Time for a little break from Guerlain holiday? I have more to show you, but I thought you might enjoy a Chanel interlude, especially one that's awesome. Why not start with
Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Accent ($43) from the Nuit Infinie de Chanel Collection for Holiday 2013. I had misgivings when I ordered it sight unseen from Nordstrom (fear that it was too brown), but the moment it arrived, I fell in love.
Accent, a limited-edition mauve-brown tone (Chanel calls it beige) is stunningly gorgeous. The moment I tried it, I drew in my breath and considered breaking my rule and buying a second (for back-up) immediately. This blush is a game changer, so I predict another one will be mine when the holiday collection arrives at one of Lizette's stores (I have to stick with my regional Chanel powerhouse): Neiman Marcus or Saks.
I cannot imagine a face that won't find something to love about Accent. Now only will it serve as a blush, it's a great shade for a fall bronzer and for contouring. It should to with all but the darkest skin tones, and even then it might be a great highlighting blush. I don't think I need to tell you "all about Joues Contraste Powder Blush." It's legendary.
I took swatch photos in full, mid-day sun. I swatched at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator, then I used its own brush for the larger swatch below.
Look at this color! Unique? Yes. Subtly shimmering for life? Yes. Gorgeous color? Yes, it's my kind of look-at-me, not my makeup shade. Please do not focus on the Band-Aid scum or the little wound at the top of my arm, the results of a play session with my jungle boy. He plays to win.
I think Accent is the best Chanel blush I've purchased in at least a year - and I love all of them.
It's that special to me. What do you think? Will it jolt you out of
your no-buy, frugal fall and make its way onto your must-have list?
The Nuit Infinie de Chanel Collection for Holiday 2013 will be making its way into the stores this month. It is available at Nordstrom at
this link. It does not seem to be available yet on Chanel.com, but should be soon.
Photo at top courtesy of Nordstrom; other photos by Best Things in Beauty
Hi CG. I've been eyeing this one but was waiting to see swatches on someone with the same skin tone as mine; so thank you for this post! I'm wondering if this blush has noticeable sparkles. I enlarged your swatch pic and thought I detected a few sparkles but it could just be the lighting or my monitor. I love this color so much and really want it, but noticeable sparkles are a deal breaker for me. And with Chanel, one has to be careful since they like to sparkle almost eyerything. Thanks, and have a great Sunday. BTW, I have an almost identical kitty warrior wound as you :)
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to seeing this collection. Your post has me very intrigued. At forst look, I would write this off as too warm for me, but I think you have me swayed- AGAIN.
ReplyDeleteNot that I am complaining :)
So very chic. I absolutely love it! Great swatches, CG. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteRosemary
VERY interesting colour indeed. I'd need to test it on myself since I'm so sallow compared to you, as you know, but it is unique...it's soft, wintery, and warm all at once. Love the look on your complexion!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more, Cg! I bought it up close and personal in a store, not necessarily liking it but bc it is, after all, a CHANEL blush. Well, I tried it and fell in love! It is absolutely lovely! Quite unusual for this time of year. What else did you buy from the holiday collection?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the swatches. Wow it is such a stunning blush! This will be my first chanel blush. I think it would look gorgeous with the red lipstick from the collection.
ReplyDeleteI'm sold. Accent is absolutly gorgeous!! Thanks for swatching. You're the best!
ReplyDeleteI really, really like it. I may indeed add it to my collection. Drat, and I just came home from Nordstrom and Sephora! I picked up a La Mer The Powder and La Mer Soft Cream. My intent was to purchase the regular the moisturizer. Another return/exchange. Plus an excuse to see the Chanel blush in person!!
ReplyDeleteLovely! But I steer away from shimmery blush because it highlights my acne scars. I wish I can wear this though.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally in love with the Joues Contraste formula! I own Malice and Rose Initiale--truly two of the best blushes I have ever owned. I'm thinking that I might want to use Accent as a contour product. Not really sure. I'll need to test in store. Lovely swatches as usual, Charlestongirl!
ReplyDeleteI've been doing a low buy, but was intrigued by this blush, and planning to buy it on a trip to the nearest Nordstrom soon, however your lovely swatches pushed me over the edge. I don't want to take a chance that it will be gone by the time I make my way to a store. This will be my first Chanel blush, and I'm so pleased.
ReplyDeleteI want it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for all your good work. You are fabulous! Love this blog and Temptalia. Always read my 2 favorites!
ReplyDeleteI ordered it!!!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteStunning!! I MUST check this out. You are so right CG, I can see this worn in many ways on many skin tones. The fun has started... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks again, Denise at aeiokid at comcast dot net
Excellent! The only chanel "blush" I own is Notorious (my HG contouring product!), which incidentally is how I discovered your blog. I have been happily enabled since. :) thank you for sharing your finely honed skill of predicting the products that will become favorites. I can't wait to pick up this shade as my first "real" chanel blush!
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone. Just a few notes...
ReplyDelete1. There are sparkles, Deb.
2. Nemo, just the one I'll be posting tonight. Haven't found the rest available yet.
3. Sondra, that Soft Cream is REALLY nice. Give it a try.
4. Everyone, make sure your store has it before you go to purchase it. Not every store has it as of this past week.
I picked this up on Friday when I was at the Nordstrom beauty event. My first thought was that it would be too brown for me, but when I stroked it on my skin, it bloomed into a gorgeous warm rosewood. I was sold instantly! Forget saving this beauty for the holidays. I find that it is perfect right now as the last remnant of summer fades from my complexion. The past two days I've applied it to the high points of my cheeks with a fan brush and then added a bit more on the apples of my cheeks. It's a beautiful rich autumn color and makes me think of apples, pumpkins, spices, and burnished leaves all at once. I'm so glad Accent arrived early enough to become part of my autumn makeup repertoire.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, there was a bit of confusion on another blog as to whether or not there are two versions of this JC. There are, indeed! It has been released in the usual versions for the US and for The Rest of the World :-) Temptalia reviewed the baked version--.14 oz. of slightly swirled product. I purchased my Accent in So Cal--.21 oz. of smooth and even product.
Hi Deb,
Yes, Accent does have some noticeable micro-shimmer. As it settles on the skin, though, it all but disappears. It is very subtle, but it is there. In that respect, Accent is classic Joues Contraste. If you're after something matte, this one isn't for you.
Hi Grindox,
If you love Malice, you'll adore Accent. :-) Depending on your skin tone, the warm rose may or may not come strongly to the fore. I first thought I'd use it as a bronzer until I stroked it on my skin. Surprise! The rich burnished rose really came shinning through so for me this is definitely a blusher. BTW, I'm NC15. Give it a swirl and see how it interacts with your skin tone. Based on the other two JC's you have, Accent should be beautiful on you.
Hi Eileen, thanks for the thumbs up on Accent! MAC pegged me as NW25, but the SA didn't take into consideration that I was wearing bronzer. My guess is that I am more like a NC/NW20 so I agree with you that Accent should be a total winner!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty...I may have to put it on my list....
ReplyDeleteooo! I saw the photos and thought, eh, not so exciting but you've converted me. I'm thinking it may just work very well with my coloring. Darn, I must do some shopping. lol
ReplyDeleteThe swatches are so beautiful! Thanks for doing the review. I have to have this!!!
ReplyDeleteHa ha...I love your concept of "back-up makeup"! Just picturing a few scenarios in which that might come in quite handy. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThis has not hit the UK yet. But I was chatting to the Manager at my counter and she describe and I knew I had to have it. The photos make it look quite washed out. Your swatches help so much.
ReplyDeleteShe described it as the slightly more brown toned version of UK Orchid Rose.
Its gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous shade!!
ReplyDeleteWorth purchasing...we have the same coloring, so your swatches really help!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great swatch, CG! I didn't realize that it is actually a MAUVE blush, rather than a blah-looking, sort of putty on the pan. I might pass this had I not look at your post. I think Eileen is right, this one is rosewood color that will enliven face rather than screaming like "blush."
ReplyDeleteThis is such a pretty Blush.....do you know how it compares to the Armani Sheer Blush #10?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, it's nothing like Armani's #10.
ReplyDeleteWhat Color is this exactly, I cant find beige on the site what is the color number
ReplyDelete#84. Accent is out of stock at Chanel.com.
ReplyDelete