Object of Desire | Chanel Les Beiges

"Sunlight; health; radiance. Words that evoke Chanel's latest beauty product, Les Beiges and Sarah Beeby's celebratory film created exclusively for anothermag.com." Les Beiges is an important moment for Chanel. Created by Peter Phillips, the creamy packaging is the first time the brand has changed its iconic monochrome lacquered casing. The powder takes its inspiration from the outdoors, which is key to the history of Chanel –  Gabrielle Chanel was often to be found walking on the beaches of Deauville, Cannes and Biarritz, her face bare, warmed with subtle radiance. Very aware of the difficulties of giving Caucasian and Asian skin tones a natural glow, Phillips chose not to use bronzer or sparkle, instead working to create a powder that would focus on natural beauty, enhancing, reviving and brightening the complexion. "I worked with the Chanel Laboratories for months to compose the perfect range of beige shades," he explains.

"Gabriele Chanel was often to be found walking on the beaches of Deauville, Cannes and Biarritz, her face bare, warmed with subtle radiance"

The product is also smart. The fine, lightweight and antioxidant powder shields the skin from environmental stress and sunlight and its ultra-protective formula, enriched with cotton flower and white rose plant cells, becomes one with the skin. It is gentle on all skin types, even the most sensitive. Sculpted in a half-moon shape, the brush in each case is designed to follow the curves of the face. “You have to be able to apply your make-up without thinking about it,” explains Philips. “And even though the case contains a wide-angle mirror, you can sweep on some Beige with your eyes closed. I guarantee that the result will be perfectly natural.”-Text by Laura Bradley