If you've ever wanted a Chanel Eye Makeup Chart in colour for easy reference when it comes to applying your eye shadow, guess what? Chanel has reformulated their Chanel Les 4 Ombres eye shadow palettes and created step-by-step colour illustrations on how to apply them. There are four: Natural, Intense, Almond-Shaped and Smoky. (The last two look nearly identical, but I think Almond-Shaped is a bit more about elongating the eye than the Smoky).

Generally I'm not a fan of simply posting press-release excerpts. But the Chanel Les 4 Ombres images and illustrations are so good that maybe you'll forgive this infraction?

This is Chanel Les 4 Ombres in Tissé Vénitien ($62 at department stores), the palette shown in all four looks. The eye shadows are resting on a section of the tweed that inspired the quad. Isn't the combination gorgeous?  All eight quads in this collection are based on Chanel tweeds.

Also used for each Chanel eye makeup chart look: Chanel Le Volume Mascara Noir ($37 at department stores) and Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Noir Intense ($29 at department stores). I've only just got around to trying Chanel Le Volume. I don't usually have much luck with fancy mascaras. But I like Le Volume, which delivers lots of drama and volume, although not the length I get from L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly.

chanel eye makeup chart: natural look

chanel eye makeup chart: intense look

chanel eye makeup chart: almond-shaped look

chanel eye makeup chart: smoky eyes look

chanel les 4 ombres 2014 collection

If a less green palette is more to your taste, Chanel Les 4 Ombres come in eight core quads for 2014. Yep, I swiped the image from the press material too:

You don't really need a Chanel eye shadow quad to copy these application tips, obviously. But when this Chanel Les 4 Ombres collection launches March 10th, you might want to splurge on one if a $62 compact fits your budget.Les 4 Ombres palettes were first introduced in 1982. Over the last few years, though, many new releases were a bit heavy on the sparkle. Glitter fallout everywhere. The new shadows seem much more wearable for a wider range of ages. Shimmer, yes, but in a way that adds luminosity, not years. Do think about trying one if you're in our 40+ club.

British Beauty Blogger has some great swatches and more info on the new textures. Makes me want Cambon and Vendome (beautiful for brides as well as everyday pretty).

If you'd like to see Chanel makeup applications via video tutorial, click here to watch makeup maven Lisa Eldridge (I adore her dramatic look in the last vid).

Have you ever splurged on a Chanel Les 4 Ombres quad? What's your favourite? Does anything here threaten to jump off the screen into your stash?

All images and illustrations courtesy of CHANEL.