No. 1 de Chanel review
Chanel launched a line of beauty products at Ulta—what's worth buying?
Credit:
Chanel Beauty
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For as long as I can recall, I’ve been a fan of Chanel Beauty. The brand’s hand cream has a permanent spot on my nightstand and its cream bronzer is a staple in my makeup routine to add a hint of sun-kissed warmth to my pale complexion. Suffice to say: When Chanel Beauty launched its “clean beauty” line, the No. 1 de Chanel Collection, I knew I wanted to try it out.
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What is No. 1 de Chanel?
No. 1 de Chanel is the newest line from Chanel Beauty.
Chanel’s newest collection of makeup, skincare, and fragrance consists of nine products in total. The prices range from a $45 lip and cheek balm to a $160 serum, which is on par with other luxury brand products. The line’s star ingredient, red camellia extract, is a derivative of Coco Chanel’s favorite flower, and is thought to protect the skin from signs of aging caused by stress, ultraviolet rays, and pollution. The collection is sold online at Ulta and Chanel’s website but can be found in person at high-end department stores, like Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom.
To find out whether or not the brand's newest venture lived up to its preceding products, I tested out five of the buzziest products from the new line.
How did I test No. 1 de Chanel?
I tested the No. 1 de Chanel products for about three weeks.
Chanel Beauty sent me a sampling of the line’s products: the foundation, lip and cheek balm, moisturizing cream, serum, and fragrance mist. Thanks to travel plans I had, I tested the products in the cold NYC climate I live in and the warm temperatures of Dubai, where I visited for seven days. I took note of how the products performed with each other or with other makeup items and kept in mind how long they lasted throughout the day.
Because the line by itself can’t complete my makeup and skincare routine, I supplemented with products I already own. I opted to use the Chanel skincare products along with my Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen as the base before makeup during the day. Then, I put on the foundation and cheek and lip balm, along with the Kosas Air Brow Clear Brow Gel, the YSL Beauty Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara, the Chanel Beauty Les Beige Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream, and the Urban Decay Cosmetics All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray to keep it all in place. The makeup was more on the natural-looking side during testing, but in line with my typical day-to-day look.
1. No. 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Foundation
The No. 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Foundation comes in 20 shades.
What it claims: This $70 foundation is available in 20 shades, ranging from very light to deep. Its buildable formula claims to provide a luminous finish and keep skin soft, hydrated, and plump with the inclusion of red camellia oil.
What it’s like: I’m already a huge fan of Chanel’s Healthy Glow Foundation, so the Revitalizing Foundation was the product I was most excited to try from the line. Based on my experience with the Healthy Glow Foundation, I chose the shade "B10," which worked well on my light skin. It not only glides on and blends like a dream but leaves my skin with an incredible all-day glow. I particularly loved how I could wear less for daytime look and layer on more coverage if I wanted to glam up for a fancy dinner or night out. I don’t use full-coverage makeup on a daily basis, so the ability to wear it like a tinted moisturizer or a full foundation made it game-changing for me.
No. 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Foundation from Ulta for $70
2. No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm
The No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm adds a pop of color to the lips and cheeks.
What it claims: This $45 lip and cheek balm combination is intended to melt into the skin and add just a hint of color to the lips and cheeks. It’s available in six shade options: “Red Camellia” (bright red), “Healthy Pink” (neutral pink), “Vital Beige” (neutral red/beige), “Wakeup Pink” (coral), “Lively Rosewood” (rosy pink), and “Berry Boost” (berry).
What it’s like: While I adore cream blushes, I’ve never tried a lip and cheek balm and the stickier texture upon application took some time to get used to. However, once I got the hang of applying it, I loved the shade "Red Camellia." As the product claims, it melted into my skin when I tapped it in with a BeautyBlender makeup sponge and left a subtle hint of color that made all the difference in adding a gorgeous flush to my cheeks. A little balm goes a long way, so I suggest having a light hand.
Get the No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm from Ulta for $45
3. No. 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Cream
The No. 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Cream adds a glow to the skin.
What it claims: This $110 face cream claims to have a velvety consistency that’ll leave skin feeling soft. It also claims to help smooth the appearance of wrinkles and impart a soft glow with red camellia extract and oil. The cream arrives in a 1.7-ounce jar and Chanel offers the option of purchasing a refillable insert for $95 so you don’t need to repurchase the jar again. The brand advises applying the cream twice a day, in the morning and the evening.
What it’s like: In my opinion, this face cream is worth its hefty price tag. On a daily basis, my skin felt super soft and hydrated even through the coldest of winter days and multiple long flights. The cream absorbed instantly into my skin and didn’t feel greasy. It also held up well under makeup—no caking or creasing—and left a nice glow as a base for the foundation. During the three weeks that I used it, I even noticed a slight decrease in the wrinkles on my forehead. While I’ve used other pricey moisturizers before, I was pleasantly surprised that this one lived up to its claims.
No. 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Cream from Ulta for $110
4. No. 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Serum
The No. 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Serum claims to reduce wrinkles and pores.
What it claims: With each application, this serum claims to help prevent and correct signs of aging. It promises to help reduce pore size immediately after application as well as decrease wrinkles and increase elasticity after one month of use. The serum comes in two sizes: 1 ounce for $120 and 1.7 ounces for $160. The brand advises applying this to the face and decolletage in the morning and evening.
What it’s like: My favorite part about this serum is that its silky formula feels incredible on my skin. It glides on smoothly, instantly feels hydrating, and appears to seep into my skin quickly without feeling sticky. Indeed, I noticed reduced pore size underneath my makeup, a slight reduction in my forehead wrinkles, and an improvement in my skin's luminosity. Typically, my skin doesn’t handle fragrance well, but the one in this serum smells delicious without causing irritation or redness on my sensitive skin.
No. 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Serum from Ulta starting at $120
5. No. 1 de Chanel L’eau Rouge
The No. 1 de Chanel L’eau Rouge is a light, sweet fragrance.
What it claims: This $110 fragrance mist uses red camellia extract and camellia water to add a barely-there touch of scent. It’s intended to be sprayed onto the decolletage or anywhere you want on the body, and can be worn alone or underneath another perfume. It contains notes of citrus and red berries, jasmine, rose, iris, and musk.
What it’s like: Of the many fragrances I’ve tried, this one is not a favorite. While the scent itself is delicious, it’s too light and I prefer something stronger. On days I wore it, I needed several sprays all over to create a lasting impact. My other Chanel fragrance (the iconic No. 5) lasts from morning until evening on my skin. This scent faded away within a few hours and I needed at least one reapplication throughout the day to keep the fragrance present. I don’t see myself wearing it for daily use, but it’s nice enough for an evening out.
No. 1 de Chanel L’eau Rouge from Ulta for $110
Is No. 1 de Chanel worth it?
No. 1 de Chanel's prices are on par with other luxury cosmetic brands.
As a collective, the products I tried from the new line lived up to my expectations. I don’t typically believe the hype around super-expensive products, but these—except the fragrance mist—are worth every penny to me. I thought most of the products worked well and have earned a permanent spot in my rotation. Chanel’s signature touch is evident with the packaging and inclusion of Coco Chanel’s favorite flower throughout—details I appreciate, considering the higher prices.
Although I didn’t love the fragrance, I could see others enjoying it. As for the other products, if you’re willing to splurge, I think you’ll be happy with the luxe packaging, hydrating ingredients, and creamy formulations.
Shop all No. 1 de Chanel products on Ulta
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.