Chanel has released Pink Cloud 66 Joues Contraste in the US with their Aquarelles Collection. It comes in the European baked formula but is not a new color (only new to the US). It’s a pale pink shimmer with tiny microsparkles that makes the skin glow. On my cheeks it has a similar quality to Armani’s Blush #12 – it looks super pale in the compact but blends on the skin to give a lovely light pink glow. The shimmer is visible on the skin but it doesn’t apply quite as pale as appears in the compact. The shimmer is finely milled and not overly frosty like some pale pinks can be, for this shade the shimmer is clearly visible on the cheeks. I would rate the shimmer/frost factor as medium.
As Café Makeup reported, it’s a warmer pink (she has lovely comparisons). NaturalNChicMakeup also has reviews (it pulls a bit paler/lighter on her than it does for me). Also check out The Stash Archives – she has an amazing collection of Euro blushes to compare Pink Cloud to.
Here are my comparisons to: Chanel Winter Shimmer (from 2006 or 2007ish), Chanel Pink Cloud, Chanel Beiges, Chanel Silk Dream (from 2004), Armani Blush #12 (from Fall 2009)
This is the baked Euro formula which means the surface layer has a powdery texture/finish with bits of debris. After the top layer is brushed, the underneath powder is slightly harder in texture. I’m wearing this today alone and it shows up on my skin, but just barely. I wouldn’t call it a must-have although my skin does have a natural angelic pink glow now. It’s simply too sheer on my skin (olive tanned Chanel Vitalumiere B30/Teint Innocence Shell). Even as a highlighter I find it on the sheer side. Had this been the US formula I think the pigment payoff would be better. If you have lighter skin than me then I think you will love this as a soft natural pink blush. For me it’s like but not love. After 2 hours of wear it has faded completely on me. I think this will be a great product to soften other blushes and bronzers without changing the color. By layering this on top of other shades or by blending on the outer edges of the face, I think this will be great to help soften harsh lines or tone down the cheeks if you’ve applied too much blush. Do check out the other reviews and swatches linked above in the middle of this post. I think your mileage may vary.
Aquarelles were initially released to Neiman Marcus stores only but I’ve seen it pop up at various Nordstrom locations. I know Nordstrom Seattle received the collection. I highly recommend you test before you buy.
