Monday, August 29, 2011

Chanel Rose Bronze Joues Contraste Blush Review PLUS my eBay possible FAKE Joues Contraste!

chanel rose bronze blush review

Chanel Rose Bronze Blush

Chanel Rose Bronze Joues Contraste Blush ($43) is a medium-toned neutral pink with a mixture of golden and cool pink glimmer. Rose Bronze is a shade that has been on my wishlist for years. I believe it's one of Chanel's most popular shades in the Joues Contraste range as it's very easily a flattering shade on all skin tones.
"Unique powder blusher offers buildable coverage, from natural to dramatic, and imparts a flattering radiance to cheeks. Remarkably silky texture ensures easy application of seamless colour. Applied high on the cheekbone, or near the eyes, it instantly 'lifts' and softens the face for a more youthful look."
I'm not positive how many shades there are in the permanent range, but there are currently ten (10) listed on the Chanel website: Rose Ecrin, Espiegle, In Love, Fandango, Rose Bronze, Rose Petale, Mocha, Orchid Rose, Imprevu and Tempting Beige.

For those that don't like shimmer, you may want to steer clear of Rose Bronze, but it gives a rich, healthy sheen more than tacky glitter. I think even oily skin types can get away with wearing this blush without it looking too shiny.

Instantly the color warms up to my cheeks to a rosy pink that brightens up my complexion. When the light hits my cheeks, the cool pink sparkles glisten. It's simply beautiful.

The texture is super smooth and finely milled, and it blends like a dream. I don't find the brush included very useful, but they never really are anyway.

It has the scent of roses, which some may not may not care for, but I love the scent and feel like I'm using such a luxurious product when I catch a whiff of the powder.

The only downside is that the color fades significantly after four hours, and I have to re-apply mid-day. A total bummer, but I don't mind because I'm so in love with the color.

chanel rose bronze blush

READ MORE FOR MY LESS THAN PLEASANT EBAY EXPERIENCE...

A couple of weeks ago out of boredom, I browsed eBay and found Rose Bronze for $28.95 with free shipping. The seller seemed reputable as they are a top-rated seller with close to 100% positive based on almost 70,000 individual buyer feedback. Even though $29 is expensive, it's still better than $43 + 10% sales tax. So, I ordered it. I anticipated receiving it for days and when I finally received the package, I was horrified to hear something lose in the envelope. I knew right away that I was going to open a broken blush. Well, it was definitely broken - but not shattered. The blush pan had fallen out and exposed was a poor glue job from the pan to the palette. It looked like a little squirt from a glue gun. With further inspection, I realized this blush looks nothing like it should. I literally wanted to cry (life is so tough, right? lol)

Left: Rose Bronze Joues Contraste Blush purchased at a Chanel counter
Right: Rose Bronze Joues Contraste Blush purchased on eBay.

SIMILARITIES:
The compact looks and feels exactly the same
The brush looks the same (with the exception of the logo)
The blush in whole looks accurate until you do side by side comparisons.

Far left: Brush included in my recent purchase
Middle: Brush included with my eBay purchase
Right: Brush included with one of my older Joues Contraste Blushes. 

Left: Rose Bronze Joues Contraste Blush purchased on eBay
Right: Rose Bronze Joues Contraste Blush purchased at a Chanel Counter.

Left Finger: Rose Bronze Joues Contraste Blush purchased at a Chanel counter.
Right Finger: Rose Bronze Joues Contraste Blush purchased on eBay.

DIFFERENCES:
The color - The color I received is much different from the shade I wanted and ultimately purchased at the counter. I'm not sure if you can see very well from the photo, but the color is a bright, rosy-berry shade with minimal sheen and shimmer.

The consistency - The consistency was very soft and powdery, and created a ton of dust when swatched, reminiscent of very low-end cosmetics.

The size - Again, I'm not sure if you can see very well from the photo, but the blush pan is noticeable larger. It's the same in diameter, but the shape of the dome is much more "full" and comes up higher. You can see that there is a blush print on the mirror from the actual blush pan touching the mirror - which is an obvious defect. The blush should not touch the mirror once the compact is closed. Unfortunately I misplaced my scale, so I couldn't weigh it to see if it was indeed .21 oz.

The scent - There is absolutely no scent. Chanel Joues Contraste Blushes have a very distinct rose scent.

The brush - Although it appears the same, the logo is much larger. Also, the C's don't connect in the middle as they should. (see in above photo) It's obvious that it's a counterfeit brush.

The label - Something just doesn't look right about the label. It's a different font (which isn't a big deal b/c they change things often) I can't really explain it, but the way the words were printed on the label, it doesn't look completely clear - as if they had printed it low on ink. Also, the dot is white - when it's typically colored. (shown in photo)

I did message the seller with my concerns, and luckily (they don't accept returns) they refunded my money. They apologized that it broke, but they did not address my concerns with it being a fake. I'm no Chanel expert, so I can't say 100% that this blush is fake, but there is so much wrong with this blush, that I can't imagine it being real. It seems like they used a real compact and filled it with their own blush pan and label. I honestly don't blame the seller because they sell thousands of cosmetics and who really knows where they get them from, so I'm sure a few fakes could has easily gotten in their possession. If this was my first Joues Contraste purchase, I would have never known. I know know not to purchase cosmetics on eBay unless I know for sure what I'm getting. It wasn't worth the overall hassle. After all of that, I decided to treat myself to the real deal at my local Chanel counter. I couldn't be more happier! :)

21 comments:

  1. It looks fake (in comparison) to me as well from what I can see in photos. At least you got your money back:)

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  2. Sorry to hear about your ebay experience :( A few months back I purchased a box of sheet masks which turned out to be fake and I was furious. I'm super skeptical about purchasing certain products from certain places now. Glad to see you got your hands on the real blush and it looks exremely gorgeous! Can't wait to see your FOTD :D

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  3. Thank goodness you got your money back...I wonder if it was very old? Regardless it def. isn't the same as the one you got from the counter! On another note, the authentic one is SO gorgeous!!

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  5. ct1980 - Yes, thank goodness! I was so happy they refunded my money promptly. Unfortunately they didn't compensate me for shipping it back, but whatever.

    AngelicBetrayal - WOW really?! That's crazy! It's unbelievable how many products they will replicate. Then there are people who don't know, and mess up the rating system because they reviewed a fake item that didn't deliver. I'm going to be much more careful now. I never really buy makeup off eBay anyway, but I was hoping to save a few extra bucks, but it wasn't worth it. Thanks hun! :)

    Alexis - I was wondering the same thing, which is why I'm not labeling it as being 100% fake. Is it possible it has been sitting in someones closet for 15 years? Who knows. It really IS gorgeous. I think it's a total pornstar shade. LOL

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  6. So sorry to hear about your experience. At least you got a refund though. The real Chanel is a pretty color- enjoy!

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  7. I never buy makeup products from Ebay because they're usually (1) fake (2) expired or (3) damaged & defective by manufacturer standards.

    It's better to be safe than sorry.

    Glad you got your refund back and didn't have to deal with the hassle of returning it. =)

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  8. Wow, that's insane! I'm usually super picky about my makeup and the shades so I don't buy online, but now I know for sure to purchase only from trustworthy retailers!!!

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  9. Oh wow, can't believe that! It made for a super interesting post though; I can definitely see a difference in the pigment like you said. The real one looks more multi faceted with regards to the tones in it, the fake one is just very matte and only one real tone that stands out.
    Glad you got the real one - after that debacle you definitely deserved it. Good the seller gave you your money back, too!

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  10. I've accidentally bought so many fake items from ebay. Especially MAC products. Its so disgusting how some people could sell these fake products.

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  11. Been there done that myself... I'm no longer buying makeup products on ebay. You never know what its made from and how its been made... yuk! Definitely fake Natty..

    http://prettyaesthetics.blogspot.com/

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  12. I know how ya feel I just can't believe ppl.. I've very leery about buying online now..

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  13. I worked as an artist for Chanel for years (years ago). The smell, Chanel uses Rose oil (that they grow themselves) in their products, hence the "flowery" smell. We had this issue with Chanel and a few other brands I've worked for. These are expired (which some products have a shelf like of 2 yrs max), damaged by manu., or old (usually stolen) testers (because those sometimes are different packaging). I sell stuff on Ebay (not make up though)and it sucks when you hear the horror stories bc it makes us all look bad though I have a few of my own!

    PS Try the mocha in the Fall/Winter months. My skin always looked instant tan/healthy.

    Yanira
    http://glammom.onsugar.com

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  14. I am so sorry this happened. Honestly Natalie, I am so happy you looked into it and were able to at least get your money back. I always have a fear of purchasing makeup online for exactly this reason lol!

    P.s. I am hosting a PRTTY PEAUSHUN Skin Tight Body Lotion Giveaway on my blog. You can enter by clicking here:

    http://leahhg.wordpress.com/2011/08/25/prtty-peashun-skin-tight-body-lotion-giveaway/

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  15. i hate this and its really hard to leave negitive feedback on ebay now without going through aload of hassle of reporting problems! so half the time you cant see what people really think unless its positive!

    Also you never know whats in these fake products they sell!

    http://stylehaul.blogspot.com/

    xx

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  16. Definitely looks fake... That sucks. I hate that people do that :(
    But the original Chanel one is GORGEOUS!
    http://3girlsblog.blogspot.com/

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  17. That is not a fak. It is just old.
    The first review on makeupalley.com is from 2004.
    It is probably just an very OLD product. Sad to hear though...

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  18. thanks so much for that! my exact same Chanel blush arrived today and the blush said made in Italy and the brush said China and i had a look at the back and it had 3003. thanks again!!

    Viki

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  19. Hi to everybody! well this is something weird to you, but well my name is Chris, and this month my girl and I celebrate our second anniversary, and she want to look like queen for the dinner, you know how men we are, we can't say no, so if you can give me some advices or recommend me a good place for her, this will be a great help.

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  20. Omg! The same thing happened to me, I bought a chanel blush in ebay and got a fake one too. I wonder if I bought it to same seller and did not sdmit it was fake. I'm glad I found your blog its identical case to mine. Same fake blush!

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  21. Hi.Thank you for your review. I would like to buy these rouge in ebay :( I found your message in good time :).

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