Chanel's Fall 2016
Le Rouge Collection N°1 has a mantra, "Let Red Rule." Indeed it does, Chanel's Global Creative Makeup and Colour Designer Lucia Pica gave free reign to the power of red in her debut collection for face, eyes, lips, nails, and cheeks. At first I cringed, but as I started to play with the colors, I became smitten with their flexibility and expression of the perfect color for fall and winter.
The display will grab you. It shows red (mostly) in all of its incarnations. Red has an association with power, desirability, and femininity - something it has always had and never lost. Those with my fair coloring have to be careful with it. Although makeup artists disagree, I always feel like I'm a few degrees off kilter when I wear it on my face. Nevertheless, Nicky, the Chanel Product Specialist at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, talked me into trying the blush, and as she applied it lightly on my cheeks, it was an instant hit. Without the tryout, you never could have convinced me I could wear this shade of red on my face.
Rouge Profond (#320, $45) offers buildable coverage, from natural to dramatic, and imparts a
flattering radiance to the cheeks. It has a remarkably silky texture that ensures easy
application of seamless color. Applied high on the cheekbone, or near
the eyes (but not too close), it instantly lifts and softens the face for a more youthful
look. Immediately after Nicki applied it to my face, I got a compliment from a shopper at another counter on how good I looked. That certainly sealed the deal.
As you can see in my photo immediately above, the color is intense. As usual, my photo, taken in full sun, shows the true color of the blush. Chanel's photo, right above, is too coral.
I took my swatch photo, applying the blush heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator in a stripe at the top of my arm, and then smudging what was left on the applicator into a circle below. I can achieve a much lighter look with a blush brush, but I wanted you to see a heavy application to understand the true color of Rouge Profond.
The red tone is hard for me to describe. I'd say it's neutral - neither cool nor warm - with a tiny touch of brick in dark lighting scenarios. The lighter swatch above shows that the blush actually makes you look like you pinched your cheeks to draw out your own coloring. It's a beautiful shade for fall and will accentuate your wardrobe choices.
Had you told me I would purchase Rouge Profond, I would have scoffed. In Nicki's expert hands, it looked like it was made for me. I am thrilled with it. I also purchased the nude lipstick and the eye shadow quad. I'll show you both when I can get photos.
Le Rouge Collection N°1 has arrived at Chanel counters. For those of you who don't have easy access to one, please call Nicky Hashemi at (202) 966-9700. Ask for the Chanel counter. If you want to order online, just hop over to this
Chanel link.
Photos at top courtesy of Chanel; other photos by Best Things in Beauty
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8 comments:
Oooh, this is the review I have been waiting for! Look forward also to the review of the eyeshadow quad!
I'd love to see how this looked on your face CG. I thought this blush would be over the top for me, but think that using an ultra light touch combined with my Les Beiges 10 or 20, it could be a beautiful balance to the red lip colors. This is the first time in quite a while that I've been so smitten with a Chanel collection that I've felt the need to purchase more than one item, but this one has so many beautiful items that color and texture wise are just my cup of tea. What's in my haul? the C&E quad, Agape eyeliner, Rouge Allure Velvet in Rouge Feu and Rouge Vie, and just ordered Rouge Profond from Bergdorfs since it was sold out at my local Chanel counters. According to the Chanel.com site, the quad and Rouge Profond aren't limited edition, but my local SA says they are, and most of the items are flying off the shelf - at least here!
Hello CG!
This blush is beautiful and I heard a faint sound as I read your post...calling my name as if summoning me to buy...
This is a must have for Fall. Can't wait to see your eyeshadow swatches.
Wow, Charleston girl, just WOW! I hate to say I told you so, but I did! That blush is gorgeous! Nobody should be afraid of it! I now worship at the shrine of Lucia Pica! So glad you have the blush!
Another thought: Do not think this blush would be over the top for you, Nan. It applies lightly, not clownish. But here is what I recommend: Apply it once, then wipe the excess off either with a clean CHANEL blush brush or a simple cotton pad. Then, the next time you apply it, simply use the brush in the compact itself without swiping it over the pan of color. There will be enough to fire your soul but leave you feeling good about it.
Hi Nemo -
That's a good idea - thanks for the tip! I did get to try the tester at my local Nordies, but the SA was a little heavy handed and I hesitated. Of course when I changed my mind and went back - poof! sold out! No matter, it's on the way to me and I'll follow your advice when it arrives on Monday. Like you, I'm over the moon with this collection and can't wait to see more from Lucia Pica
The best way to take color intensity out of your blush is to go over it with your foundation. Loyd Cassler taught me that trick. It leaves a very even, but lighter finish. Cotton balls often leave uneven coverage unless you are really good at it.
That color scares me. I have a lot of pink pigment in my skin. This "red" just might put me over the top! As they say so nicely I am "high colored."
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