So did I really feel costly sporting a £205 lipstick? The straightforward reply is sure. Chanel 31 Le Rouge is weighty to the contact, smells of cash (properly, gardenia, however you already know what I imply) and appears like the kind of product your cool graphic designer boyfriend would respect.

However is it price it? That is tougher to reply. Take away the rose-tinted glasses and £140 is barely obscene for only a lipstick case, irrespective of how fantastically crafted, particularly in the price of residing disaster. I additionally should admit that the refills (£65 every) are unnecessarily expensive, given they’re twice as costly as that of a daily Chanel lipstick refill.

That mentioned, nonetheless, there is not any denying that the psychology of luxurious will make Chanel 31 Le Rouge catnip for die-hard magnificence and trend followers. The truth that every shade captures a second in Coco Chanel’s life means it might even be thought-about a purse-friendly second finest to the long-lasting tweed jacket, the place each sew speaks to the heritage of the Home.

However perhaps there’s additionally one thing extra significant at play right here. On the launch, a fellow magnificence editor took a very long time swatching every shade till she’d discovered the right one. After I requested her about it, she defined that this lipstick is so particular, she’s going to put it aside for her wedding ceremony day after which hand it all the way down to her future daughter or daughter-in-law on her special occasion.

Maybe it is a extra sensible approach to take a look at the Chanel 31 Le Rouge lipsticks – as a purchase order to mark a milestone or a special day somewhat than one thing that is going to loll round on the underside of your on a regular basis make-up bag.

I keep in mind when my nice aunt died she left me her lovely powder and rouge compacts. All have been in pristine situation, the metallic intricately embossed with artwork deco designs, and refillable in an age when soothing your eco conscience wasn’t even a consideration. With magpie keenness, I used to be determined to play with them as a baby and keep in mind the care she would take pulling the compact out of her purse for a fragile noon prime up.

Perhaps Chanel 31 Le Rouge is the stylish, modern-day equal of these compacts – an heirloom magnificence product that stands the take a look at of time.

For extra from Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR’s Performing Affiliate Magnificence Director, observe her on @fiembleton.