Thursday, May 26, 2011

Chantecaille Summer in St. Barth's - Compact Soleil in St. Barth's

Want to look this good? You can with a little help from Chantecaille! Perfect skin and teeth won't hurt, but the elegant makeup is all Chantecaille. The Summer in St. Barth's shades have launched.

Over the next few days, I'll be showing you how to duplicate the eyes, cheeks, and lips from the Summer in St. Barth's look. Today, let's take a look St. Barth's Compact Soleil ($45) bronzer. Olivia Chantecaille (above) is wearing St. Barth's, which imparts a beautiful, sun-kissed look that's light and perfect for those who fear bronzers. St. Barth's is a sheer brown that will leave us pale faces with a natural look, one that doesn't scream, "Bronzer!" The shade was inspired by Chantecaille's Le Tigre Bronzer.

St. Barth's was lightly dusted on the highest points of Olivia's face with Chantecaille's Face Brush - on her cheekbones, chin, and forehead. She's also wearing BIWA Poudre de Perle, which I will show you as soon as I can get good photos.

Don't let the look of this bronzer in the compact - or its photo online - influence your impression of the shade. It's one of the most wearable bronzers I have ever purchased. No special technique, such as a very fluffy brush and light hand, is needed to get the right touch with St. Barth's. It's goof-proof.

Compact Soleil captures the wonderful effects of the sun without any of the harmful effects of UV rays. This incredibly natural-looking bronzer is the result of the latest micronizing technology that creates an ultra-fine powder with a silky, glowing finish. Gingko biloba and wild rose work together to heal and protect the skin, leaving it smooth and radiant. It's cruelty-free, with no animal derivatives, paraben-free, and fragrance-free.

I took my photos outdoors in sunlight. You can see the reflections on the pretty silver-toned compact in the photo above. St. Barth's is sheer and flattering. I decided to use a sponge to apply swatches for my photos. There's a heavy application at the top of my arm and a lighter one below. Keep in mind that I applied both more heavily than I would normally apply the bronzer. I hope you can see that this shade is divine. There isn't even a smidgen of orange in it.

I can see some tiny sparkles in the compact, but St. Barth's applies a gleam - an indescribable glow - no fireworks. That's fabulous for convincing your admirers that the sun-kissed glow is natural.

The texture is the fine, creamy powder we expect from Chantecaille. It adheres perfectly. It has definitely joined the "wear me" pile among the best bronzers in my life. Compact Soleil in Capri had already gone there. St. Barth's has joined it!

After having so many makeup artists apply bronzer to my face, making me look healthy, helping my cheekbones pop, and making my square jawline recede a bit, I've become a bronzer convert over the last year. When you find the right one, you'll join me.

You can find Compact Soleil at Chantecaille's Web site. It arrived at Neiman Macus (where I bought mine) within the last few days, so I'm sure your Chantecaille counter will have it soon. This bronzer is a must-try for anyone with fair skin. Try it; if it's too light for you, one of the other Compact Soleil shades should be perfect. I'm looking forward to the next Chantecaille event at Neiman Marcus!

Update: There will be a Chantecaille event on June 11 at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria with Eddie Hernandez (call Kathy Shoreman at 703-761-1600, extension 3282).

There will be a gift with purchase for Camp Gorgeous, Sunday, June 5, through June 12 at all Neiman Marcus stores.

Photo of Olivia Chantecaille courtesy of Chantecaille; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

9 comments:

Me said...

Yay! I always love to see new photos of Olivia, and since she's cool toned, I feel confident buying products that look fabu on her. Capri is very tempting--though I might hold out on a better Chante offer than free shipping. Of course, then there's the risk the bronzer will go out of stock. Their product does tend to do that! Great review, Charlestongirl. I look forward to reading your Summer in St. Barth's series.

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, Zuzu! That's always the tough decision, wait (and score a gift with purchase) or order because there's a risk it will sell out.

I'm checking now to find out if Neiman Marcus will have a GWP for Camp Gorgeous. I'll let everyone know as soon as I get a response.

Kate said...

Hi Charlestongirl!

You have officially whetted my appetite for Chantecaille products. I am not that familiar with the brand; basically I know the name, but don't know much about any particular product. Do you have any recommendations for products for someone who is a newcomer to the brand? I have been hearing a lot of good things about their bronzers. Anything else that stands out (powders, glosses, etc.)?

I'm excited to hear about the other products in the Summer in St. Barth's collection! Thanks for a wonderful review!

Kate

Diane said...

I am in bronzer overload! I have been tossing around the idea of getting the Compact Soleil in Capri but now you have me wanting to get the St. Barth's instead. I hate making these tough decisions!

Charlestongirl said...

Hey there, Kate!

That's an impossible question. There isn't ANYTHING from Chantecaille I don't love. I'll be showing you the new blusher later day.

Charlestongirl said...

Diane, they are different, with St. Barth's better for fair skin (in my opinion) and Capri best for most other skin tones.

I love them both. :)

Charlestongirl said...

OK, ladies, there is a Chantecaille online special coming up in June. From June 5-12, in honor of World Ocean Day, Chantecaille will offer a free Amaretto Lip Gloss with the purchase of any La Baleine compact. Use code WHALES at checkout.

Lakshmi said...

Hey! This sounds so beautiful... But I guess it's more suited for fair skins than any others. Capri is truly gorgeous, have you tried Tahiti btw?
I can't wait to hear what she has on her eyes, is there a new palette/something to get excited over?? *waits with bated breath*

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Lakshmi,

No new palette. Instead a re-promo of existing, beautiful shades.

I have not tried Tahiti. It's not my color, but would be good for others with different skin tones. I'm so happy with the two I now have, I guess I'm complacent. :)