A new product range from any brand always gets me a little excited. This more so, when it’s from a big luxury brand in the market like Chanel. Most luxury brands are a little more set in their ways, and a little slower to change, so when No. 1 de Chanel was launched, in a rather low-key manner in early 2022, like a whisper through the world of beauty, I was intrigued.
No. 1 de Chanel is a rather compact range for now, with a focus on the skin, in the form of skincare and minimal makeup, and scent – what Chanel is well-known for. I’d be curious to see if it expands further! 🙂
I was fortunate to be given a little insight into some products in the No. 1 de Chanel range. However, if you’re curious about the skincare products in the range, and whether they are something you might like, keep reading – I might make it worth your while 😉
No. 1 de Chanel – Beauty ahead of time
At the heart of the No. 1 de Chanel range is the concept of holistic beauty and the red camellia flower extract. The products are brightly accented in red packaging and carry an eco-responsible and holistic message.
No. 1 de Chanel is a range that carries anti-aging skincare, targeted at those first stepping into the realms of anti-aging skincare, and finished off with a flawless foundation base, a touch of colour on lips and cheeks, and a spritz of a light fragrance mist. It is simple and complete.
Red Camellia Flower Extract
The active ingredient used throughout the No. 1 de Chanel range is the red camellia flower extract. In its sky laboratory in the French village of Gaujaq, comes the red camellia of the Camellia Japonica variety. A flower so resistant to water and cold, that its delicate petals remain immaculate.
The extract from the red camellia was found to support and boost skin vitality, which slows down the aging process on skin, resulting in skin that looks and remains healthy for a longer period of time. It is rich in antioxidants and protects skin from external stress for skin that looks radiantly beautiful.
Eco-Responsibility
In launching the No. 1 de Chanel line, Chanel seeks to reduce its carbon footprint with eco-designed packaging, and minimize its impact on the environment. The formulation in the products are largely from naturally derived ingredients.
The packaging, where possible, is made to be more environmentally responsible. No paper leaflets are included nor inserts, the boxes are not sealed with cellophane, the glass thickness is reduced so products are lighter (but not less luxurious in feel) and the glass packaging is largely recyclable. The No. 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Cream even comes with a refillable jar insert that you can purchase separately after you’re done with the original jar.
Personally, I’d feel better if this effort was done as a blanket revamp of all the packaging in Chanel beauty products, not just of one single product range. Done in such a limited manner, I feel like it’s a little gimmicky, to appeal to just a certain section of the public. That said, perhaps this is something that will be rolled out in a bigger scale, so we’ll see what happens hereafter 🙂
No. 1 de Chanel L’Eau Rouge Revitalizing Fragrance Mist – RM490 | US$110 for 100ml
Made with 97% naturally derived ingredients comes a fragrance mist in a brand new scent from the House of Chanel Parfum. The bottle feels a little lighter in the hand as compared to other Chanel fragrance bottles, but it is a beautifully sexy red that I absolutely adore!
I love how Chanel uses a deep shade of red that isn’t garish, but is pleasing on the eye and lends itself a luxurious feel.
The scent is fresh and refreshing, with a sweet burst of citrus and red berries, and a floral heart. Being a mist, it doesn’t last, but it is a very pretty scent, and easily layered over your other Chanel favourite perfumes. I’ll share more about this one in detail soon 🙂
No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm – RM190 | US$45
A fun lip and cheek product enriched with red camellia oil to nourish skin and enhance with colour. I have not yet tried this, as unlike many, I have not been the most adventurous to be out and about anywhere that dictates that a little lick of makeup would be nice. The one time I went somewhere exciting, I used my old stalwart – the Les Beiges Healthy Glow blush stick 😀
From experience, a lip and cheek product often ends up being better for one or the other, rarely both. So it will be interesting to see how this one performs, especially in our humid weather!
No. 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Serum – RM475 | US$160 for 50ml
The star product in the No. 1 de Chanel range is the Revitalizing Serum, a powerful serum that prevents and corrects 5 signs of aging – fine lines, loss of elasticity, loss of radiance, enlarged pores and deeper wrinkles.
Containing a high concentration of the red camellia flower extract to support skin vitality and protect skin from environmental aggressors, the Revitalizing Serum is touted as a must-have in the range.
The texture is a lightweight gel that pumps out from the uniquely designed cover, that auto-fills the dropper so you pump out the perfect and exact amount of product each time. It sinks beautifully into your skin and leaves skin feeling refreshed. I picked up a little sample from the boutique to try, and while it was lovely, it was a little light for my needs.
I think it is nice for someone in their 30’s who may be seeing the initial signs of aging, and who wants to address it. It however, may not be the best product for someone in the next decade of life, where your skin just needs and wants more nourishment.
No. 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Cream – RM450 | US$110 for 50ml
The Revitalizing Cream comes in a nice jar, that is frosted on the outside. The red jar that contains the product inside comes in a refillable option for when you want to replenish the product.
The texture is lightweight for a cream, and like the serum, sinks beautifully into the skin. For me, I find it a little light so it doesn’t offer the sort of comfort I prefer from Chanel’s Sublimage range. Again, I feel that this might be suitable or comfortable for someone who prefers a lighter textured cream, or who may not need anything as heavy as what I do.
Quick thoughts
On an overall basis, my original hunch about the No. 1 de Chanel range has been borne out, in that it is a range that caters to a slightly younger crowd. When you’re in your later 40’s like me, light textured products are nice, but what you really need is something that really delivers results in a more punchy manner. We can’t faff about with light, almost-there results anymore. For me, Chanel Sublimage range works better for my skin, simply because it’s made for more matured skin that needs more care.
The thought process and ethos of the No. 1 de Chanel range also seems to appeal more to those in a certain age group, and psyche. If you want a product from a luxury brand but balk at the excessive packaging that is often associated with their products, then the No. 1 de Chanel range might be one to look at.
Personally, I feel that in the No. 1 de Chanel range, the L’Eau Rouge fragrance Mist, Foundation and Lip and Cheek Balm are products that are more universally appealing. I have not had the opportunity to try the foundation, but I hear that it is very impressive. I may get a bottle to try, if only because I need to replenish my foundations that have all expired over the last 3 years LOL! 😀
A gift for you!
Now, having shared all that, and realizing that the No. 1 de Chanel skincare isn’t quite for me, I’d like to gift the 2 products I have to a reader, by way of a thank you for still reading my blog, and for supporting me all this time 🙂 All I ask is that you enjoy it!
I’ll pick a winner by 28 March 2022 and I’m only able to send it within Malaysia.
To enter the draw, tell me: What is the No. 1 lesson that you learnt from the pandemic?
Drop me a note in the comments below, and good luck! 🙂
If you’re not participating, you can tell me what you think of No. 1 de Chanel too, if you’ve had a look at it!
Paris B
Beauty hors d’oeuvres serves up bite-sized nuggets of information about new beauty releases, store openings or events with quick, cursory thoughts on them. It is presented as an appetizer to whet your appetite for something meatier and designed to offer quick information. See other beauty nuggets here. For more meaty posts read the product reviews.
I’m still here after all these years hehe! The one thing that I learned is to not take things/experiences for granted, whether it’s things like a small gathering of friends or enjoying music in a concert setting. One other thing I’ve learnt is that some tasks and meetings can absolutely take place remotely. I wish workplaces would offer more flexibility in terms of working remotely, but that’s a whole other conversation for another day 🙂 Thank you for your generosity and do take care.
Thank you for the generous offer Paris! I’m not in Malaysia but I would be happy to pay shipping if I win 🙂 The best thing I’ve learned from the pandemic is gratitude. I feel so grateful that both my family and I are healthy and didn’t experience any health scares or job loss. I take time to be grateful every day, even if it’s just to acknowledge that I can afford a healthy meal or a new lipstick.
Resilient. As a first time mom, white collar worker, and carrying many hats being a woman; I’ve learnt that i often do not have time to take a pause and process before the next challenge kicks in. This pandemic has definitely put me through a rollercoaster ride and I’m proud to say we survived as a family! (Thank you for this giveaway!)
Dear Paris.
Thanks for the generosity and thanks for being a blogger for ever since.
What I learn over the pandemic that life is unpredictable and and for a while in 2020, the world pause.
Things which is important to me is no longer a matters and I have learned about collecting surgical mask and never thought that 2 years later, we still need the mask to ensure the safety for ourselves as well as as distancing as much as we could.
Now I have learned that, in life we need to adapt to changes and having some friends which no longer around due to Covid, makes me see life in differently.
I hope the best for you and for Sherlock and hoping to have a stable life and not in this crazy world.
Only one changes I wanted now – a better and logic ministers ?
Paris, thanks for your always refreshingly honest reviews!
The one thing I learned from the pandemic is that everything is fleeting, so seize the moment. Being in lockdown away from the usual social interactions and potentially losing someone dear to you has really accelerated the need to do as you wish and not procrastinate/create excuses for yourself.
I learned more about loving myself and say no to emotional abuse of partner. I am still learning, be a better person, be prepared when unfortunate strike. If not the pandemic, I might not hv the chance to really stop and review how I lived in the past decades.
No.1 lesson: YOLO
This phrase is already there before the pandemic, but during the pandemic, it really hits different. You only live once! Live life so that you don’t regret the things you didn’t do when you had the chance. I’ve known some people close to me that lost their lives to the virus. That taught me that life is really short. In just a blink, you’ll be gone. I’ve also lost family members (not due to covid) during this period and I regretted that i didn’t spend enough time with them. During this pandemic period too that i start to get into this luxury skincare and makeup world. Spent on my mum the things she couldn’t afford when she was younger, buy myself a new lipstick just because i like it. (Ok probably more than i should but i hope you understand my point ?). Take time off when you are burnt out from work because you need a good mental health to survive. Screw the workplace once in a while, they won’t collapse just because you are on a break. Just gotta be rational about life and try to balance it out.
Anyway, i do enjoy reading your blog and thanks for sharing your thoughts and reviews! They help me make better decision. ? take care!
Hello Paris,
During the pandemic I learnt to try to remember to calm down and that some things are not always a big deal compared to the sudden and unexpected loss of life.
I try to appreciate my family and loved ones more instead of waiting for a special occasion. I am even more mindful of using my beauty products and enjoying them nowadays.
I am glad that you continue to blog and that people, jobs and shops are slowly opening up where possible.
Why I have learned is being alone is very calming and I realize that since I am not In the mall 3 times a week, I have cut back my spending on makeup but I buy what I want just not as often. Life is too short not to enjoy what you love and being home is something I love more now. Thanks for the giveaway!
There were so many lessons learnt during the pandemic!
But, if I were to pick the top lesson ingrained in me, it would be to never underestimate our own ability to cope with loss, change and trauma in times of adversity.
Rough seas makes stronger sailors; and tough times build greater people.
There is always a silver lining in every dark cloud.
I wish that all of us emerge as a better version of ourselves after this pandemic.
Thank you for the generous giveaway, Paris! 😀
What is the No. 1 lesson that you learnt from the pandemic?
Well, we always see the virus as an external enemy, a disease borne by outsiders. What happens, however, when you get infected from a close member of (significant other’s) family?
This pandemic has taught me that although blood is thicker than water, it sometimes pays to take a step back, to analyze the situation and think about the consequences before blindly submitting to personal beliefs e.g. attending religious rites. This is especially true in Asian society where patriarchy abounds. Sentiment should never cloud our judgement, more so in a pandemic!
The most important and eye opening lesson I’ve learned after going through the pandemic is it’s okay to be alone. You shouldn’t try to impress anyone but yourself.
Before the pandemic I’m always putting on airs and going to social events even though I’m exhausted because, FOMO. I was also very afraid that people would leave me out of stuff if I don’t meet them often or if I don’t reciprocate their invite.
But after an intense self-realization session, I just think that you don’t have to force yourself to constantly be ‘out’ there. It’s okay to say no. If they stop inviting you, you do the invite. Especially now, where money is kinda tight.
Had a huge binge of ‘the financial diet’ YouTube channel and various other ta Dom YouTube videos… and it really opened my eyes on consumerism. So on this journey to be more conscious on my spending.
and various other *finance related* youtube videos. just realised my typo oof. autocorrect.
The No. 1 lesson that I learnt from the pandemic is that it’s important to find joy in the little things in life in order to balance the chaos that is happening around you.
Thank you for the thoughtful gesture Paris.
What I learnt from this pandemic is that no day should be wasted overthinking. I suffer from anxiety and I have wasted so much of my life overthinking. Life is so fragile and its a gift to wake up every morning, being alive with our loved ones. I am a doctor and I have seen the worst sight of this pandemic. I learned to show more love, have less expectations and take life easy, to not be so uptight.
The No.1 thing I learnt from the pandemic is to expect less and to go with the flow. I am always a planner, with the many unexpected moments with pandemic, it had got me to chill and be a happy go lucky planner.
P.S.: the Chanel de No.1 is definitely a game changer, for me at least. I got the chance to try the tester during the roadshow and the feel is luxurious. Totally agree that the mist is the catch!
Hi Paris. Thanks for this generous opportunity.
Few first weeks of Pandemic: Surprise, Surprise that I can rely my basic groceries with 99Speedmart.
We all were not ready with this whole pandemic situation. But then no other option, just to embrace it.
Its a hard reset button in my life that force me to working on my relationship with myself. Despite the rough ugly journey 2020-now, I am forever grateful that I still can breath.
Cheers to us and stay save,
Hi Paris,
The number one lesson I learned from the pandemic, or within the chaos of these few years is to always treat yourself better, live at the moment and prioritise yourself first, probably some may interprete this as “being selfish” =P
Personally I have been through a few important incidents of my life despite the pandemic as the most impactful one; I have closed down my business due to awful betrayal of business partner (he is also my relative at the same time), healed from depression, and been through a near hit of life and death moment during a major landslide last year. Now as a covid survivor, there is nothing more important than living your moment and living for yourself.
The number 1 lesson I have learnt in this pandemic is to be consciously grateful for all that we have. It’s so easy to think, “oh I am a grateful person”, especially when things are going well. But when life is going downhill, when humankind is suffering, when people are falling sick and we are afraid of the same happening to us, when we spare some of our earnings to share with others, when we pray for the health and safety of those less fortunate, when we eat the food lovingly prepared on our plates, when we see a loved one calling on our phones; to be appreciative and to express gratitude, for the good and the bad; that is what I have learnt. Conscious gratitude means acknowledging your blessings, strengths and limitations. It means to persevere against all odds. And it especially means to slow down when things look bleak; that is gratitude for the good that will come. This is what I have learnt.
I am stronger than I thought I was. Whatever happened to be up to and during the pandemic made me who I was.
Hello Paris, hope you are well. Thanks for sharing the gift with us.
I’ve been your reader circa 2008 ??
Anyway i’ve learned not to plan too far ahead, but seize the moment, live a little more in the moment and not to be too serious about life. kinda hard since im always more of a planner and not a person who receives last min changes/ rude surprises well.
Hope all is well at your end!
Hi Paris! Glad to see another great post from u 🙂
I think 1 of the lesson I learnt from the pandemic, is to appreciate our life and everything in it, no matter how big or small. I guess none of us would expect a virus could change our life so much. Last year was the first time in life which I have to wait 1 year to meet my mom and siblings (due to lockdown). I last met them on Oct 2020 and only got the chance to meet them again in Oct 2021 (at Langkawi). I learnt to appreciate how precious time spent with all family members and friends. People I know lost their loved one during pandemic and many times I cried, afraid I wont ever got the chance to meet my family again. The pandemic taught me to be kinder, stronger and to appreciate life more. Many times all of us mourn the old life we have to left behind (no more meeting colleagues in office each morning or coffee session after work everyday). I got Covid19 end of last month and even that thought me how easy I’m defeated by a sickness and make me appreciate being healthy more! I hope that all of us can get through the pandemic in a good way, emotionally, financially and healthily. Take care and stay safe to u and everyone reading.