When news broke before the shows started last season that makeup artist Peter Philips would be giving up his title as Chanel creative director of makeup, we took some solace in the fact that he’d still be the brand’s go-to face painter on campaigns and backstage at runway shows. It was when we realized that he’d no longer be lending his singular vision to its product creation that the pangs of sadness set in, though. There will be life at Chanel’s prestigious labs after Philips, of course, but his five-year tenure there has truly produced some of the brand’s biggest hits, including Rouge Coco, Philips’ brilliant reimagining of Chanel’s lipstick offerings; Perfection Lumière, his foundation update; and all the twists and turns in between, which have included haute couture temporary tattoos, limited-edition nail varnishes galore, and Illusion d’Ombre, the metallic eye shadow mousse by which all other metallic eye shadow mousses will forever be judged.
The makeup maestro did have one last treat for us, however, which just started hitting shelves this month. Dubbed Les Beiges, the six shades of this gloriously lightweight powder are way more than mere mattifying tools to be worn on top of foundation, although they definitely serve that purpose, too. What’s more impressive is the way they work to very subtly contour the high planes of the face when you employ a compact that is one or two shades darker than your natural complexion; act as a lipstick or eye shadow primer when brushed on before additional makeup; or very easily add a velvety, shine-free finish to any pared-down look. Simply put, they’re incredibly multitalented, much like the man who created them.
