Filed In: Comparisons

CHANEL Joues Contraste #84 Accent (LE) – Holiday 2013 & comparisons

December 30, 2013

For Holiday 2013, the House of CHANEL has released a small-scale collection, filled with products that are exquisitely made and in completely wearable hues. While several items caught my eye, the Joues Contraste Powder Blush in #84 Accent seemed to stand out; there’s just something about it … something special, but in a completely understated way.

CHANEL – Joues Contraste #84 Accent

Joues Contraste #84 Accent Powder Blush (CAN $48.00) – A tawny/taupe hue with the barest hints of mauve and peach in the base to warm it up, and bearing an incredibly fine shimmer throughout. Surprisingly pigmented for a light shade, there was hardly any powdery kickback when I swirled my brush in the pan. Application couldn’t be easier as well, as this shade blends beautifully and seamlessly into the skin, while the shimmer serves to add a gorgeous yet soft, luminous glow. Lasting power was quite good – going easily 9 hours before any significant fading.

Don’t let the tan colour in the pan fool you; this is a universally flattering shade that will suit a broad range of skin tones, except for perhaps the darkest – where it probably won’t really show up at all.

CHANEL – Joues Contraste #84 Accent

CHANEL – Joues Contraste #84 Accent (with flash)

CHANEL – Joues Contraste #84 Accent (blended out on the right)

CHANEL – Notorious (left) & Joues Contraste #84 Accent

When the first promotional images began circulating, I assumed that #84 Accent was very similar to Notorious (previously reviewed here), but as can be clearly seen in the photos, they are nothing alike.

CHANEL – Joues Contraste #84 Accent & Notorious swatches

I then pulled out all similarly coloured blushes in my collection to compare to #84 Accent and while a couple looked like contenders, I was happy to note that none had the same tone or finish.

MAC Harmony – close in base tone, but without any shimmer
NARS Douceur – significantly lighter and less pigmented, similar base hue
MAC Garb – peachier and lighter hued
MAC Get-Away Bronze – the darkest, more orange toned and with an obvious golden shimmer

CHANEL – Joues Contraste #84 Accent & comparisons

This is a blush that I find myself turning to almost on a daily basis. Perfect for when you want a light and natural looking flush along the skin, it also lends itself well to be used as a contour, then adding a pop of brighter colour on the apples of the cheeks. Note that this is a limited edition item (big mistake, CHANEL – you need to make this permanent) and still available at counters – but not for long, as the Spring 2014 Collection has already started making its appearance.

Essie Fall 2013 – Comparisons

July 4, 2013

I’m not surprised that Essie’s Fall 2013 Collection has sparked quite a bit of interest amongst enthusiasts of the brand, and since many of you have wondered how close several of the new shades are to past hues, here’s a breakdown on a nail wheel for comparison. The swatches shown are all done with 2 coats of lacquer each (no base or top coats), but bear in mind that natural nails may alter the colour to a certain degree. I’ve left out ‘For The Twill Of It’ as well as ‘Cashmere Bathrobe’ from this post, as I don’t have anything like either shade in my personal collection of Essie polishes.

The reds:

Limited Addiction – from the Fall 2010 Collection (reviewed here): a couple of degrees deeper in tone, but otherwise exceptionally close colour-wise (crème formula)
Twin Sweater Set
First Dance – from the Bridal 2011 Collection (reviewed here): several degrees lighter in tone, sheerer formula

the reds

The Purples:

Sure Shot – from the Resort 2012 Collection (reviewed here): more pink based and filled with ultra-fine shimmer (as opposed to glass-flecked)
The Lace Is On

the purples

The Greens:

School Of Hard Rocks – from the Holiday 2011 Collection (reviewed here): similar formula, more teal/blue based
Vested Interest

the greens

The Blues:

Midnight Cami: more vivid shade of blue & filled with ultra-fine glass-flecked shimmer
After School Boy Blazer
No More Film – from the Resort 2012 Collection (reviewed here): similar formula but several degrees lighter, more cobalt/indigo leaning in tone
Bobbing For Baubles – from the Holiday 2011 Collection (reviewed here): similar formula, more grey based and a few degrees darker in tone

the blues

Last word: Apart from the red shades, the other hues of this collection all seem to be rather unique – both in tone & texture/application, and hopefully this quick chart can help you narrow your choices down in preparation for this collection’s release this August. No matter which shade(s) you opt for, they’re all fabulous!

More information on Essie can be found via the website, twitter or facebook

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

CHANEL #583 Taboo (Limited Edition) & a comparison

May 30, 2013

CHANEL, long the master of covetable nail lacquers (amongst other products), has done it again with the release of their limited edition shade, #583 Taboo. Sure to stand tall amongst such cult faves such as Jade, Nouvelle Vague, and Ciel de Nuit, this nocturnal hue is almost hypnotic to look at; what at first appears as a shimmery vampy hue, bears a surprise with each brush stroke and true to CHANEL’s inimitable style, is destined to spawn many look-a-likes. I can guarantee that none will come close, however.

CHANEL #583 Taboo

CHANEL #583 Taboo (CAD $27.00) – a complex multi-chrome eggplant/wine base hue filled with ultra fine ribbons of purple and burgundy shimmer throughout and with mega colour shifting properties that throw out purple/indigo flashes, depending on the angle and lighting. The contents at the bottle’s neck appear rather inky in tone, belied by the application, which lays down more dark violet at the first coat. Pigmentation is STELLAR and the flow is simply phenomenal, while the final result is of that lit-from-withing glow which I absolutely adore – very much like a banked fire. Mysterious, sensual, provocative and intriguing — this shade is all that, and more, with the added bonus of absolutely no staining left behind upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat (although its rich colour saturation can easily make it pass for a 1-coater)

CHANEL #583 Taboo

CHANEL #583 Taboo vs OPI German-icure by OPI – when I went looking for a comparison shade, the only one that came to mind was OPI’s German-icure by OPI (reviewed here) from the Germany Collection. A quick note: there have been many discrepancies as to the true name of this OPI shade, but my rep still insists that the one I have is rightly named, and not ‘Every Month is Oktoberfest’ as most people claim. Whatever. How the two compared:

index & pinkie fingers – German-icure by OPI: less purple in base colour, burgundy tones more prominent with a finer shimmer throughout
middle & ring fingers – #583 Taboo

CHANEL #583 Taboo vs OPI German-icure by OPI

Last word: I’ll make this easy: you NEED this shade. Unique and totally captivating, completely unlike anything else CHANEL has ever produced, this is one of those lacquers that will have you long regretting passing it up. The application is flawless and the range of colours found in this one bottle ensures that it will suit basically every skin tone and every season, at that. As stated from the start, it is a limited edition shade – don’t say you weren’t warned. Definitely back-up worthy.

Available now through all CHANEL counters.

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

CHANEL – Le Vernis L’Été Papillons for Summer 2013 Limited Edition

May 7, 2013

When my CHANEL Sales Agent showed me the early promotional images for this collection a few months ago, I’m sure I must have gasped out loud upon spotting these 3 beauties – that green! that blue! Once again, with the L’Été Papillons for Summer 2013 Collection (you can read my review on the new Stylo Eyeshadows here), CHANEL has proven why this venerable brand is at the top of its game, releasing a beautifully themed grouping of products that not only embody the spirit of the season, but that manage to perfectly capture the ephemeral – yet utterly brilliant – colours of delicate butterfly wings.

These three limited edition lacquers (each CAD $27.00 13 ml/0.4 fl.oz) come in the iconic CHANEL rectangular bottle with the removable outer square cap, revealing a smaller & user-friendly ribbed inner cap. The wand is an easy to work with length, while the brush itself is one of the best I’ve worked with; flexible enough to splay evenly when pressure is applied, while being neither too thick/bushy nor too thin.

CHANEL L’Été Papillons Summer 2013 – #657 Azuré, #647 Lilis, #667 Bel-Argus

#647 Lilis – an ultra smooth coral-salmon hue in a crème/jelly hybrid formula, bearing intense colour saturation and able to suit both warm & cool skin tones equally. Completely non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

CHANEL – #647 Lilis

Middle & ring: CHANEL – #647 Lilis
Index & pinkie: Dior #433 Délice – thicker formula, higher pigmentation, visible pink, gold & silver finely ground glitter, satin natural finish which can make the base tone appear a few degrees lighter

#657 Azuré – a multi-dimensional teal duo chrome that gives off iridescent green, blue, purple and some scant bronze flashes, depending on the light and angle. Due to its metallic nature, a steady hand is a must in application, in order to avoid any visible brush strokes (which are actually much less pronounced in person than my high resolution images may show here). The paradox is with the formula: the first coat may seem rather sheer when you apply it, but this shade becomes fully opaque by the next coat – just make sure to work quickly, as this is a quick-drying lacquer. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

CHANEL – #657 Azuré

Index: China Glaze ‘Deviantly Daring’ (reviewed here) – the closest colour-wise, more pigmented with the shimmer slightly more defined, a few degrees deeper/greener leaning – 2 coats
Ring: Dior #704 from the Samba Duo (Birds of Paradise Collection) – duller finish, more green tinged, not as obviously metallic – 2 coats
Middle: CHANEL #657 Azuré
Pinkie: OPI ‘Catch Me In Your Net’ – sheerer formula, blue leaning, visibly larger shimmer with ground gold & teal/aqua glitter – 2 coats

#667 Bel-Argus – a complex royal blue chrome/metallic shade with a distinct purple/indigo colour shift. The formula is much more forgiving – both in terms of application re: any visible brush strokes, as well as dry time – than Azuré. Absolutely breathtaking to look at with intricately swirling cobalt depths give Bel-Argus a unique tone, making it almost luminous, in fact. Bonus: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

CHANEL – #667 Bel-Argus

Middle & ring: CHANEL – #667 Bel-Argus
index & pinkie: Chine Glaze ‘Want My Bawdy’ (reviewed here) – thinner & sheerer formula, shimmer larger & more visible, purple-leaning – 2 coats

Last word: I couldn’t be happier with this trio of colours CHANEL chose to release for their Summer 2013 Collection – vibrant, almost thrumming with life & beauty, they are as gorgeous to wear, as to look at. I thought at first that ‘Lilis’ might be have a duplicate in my extensive personal CHANEL collection, but I couldn’t find any with the same tone and/or vibrance. It goes without saying that both ‘Bel-Argus’ and ‘Azuré’ are completely unique for CHANEL – and even amongst the comparisons I showed – and certainly worth picking up as well. My favourites? ALL. And just as fleeting as butterflies, that’s how quickly this collection will disappear, I’m giving you fair warning … run, don’t walk, to stake your claim on any of these lovelies.

I picked these up from The Bay (Canada).

CHANEL Spring 2013 Le Vernis – Emprise, Fracas & Accessoire

January 21, 2013

CHANEL’s 2013 Printemps Precieux Collection does not disappoint, especially as far as the varnishes are concerned. The three shades shown (only #573 Accessoire is supposed to be permanent) have a fairly broad appeal with colours that should fit all tastes, from neutral fans to vampy lovers, but #571 Fracas steals the show with its flirty hue – I see this becoming my summertime staple!

All swatches are with base and top coat.

CHANEL #569 Emprise, #571 Fracas & #573 Accessoire

#569 Emprise – a muted ballerina slipper pink hue with pearly shimmer – clearly seen in the bottle, but appears less distinctly on the nail (in some angles & lighting, you can see an almost silver/pearly sheen). The medium density formula applies in a self-levelling way with a nice gloss at the finish. Coats applied: 3 (very thin)

CHANEL – #569 Emprise

Going through my collection of CHANEL polishes, revealed #543 Frisson (previously reviewed here) to be the closest to Emprise in base colour, but they are still quite different from each other.

index & pinkie fingers: #543 Frisson – sheerer, pale baby pink with pink, silver & gold finely ground glitter, less apricot in the base
middle & ring fingers: #569 Emprise

CHANEL – Emprise vs. Frisson

#571 Fracas – a hot salmon pink shade with extremely fine gold, silver, & pink/magenta shimmer, that once more does not translate as clearly on the nail to what’s seen in the bottle, although it does add some overall depth and reflects well in certain lighting. Good density and flow, self-levelling and glossy, there’s a nice saturation of colour to this uniquely vivid hue. Coats applied: 2

CHANEL – #571 Fracas

The only CHANEL shade I own that bears a similar intensity to Fracas, is #537 Riviera (CHANEL Summer 2010 Collection), although the only thing in common between them is that they’re both vivid pink hues.

middle & pinkie fingers: #537 Riviera – sheerer, a hybrid jelly/crème formula with no shimmer, a truer pink with blueish undertones, cooler leaning
index & ring fingers: #571 Fracas

CHANEL – Fracas vs. Riviera

#573 Accessoire – an ultra rich & decadent deep burgundy hue with hints of brown in the base. An absolutely stellar formula, highly colour saturated, self-levelling and finishing with a high gloss, making top coat almost superfluous. LOVE this! Coats applied: 2

CHANEL – #573 Accessoire

I initially thought that #573 Accessoire was almost identical to CHANEL’s Provocation (previously reviewed here), and while they both share a similar depth, there are differences as well.

index & pinkie fingers: Provocation – grape undertones, cooler leaning, amazing glossy shine, formula even more spectacular (if possible!)
middle & ring fingers: #573 Accessoire

CHANEL – Accessoire vs. Provocation

Final thoughts: With every CHANEL launch, I always assume that the nail lacquers couldn’t possibly top the ones that came before before, and yet I am always pleasantly surprised just the same. Along with a few other pieces that from the collection that came home with me, there was no way I would leave any of these behind, but as my comparisons show, the only shade that is truly unique amongst the three, is #571 Fracas. And with these CHANEL beauties, Spring has truly begun for me!

I purchased these varnishes from The Bay (Canada) – feel free to me know what you’ll be indulging in with this collection!

Filed In: Comparisons

CHANEL Joues Contraste #84 Accent (LE) – Holiday 2013 & comparisons

Essie Fall 2013 – Comparisons

CHANEL #583 Taboo (Limited Edition) & a comparison

CHANEL – Le Vernis L’Été Papillons for Summer 2013 Limited Edition

CHANEL Spring 2013 Le Vernis – Emprise, Fracas & Accessoire

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