Chanel Sublimage worth $350 for 1.7oz?

Beauty Cred on 27 Sep 2006 at 12:00am

It's not absurd to say that Seattle is decidedly outside the target market for Chanel. Chanel evokes images of Parisian or New York socialites and celebrity red carpet perfections (think Nicole Kidman). Waterproof gore-tex parkas and "comfortable" shoes hardly fit Chanel's old world glam.

Yet the flagship Nordstrom store in downtown Seattle has an entire Chanel department which every so often has a serious shopper,

As unattainable as Chanel is with their fashions, the Chanel cosmetics and fragrances are definitely within grasp for "regular" women. But the air of affordability suddenly changed with their launch of Chanel's new anti-aging skin cream called Sublimage. Retail price: $350. Let me say that again, $350 for 1.7 ounces.

Chanel spends tons of money on their south of France laboratory: CERIES (The Epidermal and Sensory Research and Investigation Center of CHANEL), and someone has to pay for that, but this is just far too expensive.

Sure, $400 for Restylane or Juvederm is reasonable, but before dropping $350 on a Chanel cream there ought to be proof that it works or better yet, my dermatologist highly recommends it. Am I alone on this?

Comments (23)

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sheltie (unregistered guest) 17 Feb 2008
NO, the $350 price for this cream is not warranted. No face cream regardless of price or "rare" mushroom, herb, or extract can lift skin anywhere. Anti oxidents, water binding agents and anti irritants are all great for skin, and all these can be found in some great face creams for a fraction of the cost of this $350 marketing gimick.
Gracie0315 (unregistered guest) 31 Mar 2008
OK, I just have to chime in about Sublimage. And believe me Seattle-ites, they'll sell it to anyone. Including me, a 50+ Phila. suburbanite. At any rate, I gotta tell you, these products have no equal. I'm not certain that - in the end - they will ultimately improve lines or wrinkles, but the skin looks fabulous when you put them on. Luminous without that fake shine. And good enough to go without foundation. And the scent is out of this world. So the $350 question. I don't know. That's individual. I consider my face more important than a handbag or a night on the town. But if the decision is between the electric bill or a face cream, the answer is obvious. But it is great stuff!
Vicki H - OKC (1 post) 5 May 2008
I purchased Sublimage a couple of weeks ago in Las Vegas and have to say that although the price is fairly steep...I would do it all over again. At 45 years old I have protected my skin and it still looks good with no need for any type of procedure...and would prefer to keep it that way. If I can get from a cream the results that I have already seen...the money is well spent. The cream has begun to even out my skin tone which had some blotchiness to it and makes my skin glow. I have had many comments on my complextion and haven't told a soul I was crazy enough to spend the $350.00 us dollars...except for my husband of course. Must be something more than coincidence.
Ingrid (1 post) 24 May 2008
I am half way through my second jar of Sublimage. The price is high, especially when taxes are added - $380 - but it is worth it and you need very little, and therefore the product lasts about 5 months. I had radiation treatments and the muscles/jowls have suffered because of this and I cannot ever have a face lift. I had a photo taken about 1.5 years ago for my office pass card, which I thought was awful. After the first jar of Sublimage I noticed a drastic change in my face and muscles and had a new photo taken. The new photo was simply amazing! The jowls that bothered me so much have actually lifted. I don't think I will never be without this wonderful product and will do without something else. In fact the department store where I buy it has a program of deferred credit card payments due to the high sales volume of working women, like me. So far I am lucky to have been given samples of Sublimage Serum, but I did buy the equally wonderful eye cream.
srikandi7 (1 post) 21 Apr 2009
wow, radiation treatment? how bad could that be for your skin, Ermmm...You know what Chanel should hire you to become their model.. i mean a real living proof ... no gimmicks ... enjoy your second helping of sublimage...
newyorker (8 posts) 29 May 2008
Thanks for the tip. I am going to try it - I called them and they will send samples of the eye product and they say they can give samples to you at department stores so I will try that as well tomorrow. I'm 63 and I just noticed the elasticity in hands, neck and eye area is gone, sadly enough. Dont know if the product is for younger women
NancyM (53 posts) 30 May 2008
It sounds like Chanel Sublimage may be a "worth it" alternative for those who cannot (or choose not to) undergo cosmetic procedures for one reason or another. However, depending on usage rate, it could cost $700 - $1050 a year--for a cream (and keep in mind you'd need to add on about $30 in NYC sales tax per purchase, too). If you can afford it and it works for you, great. But when I hear that stores are offering deferred credit card payments, I draw the line... I'd love to hear what others think!
newyorker (8 posts) 30 May 2008
I'll post if it works or not for my skin - I think alot of these products work best before the aging process with the loss of elasticity has set in - not convinced whatsover there's much to be done for that but improve appearance by keeping it well moisturized, different when youre trying to slow down a process. When I pinch my skin hands, neck or under eyes, it no longer snaps back
newyorker (8 posts) 31 May 2008
Got 2 samples yesterday of sublimage aand related eye product. and neck area seems to look better,in terms of that aging wrinkled look-wrinkles diminished by 90 percent and I noticed that it has some staying power. Eye product works initially to correct my under eye wrinkles Now the issue is where does it go from here. Does it maintain, get better or the effect fade away over time as the body gets used to. Skin elasticity or snap back in neck, eyes has not improved. Face product has a fragrance smell, but seems hypoallegengnic. Eye product doesn't have smell.
AliGrace (83 posts) 11 Jun 2008
I began using Obagi's ElastiDerm Eye Gel 3 weeks ago, and I have never tried any product - at any price - that works better on my "crepe-y" undereye skin. Of course, I am 5 weeks post-Fraxel Re:Pair, and with the progressive nature of results from that procedure, some of the incredible improvements I am seeing could certainly be resultant of the new collagen formation stimulated by the FR.
alleycatscollectibles (unregistered guest) 18 May 2009
Did I understand your post correctly? You got two samples yesterday and you already see a difference. I don't think so. You must work for Chanel.
Nancy50 (9 posts) 6 Jun 2008
I haven't read any of the responses yet. I wanted to write my own honest honest review first. I purchased a full size bottle of Chanel Sublimage face cream as well as a full size bottle of the eye cream. I can report that they both feel very nice on the face. The eye cream is very creamy and has a much silkier feeling than some I've tried. I'm using a full size sample of Kinerase right now and it's definitely not as creamy. So, now on to the results....or, I should say lack of results. I just turned 54 so you can take my age into consideration as well. I didn't have any results from either the face or eye cream. No magic, no wrinkle reduction, etc. I think it's important to check out the ingredients and Chanel's Sublimage doesn't have anything revolutionary in it. I haven't even seen peptides or copper listed. Where are their scientific results? at $350 for 1.7oz's, I think we should be seeing some great independent lab results....something that justifies that price besides the name "Chanel". If you have money to burn and like the look and feel of the jars (they're very nice) and if you like the feel of the cream....go for it. I have expensive taste and I've tried a great deal of high end products. I love Chanel's cosmetics. I like their mascara, lip gloss, lipsticks and eye shadows. Oh, and, I'm a fragrance junkie and I love many of Chanel's perfumes too! FYI, I have an excellent dermatologist and both he and his Physician's Asst. laughed when I asked about the Chanel creams! Keep in mind, we're helping to pay for those expensive commercials. I'm sure those actresses charge a pretty hefty fee ;)
newyorker (8 posts) 7 Jun 2008
I'm in my early 60's and it has really worked for improving the appearance of neck wrinkles and giving the face a healthier look immediately. I didnt have the dehydration and wrinkles in my 50's. The fat and elasticity is gone in my neck. they give away free samples.
Nancy50 (9 posts) 16 Oct 2008
P.S. I'm having an eye lift and facelift at the end of August and I would highly recommend saving that $350, plus tax and putting it into a "plastic surgery" fund. My upper lids are heavy....people use nice phrases like "bedroom eyes" but I just call it sagging! And, I've inherited my Dad's sagging double chin. As my plastic surgeon said, "there is nothing that you can do for these issues outside of surgery". A cream cannot lift your skin. I swear that sales people in stores can see me coming from a mile away and they probably fight for who gets me! Wear the best broad spectrum sunscreen you can find, don't sunbathe, wear good sunglasses, don't smoke and eat a healthy diet. I've had a basal cell skin cancer removed from my face and a melanoma removed from my arm. If you're still young, you can still protect yourself from those wrinkles. I have pale faced friends with gorgeous skin. If you do have sun damage on your face, check out SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum. If you're starting to get age spots on your face, it's also helpful for them but you're not going to notice a difference in a month. It takes time. This is the one product my dermatologist recommended for me and I'm on my 2nd bottle of it. Whatever you buy, it's worth checking out ebay. You do have to find reputable sellers but I've never had a bad experience there. I'm careful to check out the feedback. Hope some of this is helpful. :) Just to let you know, I had to change my surgery date. I'm now scheduled for next week, Oct 22nd. After I get past my "Alien" phase, I've been told that I'll be looking at least a decade younger. I can live with that. :)
Scarlett A. (unregistered guest) 12 Apr 2009
I love it! I used to use La Mer but after trying samples of the sublimage, I went and bought the Regenerating Creme and I have to say it is up there with La Prairie. And if you want to compare it to the procedures will that will cost more than this creme, feel free, but it is way better for the skin than lasers and needles. It may not be over night but if you are patient and want to REALLY take care of your skin I suggest spending the $350!!
Cliff (1 post) 23 May 2009
I have been buying this and other chanel product for the last couple of years for my partner and I can see the difference both in the way she looks and feels and my life is much better We are older 57 &56 and this little bit of care for her makes my life very contented I highly recommend you guys try this with your loved one
worthit (unregistered guest) 11 Jun 2009
I first purchased Sublimage serum last spring (at 49). I noticed a difference immediately. After using it a week my younger cousin (37) was sitting next to me on a sunny day and couldn't stop staring at my skin. She actually said "Your skin is amazing! You have no wrinkles!" It lasted 5-6 months and I didn't replace it, and it shows. I just ordered another bottle tonight. I did the math. At $400 for the serum over a 5 month period, it costs about $2.70 per day to apply it to my entire face. (A little bit goes a long way) My face is definitely worth that, and I have no desire to have a surgeon take a knife to my face at this point in my life. I highly recommend this product and have absolutely nothing to gain by saying so. Enjoy!
Karen 43 (unregistered guest) 16 Jun 2009
I have used Sublimage Serum and Cream. Love them, I have problems with melasma, while using Chanel Sublimage products I had no signs of Melasma, because of financial problems I went to cheaper products, my Melasma is back. I also live in Az where the air is very dry. Last year I had ran out of my sublimage and was using a brand of lotion it didn't even compare with Sublimage products. I had been to spas on a regular basis nothing compares the Chanel Sublimage products. I am saving up for Sublimage products. NOTHING makes my face look more youthful,hydrated, and vibrant then Sublimage products, also nothing else has kept my Melasma from reappearing either. Costly...Yes. Worth it... Yes!
Tahliah (1 post) 13 Aug 2009
I've sold this crap as a beauty advisor and I can tell you women want something to believe in. Three fifty for a skin care cream is absurb and I would personally tell these arrogant out of touch Chanel executives so. Vanilla extract from such exotic locale(Madagascar)is just another name for snake oil. Ladies, keep your faces clean moisturize with Emu oil or Argan oil and call it a day. T
Robin in San Diego CA (1 post) 17 Aug 2009
I have just purchased my 3rd jar and hope that it does NOT ever get discontinued! I told no one I was using it and I have had many comments and compliments on my skin. I am 57 and have very fine dry skin-and I seem to have allergic issues with many creams...but NOT Sublimage. It works extremely well for me. Love everything about it from the fragrance to the consistency--but most of all I love how it makes me look!
ajrover (1 post) 11 Mar 2010
Just tried it, it doesn't work! Complete waste of money. Smoothes under eye skin, but dark circles, wrinkles, and bags still there.
twoimps (2 posts) 24 May 2010
You JUST tried it and it didn't work instantly - duh. Do you know what causes dark circles and bags? try poor diet, dehydration, lack of sleep, smoking, allergies, loss of facial fat during the aging process. Wrinkles are from too much sun, dehydration, smoking.
twoimps (2 posts) 24 May 2010
While I have my genes to thank for my smooth, wrinkle free skin at age 54, I also use high quality skin care and cosmetics to look my best as I age. The luxury products last longer, apply better, and look better than the less expensive products (Dermalogica vs. Olay skincare - Chanel or Laura Mercier vs. Maybelliene cosmetics). Don't expect to go a lifetime without taking care of your skin and then reach middleage and look good. I worked in cosmetics 25 yrs ago and I couldn't believe how bad some young women's skin looked - and smoking adds years! Women will spend $$$ on purses, shoes, and clothes and nothing on their faces or hair. Some products actually improve your hair and skin but all products are over-priced. But then, a Tercel or Ford Escort will get you to work the same as a Mercedes or BMW yet we all want the luxury cars.

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