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Chanel Espiegle Joues Contraste Blush Review, Photos, Swatches

Chanel Espiegle Blush
Chanel Espiegle Blush

Chanel Spring 2011: Espiegle

Chanel Espiegle Joues Contraste Powder Blush ($42.00 for 0.21 oz.) is a softened peach-orange with a faint champagne sheen. The texture is soft, silky smooth, and it is impossible to overdo; while the color be layered for a truer-to-pan look, it starts off subtle and sheer. Accordingly, if you do get more color than you’d like, it is easy to blend out. It is a new and permanent shade (according to Chanel’s website) from the the Spring collection, which is online now and seems to be coming out in stores rapidly, too.

Espiegle is a slightly muted version of MAC Utterly Game, but the two are definitely sisters. Even texturally, they are surprisingly similar, as they both have that finely milled, slightly powder (but not in a bad way!) feeling. I would say Utterly Game has more of a matte finish, though, and it can be built up to a more intense orange shade. When worn sheer, it also compares to NARS Sex Appeal–a touch more orange.

Joues Contraste is a silky smooth, very finely-milled powder blush that applies subtly and can be layered for a deeper look–but they are never really bold or bright. They are very easy to use, because they blend beautifully against the skin. While pricey, it is in line with designer brands like Chanel, and they don’t skimp on the amount of product.

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  • Product: 28/30
  • Value: 8/10
  • Ease of Use: 4/5
  • Packaging: 4/5

FINAL THOUGHTS: This is a shade that will suit warmer skin tones best, but those with slightly cool undertones should be able to work this when paired with cooler shades on the lips or eyes.

WHERE TO BUY: Nordstrom

Chanel Espiegle Blush
Chanel Espiegle Blush

Chanel Espiegle Blush
Chanel Espiegle Blush

Chanel Espiegle Blush
Chanel Espiegle Blush

Chanel Espiegle Blush
Chanel Espiegle Blush

Chanel Espiegle Blush
Chanel Espiegle Blush

Chanel Espiegle Blush
Chanel Espiegle Blush

Chanel Espiegle Blush
Chanel Espiegle Blush

Chanel Espiegle Blush
Chanel Espiegle Blush

39 Comments

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Tania Avatar

It makes a really nice “natural look” blush on you Christine. I love the color, I just don’t know how I feel about the price. I’ll have to stop by the Chanel counter and try it out myself.

Jessica Avatar

I own both and I actually find them to be almost exactly the same shade. Gina is just matter, which to me comes off as softer and has more pigment. Espiegle is very shimmery and has as a glow that off sets the pigment a bit, if that makes sense =).

I like having a matte and a shimmer so I like having both.

nicci Avatar

I need to get this! I have NARS Sex Appeal but at times it comes off a little orange if I apply too much. Other reviews, I’ve read other reviews on this blush & they all say you can’t really over apply this one – good news for me!

Julia Avatar

It looks just like MAC Foolish Me. Foolish Me is my favorite blush and it just broke into pieces =( , I haven’t seen a dupe since I purchased it a few years ago and I have been looking for one, too bad Chanel is way too expensive for me. I wish there was a MAC dupe for it.
Thanks for the review.

Tania Avatar

After a second look at the photos it’s starting to look a little like MAC HK Fun n games blush. Does anyone have both? How do they compare?
That is my only non-drugstore blush (my favorite too!), so some info might help me decide whether or not this one is worth a try.

Victoria Avatar

I ended up at Nordstrom, circling this blush like a vulture before talking to the MUA on staff. I didn’t think it was possible, but I think it looks even better in person!
Thanks for leading me to my first ever Chanel makeup purchase!

Mikaela Avatar

Wow, sooo beautiful! On the pan and on you! Makes you glow.
Which brush do you think works best with this? And how is the staying power, do you know?

Thanks 🙂

jen Avatar

lol i wanted this when i first saw it but I have both utterly game and sex appeal (which i both love!) so I don’t think I need another 🙂

Celine Avatar

Hi Christine!

Love love your blog!I really love this blush but seems I cannot find it anymore! Do you know if there’s any good dupe? Like bourjois baked blush? Thank you so much if you can give me some advice!

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