Luxury makeup is a trap. We've all been there. You spend $45 on a tiny pot of pigment because the interlocking C's look good in your bag, only to find out the formula is chalky, or worse, it disappears after twenty minutes of existing. But the Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm from the N°1 de Chanel line is different. I’m not saying it’s a miracle in a jar, but it’s one of the few high-end products that actually understands what "multipurpose" should mean.
It's juicy.
Most cream blushes are either too matte—which makes you look like you’ve applied theatrical paint—or too greasy, which just slides off your face by lunch. Chanel used Red Camellia oil as the hero ingredient here. It’s meant to be "anti-aging," but honestly? It just makes the texture feel like a concentrated serum that happens to be tinted.
The Science of the Red Camellia
Chanel didn't just pick a flower because it looked pretty on a mood board. They have an open-air laboratory in Gaujacq, in the South of France. It’s a massive operation dedicated to the Camellia japonica ‘Alba Plena’. For the N°1 line, they focused on the 'The Czar' variety.
Why? Because it doesn't wither.
While other flowers give up when the frost hits, this camellia stays resilient. Chanel’s research team, led by experts like Nicola Fuzzati, found that Red Camellia extract targets the first stage of skin aging by supporting "senescence"—basically helping cells stay healthy longer. Whether a lip balm can actually stop time is debatable, but the hydration is real. You can feel it.
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The Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm contains about 86% naturally derived ingredients. In the world of luxury beauty, that’s actually quite high. It’s not "clean beauty" in the way a crunchy granola brand is, but it’s a significant shift for a house that usually relies on heavy silicones.
Texture and Pigment Payoff
Let’s talk about the "balm" part. It’s dense. When you first press your finger into the pot, there’s a resistance there. It isn’t runny. However, the second it hits the warmth of your skin, it melts.
I’ve found that the pigment is deceptive. In the jar, Healthy Pink looks like a standard mauve. On the skin, it’s sheer. You can't really mess it up. If you want that "I just ran a mile in crisp air" look, one tap is enough. If you want to look like you’re actually wearing makeup, you’ll need three layers.
- Vital Beige: The sleeper hit. It looks brown but pulls as a perfect sun-kissed nude.
- Red Camellia: The classic. It’s a true, blue-toned red that makes teeth look whiter.
- Ardent Pink: A bright, almost neon coral that somehow settles into a soft flush.
- Berry Boost: Looks intimidatingly dark, but blends into a "just ate a popsicle" stain.
How It Performs on Real Skin
If you have oily skin, you might be skeptical. I get it. Putting an oil-based balm on your cheeks sounds like a recipe for breakouts or a shiny mess. But the finish isn't "shiny." It’s dewy. There is a distinction. It doesn't dry down to a powder, so if you hate feeling anything on your face, move on. This stays tacky for a bit.
On the lips, it’s a solid B+. It’s more comfortable than a lipstick but less gooey than a gloss. It won't survive a burger, but it fades gracefully. You won't be left with that awkward ring around your mouth.
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What Nobody Tells You About the Packaging
The jar is glass. It’s heavy. It feels expensive because it is. Chanel moved toward sustainable packaging with this line, so there’s no plastic cellophane and no paper leafet inside the box. You scan a QR code instead. The cap is made from bio-based materials, including seed husks.
But here’s the reality: It’s a jar. You have to stick your fingers in it. If you have long nails, you’re going to get balm under them. It’s unavoidable. Some people use a brush, but honestly, this formula needs the heat of your fingertips to blend properly. If you're a germaphobe, this might not be your favorite product.
Comparing the Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm to the Competition
People always ask if the Merit Flush Balm or the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks are better.
Merit is much sheerer and "oilier." It’s gone in two hours. Westman Atelier is more "makeup-y"—it has more slip and a more traditional cream-to-powder feel. The Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm sits right in the middle. It has more "grip" than Merit but more "glow" than Westman.
Honestly, the only real downside is the price. You’re paying for the R&D, the glass jar, and the brand. Is the pigment twice as good as a $10 drugstore cream blush? Maybe not. Is the experience of using it better? Absolutely.
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Application Tips for Maximum Longevity
- Skip the powder. If you put this over powder, it’ll pill. Use it on bare skin or over a light tint.
- The "Stipple" Method: Don't swipe. Tap. Tapping builds the pigment without lifting your foundation underneath.
- Layering: Put a tiny bit on your lips first, then use the leftover on your finger for your nose. It creates a cohesive look.
- Eye hack: You can use the lighter shades on your eyelids for a glossy, editorial look, but be warned—it will crease.
The Verdict on Sustainability
Chanel is trying. The N°1 line is their big push into "eco-responsible" luxury. By reducing the weight of the glass and eliminating the plastic liners, they’ve cut the carbon footprint of the packaging. It’s a step. Is it perfect? No. It’s still a luxury good being shipped globally. But compared to the heavy, multi-layered plastic packaging of the 90s, it’s a massive improvement.
The formula is also 76% camellia-derived, using petals, seeds, and yeast. Nothing goes to waste. That kind of vertical integration in beauty is rare. They grow the flowers, they extract the oil, they make the balm.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on the Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm, don't just buy the most popular shade.
Check your undertones. If you’re cool-toned, Berry Boost or Pink Check will look incredible. If you’re warm, Vital Beige or Hello Gold (if you can find it) are your best bets.
Go to a counter and feel the texture first. It’s a specific sensation—dense yet melting. Once you have it, store it in a cool, dry place. Because it’s high in natural oils, it can sweat if it gets too hot, and while that doesn't ruin the product, it does make it messier to use. Start with a tiny amount. You can always add more, but taking it off requires starting your whole base over.
Pick one shade and use it until the bottom of the glass jar shows. That’s the real way to get your money’s worth.