Expensive but worth it! (Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush)

Member Name: mu_reviews4u

Product:	Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush
Date:	03/02/09 (129 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Nice packaging, Lovely quality, Large range of shades.

Disadvantages: Expensive.

When it comes to blush, I don't typically think that expensive means better, in terms of both quality or colours. My blush collection ranges from Rimmel and Revlon to MAC and Dior, but one of my favourites has got to be Chanel's "Joues Contraste" for many reasons :-)

Currently available in thirteen shades ranging from pale, shimmery pinks (#44 Narcisse) to bright, yet wearable corals (#57 Fandango), the "Joues Contrastes" promise a touch of colour and radiance. The effects gained from these blushes range from 'very natural to very sophisticated.' When used as for a simple flush of colour across the cheeks the results are a healthy glow, but if used in a more professional manner then you can achieve a sculpted, contoured finish.
Manufactured by a process Chanel themselves claim is exclusive and revolutionary the silky and smooth texture gives easy application and promises to blend like a dream.

It is packaged in a small, stylist dark compact with a mirror on the inside of the flip top lid and a small, natural bristled brush is included alongside for ease of application on the go. This is all included in a nice little velvet pouch.
These products retail at £25.45 for 4g, which seems a little excessive but actually does last me a long time, even if used daily as a little goes a long way.

I rarely use the brush included as I find a larger, fluffier brush works better for my cheeks. They apply smoothly and evenly on the face and give a lovely healthy glow that looks almost candlelit :-)
They are highly pigmented and I find that last very well on me throughout the day, especially if I dust lightly with an invisible set powder afterwards. One light tap onto the pan is enough for an entire cheek in my opinion so you can see why a compact lasts so long!
They have quite a strong scent however - rose - which I would not normally choose as I am not a huge fan of those floral, powdery type scents but it dissapears soon after applying and I've also noticed that the deeper you get into the product the less scent there seems to be anyway. This isn't a huge problem though and it definately wouldn't put me off from buying.

I now have three of these;
"Tempting Beige" - This shade gives me a natural peachy-nude colour with very slight shimmer. I love contouring with this one for a professional, elegent finish. Definately my favourite!

"Narcisse" - A gorgeous, soft cool toned pink with some silver shimmer shot through it. This gives a playful, innocent glow to the cheeks - even if you're not innocent in the slightest!

"Candy" - A definate peach shade but with some pale pink tones in there too. This is one is probably the brightest of them all, but still works with my pale skin. No orange in sight, which is definately something I look for / need when it comes to peach blushes.

Although I only have the above three, I can assure you that they are all beautiful and very easy to wear! I have tried almost all of them on on one occasion or another but I find it hard to look past the price tag sometimes when I know I could find a cheaper alternative elsewhere.
But when I do bite the bullet and purchase one I am never let down by them so I definately recommend them!

Summary: I'll keep saving my Advantage Cards points for another I think :-)