You well remember this notorious sucker, don't you? It was flying off the shelf everywhere last year. One search on Google, you'll see millions of photos on millions of beauty blogs. I feel like everybody owns it. And I bought into the hype. I rushed to Neiman Marcus to get it without even trying it on. Why? Because I thought I'd look seductive like this. Because Neiman ran out of tester. Because EVERYONE was talking about it. Because I began to succeed in a decent contouring, which I battled for years. I regret.
Notorious is a sheer shimmery grey with a tiny hint of mauve. It's smaller than a regular Chanel round blush (0.21 oz) and was priced the same. Not a good sign! On my cheeks, it's more wearable than in the pan. I found it look more flattering in the photos as the camera generally takes away 20% color intensity. So it's kind of believable that I have defined cheeks. It does give me that runway high-fashion fierce cheeks. If I just stopped here then I like it. However, this grey color however doesn't complement my skin tone in real life. It's just off and unnatural looking. My hubby was asking me why my cheeks looked grey. Oops!!!! I did blend it out and used a very light hand.
If you have cooler and lighter skin tone than mine, Notorious will probably flatter you better. It doesn't have enough depth to show up without looking hollow on me. Until today I haven't figured out how to coordinate it with the rest of my makeup. I think it suits editorial makeups better than everyday.
Swatched under direct sunlight
From all the reviews I've read so far, people either love Notorious or hate it. This shade is definitely more tricky to pull off than friendly bronzer or brown-based contour powder. I agree with Lily of ChloeAsh that Chanel Notorious isn't easy for someone how's new to contouring.
Did you get Chanel Notorious? If you passed it or missed it, what did you think? I know some of you really love it. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Awww, that's too bad it didn't work for you! I LOVE mine. It's the exact colour of the shadows on my face! I wish I had an extra actually!
ReplyDeleteI wish it worked out since I didn't get to try the tester. They completely ran out :D
DeleteI skipped on this for the same reason. Its lovely for high fashion runway but it just dosnt translate well to real life. I love NYX Taupe but it is sooo much warmer than this.
ReplyDeleteI know right? This look isn't for me. I still have baby fat on my cheeks LOL! Sculpting with grey powder makes me look like I'm trying too hard to fake high cheekbones. I'm thinking of NYX Taupe, DG Tan and Burberry Earthy, the friendly brown-based powder :D
Deleteaww, sorry to hear it doesn't work on you. Judging on the photos alone, I think I wouldn't get one as I think my skintone would not suit this type of blushes or bronzer. I agree that it will look gorgeous and seductive in a runway with lights and everything but definitely not for everyday wear plus its expensive! The brush included look super flimsey! >_<
ReplyDeleteHey there, the brush is so so. I don't use included applicators anyway, but yes it'd be nicer at this price. Also, the size of Notorious is smaller than Chanel round blushes. The single release got me really good this time. hehehe Yet no risk no fun eh?
DeleteI can't see this working on me at ALL...
ReplyDeleteYou're warm toned too hun? I failed to make it look flattering on me :( And it doesn't stay put either.
DeleteI grabbed this because it's so unique!
ReplyDeleteI personally don't really use this much but I can see why some people love this so much because it gives that in depth cheek look. I use it mainly as my eyeshadow when I want something sheer :D
AAHH I'm happy that you love it!!! It is really different. Given I'm not a pro makeup artist, the concept of this product really caught my attention hehehe. Turns out people have used it for ages :D but still I'm not skilled enough to handle it nor it flatters my skin tone. *sign*
DeleteI'm glad I'm not the only one here. It just didn't appeal to me somehow. Especially with darker warmer skin tones it tends to look grey and dirty and that's not a good look, right?
ReplyDeleteYes yes that's the word. It looks no where near sexy on me. Like a dirty color :(
DeleteI missed out on this and I was SO SAD. I think contour colours are really hard to match on people -- I bought into the NYX Taupe hype and that turns mauve on me. I've learned to mix it with a bit of TheBalm's Bahama Mama and that gives me a closer colour. Sometimes I'll mix Benefit Dallas with a bit of MAC Copperplate and that's not bad either. In fact, if you mix Notorious with a dusty pink-brown blush, it might work better?
ReplyDeleteI'll try that!!! You have great suggestions. I'm thinking about NYX Taupe too hehehe. Right now I'm pretty happy withmy TF Shade and Illuminate 2 but it has more red undertone that I think a bit too warm for shading. But we'll see/
Deleteit didn't appeal to me at first, but i am very glad i have it. i'm sorry it doesn't work for you! I found it to be light and a great contour. my boyfriend likes it too. have you tried different brushes? the real techniques ones have worked fine for me. :)
ReplyDeleteYes I tried several type of brushes. I guess the grey is the my right shade. I need to mix it with something warmer. Happy that you like it Joyce!!!!
DeleteOh that's sad that it didn't work for you :( Would you consider maybe selling it in a blog sale? I've been looking for it everywhere and just can't seem to get my hands on it!
ReplyDeleteSad indeed! Go ahead to grab it if you want. Please email me for the details. x
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