There are new Chanel highlighters that come in two formulas. One is called Poudre Lumiere Highlighting Powder ($58 for 8.5 g/0.30 oz, made in Italy) and the other is called Le Signe du Lion Illuminating Powder ($70 for 9 g/0.31 oz, made in Italy). Both are listed as Chanel.com exclusives and limited-edition. At this point I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels like the world does not need another highlighter. I still love these and think they are quite stunning. That being said if you already own a lot I don’t think any of these will be must-haves as I do think you can get a similar effect with other Chanel launches or even ones from Dior. I would have liked to do a handful of comparison swatches, however if you have followed along on @beautylookbook you know I’ve been traveling! We made a quick stop to Los Angeles for a wedding and up next is Miami for Art Basel. Due to the traveling I didn’t have time to search for dupes or swatch them. Notes and thoughts below. As a die-hard Chanel lover there would have been practically nothing to stop me from buying these four. First a look at all four Chanel Highlighters Poudre Lumiere and Le Signe du Lion and side by side swatches:
Poudre Lumiere
Up first is the Poudre Lumiere formula. This is one of Chanel’s more sparkly options. Chanel describes this as an illuminating face powder that captures and reflects light for a sheer radiant finish. I do think it’s light reflecting and radiant, but I didn’t find these sheer. You can definitely apply with a light hand or fluffy brush for a sheer finish, but I found these fairly pigmented. The texture is stiffer than a traditional powder. I find they have a similar feel in texture to the Dior Nude Air Luminizers but the Chanels have tiny flecks of sparkle. They are really pretty for holiday, I don’t mind the shimmer but if you want more of a glow, opt for the other two. Ivory Gold is a golden champagne and Rosy Gold is a deeper pink/peach version. Lasting power is really good. On me they don’t emphasize pores or texture. I actually think these are amazing as eyeshadows.
Wearing below: Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation/Concealer in Natural + Tawny mixed, Urban Decay Naked2 Palette on the eyes, each corresponding highlighter on the cheeks, Chanel Le Rouge Crayon in Rose Violine.
Le Signe du Lion
The Le Signe du Lion Illuminating Powders have a more creamy smooth feel to them. I absolutely love these! They give the skin a lovely soft sheen. Pigment is medium and easy to blend or layer. On my tan complexion they look similar – Or Blanc is a white gold and Or Rose is a peachy pink. If you’re light to fair these will most likely look darker on you. Lasting power is also really good, even in humid weather. They stay put all day without getting dewy looking or greasy.
Wearing below: Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation/Concealer in Natural + Tawny mixed, Urban Decay Naked2 Palette on the eyes, each corresponding highlighter on the cheeks, Hourglass Confession Lipsticks in If Only + I Woke Up.
Each powder comes with its own brush. They’re nice for touch ups, but as usual I prefer full sized brushes to apply makeup. The Le Signe du Lion ones come with a red compact and the other comes in a classic black one.
One last look:
Overall the four are excellent in quality, pigment, smoothness, lasting power and texture. I think that the Poudre Lumieres are more sparkly and inline with the current shimmery more intense highlighter trend. The Le Signe du Lion is smoother and has a softer glow. After testing these I don’t think it’s necessary to own all four but they are beautiful. My favorites are the Le Signe du Lion out of the bunch, I really like Or Rose. While they are quite the splurge I think they are worth the price. That being said if you already own a lot and are looking for something unique, you may find these too similar to what you already own.
You can find the Chanel Poudre Lumiere and Le Signe du Lion highlighters online now at Chanel.com, both are limited edition.
