Chanel’s Rouge Allure lipstick in Pirate has maintained a place in the brand’s makeup collection, recognized for its blue-toned crimson colour and satin finish. Its association with several well-known figures has also brought the shade into conversations about classic red lipstick, a makeup choice that continues to feature in both everyday beauty routines and more formal looks.
Introduced in 2006, Chanel’s Rouge Allure line features a distinctive lipstick case that opens with a simple press at its base. Its presentation became part of the collection’s identity, combining a black exterior with gold detailing. Over time, the range has included different colours and finishes, with Pirate emerging as one of its recognisable red options.

Photo: Chanel
Listed as shade 99, Pirate is a soft blue-toned red. Its colour sits within the cooler end of the red spectrum, offering an alternative to orange-based and warmer crimson shades.
Pirate was included in Chanel’s 2012 Rouge Allure colour offering, which featured several interpretations of red alongside pink, beige, orange and brown options. It appeared alongside shades such as Incandescente, Coromandel, Palpitante and Passion, each offering a different take on colour. The collection also included a coordinating Le Vernis nail polish in shade 08 Pirate, extending the colour beyond the lips.

Photo: Chanel
The lipstick has been associated with actresses including Keira Knightley, Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz and Lupita Nyong’o. Taylor Swift has also worn the shade, pairing it with MAC’s Ruby Woo for her on-tour makeup.
Beyond its colour, the Rouge Allure formula is another defining feature of the product. Chanel describes the lipstick as a luminous, intense lip colour with a silky texture and satin effect, its formula contains a high concentration of fine pigments, alongside a vitamin E derivative and a blend of coconut and castor oils.
The satin finish gives Pirate a soft sheen that enhances the depth of its crimson colour while maintaining an even, smooth appearance on the lips. Its silky texture allows the colour to glide on easily, leaving a luminous finish without excessive shine.

Photo: Chanel
CHANEL makeup artist Julie Cusson has also featured Pirate when demonstrating the range of effects possible with red lipstick. She placed the blue-red shade alongside Rouge Allure Velvet in 57 Rouge Feu, an orange-red, and Rouge Allure Laque in 73 Invincible, a neutral red. The comparison highlighted how different shades and finishes can shape the overall look.
Its continued association with both celebrity makeup looks and Chanel’s beauty history has helped keep Pirate in conversations about the red lip. More than a passing seasonal colour, it has become a familiar reference for those who appreciate a classic red with a distinctive character.