Chanel N°1 Lip & Cheek Balm: Ardent Brick Review

Hey there, beauty enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the luxurious world of Chanel with the N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in the captivating shade, Ardent Brick. If you're like me, always on the lookout for multi-purpose products that deliver both quality and a touch of elegance, then you're in for a treat. This balm promises to add a flush of color to your lips and cheeks while nourishing your skin. Let's see if it lives up to the hype!

First Impressions: Packaging and Texture

Chanel always nails the packaging game, and the N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm is no exception. Housed in a sleek, minimalist red compact, it exudes sophistication from the get-go. The packaging is also eco-conscious, which is a huge plus in today's world. When you open the compact, you're greeted with a balm that has a smooth, almost whipped texture. It feels incredibly soft to the touch, hinting at the hydration it's about to deliver. The scent is subtle and floral, characteristic of the N°1 de Chanel line, adding to the overall luxurious experience. It's the kind of product that makes you feel a little bit fancy just by holding it!

The texture of the balm is truly something special. It's not too thick or greasy, but rather a lightweight, creamy consistency that melts into the skin upon application. This makes it incredibly easy to blend, whether you're using your fingers, a brush, or a sponge. The balm doesn't feel heavy or sticky on the lips or cheeks, which is a huge win for those who dislike the feeling of product sitting on their skin. Instead, it provides a comfortable, hydrating veil that leaves your skin feeling soft and supple. The formula is also buildable, allowing you to customize the intensity of the color to your liking. Whether you prefer a subtle, natural flush or a more dramatic pop of color, this balm can deliver.

Furthermore, the versatility of the N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm extends beyond just its texture. The formula is designed to work well with different skin types, from dry to oily. It doesn't cling to dry patches or emphasize pores, making it a great option for those with textured skin. The balm also contains ingredients that help to nourish and protect the skin, such as red camellia extract, which is known for its antioxidant properties. This means that you're not just getting a pop of color, but also skincare benefits in one convenient product. It's a win-win situation!

The Shade: Ardent Brick

Ardent Brick is described as a warm, brick-red shade, and it's absolutely stunning. It's the kind of color that instantly adds warmth and radiance to your complexion. It's not too bright or overpowering, making it suitable for everyday wear, but it's also buildable enough to create a more dramatic look for evening events. The shade has a beautiful depth to it, with subtle hints of brown and terracotta that give it a sophisticated edge. It's a color that complements a wide range of skin tones, from fair to deep, making it a versatile addition to any makeup collection.

On the lips, Ardent Brick provides a beautiful wash of color that enhances your natural lip color without looking too heavy or lipstick-like. It gives your lips a healthy, flushed appearance that is both youthful and flattering. The balm also helps to hydrate and plump the lips, making them appear smoother and more defined. It's a great option for those who prefer a more natural lip look but still want a touch of color and hydration. Plus, the balm's non-sticky formula ensures that it's comfortable to wear throughout the day, without feeling like you need to constantly reapply.

On the cheeks, Ardent Brick transforms into a stunning, natural-looking blush. The warm, reddish-brown hue mimics the natural flush that occurs when you're blushing, creating a healthy and radiant complexion. The balm blends seamlessly into the skin, leaving behind a soft, diffused color that doesn't look harsh or artificial. It's the perfect way to add a touch of warmth and dimension to your face, without looking like you're wearing too much makeup. Whether you're going for a no-makeup makeup look or a full-glam transformation, Ardent Brick is a versatile shade that can be adapted to suit any occasion.

Application and Blendability

One of the things I love most about the N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm is how easy it is to apply and blend. You can use your fingers, a brush, or a sponge – whatever you prefer! I personally like using my fingers for a more natural, diffused look. The warmth of your fingers helps the balm melt into the skin, creating a seamless finish. For the lips, I simply dab the balm onto my lips and press them together to distribute the color evenly. For the cheeks, I apply a small amount of the balm to the apples of my cheeks and blend it outwards towards my temples.

If you prefer using a brush, a stippling brush or a duo-fiber brush works best. These types of brushes allow you to pick up a small amount of product and blend it effortlessly into the skin without creating harsh lines. Simply swirl the brush into the balm and tap off any excess before applying it to your cheeks. Use light, circular motions to blend the balm into the skin, building up the color as desired. If you're using a sponge, dampen it slightly before applying the balm. This will help to create a more sheer, natural finish. Dab the sponge into the balm and then gently stipple it onto your cheeks, blending it outwards towards your temples.

No matter which application method you choose, the key is to start with a small amount of product and build up the color gradually. This will help you avoid applying too much product and creating a heavy, cakey look. The balm is incredibly buildable, so you can always add more if you want a more intense color payoff. And because the formula is so blendable, it's easy to correct any mistakes or blend out any harsh lines. The N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm is a truly foolproof product that anyone can use, regardless of their makeup skill level.

Longevity and Wear

Now, let's talk about longevity. While the N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm isn't designed to be a long-wearing product like a stain, it does offer decent staying power for a balm. On the lips, it lasts for a few hours before needing to be reapplied, especially after eating or drinking. However, because it's so hydrating, reapplying it is never a chore. It feels more like a treat for your lips!

On the cheeks, the balm lasts a bit longer, typically around 4-6 hours, depending on your skin type and the weather conditions. If you have oily skin, you may find that the balm fades a bit faster, but you can easily extend its wear by setting it with a light dusting of powder. Overall, the longevity of the N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm is pretty good for a balm. It's not going to last all day, but it provides a decent amount of wear and is easy to reapply whenever you need a touch-up.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Hype?

So, is the N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Ardent Brick worth the hype? In my opinion, absolutely! It's a luxurious, multi-purpose product that delivers on its promises. The packaging is beautiful, the texture is divine, the shade is stunning, and the application is effortless. It's the kind of product that makes you feel good about yourself and adds a touch of elegance to your everyday routine. While it may be a bit pricey, the quality and performance of the balm justify the cost. If you're looking for a versatile, hydrating, and beautiful lip and cheek product, then I highly recommend giving the N°1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Ardent Brick a try. You won't be disappointed!