How Chanel's ‘Pirate' Became The A-List's Cult Shade Of Red Lipstick
In the endless sea of red lipsticks, the fiery oranges, cherry reds, the 'almost but not quite right' shades, there's one that sets itself apart. Chanel's Rouge Allure 'Pirate' isn't just another red in a line-up, it's the red. The one that gets borrowed and never returned. The one you put on before a night out and instantly feel like the most confident version of yourself.
While Pirate was launched as part of Chanel's Rogue Allure line in the early 2000s, its heritage runs much deeper – back to Coco Chanel's own love affair with red lipstick. For Coco Chanel, red lipstick was never just a simple pick-me-up, it was a symbol of power, passion, and polish, all in one swipe. She was famously quoted, 'If you're sad, add more lipstick and attack.' Over the years, this particularly bold shade of red found its way into the make-up bags of style icons like Keira Knightley, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz and Lupita Nyong'o, who have deftly proved that it can suit any skin tone. If they weren't proof enough, Pirate is also one of Taylor Swift's most trusted on-tour companions, which she tag teams with MAC's equally iconic shade, Ruby Woo.
The secret to its success? Too often, red picks sides – either too warm and tomato-y, or too cool and fuchsia leaning. Pirate sits perfectly in the middle, a rich classic crimson with just enough of a blue undertone to enhance your complexion and make your smile look brighter. It doesn't overpower your face, it complements it.
Its following is the kind that major maisons dream of – unwavering and completely unshaken by passing trends. This is the lipstick beauty editors keep stashed in their handbags, the one make-up artists pull out backstage as a two-second failsafe, and the one your effortlessly chic friend swears by. Even better, there is a nail polish to match.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by CHANEL BEAUTY (@chanel.beauty)
Part of its magic is the formula. Rouge Allure has this satin finish that strikes the perfect balance – not the kind of matte that leaves your lips parched, not slippery gloss. It's comfortable, lightweight, and wears down to a flattering stain rather than an awkward ring around your lips. You forget you're even wearing it until someone stops you to ask, 'Which red is that?'
You don't need a drawer full of reds. You just need this one.
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This is the lipstick beauty editors keep stashed in their handbags, the one make-up artists pull out backstage as a two-second failsafe and the one your effortlessly chic friend swears by… In the endless sea of red lipsticks, the fiery oranges, cherry reds, the 'almost but not quite right' shades, there's one that sets itself apart. Chanel's Rouge Allure 'Pirate' isn't just another red in a line-up, it's the red. The one that gets borrowed and never returned. The one you put on before a night out and instantly feel like the most confident version of yourself. While Pirate was launched as part of Chanel's Rogue Allure line in the early 2000s, its heritage runs much deeper – back to Coco Chanel's own love affair with red lipstick. For Coco Chanel, red lipstick was never just a simple pick-me-up, it was a symbol of power, passion, and polish, all in one swipe. She was famously quoted, 'If you're sad, add more lipstick and attack.' Over the years, this particularly bold shade of red found its way into the make-up bags of style icons like Keira Knightley, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz and Lupita Nyong'o, who have deftly proved that it can suit any skin tone. If they weren't proof enough, Pirate is also one of Taylor Swift's most trusted on-tour companions, which she tag teams with MAC's equally iconic shade, Ruby Woo. The secret to its success? Too often, red picks sides – either too warm and tomato-y, or too cool and fuchsia leaning. Pirate sits perfectly in the middle, a rich classic crimson with just enough of a blue undertone to enhance your complexion and make your smile look brighter. It doesn't overpower your face, it complements it. Its following is the kind that major maisons dream of – unwavering and completely unshaken by passing trends. This is the lipstick beauty editors keep stashed in their handbags, the one make-up artists pull out backstage as a two-second failsafe, and the one your effortlessly chic friend swears by. Even better, there is a nail polish to match. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CHANEL BEAUTY (@ Part of its magic is the formula. Rouge Allure has this satin finish that strikes the perfect balance – not the kind of matte that leaves your lips parched, not slippery gloss. It's comfortable, lightweight, and wears down to a flattering stain rather than an awkward ring around your lips. You forget you're even wearing it until someone stops you to ask, 'Which red is that?' You don't need a drawer full of reds. You just need this one.
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