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I’ve set myself the task of catching up on everything I didn’t post by the end of 2019, starting with a Chanel update. Because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a bit of luxury to start the year?
Before Christmas, I was invited on an incredible press trip to Chanel’s skincare labs to see their new launches, all while staying in style in Paris. The trip was extraordinary, staying at the Ritz in a fabulous room and enjoying some top-notch dining.
Despite having just 75 minutes of sleep the night before (why is it so hard to sleep before an early wakeup?), I jumped into the Chanel experience headfirst. I toured the headquarters, got my makeup done at their flagship store on the Champs Elysees, and even did some Chanel-themed crafts, like gilding a Chanel logo with gold leaf.
A highlight was what I called the “Chanel Classroom,” where we learned about the ingredients in their new Sublimage cleansing range. One standout product is their l’Huile-en-Gel Cleanser, a luxurious gel-to-oil-to-milk creation. We also got to see how some of the raw ingredients are extracted in the skincare labs.
My favorite part of the trip was exploring the Chanel archives, which were filled with iconic dresses and suits from various decades and amazing photographs of early designs. The vintage beauty packaging room was a delightful surprise. It was like a time capsule with elegant, vintage products like moisturizers, talc, and soaps dating back as far as the 1920s.
It was astonishing how many of the products Chanel introduced in the 20s are similar to their modern launches. Some bottles and packaging styles have stayed almost the same, showcasing brilliant branding. For example, products like Huile de Jasmine still exist today nearly unchanged since their launch a century ago. It’s fascinating how a simple product can remain popular and cherished for so long.
The hand cream packaging transformation caught my attention too. It’s gone from a typical tube to a beautifully ergonomic, pebble-shaped bottle that fits perfectly in your hand. So unique and clever!
While I’ve been praising these products extensively (without being sidetracked by a dance party), I wish I’d taken better notes on the archived items because they were truly fascinating. Some tanning products were especially ahead of their time, offering self-tan options long before they were common.
It was an amazing trip. I’d go back to better document everything, but I was too busy enjoying the experience. Check out the new Sublimage cleansing range online. My top pick is the Oil-in-Gel Cleanser—it removes makeup beautifully without drying out your skin, although it does come with a classic Chanel price tag!