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The good people at Chanel have been hard at work. On top of limited editions and limited releases that make my head spin, they also put in some time for the sake of their permanent line, re-releasing and/or reformulating four shades of the classic Chanel Joues Contraste range.
My blonde friends from Best Things In Beauty and Cafe Makeup concentrated on the three lighter and pinker blush shades: Tumulte, Malice and Pink Explosion. I decided to live dangerously and go with Chanel Joues Contraste in Plum Attraction (63), an intense dark mauve/purple. It wasn't such a huge risk since Chanel has already proven that they can make scary colors like a red blush in a very wearable and human friendly way (see my review of Rouge). A quick testing at Bergdorf proved I was right: Plum Attraction is not just wearable but also pretty.
The reformulated version of the blush is the softer and kinder US version of Chanel Joues Contraste. It offers that "melt on yours skin" quality that has made these products such a favorite, and a delicate micro-shimmer that enhances the look but prevent Plum Attraction from being suitable for contouring (despite what a Chanel SA tried to convince me. Seriously? Shimmer particles when you're trying to shade and make an area appear sunken?). Plum Attraction (63) gives a pretty color that looks very attractive on olive skin when blended. I tried it with various brushes, including Chanel's new blush brush (review coming soon), but my current favorite is Hakuhodo S103, as the small point picks just enough color and the the ultra soft hair distributes and diffuses it along the cheekbone. I'd say that anyone with an olive or dark skin should be able to pull it off. Those darker than me can be a bit more liberal in their application and/or use a stiffer brush.
Bottom Line: I had no idea how much I needed this boost to my blush collection.
Chanel Joues Contraste Plum Attraction (#63) Blush ($43) is already at the counters and on chanel.com.
Pretty~. I don't know if I'll get it as I like the pinker blushes (I already got Tumulte and I have my eye on Malice) but it's very nice!
ReplyDeleteAs for the SA suggesting you use it as a contouring shade, I am not surprised...I find many SAs take me for a fool and suggest strange things or just plain don't know what they are talking about.
It is pretty. It would not be for me, as I am quite fair; but it is a beautiful colour and I expect it suits you very well. I agree with the comment about strange remarks at cosmetic counters at times. But shimmer and contouring are mutually exclusive! I shall have to check out the other colours you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteSo I went to the counter and swatched this today...after Malice I might just have to get it...I like having a diverse range of blushes and lately I've been exclusively using my higher end ones, of which I only have 5 or 6.
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous!! I may have to add this to my list!! Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteI just put 'Malice' on my 'to get' list, now have added Contraste Plum. Excellent review (as always), and I so appreciate the clarified photos, and swatches! ox Care
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