I admit, I *may* have a slight obsession with powdered highlighters, but my most favourite of all are from Chanel. When I first saw this latest Chanel illuminating powder on Omorphia's Instagram post (see her review and swatches on her skin tone here), I knew my wallet was in trouble. :)
About
"An illuminating powder with two contrasting rosy beige and copper shades that perfectly sculpt the face with a sheer, luminous finish. An exclusive creation embossed with a precious lace motif that Gabrielle Chanel particularly loved. This delicate powder offers an adjustable satiny result with its beveled brush applicator.A subtly iridescent and evanescent powder texture for an instant illuminating effect."
~ CHANEL.COM
Packaging
Large black velvet pouch secured with an elastic band.
When you unfold the pouch, there's a little pocket on the front for the included natural, haired angled applicator brush. And, of course, a large pocket for the compact itself.
Above: product description label at the bottom of the compact, and below: the size of the compact relative to my slightly smaller than average hand.
There's also a mirror on the underside of the top compact lid for touch-ups.
My Musings
Undoubtedly, Chanel Dentelle Précieuse Illuminating Powder is unique in my collection. Its intriguing medium-toned, rose beige and copper nuances weaved through the beautiful, delicate lace motif made it rather tricky for me to photograph (I had to borrow my husband's camera which had a far superior lens than mine!). If you look closely at the detail of the powder, some areas are darker, and this reflects when swatched, I get a streak of the darker shade and the other, the lighter shade in a single swipe. (Obviously, it also depends on which part of the powder you dip into). This not only looks stunning in the compact giving varying depth and texture. The varying shades and depth of colour mimicking, perhaps, wear over time on a precious, vintage lacework. It glows!
Above: shot using natural lighting, and below, slightly softer, natural lighting.
Above: close up of the detailed lace embossing. *_*
Texture & Finish
The texture of the powder is typical for Chanel - i.e., exceptional. It's extremely smooth and so finely milled. The level of iridescence (no large glitter particles here!) and texture is similar to that of my all-time favourite powder highlighter Poudre Signée de Chanel (limited edition from 2012). The latter is a much paler, rose gold highlighter. The iridescence gives a subtle glow and when viewed up close, in certain lighting and angles, you can see the tiniest twinkle here and there.
Longevity & Wear
I find this highlighter to be extremely long lasting without any noticeable fading or changing colour on my combination skin, so I don't ever need to re-touch. The longest I've worn it for was 10 whole hours! :)
Swatches
For reference, I have medium to tanned, olive skin (~NC35) and the swatches were photographed indoors.
Above: photographed using a strobe, and below, without a strobe to depict its iridescence under low lighting.
Comparison Swatches
Swatched from left to right (photographed using a strobe) on my medium to tanned, olive ~NC35 skin tone:
- Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in 'Rose Gold'
- Estee Lauder Pure Color in 01 'Modern Mercury'
- Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in 'Spellbound'
- Chanel Dentelle Précieuse Illuminating Powder
Application
I love using this on the mobile eye lids on its own, or to highlight the centre of the eye lids on top of other eye colours using my clean finger in a gentle dabbing motion. I also use this on the high points of my cheek bones, under the brow, on top of my nose and cupid's bow - all using my finger tip for precise placement, and slightly more intense effect. For a more subtle, all-over radiant finish, I like to use a soft, bit fluffy, powder brush and lightly dust it on larger areas of my face.
Verdict
Chanel have outdone themselves yet again with Chanel Dentelle Précieuse Illuminating Powder. Simply amazing, and a must-have for Chanel makeup lovers.
Availability
Limited edition and exclusive only to the Chanel Makeup Studio, Myer Sydney City. Available now!
Hope this was useful/interesting.
Thanks for stopping by! ^_^ xo
Thanks for stopping by! ^_^ xo