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Original poster

Chanel lipstick for my friend. Chemo ‘sending strength’ present

54 replies

GirlwithKaleidoscopeHair · 26/05/2022 21:22

My lovely friend started the first of 16 Chemo sessions (for BC) today. She has resolved to ‘dress up’ for each one. I would go with her if I was allowed ( and match her on the dress stakes).

Anyway I had a whim that I would send her a Chanel lipstick as a solidarity and strength talisman! It would have to be Chanel wouldn’t it? Icon status. Anyway I just looked and £45!!!!

Any colour suggestions and cheaper place to buy or (gasp) alternative brand- but I just don’t think it would have the same feeling..

am I being mad/inappropriate? What do you think?

oh, she is fair-ish and has very tightly curly hair (which she may shave off imminently)

I want to make her smile

OP posts:
SewingBees · 26/05/2022 23:33

SlatsandFlaps · 26/05/2022 23:14

A lovely idea but think about it.... She won't be feeling up to going anywhere wearing it for quite some considerable time. It's not the most appropriate present. I think something that she can enjoy now would be more appropriate

I don't think you read the OP properly.

I went through chemo last year and by the time each session came round I was over the previous one and absolutely capable of dressing up and putting on make up if I'd wanted to.

JaneG23 · 26/05/2022 23:35

Pirate is definitely the colour to go for. Also awesome as a nail polish.

BeaLola · 27/05/2022 00:28

I know you've already bought it but I just saw the post and wanted to say what a lovely friend you are & I think a great idea - fingers & all crossed gif your friends treatment

Oceanus · 27/05/2022 00:34

Chanel lipsticks are brilliant for what they represent as a brand: I love you enough to buy you something really expensive. However, they don't have much staying power in my opinion and when I put them on I don't go "wow". Having said that Jean (454) is a lovely cold medium-dark fuchsia (which needs to be reapplied often) and Mademoiselle (434) is a warm nudey rose (flattering colour though not the most moisturising, so maybe not acceptable?).
Dior Ultra Daring is a comfortable cold dark fuchsia.
Givenchy are my favourite as they have long lasting power, I don't need to prep my lips and they are comfortable to wear. They have fabulous reds and I wish I could recommend sth but I don't have them here to check. I feel very wow in them.
Burberry does the best nudes in terms of comfort that just brighten up the face. They need to be reapplied often but if you friend's lips are very dry, these would be good. They would also be great for those when she looks a bit ghostly (you'll know what I mean...).
Charlotte Tilbury has one called Bitch Perfect, which I've swatched but never tried. It's a very pretty nude colour and I put it here mostly because of the name but can't comment on what it feels like tbh.
Instead of buying one lipstick you could also go for couple minis from MAC:


  • Flat Out Fabulous - cold bright fuchsia. comfortable, long-lasting and very wow;

  • Please Me - lovely nudey peach; very discreet but instantly brightens up the face.

  • Craving - it's a cold medium plum (it brings some colour to the face but in a very discreet way)

  • (Ruby Woo is like Xanax for the face in the shape of lipstick, lasts all day but it does need balm/primer; I feel a bit like a warrior when I put it on and if I had to go to "war" this would be my shield.)

Oceanus · 27/05/2022 00:37

*those days

JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon · 27/05/2022 00:39

Dior, I had a Dior lipstick, not only was it lovely to wear it was a beautiful tube. I felt so fancy using it and was gutted when my bag was nicked with it in.

Looked much more special than chanel

upnorthsomewhere · 27/05/2022 00:43

I would go for the Les Beiges Lip Balm it has a colour (there's a few to choose from) it's also really hydrating and feels so nice on. It's £35

oneweecraw · 27/05/2022 05:52

@GirlwithKaleidoscopeHair you're welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful.
You sounds like a wonderful friend and I know this will make her day ♥️♥️

Houseoffools · 27/05/2022 05:55

I sent my friend a Chanel clear lipstick balm when she started chemo. It was very well received.

MzHz · 27/05/2022 06:01

www.feelunique.com/p/CHANEL-Rouge-Coco-Bloom-3g

if you specify the brand as a favourite, it locks in for a month I think and you get an additional 10% off so under £20 delivered

these colours are absolutely amazing. I bought one through this site and another from duty free (which actually cost a bit more)

i had a sample fan of them and every colour I tried looked amazing and suited my skin colour

LunaTheCat · 27/05/2022 06:13

Wow! You are an amazing friend!

TwoBigNoisyBoys · 27/05/2022 07:47

SewingBees · 26/05/2022 23:33

I don't think you read the OP properly.

I went through chemo last year and by the time each session came round I was over the previous one and absolutely capable of dressing up and putting on make up if I'd wanted to.

Show quote history

Agree 100%. I was the same, and quite a few of us women on the chemo ward were the same too. @GirlwithKaleidoscopeHair you know your friend best, and if she’ll appreciate this 😊

TheDogsMother · 27/05/2022 07:55

Laura Mercier, the satin one, is a lovely lasting and moisturising colour with beautiful packaging. Not as pricey as Chanel. What a lovely idea OP.

Mercurial123 · 27/05/2022 08:15

Maybe a nice lip balm too? My lips were super dry during chemo.

SlatsandFlaps · 29/05/2022 22:58

@SewingBees I read the OP perfectly fine, thanks! I'm not saying the OP's friend isn't 'capable' of getting dressed up but the chances are she won't feel up to it. Giving her something that she can only use if she goes out is a bit useless! Just because you managed chemo like a champ (well done btw!) doesn't mean this other person will.
Everyone is different of course and everyone thinks differently but whilst I would appreciate the thought & how lovely my friend is (if I had one that generous!) I'd be wishing it was something that could make my life easier now!

Mercurial123 · 30/05/2022 09:17

SlatsandFlaps · 29/05/2022 22:58

@SewingBees I read the OP perfectly fine, thanks! I'm not saying the OP's friend isn't 'capable' of getting dressed up but the chances are she won't feel up to it. Giving her something that she can only use if she goes out is a bit useless! Just because you managed chemo like a champ (well done btw!) doesn't mean this other person will.
Everyone is different of course and everyone thinks differently but whilst I would appreciate the thought & how lovely my friend is (if I had one that generous!) I'd be wishing it was something that could make my life easier now!

But the OP surely knows what her friend would appreciate?

I was really sick on chemo but by day 11 I felt amazing. Being practical is great but buying something beautiful and would be loved by the recipient is just as good if not better.

MarshaBradyo · 30/05/2022 09:19

Lip balm is a good idea

If you’d like one that is luxurious, works but is very expensive Chantecaille do an amazing one

WildFlowerBees · 30/05/2022 10:34

By Terry Baume de Rose is also a really lovely lip balm. Gives a a lovely hint of colour and feels really nice. Lovely thing to do op and I wish your friend well.

MzHz · 30/05/2022 13:11

WildFlowerBees · 30/05/2022 10:34

By Terry Baume de Rose is also a really lovely lip balm. Gives a a lovely hint of colour and feels really nice. Lovely thing to do op and I wish your friend well.

oh that stuff is wonderful! Love the smell of it too :)

WooNoodle · 30/05/2022 18:54

The chanel lip balm is glorious.

anon2022anon · 30/05/2022 19:37

@Oceanus I would be really interested in hearing your givenchy recommendations- I have 3 of those Mac colours and love them 😁but I would like an everyday non drying lipstick that still looks matt- ish.

Lovely idea OP!

TheLivingAnt · 30/05/2022 20:07

I would go for a fancy lip balm. Chemo does all sorts to your skin. Lips included.

Oceanus · 30/05/2022 21:50

@anon2022anon Hi! I can recommend Rouge Grainé 37 -it looks a lot like Ruby Woo in terms of colour, it's matte and it feels like velvet on the lips. You don't need to prime or line the lips as it doesn't bleed and it's long lasting. Fuchsia Irresistible (205) is a lovely dark fuchsia, nice to wear too but it's not a true matte on me, more like satin. Rouge Boise 14 reminds me a lot of Chanel Mademoiselle in terms of colour (but it's much better quality than the Chanel one tbh), it's a dark pink and it's matte too. This one is probably the most "wearable" in terms of colour.

marmiteloversunite · 30/05/2022 21:56

I think it's a great idea. I liked a statement lip and a big earring when I was going out during chemo. It really cheered me up and drew attention away from my lack of hair/eyelashes etc!

Beachview · 30/05/2022 21:58

I’m not sure that I would have liked this going through BC treatment as I felt sensitive about everything but you will know your friend best and how she will react. I loved attending a session at lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk/ as was surrounded by women in similar position as me x

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