Chanel Frivole Joues Contraste / Blush ($43.00 for 0.21 oz.) is described as a “luminous apricot.” It’s a brightened, medium-dark orange with just a hint of pink to give it an “apricot” coloring. The finish is mostly matte, but there is a touch of barely-there sheen that translates as “natural” when applied–you can see the tiny golden sheen in the blended out swatch. Buxom Euphoria is lighter and more orange. MAC Modern Mandarin is redder, less orange, more shimmery. NARS Gilda is redder. Guerlain Peach Boy is redder, less orange. MAC Optimistic Orange is a touch more orange (and it is a cream blush). Make Up For Ever is a touch darker and more red-toned.

It is as intense as you’d like it to be; it can be as rich and bright as it looks in the pan, or it can be blended and applied more sheerly for a softer color. Darker complexions should have no trouble getting enough color to show up on them, while paler complexions can rest easy knowing that it has an exquisite, finely-milled texture that makes blending a cinch. The powder is so, so soft but not powdery. It looks luminous and subtly glowy on the skin without emphasizing pores. Frivole wore for seven hours well, and after eight, there was very slight fading along the edges.

Chanel Frivole Joues Contraste / Blush

Chanel Frivole Joues Contraste / Blush

Chanel Frivole Joues Contraste / Blush

Chanel Frivole Joues Contraste / Blush

Chanel Frivole Joues Contraste / Blush

Chanel Frivole Joues Contraste / Blush

Chanel Frivole Joues Contraste / Blush

Chanel Frivole Joues Contraste / Blush