line. You can always build up the color for a more intense look.
- Smudge immediately: If you want a smoky effect, smudge the eyeliner immediately after applying it, before it sets.
- Experiment with different techniques: Try tightlining your upper lash line to create the illusion of thicker lashes.
- Pair with other Chanel products: For a complete Chanel look, pair the eyeliner with other Chanel products, such as their eyeshadows, mascaras, and lipsticks.
Final Verdict: A Timeless Classic?
Chanel Le Crayon Yeux No. 02 Brun is a luxurious and versatile eyeliner that delivers excellent pigmentation and a smooth, creamy application. While it may require a bit of extra effort to prevent smudging, its overall quality and performance make it a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate high-end makeup. It’s a timeless classic that will elevate your everyday makeup look.
Whether you’re a seasoned makeup enthusiast or a beginner, Chanel Le Crayon Yeux No. 02 Brun is a great addition to your makeup collection. Its versatility and ease of use make it a staple for creating a variety of looks, from natural and subtle to bold and dramatic. It is a product that will not disappoint!