Today I would like to write about another piece I picked up from Chanel's Holiday Collection, Joues Contraste #180 in Caresse. Chanel has one of my favorite blush formulas, I like both their cream blushes and powder blushes but I prefer powder blush in general. I am fond of Chanel's baked or non-baked formula alike. They apply and blend beautifully and last very long on my cheeks. Therefore I was intrigued by Caresse and decided to try it out.
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| Chanel Joues Contraste #180 Caresse |
Chanel Joues Contraste #180 Caresse is a light apricot. I have the US-version (non-baked) and I don't know if it will be released as baked formula elsewhere since Jersey was released with no-baked formula everywhere.
Caresse is a very soft and light blush, one of the lightest that I have from Chanel and in fact I can get it show on my NC20 skin if I use a dense brush like Tom Ford Cheek Brush. I like blushes which are not that pigmented so I don't complain about it but if you like pigmented blushes or if you are medium and darker, Caresse may not be a good choice for you.
Caresse is a very soft and light blush, one of the lightest that I have from Chanel and in fact I can get it show on my NC20 skin if I use a dense brush like Tom Ford Cheek Brush. I like blushes which are not that pigmented so I don't complain about it but if you like pigmented blushes or if you are medium and darker, Caresse may not be a good choice for you.
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| Chanel Joues Contraste #180 Caresse |
A close look reveals some glitters on the brush surface but once it is applied on the cheeks, it doesn't look shimmery nor glittery but very natural. Just to give you an impression of the shimmer degree, it is much less shimmery than holiday shades of last year (Accent) and the year before (Stardust).
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| Close-up: Chanel Joues Contraste #180 Caresse |
Caresse is rather like than love for me. I like wearing it but I feel like it is misplaced in a holiday collection and it would go much better with a pastel spring collection. If you look at the photo and comparison swatches below, I think you can see the delicate pastel undertones I am talking about. If you have deeper complexion, it might look chalky on the skin as well. I feel it is borderline for me. Below I combined Caresse with Chanel Rouge Allure #90 Pimpante. You see, I am ready to skip the cold winter months and jump into Spring already *wink wink*
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| FOTD: Chanel Joues Contraste #180 Caresse |
Some of you may be wondering how Caresse compares to recently released Chanel Joues Contrasted #80 in Jersey (reviewed here). Caresse turns out to be lighter and more pastel. I am loving Jersey, I believe it has the right darkness for my skin tone. I have also included Accent to show you the difference of shimmer. The closest blush I have to Caresse must be Giorgio Armani's Cheek Fabric in #305 Dolci, which is a little darker. I really like Dolci and prefer it over Caresse for my skin tone.
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| Chanel Joues Contraste #180 Caresse vs. #84 Accent, #80 Jersey, Giorgio Armani #305 Dolci |
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| Chanel Joues Contraste #180 Caresse vs. #84 Accent, #80 Jersey, Giorgio Armani #305 Dolci |
Final thoughts: Chanel Joues Contraste #180 Caresse is best for fair ladies and those who like pastel tones on the cheeks. Starting from medium skin tones this blush may not show or look chalky so be sure to try it out before investing. Regardless it is pretty, I don't think Caresse is a must.
Availability: Chanel Holiday Collection is available in US since a few weeks. It started popping here and there as well so stalk your local counter if you are eyeing that gorgeous highlighter, just saying *wink*.
Do you prefer pigmented or sheer blushes?
I actually like it on you! It's quite subtle but very flattering imo.
ReplyDeleteI've had a swatch of Caresse and the degree of shimmer scared me off a bit.
But if it's less shimmery on the skin it might be a good blush ^^.
Hi Teri,
DeleteIt is really not shimmery, nothing compared to Accent or Stardust from last two years. It is a little white based though so difficult to pull off with tan or medium skin.
Hey Sara, thanks for the review! I tried to hunt it down this weekend, but the collection hadn't made it to my town yet. After reading your review and seeing the swatches, I can safely say I probably don't need it! I am a couple of shades darker than you, and probably warmer in undertone as well. Anything remotely pastel usually goes very wrong on me... I think I'll stick to Accent from last year. I've been wearing it again lately :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sunny,
DeleteI think you are better off with something which has less whiteness to it. I am also on the border of pastel working and not working so this one is really like, well works but it might be more flattering if it would be less pastel.
Yup, I felt the exact same thing! I'm really fair, so it showed up well, but I wasn't in the mood for a pastel peach blush. I wanted a dusty peach. I swatched Jersey, but it looked too dark. Based on your swatches, maybe I should give it another chance and try it on my cheeks.
ReplyDeleteYou know what's funny? My sister, who is not into makeup but likes to browse the holiday stuff, also felt like Chanel's collection this year is not very cohesive. I can't quite figure out how light springy peaches (the blush and IdO) tie in with the grey palette and platinum highlighter.
Hi Christina,
Deleteif you are really fair, this one would look nice on you but yes it has that pastel hue so you might like it maybe once the Spring knocks on the door? ;-)
I agree with your sister, there are like two themes mixed in the collection and wished they would work together. I tried many ways to incorporate that eye shadow palette with the peach blush etc. nope, not that pretty...
It's much lighter than I expected, but it's brings a very soft yet natural flush to your cheeks, lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes not that bad but wished it would be a little deeper to show up better.
DeleteYes, its very light so I am afraid not for me. I am a NC/NW20-23 so think this is too light for me.
ReplyDeleteI think it would show up on your skin tone. Maybe not too much but as a natural flush.
DeleteThese are all so very pretty! Love every level of color. I think I want them all :)
ReplyDeleteHi Judith, they will be released soon, hope you enjoy them.
DeleteOh it does look pretty on you! Although I'm pretty fair as well, seeing it reminds me of colors I used to wear ages ago so it's kinda been there done that iykwim. Jersey would be more my cup of tea atm! :)
ReplyDelete