Lady in Rouge

While winter is not our favourite season, its saving grace is that it gives us Christmas, Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day—in other words, opportunities to break out our favourite red lipstick.

Though what that favourite is constantly changes, right now there’s only one contender in our makeup kit: Chanel Le Rouge Crayon de Couleur in Rouge ($43 at Chanel counters). As far as we can tell, it’s the brand’s first lip crayon—somewhat late to the party, since crayon products have been around since 2011 or so. So, what’s so special about Chanel’s? Firstly, don’t call us label snobs, but those interlocking Cs are always going to give a little frisson. Secondly, it’s amazing—intensely pigmented with great colour payoff and a pointed tip allowing for easy, precise application. The texture is smooth and silky, the finish is sophisticated and satiny and it feels extremely comfortable and hydrating. And the colour! It’s the absolute perfect red: medium, neither cool nor warm so it’ll suit any skin tone; the kind of shade that makes your teeth look whiter and your skin appear glowier. It’s not intended as a longwear lippie, but it fades prettily to a rosy tint.

Here’s a hint: if you want to give Le Rouge staying power, pair it with our other new fave: Know Cosmetics’ No, My Lips Are Sealed ($25 at beautyBOUTIQUE)—a clear sealant that won’t leave your pucker parched as old-school lipcoats did, but fixes lipstick for hours … through lunch, or even a Valentine’s snog. —Aileen Lalor

chanel.com