I ordered the new Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in 65 Espiègle ($42) online, where I found the photo at left. The shade appeared to be a peachy pink. When it arrived, I thought for a second that I had received the wrong blush. I hadn't. Espiègle is very peach. It's a beautiful color, just not what I expected.Take a look at my photo to below right. This is a true representation of the color of Espiègle. I took my photo in bright sunlight. The color is a light peach, very warm, and to my eye, it has a hint of gold. I don't see the pink, and it's not marbled, as the Chanel photo appeared.
Chanel's powder blusher does have a lot going for it. Espiègle offers buildable coverage with its silky texture, and imparts a flattering radiance to cheeks. This one is not shimmery - rather it glows. The remarkably silky texture ensures an easy, light application and blending. Espiègle is very sheer, allowing you to apply just a wash of color to coordinate with the sultry eyes you'll create with Ombres Perlées de Chanel. It works with the Spring 2011 collection.
My swatch
photo was taken in full sun. You can see that the shade on my skin is just a peach as it appears in the compact. The sunshine makes it look sparkly, but it's not. It's a pretty shade. Is it unique? No - unfortunately not. If you love peach blush, you will want it. If you have 20 peach blushers, you might want to take a look at Espiègle at the counter before you purchase. Had I done so, I think I would have passed.How can I suggest you pass on a beautiful blush? Easy! If you plan to spend your hard-earned money on Chanel for Spring 2011, buy one of the eye shadow compacts, a lip color (still to be reviewed here), or Le Vernis in Black Pearl - the stars of the collection.
You can purchase Ombres Perlées de Chanel at Chanel's own Web site and Chanel counters everywhere.
Photo at top courtesy of Chanel