Chanel Joues Contraste 40th Anniversary Limited Editions

Oh, we feel really old, now. Well, Jo does, because she remembers being at the launch of the very first Joues Contraste, at the Chanel Boutiqueon Sloane Street, with Inès de la Fressange who’d come to London to unveil the make-up line, amidst much swooning over the black lacquer-effect packaging, the gilded logos and the make-up itself. (It is hard to imagine life before Chanel make-up. But there was, actually, life before then…)

And now – cue drumroll – just like that, in the blink of an eye or the swish of a blusher brush, Joues Contraste is forty. Definitely time, then, for a revisit – especially when you discover that there’s limited edition celebratory packaging, adorned with that familiar double-C logo in a rich burgundy shade. Very collectible, we think.

We’ve always love the scent of Chanel Joues Contraste, apart from anything else, with its subtle rosy hints. But the product itself is so seamless, silky and easy to apply, delivering a natural effect or – if you prefer – something much more bold and ‘statement-y’, as per some of the shades in this line-up: Malice, Rose Initial and the rather daring, Marie-Antoinette-eat-your-heart-out Rouge Profond. 

And then there’s the compact itself… Mirrored, and with the most satisfying ‘click’ as you snap it shut. It is the ultimate ‘treat-yourself’ blusher splurge – or present for someone deserving. 

And here’s the thing: don’t tell the beauty police, but you can buy one of these blushers and it’ll be good for another four decades. Which takes the cost-per-swoosh down, considerably.

 £36 – buy here

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