Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick- Byzantin (Saks Exclusive)

Apologies for the late start today. We've been without our normal internet connection since Saturday's storm that resulted in some serious damage in the area. A huge tree fell just around the corner, blocking th estreet for days before they even managed to remove it and clear up the debris around it. The cable company still has no idea how long it'd take to get things up and running. My laptop is connected through my phone which makes things both slow and spotty, but I really can't complain- it could have been a lot worse.

But back to the fun stuff. The new Chanel Rouge Coco lipsticks are worth the love they've been getting across the blogsphere. The new formula is creamy and comfortable while feeling very light. Gone are the days of goopy, greasy lipsticks. This is a lightly moisturizing, intensely pigmented with a satiny finish and a decent staying power (sipping from a water bottle doesn't affect the lipstick). The dark colors do require some prep, and since I've been fighting an evil head cold since the weekend I also need some extra lip TLC before applying any color, but that's more me than the lipsticks.

I'll be showing several more shades in the coming days, after I finish thoroughly testing all of them. The lovely Sabrina from The Beauty Look Book is focusing on the lighter colors while I'm, as always, all about the reds and plums. Thus, Byzantin, which is exclusive to Saks, was the one that grabbed my attention instantly. It's a medium red berry- strong but not over-the-top. I went to Saks several weeks ago between snow storms (hard to believe now that spring seems to have arrived), wearing a very nude and muted look that seemed to fit the gray surrounding outside. But the harsh light in the store (when are they going to design appropriate lighting for the beauty departments?) made me look all washed out and tired. Hannah, the beautiful and helpful SA, immediately made me try Byzantin and it made all the difference in the world. It can be worn easily even for the office when you keep everything else minimal, and of course everywhere else.

The photos show the color both indoors and in full sun. All were taken by me.

Chanel Rouge Coco Lipsticks ($30) are available from all decent department store as well as from Chanel.com. Byzantin is a Saks Fifth Avenue exclusive, online and in store. I bought it at my local mall.