CHANEL has recently entered a more mindful approach to beauty with the launch of their N°1 range of both skincare and makeup. Upon hearing nothing but raves about the products, I picked up the foundation and a lip/cheek balm to try out but spoiler: I’m impressed enough to want to go back for more.
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HoYeon Jung for the N°1 Campaign
The camellia flower has long been an iconic symbol of CHANEL along with being beloved by Gabrielle Chanel. While beautiful in its own right, it appears that Mademoiselle was very forward thinking as well because as it turns out, the ‘Czar‘ variety of Camellia japonica also has incredible regenerative properties — now harnessed into the skincare backbone of this entire range.
“Nature influences us and in return, we also have an influence on it, for which we are responsible”
Red Camellia Revitalizing Foundation in B30 (CAN $94.00/30 ml, 1 fl.oz) | Housed in a glass bottle with a pump dispenser — said bottle also being made with 30% less material as well as a higher percentage of recycled glass, the first thing that makes this foundation stand out is the fact that the ingredients in the formulation are comprised of up to 94% natural origin. Coated pigments are included for long wear and then combined with a second-skin effect ‘film-forming’ duo, which enables this foundation to not only help even out skin tone, but also adapt to colour match your complexion more effectively. Enriched with red camellia oil and hydrating agents, these aid in protecting skin from external aggressors. The coverage is easily buildable; you can go in lightly for a sheer touch or layer up to get a medium – medium strong coverage, but no matter how much you apply, the feel is always incredibly lightweight and your skin will never feel like it’s being suffocated. Another plus is that the colour never oxidizes (where it darkens) and neither does it separate (ie: around nostrils). This foundation has a light & fresh fragrance; very natural smelling and one which dissipates very quickly upon application — but still worth noting for anyone who has scent sensitivity. What really blew me away, however, is how seamlessly it blended into my skin coupled with the natural look it left behind: my skin, but wayyyyy better and much more even-toned. Through testing, I also found that this foundation continues to look lovely throughout wear — even through a long sweaty tennis match (I take my testing very seriously, lol). Finish type: soft luminous glow.
Available in 20 shades
The above swatch shows how perfectly the foundation blended out to match my skin
Red Camellia Revitalizing Lip and Cheek Balm 4 Wake-Up Pink (CAN $61.00) | Housed in a glass jar that’s also made with a high percentage of recycled materials, this multi use product can be used as blush, lip balm, and even as eyeshadow — if you’re into the creamy/editorial effect. The formula is enriched with red camellia oil and plant origin wax, which provides long-lasting hydration and a soothing sensorial feel upon application. I find that these types of products are best when applied using fingertips, although you can certainly use a brush as well and get an equally good result. As this is an emollient product, it won’t dry down upon the skin and there will be transfer to some degree; that said, there’s still a light stain left behind which provides some colour. Super moisturizing when used as a lip balm, I feel like it even gave a slight lip-plumping effect. Note that this product is unscented.
Available in 6 shades
Seen in the pot, the colour looks super vibrant but as the swatches below show, it applies much softer. The shade I picked up, Wake-Up Pink, gives a beautiful healthy-looking flush to both cheeks and lips, and I feel will be absolutely perfect for the warmer weather that’s around the corner.
I have never been disappointed with CHANEL foundations and what’s interesting is that for years I’ve been matched to shade 30 — and that still holds true with this version. I absolutely LOVE how this foundation both feels and looks and I’ll definitely be picking up a deeper shade once my skin tans a bit. The balm is also another huge win for me and I’ve already got my eye on a couple more shades to add, although I confess I’ve never been a big fan of sticking fingers in pots (for obvious hygienic reasons). Right now that’s not a deal-breaker as the mouth of the jar is wide enough to easily scoop out product, but I’m sure I’ll be switching to a brush once I make a dent in it. Overall I’m quite impressed — and that’s not easy to do — enough so that I’m curious to try out the skincare as well.
Available at all CHANEL counters and online
Purchased products