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Chanel Kick-Starts Fall With a Few New Face Products

bellasugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:00:52 -0700

The busy bees in Chanel's laboratories have been very busy with their Précision skincare range. A few new cleansers and face toners are aimed at removing dirt, grease, makeup and all of the other environmental pollutants and impurities that wreak havoc on your skin during the course of the day.

Chanel has decided to incorporate phytoremediation — the process of using plants to help absorb pollutants into this new line of cleansers and toners. The main ingredient is tulip tree extract, a waxy substance that promises to trap the unwanted particles and filter them out.

There are three different product sets that have been developed to suit each of the different skin types. Confort consists of a foaming mousse cleanser, a cleansing milk and a toner that contains lily extract to moisturize, soothe and tone sensitive skin. Balance includes a foaming cleanser and gentle toner with mallow extract, a smoothing and softening ingredient for normal to combination skin. Lastly, Purity consists of a gel cleanser and mattifying toner made with meadow-sweet extract, a flower with astringent properties that is best suited for combination to oily skin.

I've tried all of the cleansers and for my sensitive and combination skin, I really love Lait Confort (cleansing milk) the most. Its thin and gentle consistency leaves my skin feeling soft and fresh without any trace of irritation. Plus, it has a wonderfully light floral scent that sticks around even after you wash your face. To find out the names and the cost of each of the products,

How-To: Amber Tamblyn's Sweet and Sisterly Makeup

bellasugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:00:55 -0700

Last night at the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 premiere, actress Amber Tamblyn looked sweetly fresh-faced. The makeup simply accentuates her beautiful skin and soft, smiling eyes — exactly what "natural-looking makeup" is supposed to do.

To find out which products Chanel makeup artist Kara Yoshimoto Bua used to create this look,

Fragrance Review: Sycomore by Chanel

bellasugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:00:52 -0700

Chanel has recently released another one of its old-turned-new again fragrances to its high-end Les Exclusifs Collection. It's called Sycomore, and for just $190, you can be the proud owner of 200 ml of Coco Chanel's original 1930 scent (available in Chanel boutiques worldwide) that was first created by Earnest Beaux and was tweaked by current Chanel nose, Jacques Polge.

What makes Sycomore special is that like Mademoiselle Chanel, it has unisex quality. With its mix of woodsy smoky essences, it has a straightforward aroma. Sycomore is blended from a mixture of strong Hawaiian vetiver, sandalwood, cypress, juniper and spicy pink pepper. Notice how there are no flowers present? That's because of its no-frills concept.

Although it's rather pricey — full disclosure, Chanel sent a bottle to me — it happens to be one of my favorites to wear when I mean business. I spritz it on for meetings, afternoon events and whenever I want to feel strong rather than soft. Just shy of 80 years in the making, this scent has made a popular return. If you ever wondered why Chanel has earned a reputation for being timeless, Sycomore is a prime example.

BellaSugar’s Top Picks For Eyebrow Kits

bellasugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:00:21 -0700

Is it just me, or did eyebrows suddenly become the big beauty thing? It used to be that you'd use your favorite brown or taupe shadow to fill in thin or light hairs and add structure to your face. Now, kits are available in all sizes and prices. Some include tweezers, brushes, stay-proof waxes and multi-color shadows, while others have fewer bells and whistles but still get the job done. Below are my personal favorite eyebrow kits; what are yours?

Anastasia Brow Ex-press in Brunette ($38) is one of my favorites. Her tweezers are amazingly precise and I really like being able to blend all of these colors without having to spend a fortune.
Le Sourcil de Chanel ($46.60) has a thick, waxy texture that blends surprisingly well, and leave it Chanel to choose just the right combo of colors to suit just about any brow color.
Too Faced Brow Envy Brow Shaping & Defining Kit ($35) has an unbelievable price for all it includes. Inside of the pink polka-dot box comes two powder shades, molding wax, stencil, mini-tweezers, mirror, brown pencil with a blending tip and an angled brush.
Ramy Beauty Therapy Miracle Brow ($28) is near and dear to my heart because it's the first brow kit I ever used. The creamy gel texture blends like silk and leaves your brows not only darker but also well groomed — this is a winner!
DuWop Browwow in Darker ($34) is small, but it does the trick every time. Inside of the pink compact lies a colored powder, a shimmery highlighter and a tinted gloss to use when you're finished and a double sided brush for precise application and flawless blending.

Beauty Byte: Emma Watson Gets a New Role

bellasugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:00:34 -0700

Well, that didn't last long. Keira Knightley, who last year replaced Kate Moss as the face of Coco Mademoiselle perfume, is being replaced herself! Chanel's new pick is 18-year-old Emma Watson, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies. The Telegraph reports that Emma will earn a hefty £3 million (almost six million dollars) for her two-year contract.

I love Emma, but this news is a little bit surprising. While Coco Mademoiselle is among Chanel's "younger" fragrances, I don't think I would have worn it as a teenager. It's fresh and beautiful, but it has a sophisticated edge that works best on someone a few more years out of girlhood. Emma will probably work some of her magic for the brand, but do you think it's a good fit?

Update: My friends at Off The Rack report that the whole thing is untrue.

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SPF Beauty Bonanza, Part II: Tinted Moisturizers

bellasugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:00:11 -0700

Last Summer, we featured scores of SPF-enhanced tinted moisturizers, and a year later there's a new gaggle of goodies to explore! What I love about tinted moisturizers is that they serve three purposes. They simplify your prep time, since they act as a foundation and a moisturizer; they offer SPF so now you don't have to apply (or worry about) sun protection; and they help even out your skin tone. Below are three SPF tinted moisturizers that I'll think you'll fall madly in love with this Summer.

Just a few weeks ago Chanel launched Hydramax + Active Tinted Lotion SPF 15 ($55), a great alternative to wearing foundation in the heat of the Summer sun. It contains UVA and UVB protection while providing even coverage, a non-greasy feel and a healthy, radiant, almost dewy finish on my skin. I use #15 Sunlit (the medium shade out of the three) and not only do I find it moisturizing and extremely blendable, but I also really like the sweet scent.

La Mer has created The SPF 18 Fluid Tint ($65) in three shades of light, medium, and dark. It's moisturizing, it absorbs quickly, the formula is water-based so it's not oily whatsoever, it contains UVA and UVB protection, plus it's made with crushed gemstones (tourmaline and Brazilian malachite), so it helps give skin a radiant glow.

For one more tinted moisturizer with SPF,

Trend Alert: Grenadine-Colored Beauty Products

bellasugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:00:11 -0700

Grenadine is a sugary, pomegranate-colored syrup often used in cocktails to give them a sweet flavor and a pink tint. It's a popular mixer that has been around for ages, so it's really no surprise why cosmetic companies are inspired by its allure. Here are a few new Summer 2008 grenadine beauty products for you to check out.

Chanel Sheer Lip Colouring Pencil ($27) is a bright, yet sheer poppy (coralish-red) colored lip liner that glides on creamy and stays moist. It's great to wear alone (I like mine with a clear gloss on top, so it looks more like a stain) or under a lipstick to create depth and definition. Also, I love that it comes with its own sharpener.

Nailtini Grenadine Nail Lacquer ($12) is a bright pink DBP-, toluene-, and formaldehyde-free nail polish that can be layered with either a black- or white-base coat to make nails lighter or darker. I love this concept and the fact that Nailtini polishes dry so quickly. To check out more cocktail-inspired shades from this line, click here.

L'Oreal Infallible Lip Color in Grenadine ($7.99) is a shiny brick brownish-red lip color that is intended to last all day long without having to be reapplied. It involves a two-step process — first you apply a slick color and wait for it to dry and then you apply a clear topcoat. Check out pictures of my lips to judge for yourself if this is something you'd be into.

Coming Soon: Chanel Fall 2008 Collection

bellasugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:00:10 -0700

Good lord, when did it get to be time for Fall cosmetics yet? Summer hasn't even officially begun! Leave it to Chanel to be the first in line to set the gold standard with their launch — and I mean that in the most literal sense. The new collection was designed by Peter Philips (the new Chanel makeup designer) and in true Chanel form, he drew his inspiration from Coco's decadent apartment to create a gold-based range. I'm seriously wondering if metallics have made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for longest-running makeup trend.

The collection is filled with 20 new products, including two limited-edition gold items. The first is a powder highlighter called Gold Fever ($50), which can be worn on the face or the body and the second is a pale, shimmery gold nail polish called Gold Fiction ($30). Everything will be available in July.

For a complete list and a brief description of each of the new products in the Fall 2008 collection,

Trend Alert: Summertime Neon Nails

bellasugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:00:04 -0700

Check out the neon nails on Diane Kruger! Ever since the Costume Institute Gala I've been dying to talk about how she matched her shoes to her nails.

Celebrities and especially teenagers are going bonanza over the new fun, pop-colored nail polish quads from Essie and Chanel. They contain four minisized bottles of pink, yellow, orange, and either a blue or purple high-shine varnish. I'll be the first to admit that these electric '80s-inspired shades are fresh, but I think I would only dare to wear them on my toes. Are you confident enough to cruise around in these colors?

Color Power from Essie ($15 for four) is a great way to brighten up your fingers or toes for summertime. The white box has bright flowers printed on it and houses a red, yellow, orange, and a shimmery opalescent, bright-blue lacquer with flirty names such as cool click, flirty girl, crush, and txt me.

The Chanel Robertson Collection ($25 for four) is set to launch online in July. This minirange is named after Robertson Boulevard, the young and hip shopping street in Los Angeles where Chanel has just opened a boutique.

The collection includes a pink, purple, yellow, and tangerine polish and each shade is named after other famous streets nearby like Melrose, Rodeo Drive, LA Sunrise, and LA Sunset. Ain't it grand when beauty and fashion can collaborate like this!

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Beauty Byte: Audrey Tautou to Be No. 5 Alive?

bellasugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:00:17 -0700

Magnifique! WWD reports that French actress Audrey Tautou is rumored to be the next face of Chanel No. 5 perfume. If it's true — and considering WWD's insider reports are almost always right, it probably is — then Audrey will follow icons such as Nicole Kidman and Catherine Deneuve in representing the scent.

Truthfully, I'm surprised that Chanel hasn't signed her before. Audrey Tautou's gamine charm is unmatched, and she's playing Coco Chanel in an upcoming biopic. (She also seems a little more approachable than current spokesmodel Nicole Kidman, but that's just my opinion.) Seems like a perfect fit to me.

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Trend Alert: Sheer White Nail Polish

bellasugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:00:19 -0700

History is repeating itself once again with the return of the pale white nail. But this time around instead of being ultra opaque or iridescent, the colors are less intense and more sheer. Just the other night at the Sleepwalking movie screening, I noticed the feminine fingertips of Charlize Theron, Tinsley Mortimer and Beth Ostrosky. Here are two sheer white nail shades I think you'll really get into for spring.

White Satin by Chanel ($19) is a limited-edition shade of glossy white. The first coat is very sheer, but you can layer it to create a more potent polish. And if you're into french manicures, one coat looks beautiful over the white tips.

Barielle Nail Shades in Sensitive ($ is sheer shell white color that has a high shine finish and claims to be salon-strength. Also, it's tolulene free — awesome.

In addition, Zoya also has a new white shade out for spring called Purity, but from what I understand it's heavier and more opaque than it is sheer.

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Coming Soon: Chanel Summer 2008 Makeup Collection

bellasugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:00:42 -0700

Have a looky at a few products from the Chanel Summer 2008 makeup collection, which is expected to trickle out between April and May. The star items from the collection are clearly the Soleil Tan de Chanel (powder bronzers) and the Lumières Facettes (iridescent eye shadow quad).

The colors within the collection are earth toned and shimmery with a few fun hints of Miami Beach pinks and corals. If it reminds you a little bit of the Nars Summer 2008 Exotica collection, it's because both collections have incorporated browns, khakis, and iridescence to create an elegant safari look.

For a full list of products, prices, and colors in the collection,

How-To: Nicole Kidman's Oscars Makeup

bellasugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:00:23 -0800

Nicole Kidman turns up on the red carpet with a flawless hair and makeup combo each and every time. Last night, she showed up at the Oscars in soft, feminine makeup and a pretty sideswept bun.

Her makeup artist for the evening, Angela Levin, created Nicole's look with Chanel products. To find out how to get this look for yourself,

Over-The Top Serum Splurges

bellasugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:00:00 -0800

Sometimes you just feel like indulging yourself in ridiculously expensive beauty products from time to time. Maybe it's your birthday, you've received a bonus, or perhaps you just have a chunk of change that's been burning a hole in your pocket. Regardless of how you've saved your pennies, here are a couple of over-the-top new beauty indulgences to check out. I personally haven't been able to strike gold and try out these items yet, so if you have, I'd love to know how they compare to more affordable brands. Keep in touch!

This month, Chanel is releasing Sublimage Sèrum Essential Regenerating Concentrate, a highly concentrated and powerful anti-aging treatment to partner with its popular Sublimage Cream. The Chanel research team has spared no expense in developing this lightweight serum to help combat wrinkles, firm and hydrate the skin.

So, if a rejuvenated and youthful complexion is what you crave, you can purchase radiance in a one ounce airless pump bottle for $385!

For another totally over-the top serum splurge,

Brand-New Brow Kits

bellasugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:00:22 -0800

Eyebrow maintenance has never been so easy. Thanks to multi-pan palettes you can even change the color of your hair and still keep the same products. As I was web-surfing late last night, I came upon these brow kits that are equipped with mini tweezers. I've already shown you some of my favorites from the past, but here are a few newcomers I think you'll also enjoy checking out.

Jemma Kidd Brow & Eye Kit ($50) contains a small set of tweezers, an angled eyebrow brush and three versatile colors, which you can also use as eye shadows. I'm interested in seeing what this looks like in person because the light shade seems like it might not do much besides highlight your brow bone.

Le Sourcil de Chanel ($46.60) is a brow shaping kit that allows you to color, shape and groom your brows, even on the go. It comes packaged with three powder shades, an applicator, a mini set of tweezers, a mini brush for blending and the mirror inside the compact is even magnified. I wonder just how magnified it is — those vanity mirrors always get me into trouble!

Chanel Vs Dior: Battle of the Blue Polishes

bellasugar — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:00:41 -0800

If you've been following nail polish trends over the last few months, you know that Blue Satin is this season's It color. Part of the Chanel spring color collection, it's an inky shade that nearly looks black. But Dior wants you to take a new look at its blue-polish offering, which just launched as a Sephora exclusive in the States.

How will you know which blue's for you? Well, that partly depends on whether you prefer wholesome musicals or New Jack Swing. Read on:

	Chanel Blue Satin	Dior Poison Blue	Advantage?
Color	Dark navy with a subtle shimmer	Dark, glossy navy	It's a matter of personal preference, really.
Spokesmodel	Russian model Natalia Vodianova	French actress Eva Green	Chanel. Both women look intense, but the Photoshop job on Eva crushes any hope that we'll remotely resemble the ad.
Song association	Reminiscent of the "blue satin sashes" that Julie Andrews sings about with the Von Trapp children.	Inclusion of "poison" in name hints at possible Bell Biv Devoe inspiration.	Dior. (Yeah, poison.)
The backstory	Blue Satin was as sought-after as its Fall 2007 predecessor, Black Satin.	Until it became a Sephora exclusive, Poison Blue was available only abroad.	Chanel. Poison Blue is a little late to the party.
Availability	Sold out at many Chanel counters, but Nordstrom still has stock.	Only at Sephora	It's a draw.
Price	$19/.4 oz	$19/.33 oz	Chanel, by a drop.

Product Review: Chanel Blanc Universal Sheer Illuminator

bellasugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 08:00:51 -0800

I'm thrilled with Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base ($45), which is part of Chanel's spring collection. In essence, this is a skin primer, but somehow it feels like so much more!

The texture of this silicon-based formula is unique. The creamy white liquid goes on silky-smooth and has the consistency of a foundation, yet once you start to rub it in, it has similar qualities as a balm. All you need to do is put a little bit on a sponge or your fingertips and then spread it evenly in small circles.

I'll be honest: At first it looks a little scary because it's so white, but almost immediately, it absorbs into your skin and the color completely fades. All that's left is a velvety feeling that minimizes the look of your pores and leaves a bright and even finish on your face.

You can also use it just under your eyes or on the corners of your mouth for a soft dewy effect or you can mix it with your foundation for a really flawless, semi-matte looking face. And it wouldn't be right not to share the fresh floral smell with you. I'm not sure why it makes me feel so clean when I put it on, but the scent is really happy and refreshing.

Chanel Spring 2008 Aurora Blues Makeup Collection

bellasugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:00:00 -0800

Rose lips, blue nails, and shimmery whites are the staples in next season's new Spring 2008 Chanel Blue Aurora Collection. This is a big one folks, the line is filled with 22 new and exciting products as well as a limited-edition, camellia-embossed 4 Fleurs de Chanel Eyeshadow quad filled with velvety soft, finely milled, gorgeous iridescent shades. I haven't gotten the chance to see the colors up close and personal, but I have a feeling those of you who crave crisp pastel eyes, lips, and cheeks are in for a treat.

For details on each of the products,

2007 Sugar Awards: Best Nail Polish

bellasugar — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:08:35 -0800

I can't say that I'm shocked by the results of this year's winner for best nail polish. While one brand in particular didn't win, it looks like black stole the show with total of 19 percent of the votes. Dark purple came in second place, and navy, and other inky blue hues came in at close third. Looks like goth-colored nails rocked 2007.

My personal black fave is OPI's nail lacquer in Black Onyx. It's a really shiny and opaque shade, and the formula can last up to eight days on my nails — which is a record high for a manicure for me! Now that we know that black polish rules, do you have a favorite brand, too?

Fragrance Review: Chanel Eau de Cologne

bellasugar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:00:04 -0800

I recently set out to try one of the most popular Chanel Les Exclusifs Colognes called Eau de Cologne. I was interested in the scent because I heard that its crisp, fresh and clean aroma complements both men and women. Since the holidays are upon us, I'm always looking for great unisex gifts—most of my friends are coupled up now and bathroom real estate is precious.

The fragrance was created by Jacques Polge, and I was surprised by how much it reminded me of the yummy Italian limoncello dessert drink. The scent has notes of peppered rose, lemon, musk bergamot, neroli, vetiver and vanilla. (It's no wonder that it smells so delicious!)

The downside is that it's strong at first — so strong that more than one spray could bowl over anyone standing within ten feet of you. However, the upside is that although it hits you hard and fast, in time it fades into a charming floral scent.

Now that you know what an eau de cologne is, you can understand why the bottles are so big. In fact, it's one of the only scents that comes in a 400ml size ($300) as well as a 200ml size ($175). If you have a big budget and want to give a luxe gift, you might want to consider this one.

New Product Alert: Chanel Crème Gloss Lumière

bellasugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:00:45 -0800

Chanel Beauté keeps introducing new, beautiful treats that I'm dying to try. The latest is a hybrid of lipstick and lip gloss called Crème Gloss Lumière ($32). It's a creamy gel-based formula intended to provide more coverage and less stickiness than a traditional lip gloss, yet it manages to gives off just as much shine and moisture as a lipstick.

The velvety color is stored in an easy-to-use makeup pen with a brush attached for even application. It's available in six shades: Plum Soufflé (berry plum), Madeleine (rosy pink), Pink Truffle (berry red), Crème Caramel (neutral brown), Petit Four (soft nude) and Crème Brulée (bright coral). And since these are all names of some of my favorite French sweets, I'm finding this quasi-gloss twice as nice.

How-To: Sheryl Crow's Country Music Awards Makeup

bellasugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:00:05 -0800

At the 2007 Country Music Awards, Sheryl Crow wowed the red carpet. Her hair was soft and wavy, her outfit was classy, and her makeup was polished.

I especially like the way her nude lips sparkle, taking years off of her face. Clearly there's more than just talent that makes this lady a shining country music star! The magic behind her makeup is none other than Chanel's secret weapon, makeup artist Angela Levin.

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For a full list of the goods used on Sheryl, including tips on product application techniques,

How-To: Jennifer Garner's Glamour Girl Makeup Look

bellasugar — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 08:00:00 -0800

Jennifer Garner looked radiant at the 2007 Glamour Women of the Year Event Monday evening in New York City. Her beauty looks peaceful and serene in these photos — the sign of a woman who is truly glowing from the inside out!

But as happy as I'd like to believe that Jennifer is, the magical hands of famous celebrity makeup artist Paul Starr have also helped (just a little bit) create this fresh faced, ethereal look.

For a full list of products used on Jennifer and tips and techniques on how Paul Starr created this polished look,

How-To: Jennifer Aniston's Magazine Makeup Look

bellasugar — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:00:21 -0700

Jennifer Aniston looks amazing in the November issue of Harper's Bazaar. The story and images went up a few weeks ago on PopSugar and now I've got all the deets on her flawless face.

Once again, the talented Chanel makeup artist Angela Levin (remember her from Jennifer Connelly's Hollywood Film Festival Look?) worked her magic to give Jen tanned, radiant-looking skin, bright eyes, and a glossy pink pout. It could go wrong, but somehow she made it look very natural.

If you are interested in the products used and some tips on how to create this look for yourself at home,

Chanel Holiday 2007 Noel Collection

bellasugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 08:00:40 -0700

To ring in the new year with glitz and glamour, Chanel Beauté designers Dominique Moncourtois and Heidi Morawetz have created a makeup collection in light, sparkling shades reminiscent of the winter sun. The formulas all have satin and iridescent characteristics to them, which leaves your skin looking radiant and golden. All products are currently available in stores and online.

I have most of these products so once I have the chance to review them, I'll share a review. For a detailed list of all of twelve of the pretty products in the Chanel Noel Holiday 2007 Collection,

How-To: Jennifer Connelly's Makeup From The Hollywood Film Festival

bellasugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 16:00:40 -0700

At the Hollywood Film Festival, Jennifer Connelly arrived on the red carpet with flawless makeup and the hocus-pocus bob. As usual, her skin looked amazing and her green eyes shined.

If you are interested in finding out just how Chanel makeup artist Angela Levin created this red carpet look for Jennifer Connelly,

Quick Quiz: Who's a Fan of Chanel Eyeliner?

bellasugar — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 10:00:35 -0700

An English songstress is known for wearing Chanel Ecriture De Chanel Liquid Eyeliner. "Some people like a little color on their lip, some people like a little blush. My thing is eyeliner," she says. Can you guess her identity?

What Is Coco Chanel's Home Address?

bellasugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:00:08 -0700

If you read my series called BellaSugar Goes Inside Chanel, this little quiz should be a piece of cake. For those of you that have missed the series, take your best guess.

Out of all these famous French addresses, which one is where the late Mademoiselle Coco Chanel lived and worked?

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Jacques Helleu Dies at 69

bellasugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 10:59:57 -0700

Chanel Artistic Director Jacques Helleu Dies at 69. He was with Chanel for more than 40 years and he began his career with the company at the age of 18. I feel so honored to have the chance to have met him in Paris, and I know he will be missed by all that were touched through his creativity and charm.

Quick Quiz: What is the Best-Selling Perfume in the World?

bellasugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:00:42 -0700

Have you been keeping up to speed on BellaSugar? The answer to this question is in a series from the last couple of weeks. Here's a hint: Fragrance sales dramatically increased when Marilyn Monroe was quoted saying, "All I wear to bed are two drops of ...." Can you guess which of these perfumes is the world's best-selling fragrance?

BellaSugar's Insider's Guide To Chanel

bellasugar — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 10:58:37 -0700

I hope you've all enjoyed my series called BellaSugar's Inside Look Into Chanel. Below you can find a five-post roundup about my trip to Paris. It was an experience I will never forget.

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BellaSugar's Insider Look Into Chanel, Part V: Jacques Helleu's Movie

bellasugar — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:35:29 -0700

The last surprise on my Parisian Chanel Excursion was going to Chanel Corporate and meeting with their Artistic Director, Jacques Helleu. Since joining the company in 1956, he has been responsible for making all of the mini Chanel films, choosing the muses for beauty and fragrance, overseeing all packaging designs and creating the striking J12 watch.

As we sat inside the office of such a distinguished man, we watched three versions of the latest Coco Mademoiselle film, and then were treated to a question-and-answer session. Although, most of us were too timid to ask more than one question—you should have heard the way he spoke to his wife when she called.

A couple of weeks ago I showed you some behind-the-scenes footage from the one-minute movie, and here is is the final cut. It was was directed by Joe Wright who most recently directed Keira Knightley in Atonement. As you watch, notice the symbols from Coco Chanel's apartment and the perfume bottle—which is the same shape as the parameters of Place Vendome. I think you'll really appreciate how all of the details come together. Enjoy the show!

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BellaSugar's Insider Look Into Chanel, Part IV: Coco's Apartment

bellasugar — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:59:38 -0700

If ever I've experienced an a-ha moment, it was standing outside of 31 Rue Cambon, the home of Mademoiselle Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. This is where the creative genius of one of the world's most luxurious brands dwelled, and I couldn't wait to take it all in. What many of you might not know is that Mademoiselle Chanel was a very superstitious woman. All of the knick-knacks in her apartment are in pairs, and she never liked to be alone. Because of this, she only used her apartment for entertaining and conducting interviews, and she slept in a suite at the Hôtel Ritz across the street.

I entered the ground floor of the building, not through the public store entrance, but through the private entrance to her home. The first thing you see is a giant framed black and white photograph of Coco Chanel. What struck me the most was that the employees that we were greeted by were so in tune with Coco's life and the symbolism behind every single tiny detail in her home.

The first stop in the House of Chanel was the stunning, modern and spacious haute couture fitting rooms. We were told that anything we saw was of utmost secrecy since Karl Lagerfeld was busy on the fourth floor with the couturiers, getting ready for the Emmy Awards and the spring 2008 fashion show.

Next, we went up the famous winding, mirrored staircase to the apartment. The staircase itself is where Coco would sit from high above to make sure that everyone was on top of their daily tasks. She could also watch the faces and reactions of editors without them ever being the wiser.

To read about all of the secret symbolic details of the apartment,

BellaSugar's Insider Look Into Chanel, Part III: Coco Mademoiselle

bellasugar — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:00:16 -0700

During my visit to the Chanel perfumery, there was most definitely a focus on the big re-launch of Coco Mademoiselle. I am glad that I got to ask a few questions about this re-launch business, because all of the hype had me totally confused. Here's the scoop.

The original perfume was launched in 2001, featuring ads with Kate Moss. Now Keira Knightley has become the new face of the campaign, portraying a young Coco Chanel. Although this perfume isn't new, two new travel items have been added to the collection.

The first is a .25 oz purse-size perfume ($100), which is great for on-the-go touch-ups. The pearlized white compact with gold trim is a pretty pocketbook accessory.

The second item is an eight-gram, limited-edition solid perfume ($120). This compact is super slim, long lasting and very discreet. Ça c'est bon!

To read about my experience inside Coco Chanel's apartment, and to see more pictures, stay tuned for tomorrow's post!

BellaSugar's Insider Look Into Chanel, Part II: The Perfumery

bellasugar — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:05:28 -0700

I felt like such a lucky girl to be given the opportunity to travel to Paris to see the inner workings of Chanel's perfume laboratory with my own eyes. The space was white, the staff wore lab coats and the tables were lined with bottles of essential oils and beakers. It was all the the things you would expect to see in a lab. But when Jacques Polge, who has been "The Nose" of Chanel since 1978, entered the room to greet us, I realized that this experience was anything but ordinary.

Mr. Polge has reached legendary status both within Chanel and the fragrance world. As I stood there listening to him (while taking diligent notes) I was most inspired by his passion for his work and the pride he takes in the luxury scents he has created. Here's what he had to say.

First, he explained that the ingredients in Chanel fragrances are all natural, meaning they come from plants. They are harvested during their peak months, then the formulas are mixed and recorded - and they never, ever change. The main ingredients in Chanel's fragrance range, which we all got to smell in a highly concentrated condition, are jasmine (Chanel has its own jasmine fields in Grasse), iris, vetiver, vanilla and patchouli.

To read about the second part of the perfumery tour and to find out my top-secret product release scoop,