Hi JerseyGirl, yeah, I just want a perfect one! I have Emerveille, Apparition, and Illusoire, and they are all still perfect after a year, two years of use. As I said, will definitely pick Rouge Noir up at the counter where I can see what I'm getting next time I go.
Re the quad, well, it's complicated.
When the new eyeshadow formula came out Fall a year ago, my Chanel SA told me that the little velour applicators were actually the best way to apply the shadows, and I've found this to be true. However, I thought with the pattern and the double C's that the holiday quad was going to be the same formulation as Topkapi and Harmonie du Soir. So I did first go for my brushes, but then when that didn't really work the way I wanted (except for the darkest shade) I tried the little velour applicators. It seemed the same to me. Maybe this quad is supposed to be applied wet? That's one thing I did not try. I might do that tomorrow. I'm getting ready to grab a book and climb in bed tonight.
And yes, so many shadows, not enough eyelids. LOL