Autumn’s Parisian Palette

Autumn’s Parisian Palette (win it). Of all the amazing Autumn limited edition makeup collections that have debuted over the past few weeks, Lancome’s has my favourite story. It is so clever and practical, I can’t believe it didn’t sell out the moment it arrived on counter. Here’s the backstory: the French beauty brand invited French model and style icon Caroline de Maigret to create the ultimate Parisian makeup collection. What are her must-have items and most flattering colours. She would share her tips and tricks on how to look chic and elegant with a natural ease.

Caroline de Maigret

“For me, autumn is such a chic season. That’s why I was so keen to create an autumnal palette,” says de Maigret. “These are the shades I simply adore and apply all year round. And the textures I love too. It is a season full of promise, just as summer is coming to an end, with the trees dressed in magical colours, like ochres and browns…” When Lancome invited de Maigret to design a makeup collection for gorgeous autumn days, she decided to compose a complete, ideal collection of essentials. She was keen to use all the little makeup tricks she picked up from makeup artists she always worked with plus a few passed down from her mother. The theme: everything you need for an autumn weekend in Paris, be it day or night – in weekend or work mode.

When starting to design her ideal palette, she reached for her favourite shades – deep, warm tones, browns and rosewoods in both iridescent and matte textures. She spent much of her time perfecting the three shades for eyes, as eyes are a Parisian’s most treasured asset.

“My essentials? They’re all inside this palette with its coours and textures. The idea is to have everything I need in a clutch I can take wherever I go. I’ve really included everything I thought was essential for a woman’s makeup: it what you need for work, to go out in the evening or simply to feel sexy,” says the model. She says a Parisian’s makeup is subtle, yet she won’t set foot outside without it. What counts is finding a quick, failsafe way of feeling beautiful and confident.

You’ll see the palette boasts pebble grain leather, grosgrain ribbon and a silver buckle embossed with the Lancome rose. It resembles a book or diary. Inside, you’ll find:

Four eyeshadows: a matte rosewood, an iridescent bronze, an intense brown and a warm taupe, for a faux-nude makeup result with just the right dose of light and intensity.

A very pale pink illuminator refreshes and highlights. You can even use it as a primer.

Three brow powders to work for all women: light for women with blonde hair, medium for chestnut brunettes and redheads and dark for true brunettes. The range of blendable shades allows for the most natural results. This is a must-have to define and structure the brows.

One blush is designed to be applied with the fingertips to instantly melt into a fresh flush. The result is a silky, velvety finish. It’s light-infused pink pigments fuse with skin for a sheer effect. Better yet, the three brow shades can be used on your eyes. Use the lightest as a base and the other two as liners.

Two expert brushes allow for expert application. A liner and shadow brush features a flat tip to apply and blend the shadow for an elegant smoky eye. The eyebrow brush helps you structure your brow and accentuate the line.

It’s called the Lancome “Mes Incontournables de Parisienne” palette and it is on counter now.  It’s incredibly well done.

I gave away one of these wonderful palettes. Congrats to Kath Glover from England. I drew her name at random from all those who commented below.