Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder in Peche Perlee

Some time ago, I visited the Chanel counter with the intention of getting the Bronze Universelle (was on a bronzer kick) but I tested out the Poudre Universelle Libre in #27 Peche Perlee and immediately fell in love. As I already have another Chanel loose powder in #20 Clair for a while now, I knew the quality of Peche Perlee will be similar and will not disappoint.

The powder comes within a box that is typical of Chanel's black and gold packaging. The jar itself has the iconic Chanel logo printed at the top. Chanel's packaging is very elegant and the jar will look beautiful on anyone's vanity.

Each jar comes with a white, pillowy Chanel puff, which is better than those dinky little unusable brushes that sometimes come with loose powders.

It has a perforated plastic sifter top which helps reduce spillage and wastage. I plan to transfer some product into a mini-sized loose powder jar because it's easier to travel with. It is possible to take the whole full-sized jar out but it would be rather bulky and cumbersome.

The Chanel loose powders are all extremely finely milled and have a gorgeous silky texture. They each have light reflecting properties, which will help minimise the appearance of skin imperfections. Peche Perlee has golden micro-shimmer distributed throughout and has a sparklier finish than Clair but the shimmer is not noticeable unless you are under bright lighting. It is lightly scented but dissipates quickly so it isn't intrusive.

Peche Perlee has a warmer undertone than Clair but it still matches my skin tone well and should be suitable for those ranging from NC20 to NC30. This may be an Asia-release or limited edition shade as I can't seem to find much information on it. I forgot to ask the Chanel sales assistant at the time of purchase.

Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre is sold at Chanel counters nationwide for RM152. Each jar consists of 30g worth of product and it will last a good long while as you'd only need to use very little each time. The price may seem expensive at first but when compared to MAC's Prep and Prime Translucent Finishing Powder, the Chanel powder works out to be cheaper at RM5.07 per gram, whereas the MAC powder is RM11.25 per gram. That's right, beauty geeks, after doing the math, the Chanel powder doesn't seem like such an expensive purchase after all.

PS:
I have something very exciting planned tomorrow, so do stay tuned and see you soon!

Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder in Clair

After applying a foundation or BB cream, I would use powders whether loose or compact to set my base makeup. I honestly believe it is an essential step in my makeup routine to help my makeup last longer and also to create a good base for other powder cosmetics I may use, such as blushes, bronzers or highlighters.

The Chanel loose powder comes within a box that is typical of Chanel's black and gold packaging. The jar itself has the iconic Chanel logo printed at the top. Chanel's packaging is very elegant and the jar will look beautiful on anyone's vanity.

Each jar comes with a white, pillowy Chanel puff, which is better than those dinky little unusable brushes that sometimes come with loose powders. Of late, I have been using cotton puffs with setting powders, so the Chanel puff is a welcomed addition.

It has a perforated plastic sifter top which helps reduce spillage and wastage. I plan to transfer some product into a mini-sized loose powder jar because it's easier to travel with. I can't imagine taking the whole full-sized jar out anywhere.

From the above photo, you can tell that Clair matches my skin tone very well. It is a light beige shade with neutral undertones and should be suitable for those ranging from NC15 to NC25. The Chanel loose powders are all extremely finely milled and have an absolutely gorgeous silky texture. They each have some light reflecting properties, which will help minimise the appearance of skin imperfections. It has a matte-satin finish that never looks dull but instead, creates a certain luminosity that makes my skin look a little more radiant.

I have used the powder to set high-end to drugstore range foundations and it works with each of them. I love that it doesn't cake nor appear dry and it does not enhance some flaky bits on my skin. If you have good skin, you can probably get away with using this on its own.

My t-zone gets oily but I find that the powder helps control the greasiness for at least 4 to 6 hours in our tropical weather, which is pretty good in my books. Even when my natural facial oils start to come through, the powder doesn't pool, separate or oxidise. The powder is lightly scented but it's undetectable once applied.

Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre is sold at Chanel counters nationwide for RM152. Each jar consists of 30g worth of product and it will last a good long while as you'd only need to use very little each time. The price may seem expensive at first but when compared to MAC's Prep and Prime Translucent Finishing Powder, the Chanel powder works out to be cheaper at RM5.07 per gram, whereas the MAC powder is RM11.25 per gram. That's right, beauty geeks, after doing the math, the Chanel powder doesn't seem like such an expensive purchase after all.

Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation

I remembered seeing Elizabeth Arden's version of mineral foundation some time ago and what caught my eye was the innovative packaging that included a grinder mechanism in the compact. I never got around to purchasing it because I was on a liquid foundation craze at that time.

I was browsing around the EA counter a few weeks ago and decided to test out the foundation. I felt it was a little warm on my skin tone, even the lightest shade (01) but it did give my face a "sunkissed" glow. It was a look I quite liked. I did not intend to get another foundation but I had several cash vouchers available and only had to pay half price :-)

The compact is actually a little bigger and heavier than the regular loose mineral foundations available. That's due to the grinder inside. But it is very sturdy and I like the fact that you can swirl your brush directly within the compact, which is less messy.

Product Description:

Mineral Makeup from Elizabeth Arden comes in a portable grinder compact. It releases a fresh layer of microlight makeup for each application, allowing you to achieve a look of pure perfection that's skin brightening, non-drying, and comfortable to wear every time. No waste. No mess. No kidding.

The grinder mechanism works by twisting the ring around the compact right and left. The powder is not as finely milled as some loose powders but it does apply very smoothly and has a slightly creamy texture. The coverage is quite sheer and I'm not sure how many layers you'd have to apply to achieve full coverage. I have been using this on top of my regular liquid foundations or BB creams to leave that slightly glowy look on my skin. Oil control is not that great in this warm and humid weather though. I have to blot after 4 hours of use. On it's own, it will not cover any spots or redness because the coverage is light.

Extra Blurb (from Elizabeth Arden):

• New fresh ground technology delivers a microlight powder, virtually weightless, that blends perfectly on the skin.
• Takes the mess out of loose powder mineral makeup to control just the amount you need. No more powder everywhere.
• Non-drying. It's skin brightening and comfortable to wear.
• Smooths imperfections. It doesn't cake or settle into fine lines.
• Infused with minerals rich with antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E and natural skin smoothers.
• Enriched with sea water complex which contains elements such as calcium and magnesium known to strengthen skin and support natural mineral equilibrium.
• Buildable formula, it's easy to create your own customized look from light to full coverage, without a made up look.
• Pure, luminous natural finish.
• SPF 20 sun protection. UVA and UVB protection.
• For all skin types. Sensitive skin tested.
• Clinically, dermatologist and allergy tested. Talc free. Fragrance free.

Availability:
The Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation is available at all Elizabeth Arden counters for RM139. I think they sell the Face Powder Brush separately but I'm not certain how much it is.

Revisiting: Lumiere Cosmetics Cashmere Silk Foundation

When I returned onto the beauty bandwagon a couple of years ago (yes, I went through a phase of not caring at one time), I started experimenting with mineral makeup. It was fairly new to me and I was so intrigued by this idea of "natural" makeup.

Last year, I came across Lumiere Cosmetics at The Bodybar in Sunway Pyramid. The collection available was not wide but they had what I wanted, which is foundation of course. You will soon see why I am such a foundation junkie after the jump because I will be revealing my naked face (gosh!).

Lumiere has 4 foundation base options; Veena Velvet, Flawless Face, Luminesse and Cashmere. I got the one in Cashmere, which is meant for all skin types. It was also the only one available at The Bodybar during that time.

Review : Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Cover Powder

I have not been paying much attention to the beauty world until recently. Sure, I've bought skincare and the occasional limited edition eye palette but other than that, I have not been keeping up. Well, I popped by Watson's at The Pavilion a couple of weeks ago and was quite surprised that they now carry Kiss Me (Japan) products. And they have brought in more items too!

There's something about the Heroine Make range that I find quite attractive. Maybe it's the pretty, blonde manga model who appears on all their product packaging. She reminds me of the heroine from a lovely Japanese comic series called Candy, Candy.

Anyway, I came home with the Smooth Cover Powder Clear, amongst other things. I have been looking for a touch-up powder to carry in my purse and I believe this fits the bill quite well.