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Chanel Imprevu Joues Contraste Review, Photos, Swatches

Rustic Copper:  Chanel Imprevu Blush

Chanel Imprevu Joues Contraste ($42.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a coppery-toned blush from Les Impressions de Chanel. The spring launch is slowly heading on-counter and online, and I imagine most counters will have it in the next two weeks. I totally recommend buying from Saks right now, ’cause they have *free* express shipping. Have I ever told you how much I loathe paying for shipping? So, yeah, Saks = awesome.

Imprevu is like a rustic, muted copper. Chanel describes it simply has copper, and it’s accurate… and yet I just want to throw the word rustic in there, too. It has little shimmer, a soft sheen, and is plenty pigmented for a cheek product. I found I had to tap excess off my brush before applying or else I’d end up with a very dirty look–so not sexy. I think this kind of blush color requires a light-handed application, and it can often look a bit dirty if you’re not careful. I actually think this would be particularly lovely on darker skin tones, though.

A part of me feels like this is out of place in the collection, because I wasn’t feeling it when worn with the Kaska Beige Eyeshadow Quad. I guess I have a tendency to want an entire collection work together. It also feels more like a fall or winter cheek color, rather than spring–which means it is first, surprising, and second, throws me off a bit.

I’m also not on board with the price for the amount you get (just 0.13 oz.!) — Chanel is one of the priciest blushes you can purchase (by the ounce). Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Givenchy are all equally high-end and often priced similarly to Chanel, but their blushes are all a better value than Chanel’s.  Don’t get me wrong — the quality and feel of the blush is lovely, but the price tag is inflated, even for high-end.

What do you think? Is Imprevu worth the splurge? Love the color?

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  • Product: 27/30
  • Value: 6/10
  • Ease of Use: 4/5
  • Packaging: 4/5

Recommendation: If you’re a Chanel blush fanatic, this is a nicely pigmented, copper-ish shade that’s not overly bronzy or shimmery.

Availability: Nordstrom, Saks

Check out more photos and swatches!

12 Comments

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Anita Avatar

This does look like a very autumnal shade. (Mind you, the Chanel collections seem to come out so early, it’s still a loooong time till spring!) As much as I like Chanel blushes though, I think I will pass on this one.

Kate M. Avatar

so pretty!!  it actually looks very rosy…but do you find that it swatches distinctly copper?  

as usual, thanks for such fabulous review!

iris Avatar

I loved this blush on the models for chanels spring 2010 collection! Could you think of a MAC dupe for it? Because if you think this is pricey you won´t believe that you have to pay like 50$ for a chanel blush here in germany! High-end make up is so expensive in europe…thank you anyways, love your site 🙂

amy Avatar

That is a pretty colour, too bad it would probably be almost $50 or more in Canada and that is before tax! But I would hop over to the Chanel counter to check it out for sure.

feebz Avatar

this blush is AMAZING with red lips!!! its so girly and beautiful. It makes u look elegant and chic unlike how some blushes can leave you looking like a clown ;/ i would describe the color as soft pink with subtle gold shimmer. i dont really want to use the word shimmer since the first thing that comes to my mind is a 12 year old girl’s makeup. its more of a gold GLOW! SO BEAUTIFUL and honestly worth the price. the packagae is amazing. also its $43.00 for 6g, 0.21oz. 🙂

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