CITYist

Perhaps bolstered by Audrey Tautou’s recent portrayal of the iconic designer in Coco Before Chanel, the legendary fashion house has chosen to go back to its roots with a new line of lipsticks, of all things. The grand dame of fashion considered lipstick so essential that she created a secret compartment within her “2.55” handbag specifically for its concealment. Now, “Rouge Coco,” a collection of 30 creamy shades in matte, pearl and shimmery finishes, seeks a spot in the handbags of Chanel collectors everywhere.

At $30, these lipsticks are as affordable as they are chicly French (color titles include “Ballet Russe,” “Mademoiselle” and “Rouge Noir”). Despite the vintage feel of the line, however, a “Hydratendre” complex to condition lips and smooth application makes “Rouge Coco” not your grandmother’s lipstick.