In 1913, Mlle. Chanel opened her first store in Deauville, France where she revolutionized the fashion world by using a fluid fabric (jersey) to liberate women from the constricting styles of the time – in 2013, LES BEIGES were created in the spirit of that freedom, espousing the concept of a natural, glowing, healthy-looking, and unfussy makeup look:
‘With LES BEIGES, natural is now a style’
Joining the LES BEIGES lineup of face powders and drawing inspiration from the designer’s love of sailor’s stripes, the two limited edition versions for 2015 are Marinière N°01 (not shown) bearing rose & honey hues, and Marinière N°02 with its tan bands of colour in deeper and more bronzier tones. Enriched with white rose and cotton flower plant cells for skin soothing and protective actions, as well as shea butter and a Vitamin E derivative for optimum hydration and comfort throughout the wearing, both powders are also fortified with an SPF 15 as well. There is a soft and lovely rose/floral scent to this powder which seems to dissipate soon after application, but still worth noting for those with sensitivities.
*Please note that the presentation box shown was designed for press/media only and that the powder is not sold this way.
CHANEL | Les Beiges Collection 2015
CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15
Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 (CAN $72.00) | Housed in the brand’s iconic lacquered square compact with the double C logo on top – bearing a full-size mirror on the inner lid as well as an included demi-lune natural bristle brush – the LES BEIGES range of products are made unique by their light beige outer casings. The two bands of colour (camel/beige and deeper tan) of Marinière N°02 are wide enough that each shade can be picked up individually – but only if used with either a narrow brush or with the top of the demi-lune brush; in my opinion, the beauty of this product comes through when both shades are combined (I use a large fluffy brush for overall initial application, followed by a denser brush in areas I wish to emphasize – such as where the sun would naturally hit: upper cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose and slightly along the top of the chin).
There appears to be the lightest hint of reddish undertones in the base of Marinière N°02, which helps to promote a healthy flushed appearance to the skin (so much better than yellow undertones, which can make skin look sallow) and the shimmer is ground so fine, that is serves to impart a radiant illumination that only gets better as the powder fuses with your skin’s natural oils and warmth. In fact, I’ll even go as far as saying that this product looks better after a few hours of wear. The pigmentation is excellent and when the two shades are swirled together, the colour you get is multi-tonal and so natural appearing, although you could probably dial it up by concentrating more on the darker portions, if need be. Those with fair skin will find this to be an excellent bronzer – but I suggest using a fluffy brush for a more diffused dispersal of colour, while darker complexions can go in with a denser-headed brush (such as a kabuki brush) to add luminosity and evenness to their skin (just don’t expect major colour).
As with all bronzers that have a ‘developing phase’, start with a light hand and wait a few minutes before adding more, so that you don’t risk overdoing it. Staying power is excellent, and I’m able to get an entire day’s worth of wearing without any fading or settling into fine lines.
CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15
CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 (macro)
CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 (ingredients)
CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 swatch
CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 swatch (alternate light)
Even more impressive than the regular LES BEIGES range of face powders, Marinière N°02 offers up not just light coverage, but a sun-kissed warmth and that ‘lit-from-within’ radiance to the skin, thanks to CHANEL’s unique formula and ultra finely-milled shimmer. Bronzers come in so many varied forms and while I enjoy having choices, I frequently find myself layering them (usually a matte with one that bears more shimmer) to achieve a natural effect – both qualities that can be found in just this one compact. The only downside, is that this is a limited edition product which is a shame, as CHANEL has certainly hit it out of the ballpark with Marinière N°02 and should definitely look into making it permanent (as well as offering up a few more shade options, while they’re at it). Verdict: absolute LOVE and totally backup-worthy.
Available now but for a limited time through The Bay and thebay.com (direct link included for your convenience), and all other CHANEL counters across Canada. Find more information via chanel.com
Press sample kindly sent for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate link
