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| Chanel Sakura Blush in studio lighting |
The Jardin de Camélias Collection, Chanel's Asian exclusive Collection, takes it's inspiration in part, from Japan. The name sakura is a Japanese name which means cherry blossom. Most people would say that the cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan because of its been celebrated for centuries and holds a prominent position in Japanese culture, though the actual national flower is the chrysanthemum.
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| Chanel Sakura Blush in studio lighting |
Quickly after the release of the Jardin de Camélias collection, Sakura sold out. Many people had trouble ordering it and were unable to get it. I wasn't going to review Sakura because of this, but it seems that Chanel has brought it back. Though since it has been brought back, it has already sold out again.
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| Chanel Sakura Blush in studio lighting |
Before Sakura's release, there was some confusion as to which blush actually was a part of the collection, due to the fact that Sakura is numbered the same as the recently released Emotion Joues Contraste. Sakura #87 Joues Contraste Powder Blush ($43 for 0.14oz/4g) comes in the baked formula rather than the formula we are used to here in the US. Sakura is a light to light medium, somewhat bright, warm toned, salmon pink with a glowy, satiny matte finish. There is subtle gold and pink sparkle visible in the pan, but it is indistinguishable on the face, it just adds to the delicate, subtle flush that Sakura produces.
Sakura looks unbelievably natural, giving a wonderful 'postcoital' afterglow. It brightens my face and works perfectly with my skin tone, though those with a darker complexion might find Sakura too light. The pigmentation starts off fairly light, but it is easily built up for greater color payoff. It layers smoothly and doesn't leave any harsh edges, just a soft, lovely diffused color.
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| Chanel Sakura Blush swatches in studio lighting |
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| Chanel Sakura Blush swatches with forced flash in studio lighting |
The texture of Sakura is smooth, finely-milled, yet also a little drier and harder than other Joues Contraste Blushes. Depending on which brush I use to apply Sakura, I found it more or less powdery. When I use my Le Metier de Beaute Cheek Brush or my Nars Yachiyo Brush, Sakura is extremely powdery and more or less seems to sit on top of my skin. However, when I use my Tom Ford Cheek Brush, it kicks up virtually no powder. It glides over my skin effortlessly and doesn't emphasize any lines or pores. It seems almost impossible to overdo.
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| Chanel Sakura Blush swatch comparison in studio lighting |
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| Chanel Sakura Blush swatch comparison with forced flash in studio lighting |
When I went to pull comparisons for Sakura, I was positive I would have something similar to it. Edward Bess Filled With Desire Blush Extraordinaire is lighter, cooler, baby pink, with no shimmer and a matte finish. Chanel Rose Initial Joues Contraste is a deeper, redder pink, with very subtle sparkle and a mostly matte finish. Giorgio Armani Eccentrico is a brighter, more vivid pink with silver shimmer and a satiny finish. Hourglass Diffused Heat Ambient Lighting Blush is the closest. Though it is not quite as pink and is a touch redder than Sakura, with more apparent sparkle and a satiny matte finish. Tom Ford Frantic Pink Cheek Color is a coral pink with a shimmery sheen.
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| Chanel Sakura Blush in studio lighting |
Sakura is my other favorite blush of the season. I found the baked texture untroublesome when applied with the right brush. The color is simply magical, the perfect peachy pink. Though it has been restocked since the original release, it appears to be sold out on Chanel.com again. If you are even the slightest bit interested in Sakura, I would recommend calling their customer service and inquiring about it's availability.
For more swatches and reviews, check out Temptalia, The Beauty Look Book, Best Things in Beauty and Color Me Loud.
I purchased my Sakura at Chanel.com
Did you pick up Sakura? What is your favorite Asian Exclusive Collection?