Review: Chanel Joues Contraste in Rose Initiale Fall 2012

Chanel Joues Contraste Rose Initiale ($43 for 0.21 oz) is the new blush of the Fall 2012. Good news is it's added to the permanent line. You might already seen the 987654321 reviews of Rose Initiale by now. It tells you how popular Rose Initiale has become. For very good reasons.

When I first saw the pictures of Rose Initiale, I thought it'd be just another peachy pink blush I already owned. But no, I don't have anything this sophisticated. And the baked formula is actually buttery smooth, not at all how I pictured it in my mind. 

Chanel Rose Initiale is a muted peachy pink, not really pink nor peach. I feel like it has the equal mix of both. When worn, Rose Initiale looks very natural, just like a pink rosy flush on the cheek. Very nuance, very muted yet pinky and peachy. It doesn't lean cool nor warm, which makes it universally flattering on all skintone. It's one of those classic blush that you don't have to think hard of what it will match. It goes with almost every look from natural to dramatic. It's sheer but buildable for intensity. I used two layers on the apple of my cheeks for the look below.

The subtle golden shimmer brightens up my cheeks with a very soft sheen. So don't let the shimmer worry you if you more prone to matte blushes.

Heavy swatch  (natural light)

 Heavy swatch (direct sunlight)

What sold me completely though is the staying powder. I was running errands and 5 hours later, Rose Initiale sill looked fresh. It only started fading after 8 hours. Love it so much! Blushes generally don't last over 4 hours on me so I was thrilled. 

Like other Joues Contraste, Rose Initiale is infused with light rose scent elegantly though. I prefer fragrance-free products but this is actually quite pleasant. It comes with a large mirror and a decent brush. 

Bottom line. Totally in love! Rose Initiale is a great natural blush that flatters all skintones. Easy to wear and easy to use. Thinning my wallet for a $43 blush definitely consumes lots of thoughts. For me, it's totally worth it.

Have you tried Rose Initiale? How do you like it? What do you pair with it?

Here's a look with Rose Initiale (photo taken at hour 5)

Makeup breakdown

Clarins Ever Matte Foundation in 108

YSL Touche Eclat in 08

Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder

Edward Bess All Over Seduction in Sunlight

Chanel Joues Contrase in Rose Initiale

Dior 5-color eyeshadow Beige Massai (all 5 shades!)

Bobbi Brown Long-wear Gel Liner in Espresso

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Stretch Mascara 

The Body Shop Brow and Liner Kit (dark brown/black)

YSL Rouge Couture in  Fushia