It figures that almost immediately after finally completing my post about my entire Chanel blush collection I found myself ordering three more Joues Contraste blushes! I guess I will have to revisit that post. 😉 When I heard that they were re-releasing Pink Explosion and Plum Attraction in the US formula along with two new shades I was beside myself with excitement. I love the blush shades from the Fall 2010 collection but was disappointed with the fact they were released in the baked formula. I knew that I needed to have the US version of Pink Explosion and managed to talk myself out of purchasing the re-release of Plum Attraction. I thought maybe the harder texture of the baked version of Plum Attraction made it a little easier to not overdue it on my fair skin. Of course now I am starting to yearn for the US version as well. I also picked up Tumulte and Malice because owning every beautiful shade of Chanel Joues Contraste is simply a necessity for me.
Let’s start with Tumulte. It is a gorgeous cool pink. It is almost matte but has a very subtle, refined, toned down version of the usual Joues Contraste glow. I find the shade to be quite bright and deeper than a baby pink. The texture is heavenly and I know this blush will be seeing regular use in my collection.
The new Pink Explosion is a little warmer and deeper than the original. It has the same silver shimmer but it’s a slightly more refined version than the original baked version. It is a little bit sheerer than Tumulte and Malice. I was a little disappointed that the formula of the Pink Explosion wasn’t quite as exceptional as most Chanel Joues Contaste blushes. Don’t get me wrong, it is still a fabulous formula and shade, but for me I found it a slight bit lacking in comparison. I was also hoping maybe the silver shimmer would be a little more toned down in the new US version. I think given the similarity in shade and my preference for the texture and finish of Tumulte I probably could have passed on this new version of Pink Explosion. It is still a big step up formula wise compared to the baked version so I am fairly pleased. I just wish it wasn’t so close to Tumulte.
Malice is my favourite from this release. It has the incredibly Joues Constraste glow and the formula is incredibly smooth and creamy. The pigmentation is also outstanding. It is a positively delicious looking coral. I think you can even appreciate in my swatch photos how its formula is just a little bit above and beyond the other two shades. I think shade wise it is probably not the best shade for my skin tone out of the bunch but hopefully it will look as good my cheeks as it does on my arm!
With flash to show differences in finish:
Indirect natural light:
Direct sun:
Stay tuned for a comparison post to other Chanel Joues Contraste shades.
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