Luxury skincare: Chanel Sublimage

Hello lovelies!! I’ve been planning a mini-series of reviews on the uber prestige skincare collections that have been popping up lately. Before you start slammin’ the sheer decadence of it all, read my commentary titled “Are Beauty Products Worth Their Price Tag” here. The reason it has taken me so long to get started, is that I find it rather difficult to give a good, honest review on high-end (and I mean the super luxxe) collections as my expectations are that much higher. The basic ranges are easier – do they give good moisturizing benefits, do they feel good on the skin, etc. But for products costing 3-4x or more, there has to be much much more right? Anyway, instead of procrastinating further, I thought I’d kickstart the series by giving you the low-down on Chanel’s super exclusive Sublimage line, based entirely on my personal experience.

“The ultimate anti-aging skincare experience. Exquisitely textured and exceptionally potent, SUBLIMAGE intensely regenerates and deeply revitalizes the complexion. Rare and precious ingredients exclusive to Chanel Research restore skin to its most youthful appearance for a captivating new radiance.”

Chanel Sublimage is a complete skincare collection that claims to give comprehensive anti-aging benefits. The main ingredient is the Vanilla Planifolia – unearthed in Madagascar, and refined by a unique process created by Chanel Research to harnesses the power of this potent botanical fruit for targeted anti-aging benefits. The result is the Enriched Planifolia Polyfractionated Active (basically it means the ingredient has been broken down into such a tiny particle that it gets absorbed and goes to work much more readily), that acts on the ‘life factors’ responsible for the key signs of aging (wrinkles, loss of firmness, radiance and moisture, and unevenness of skin tone), based on individual skin needs. The Sublimage family consists of the following members: I had the opportunity to try out all of the Sublimage products, except for the Masque. All of the products I found to be extremely gentle, I had absolutely no problems using them even when my skin was at its most sensitive, which says ALOT. I also enjoyed the gentle floral scent which felt luxurious and not overwhelming. The textures were all silky and felt amazing on my skin, I was particularly fond of Sublimage La Crème Texture Fine’s gel-cream texture! It also helped that the products were all exquisitely packaged in heavy glass / plastic that carry some heft and come in gorgeous coffret boxes… not that you would expect anything less of Chanel’s most prestigious line! There are 2 products from the line that I’d like to dwell a little more on since they are fairly new. First up, Sublimage Le Fluid is the line’s liquid moisturizer, and has been recently reformulated to include Zinc PRÉCISPHÈRES™. This is an exclusive and patented Chanel innovation, to subtly mattify skin where needed without diminishing its radiant glow. When I first tried it, I noticed it absorbed quickly and leaves my skin looking dewy matte, almost velvety. I didn’t quite notice its oil control properties until I switched back to my regular non-oil control moisturizer, and recognized a whole world of difference! It doesn’t quite stop it all entirely though, and I still need to touch up my makeup. But when I’m not wearing any makeup at all at home, Sublimage Le Fluid feels amazing to have on. If you’re looking for an overall anti-aging moisturizer that has a light fluid texture and provides some mattifying action, you may consider this a worthy investment at SGD414. Personally though, I find that rather high a price to pay, and for a bit of day-time luxury, I would probably choose La Mer The Moisturizing Gel Creme which is almost half the price (and twice as effective, in my experience!). The latest addition to the Sublimage family is Sublimage La Protection UV. I guess Chanel figured that no skincare line is complete without a sunscreen. La Protection UV is equipped with SPF 30 / PA++, and claims to also contain a UV complex that targets DNA and the stem cell environment to strengthen the skin’s internal barrier. In the short 2 weeks or so that I was able to try this on, I couldn’t quite ascertain if La Protection UV was effective on the cellular level. Just as with the rest of the line, it was lightweight and pleasant to use. However, I wished that it came with greater SPF and PA factors, particularly since all other sunscreen products released around the same time are all rated higher. Even without considering the price tag (SGD166), I would readily YSL’s Top Secrets UV Shield SPF 50 / PA++++ (reviewed here) over Sublimage La Protection UV for the higher protection and equal if not better ease of use. I really enjoyed each of the Chanel Sublimage products very much, and wanted to love them with all my heart. However, they just didn’t seem to do very much for my skin. The fact that they didn’t irritate my skin spoke well of the line, but at the price range of SGD120 for a cleanser, to well above 600 for a cream, I needed to wake up thoroughly blown away by incredible radiance, improved skin tone, etc etc. I went through 2 sets of samples that lasted me for almost a month just to be doubly sure, but it just wasn’t meant to be. Obviously if you have the money to spend, and these products work for you, by all means continue investing in them! But for those who are unsure, I would recommend trying to get hold of some samples before taking the plunge. Have you tried Chanel’s Sublimage skincare? Love to hear your thoughts on the line! Also, if you have any specific skincare range that you’d like an honest review on, do let me know! xoxo