CHANEL gets creative, and in fact, dives headfirst into it, by way of this stunning Spring 2024 makeup collection that’s inspired by the deep blue sea.
The first beauty collection from CHANEL’s COMETES COLLECTIVE — formed by creative partners Valentina Li, Ammy Drammeh, and Cécile Paravina — this expressive series is helmed by Valentina Li, one of China’s top makeup artists and a self-professed “face painter”, a term that more accurately describes her craft and aesthetic as one that goes beyond the ordinary realm.
Indeed, Li is eager to share how she exactly she was drawn to explore the rich and vast allure of the ocean, imagining its endless inspiration via the colour blue and its myriad of tones, as well as cherished creations such as a pearl-hued highlighter compact any mermaid would be proud to flaunt.
“To me, the colour blue feels like diving into the ocean. The exhilaration I experience when the waves brush against my skin. In this moment, I can really open up my imagination and let it run free. Blue is the window to the soul,” says Li.
She later tells us that there’s even a peculiar story she dreamt up for this limited-edition collection, inspired by a magical afternoon a city girl spends with the ocean: “Each colour in the collection is intertwined with the narrative and represents the stunning beauties of the ocean that I am passionate about preserving.”
The CHANEL codes of sleek black cases, and products such as the LES 4 OMBRES eyeshadow palettes and the versatile BAUME ESSENTIEL highlighting stick, are no doubt already familiar to those in-the-know, though we personally love how they take on more iridescent, blue-tinged hues that reflect the glorious ocean and the way light shifts through water.
These are imagery Li is eager to capture too with her colour palette, and like a true painter, she envisions “the graceful movements of jellyfish, the vibrant colours of coral reefs, and the mystical underwater city of Atlantis”, preserving them in glistening shades of blue, vibrant coral, and pearly glimmer.
“My endless curiosity and deep appreciation for the ocean have been the driving forces behind this collection. I hope it sparks imagination and fosters a greater appreciation for the wonders of the sea,” she adds.
Ahead, we hear from the creative on the story behind her evocative beauty series, and some innovative ways we can go about exploring the collection ourselves.
How has your experience with the CHANEL COMETES COLLECTIVE been so far?
Valentina Li: “It’s been almost two years since I first joined the CHANEL Cometes Collective, collaborating with Ammy and Cécile at the beauty studio. Each day since joining has been a learning experience, and I am truly grateful to engage with others who share the same passion for beauty. Picture an advanced beauty school level or an ongoing dialogue about beauty; that’s our daily dynamic. Every day is a fresh opportunity for us.
For the Spring 2024 collection, I aim to introduce a fresh perspective on makeup. You’ll notice vibrant colours and diverse textures in the products. My goal is to expand the ways people engage with makeup and spark their imagination. I can’t wait to see how everyone embraces this collection.”
We love how you’re inspired by the ocean and the colour blue in the Spring 2024 makeup series. What was your thought process when creating the collection?
VL: “I have a story behind this collection, inspired by a magical afternoon a city girl spends with the ocean. Each colour in the collection is intertwined with the narrative and represents the stunning beauties of the ocean that I am passionate about preserving.
Our exclusive highlighter, for instance, features three colour reflections in one. It draws inspiration from the mesmerising phenomenon of blue tears that occur at night. Throughout the collection, you’ll find hues reminiscent of the spring ocean view, the graceful movements of jellyfish, the vibrant colours of coral reefs, and the mystical underwater city of Atlantis.
My endless curiosity and deep appreciation for the ocean have been the driving forces behind this collection. I hope it sparks imagination and fosters a greater appreciation for the wonders of the sea.”
The LUMIÈRE DE L’OCÉAN is unlike the usual pink- or gold-tinged highlighters, what are some ways you’d use it, and how else may we explore the collection?
VL: “In this exclusive highlighter creation, the colour reflection features hues of blue, pink, and purple that shift with different angles and lighting. By incorporating three distinct colours into one highlighter, I aimed to provide versatility for users to experiment with.
For instance, when paired with the Rivage eyeshadow, the blue hue complements the oceanic theme, while the pink and purple reflections add a touch of softness when viewed from different angles. Similarly, when combined with the Coral Treasure eyeshadow, the highlighter enhances the overall makeup look with its dynamic colour play.
This product isn’t limited to just the face; it can also be used on the eyes, offering endless possibilities for creative expression. The joy of makeup lies in exploring it in your unique way and being open to trying new things. After all, it’s just makeup – if you don’t like the result, you can simply remove it and start anew. Let’s embrace the fun of makeup together!”
We heard the BAUME ESSENTIEL is one of your favourite products too — do tell us why!
VL: “Who doesn’t love a versatile product that can do it all? I’ve always been a fan of multi-use products myself. Before joining the Cometes Collective, I spent a lot of time working in Asia, where I discovered that contouring can be challenging for Asian figures. Instead of bronzer, I prefer to redefine our features using blush and highlight.
The Baume Essentiel is a perfect example of a versatile product that can be used on the eyelids, cheekbones, lips, or anywhere you want to add a touch of shine. Its natural texture allows for easy building, and I love how it provides a watery, glowy finish – exactly the kind of skin texture I adore.”
You’ve described yourself as a “face painter“ rather than makeup artist. How would you describe your craft, and what makeup and beauty mean to you?
VL: “You know, defining my own style feels like trying to catch a slippery fish — it keeps slipping away! Honestly, I’d rather leave that task to the audience. I’m still in the D-I-Y phase of figuring out my style, so maybe check back in five years? For me, makeup and beauty are like the elements – they’re everywhere, in everything I do. It’s like the fire, water, and the air.”
Are there any up-and-coming trends in makeup we should know about? What excites you most in the current beauty world?
VL: “I am actually very curious to find out as well. To be honest, I don’t spend that much time on social media or look at the trends, I prefer to stay a clear mind and pay more attention to my life. There are lots of beautiful things that can inspire us daily, but we overlook them because we spend too much time with our phone and less attention to our surrounding.
I do love seeing the diversity of colours and textures emerging in the beauty industry though. It’s inspiring to see beauty lovers expressing themselves through bold and unique makeup looks. The idea of embracing individuality and celebrating differences gives me hope and excitement for our upcoming collection.”
The limited edition CHANEL Spring 2024 Makeup Collection, available at CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty boutiques and counters, and on the CHANEL official Fragrance and Beauty online store.
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