CHANEL | Joues Contraste 250 Crescendo

I was immediately drawn to the blush released as part of CHANEL’s La Perle de CHANEL Collection, Joues Contraste 250 Crescendo (CAN $48.00, Limited Edition), a hot pink confection that somehow manages to look both intensely cool and radiantly hot at the same time. The ballet inspiration behind this collection might have also had something to do with it; who wouldn’t want to shine like a prima ballerina?

CHANEL | Joues Contraste 250 Crescendo

Joues Contraste 250 Crescendo | A hot pink/magenta coloured blush in baked powder form. With its signature rose scent (and one that quickly dissipates upon application), CHANEL’s blushes are slightly dome-shaped in the pan, making it easy for your brush to pick up the right amount of product, as well as helping them wear down more evenly.

Don’t let the intense tone of 250 Crescendo scare you off; bright pink it might be, but application is a touch lighter than what you see in the compact, making for a highly wearable colour. There is a good mix of both cool and warm tones to keep the balance right, while the ultra-finely milled shimmer that CHANEL blushes are known for, will help add a gorgeous radiance to the skin. One issue with this blush, however, is that it seems to kick up some powder when you swirl your brush through it and can appear to be sitting at the surface level of the skin upon initial application – something easily remedied by using a denser brush to buff it in. The unique shade makes up for that little setback; 250 Crescendo adds a really lovely pop, drawing light and colour to one’s skin. I was able to get about 9 hours of solid wear time (when worn over foundation) before any noticeable fading.

CHANEL | Joues Contraste 250 Crescendo

I’ve managed to collect quite a few CHANEL blushes over the years, although up until now, I never owned a pink as vivid as 250 Crescendo – making this shade unique in my collection. The powdery nature can be a little off-putting but as I prefer buffing my face products in anyway, it doesn’t detract from my feelings for this gorgeous colour. The slight sheerness of initial application also works in its favour, making it easily worn as a lighter wash for those with fair complexions, or built up for more impact on deeper skin tones. Either way, it’s a stunner and I don’t regret picking it up. As if; it’s CHANEL, and we all know how I feel about this brand #myachillesheel

Available now, I picked mine up at The Bay (Canada).