When I think of Chanel, one word comes to mind: chic. No other could describe the brand that literally created the “little black dress.” From its iconic intertwined logo to its cutting-edge, yet classic fashions, Chanel knows how to package luxury, and that extends to its beauty products, too. Chanel all but sets the standard for luxury makeup, fragrances and skin care; all found backstage at fashion weeks around the globe and on the faces of numerous celebrities on every red carpet in Hollywood and beyond.
With legendary scents, eyeliners that don’t budge, bronzers that create a tropical glow in seconds and lipsticks with stunning color payoff, Chanel’s arsenal of high-quality makeup deserves all the accolades. Here are 13 of the best Chanel makeup and fragrance products that work for any occasion and are absolutely worth treating yourself to.
No. 5 Eau de Parfum Spray ($172)
Technically not “makeup,” but there is no “best of Chanel” list without Chanel No. 5. It’s a scent so iconic, I’d wager the gold bottle is the first that pops into minds when thinking of perfume. Worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe, the complex, full-bodied fragrance is bold and epitomizes elegance, thanks to notes of florals, citrus, vanilla and bourbon.
Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color ($32)
When Chanel says “longwear” they mean it. Every shade in this 30+ color collection stays put for longer than your average nail polish (that means no chipping on day two). Plus, the high-shine finish (even without base and topcoats) is unrivaled. We especially love “Ballerina,” a perfect nude pink (pictured here) and “Pirate,” a classic dark red.
Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream ($60)
Jennifer Garner credits this cream-gel bronzer for bringing her “back to life,” and it’s easy to see why. All three shades delivers a sun-kissed, warm and, most importantly, non-orangey glow that’s easiy to build and easy to blend. If creamy, melts-into-skin makeup is your vibe, this one is a must-have.
Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow ($68)
With 15 compacts to choose from (and four shade combinations in each), Chanel’s Les 4 Ombres has a color scheme for every mood and occasion. Each quad includes two medium tones, one deep shadow and one light shade to easily build any type of eye look. The eye palette’s most recent claim to fame came from House of the Dragon star Emma D’Arcy, when the actor gave fans a behind-the-scenes peek of their on-set glam. D’Arcy’s makeup artist used Les 4 Ombres in Clair-Obscur (pictured here), a neutral grouping of beiges and browns.
Chance Eau de Parfum Spray ($172)
The original Chance scent (launched in 2003) was inspired by a “whirlwind happiness and fantasy—a chance encounter.” With notes of zesty pink pepper, jasmine, white musk, vanilla and amber patchouli, it’s unexpectedly sweet, spicy and floral all at once.
Joues Contraste Powder Blush ($52)
Powder blushes are still the most popular texture among makeup lovers, and this formula is probably a big reason why. It’s light and buildable, easy to blend and never cakes. Available in 12 pretty shades, each gives the prettiest natural-looking wash of color.
Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue Ultrawear Liquid Lip Color ($48)
Jennifer Aniston wore this hybrid matte and liquid lip color duo (in shade Light Rose; pictured here) on the awards circuit this year. One side paints on long-lasting color that beautifully settles on lips while the gloss end adds a dewy and ultra-moisturizing shine. “Darling Pink,” a light, soft pink, is another best-selling shade.
Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick ($48)
With eight shades ranging from Translucent to Solar Glow (a bronzy brown), this multi-purpose balm can be your highlighter, eye shadow, blush, bronzer and lip balm—all in one stick. The texture melts on to skin and its glimmering effect reflects natural light to enhance and sculpt your complexion.
Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner ($35)
This gel-texture, easy gliding eyeliner is great for precise lines or smudged smokey eyes, but most importantly, once it’s on, it does not budge. In addition to being waterproof, the kohl formula is humidity- and oil-resistant. Shoppers say they wore it through high-intensity workouts and the smooth formula stayed exactly in place.
31 Le Rouge Satin Lipstick ($195)
When several celebrities wear the same lipstick on the same night to the same awards show, you know it’s something special. That was the case at the 2024 Golden Globes Awards where Margot Robbie, Jennifer Aniston, Ali Wong, Keri Russel and Brie Larson all walked the red carpet wearing Chanel’s 31 Le Rouge Satin Lipstick in Rouge Beige. Larson’s makeup artist calls the shade the epitome of “understated elegance.”
No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm ($48)
Richly pigmented and deeply moisturizing, Chanel’s Lip and Cheek Balm delivers a radiant flush of color in seconds. The buttery formula is enriched with red camellia oil that keeps cheeks and lips soft and plump as you wear it.
Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Spray ($172)
One of Chanel’s most popular fragrances, Coco Mademoiselle is irresistibly sensual and “spirited,” as the brand describes it. With notes of white florals, patchouli, orange and rose, it’s subtler scent is a fresh and flirty take on Chanel’s bolder No. 5.
Rouge Coco Baume Hydrating Beautifying Tinted Lip Balm ($45)
Margot Robbie and Sofia Richie Grainge made Rouge Coco Baume’s Pink Delight the lip color of summer 2023. Robbie wore it to the London premiere of Barbie, and it was Richie Grainge’s wedding day lipstick. Fun fact: celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff was the expert behind both timeless looks.