Chanel Quintessence (440) Joues Contraste Blush Review & Swatches
Quintessence (440)
Chanel Quintessence (440) Joues Contraste Blush ($45.00 for 0.17 oz.) is a medium pink with warmer undertones and a mostly matte finish. There was faint pearl I could see more in the pan than I could see in the swatch, and I didn’t notice any of it on my cheeks! It had medium, buildable pigmentation–and the brand markets their blushes as buildable–with a very finely-milled powder that was slightly powdery in the pan. It applied evenly and diffused well without having to work at it. The finish was definitely matte on my skin, and it did not seem to darken over time (which is an issue with some matte powders). On me, it wore well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Secret Crush (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- LORAC Underrated (LE, ) is brighter (95% similar).
- Guerlain Pink Me Up (P, $52.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Sugarcoated (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, brighter (90% similar).
- Salt New York Rose (P, $16.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- ILIA Before Today (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Tarte Decked Out (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Tarte Breathtaking (LE, $29.00) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Bundled Up (LE, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
- MAC Formal (LE, ) is cooler (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$45.00/0.17 oz. - $264.71 Per Ounce
The Joues Contraste formula is supposed to have “buildable coverage, from natural to dramatic” with a “flattering radiance” and “silky texture.” The pigmentation ranges from semi-sheer to fully opaque, depending on technique and skin tone, but it seemed exactly as described–buildable–without having to pile it on or spend too long sheering it out. The formula has an extremely smooth, silky consistency that blends out beautifully on the skin. Most shades wear around eight hours on me.
The formula is rose-scented but the scent was largely undetectable applied (but noticeable in the compact).
Browse all of our Chanel Joues Contraste Blush swatches.
Ingredients
I love it! Also, you have rouge space in the word me!
I LOVE this shade…which is why I have six dupes for it. lol Money saved.
Very nice pink shade….but not $48 level of unique enough or drop-dead gorgeous enough shade for me and my coins. I’m holding out for MAC Fleur Power instead. It just looks better to my eye for some reason.
How beautiful is this one!
Very refined; Chanel does that so well. Not the best shade for me, and having Exposed from Wanted, no need, but this is an easy shade to appreciate. It’s grand on you.
I quite like the shade and its brightening effect – a definite buy for me. I’m so enjoying Chanel’s releases this year!
Chanel and Dior have really brought it this year. ?
I bought this Chanel blush for the packaging!! (haha)
Luckily, I don’t have dupes on your list! Lovely shade too!
This one was on my radar, so I’m happy to see the A- rating 🙂 Chanel blushes are generally a hit for me, and this shade is just so beautiful. Getting it!
I picked this gorgeous shade up last week and it is quickly becoming my favorite. I have several dupes that you have listed including the Chanel Tweed and I absolutely love this shade which is why I have several dupes. The matte packaging is stunning as well.
Lovely color — seems like it would work really well on a lot of different skin tones.