Luxury beauty has always carried an air of indulgence, but with increasing competition and new high-performance brands emerging every year, it begs the question: Is Chanel makeup still worth the splurge in 2025? Known for its iconic packaging, understated elegance, and classic formulations, Chanel continues to hold a loyal customer base. But does the quality live up to the price tag in today’s saturated beauty market?
Here’s an honest, category-by-category review of Chanel makeup in 2025 to help you decide if it deserves a place in your beauty bag—or if you’re better off saving your money.
The Packaging: Still Unmatched in Elegance
Chanel has mastered the art of luxury presentation. Each product arrives in sleek, minimalist black-and-gold packaging with the brand’s unmistakable logo. From lipstick tubes to compacts, the experience of using Chanel makeup feels elevated and refined.
Worth it?
If packaging is part of the experience for you, absolutely yes. Few brands can match Chanel’s sophistication and visual appeal.
Foundation and Base Products: Reliable, Skin-Like Radiance
Standouts:
- Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation: Light coverage, radiant finish, ideal for no-makeup makeup looks.
- Ultra Le Teint: Full coverage, matte finish, great for oily or combination skin.
The textures are luxurious, the shades are improving in range (though still not the most inclusive in 2025), and wear-time is impressive without being heavy or cakey.
Worth it?
If you want a breathable, polished complexion with skincare benefits, yes—especially for daily wear. However, for extended shade ranges and innovative technology, brands like Dior or Armani may offer more options.
Lipsticks: Iconic and Consistently Good
Chanel lipsticks remain some of the most reliable and elegant on the market. Options like:
- Rouge Allure Velvet: Long-lasting with a soft matte finish
- Rouge Coco Flash: Glossy, balm-like comfort
- Rouge Allure L’Extrait: High-impact color in one swipe
These are not only beautiful but also comfortable and nourishing.
Worth it?
Yes—for the color payoff, wear time, and statement packaging. You’re paying for both style and substance.
Eyeshadow and Eye Products: Beautiful but Pricey
Chanel’s Les 4 Ombres eyeshadow quads are elegant, versatile, and perfect for classic, wearable looks. But they aren’t the most pigmented on the market, especially compared to brands like Natasha Denona or Pat McGrath.
The Le Volume de Chanel mascara continues to earn praise in 2025 for volume, lift, and longevity without flaking.
Worth it?
- Eyeshadow: Yes, if you prefer subtle elegance; no, if you want bold color payoff.
- Mascara: A solid yes—it performs on par with or better than many high-end rivals.
Highlighters and Blush: The Glow is Real
Products like the Baume Essentiel Glow Stick and Joues Contraste blushes offer a soft, buildable finish that’s hard to overdo. The glow is subtle but editorial, and the cream textures blend seamlessly.
Worth it?
Yes, for lovers of natural, luminous finishes. The formula feels luxurious and looks skin-like.
Pricing in 2025: Is It Justified?
Prices for Chanel makeup in 2025 remain at the higher end:
- Foundations: ~$70
- Lipsticks: ~$50
- Eyeshadow Quads: ~$68
- Mascara: ~$45
While steep, the quality, performance, and packaging align with the brand’s pricing tier. However, there are mid-range alternatives that offer similar results (think: Lisa Eldridge, Rare Beauty, or Lancôme).
Worth it?
If you’re buying for experience, craftsmanship, and timelessness, Chanel delivers. If you’re looking purely at performance for value, you may find equally effective options for less.
Pros and Cons Breakdown
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Iconic packaging | High price point |
| Elegant, natural finishes | Some products lack strong pigmentation |
| Reliable foundation and lip formulas | Shade range still not as expansive as competitors |
| Great for mature or minimalist beauty lovers | Not ideal for bold or experimental makeup looks |
Final Verdict: Is Chanel Makeup Worth the Splurge?
Yes—if you value classic beauty, elegance, and quality.
Chanel makeup in 2025 continues to offer timeless formulas that emphasize natural beauty and sophisticated finishes. It may not always lead in innovation or inclusivity, but it remains a luxurious, consistent brand that delivers where it matters most—texture, experience, and understated glam.
If you want a beauty routine that feels like a ritual, Chanel is worth every cent. But if you’re seeking high-impact pigment or bold experimentation, you might explore newer luxury brands that push creative boundaries further.