Poudre Signee De Chanel Illuminating Powder: Review and Swatch

How absolutely gorgeous is this new illuminating powder by Chanel? The powder design is so ornate and beautiful that it seems like a sin to actually use it! Poudre Signee de Chanel, £46, available from Boots.com, may be a bit hefty on the price tag, but it really is 100% luxury... perhaps a justified one off splurge?

A limited edition release for Spring 2013, the 'Spirit of Chanel' powder is encased in a beautifully classic compact, which in turn is encased in a lovely little velvet pouch, complete with an applicator. So luxury, that the powder even has a crested little plastic cover (I practically squealed with delight at this little touch, although I'm not entirely sure why...)    

I can't say I was overly thrilled with the applicator, it seemed far too firm to use on the intricate palette, so I instead opted for my super soft Body Shop Face & Body Brush to sweep the illuminating powder across my cheek and brow bones. 

The powder itself has a flattering light golden-pink base, without being too OTT on the shimmer. It's a subtle enhancer, delicate and sheer with an eye-catching luminosity. The powder is long-lasting and ever so fine, it sits really well on the skin for hours after application.

  

I love the soft warmth of this highlighting powder, it adds a lovely and natural glow to the face. It's a pricey product, but serious luxury by Chanel. 

Related Posts

• Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in 112 Fantasque: Review
• Benefit Hervana Good Karma Face Powder: Review and Swatch
• Sun Beam and High Beam Illuminators: The How-to Guide

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Super Splurges versus High Street Steals: Get the Same Look for Less

This week, I had a delivery from the seriously pricey high-end skin care and cosmetics brand, skinChemists. The products are 'clinically proven to be effective', and after trialling them out for a few days, I was able to confirm that they are decent products. But then at 76 quid for a lip gloss, you'd kinda expect them to be, right? And you can achieve similar looks with cheaper, High Street alternatives (all tried and tested!) Here's my savvy girls' guide to get the designer look:

Splurge: Skin Chemists Studio Finish Primer: £89.50
Steal: MAC Prep + Prime Skin Primer, £19.50

Splurge: Skin Chemists Under Eye Definer £89.50
Steal: YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch No 2, £25

Splurge: Skin Chemists Lash Intensive £75.96
Steal: RapidShield by RapidLash Eyelash Daily Conditioner, £28

Splurge: Skin Chemists Lip Plump  £75.96
Steal: Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Plumping Gloss, £9.00

What are your favourite High Street steals? Do you have any money saving short cuts? Let me know by commenting below! 

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*The skinChemists products shown in this blog were a PR sample provided by skinChemists, but my reviews are always 100% honest and non-bias.

Christmas Presents: Top Ten Stocking Fillers

It's almost Christmas, which can mean only one thing (aside from the birth of Jesus...)

Gorgeous, glorious, glittering, gifts!

I'm writing this blog post mainly for the men out there, who are currently unaware of the great importance that these little packages hold. The men who will be plummeted into a frenzied panic around the 22nd December, frantically tearing through the Argos catalogue, the risk of a paper cut almost definite, in the vague hope of inspiration.

Fellas, little do you know that your delightful other halves have spent months planning the perfect arrangement of gifts. Hours deliberating over the perfect shade of that crisp Ted Baker shirt. An agonising hunt to find that perfect card, an everlasting token of affection.

So here are my top ten stocking fillers (those little extra treats make all the difference!) which are guaranteed to fill your partner with glee on that magical Christmas morning...

1. Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour, £25
It's beautiful and classic, girls love this little luxury lippy! I'd recommend #33 La Distinguee (a lovely pink) for those who stick to lighter colours, or #38 La Fascinante (a bold, glamourous red) for those who aren't afraid to make a statement with a beautiful red lip.

2. Ted Baker Nail Duo in Cherry Bomb and Sugar Rush, £8.50
Glitter-fest nails are so in fashion this festive season, and this really cute set by Ted Baker looks every inch an absolute treat. The colour is amazing, with or without the top glitter coat. Serious want!

3. Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder, £19.97
This bronzing powder is fabulous. Perfectly matte and lasts for ages! It's wonderfully subtle yet can be layered up for a darker finish.

4. MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush in Fleur Power, £17.50
This is possibly the girliest blush in the World. It's a really feminine pink shade, perfect for enhancing those cheekbones. It's also extremely pigmented. Trust me, a little goes a long way. It's the gift that just keeps on giving.

5. Marc Jacob's Daisy Eau So Fresh, £40.80 for 75ml
Perfume really is a girl's best friend. Daisy Eau Do Fresh is a light, fruity, floral scent. Plus it's a new release!

6. Moroccanoil Oil Treatment for All Hair Types, £12.85 for 25ml
All girls want Moroccanoil for their hair. It's glossy sleekness in a bottle. Such a treat!

7. Nails Inc Polish in Basil Street, £11 for 10ml
Nails Inc are the cream of the crop when it comes to a gorgeous little treat. A bit expensive for a self-indulgent splurge, so this varnish is a great gift to receive. I love the Basil Street shade, classic nude nails are always in fashion.

8. Benefit High Beam Luminescent Complexion Enhancer, £18.50 for 13ml
Delicious pearly drops of radiant complexion? Erm, yes please.

9. Topshop Wine Fairisle Socks, £5
The Fairisle pattern is so on trend that it would be a crime not to buy these gorgeously festive socks, perfect for a little stroll on Christmas day. Pure delight.

10. HD Brows Palette, £20.95
This set is practically brow-perfection in a handy little compact. All girls want well-groomed brows, and this is by far the best product to achieve them. Buy the Bombshell palette for medium to fair hair, or the Vamp palette for darker shades.

Psssst... You can send this blog to people as a handy little nudge in the right direction!

Chanel Rouge Allure in 112 Fantasque: Available Spring 2013

Ladies and metro-men, I present to you the most fabulous lip-wear available to mankind. Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour. It is achingly sophisticated. Effortless class. Iconic luxury. And, joy to the beauty world, there are four brand new shades about to become available in January 2013.

I had the pleasure of reviewing the gorgeously sheer, shimmering pink, 112 Fantasque. The colour is very feminine and complimented my skin tone fabulously, the slight golden tones bringing out a natural warmth. This lippy left my pout nicely hydrated and soft, and stayed put after application.

At £25, this lip-wear may be a bit of a splurge. But it is beautiful.

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Banish Dull Wintery Skin

There's nothing worse than dry, dull, wintery skin. And it's so easy to forget that those little skin cells need some TLC when they're permanently covered by layers of chunky knits or woolly tights. I must admit, I'm a repeat offender when it comes to winter-skin neglect. I often ponder about the potential train-wreck which would ensue should an unintended night of passion arise... Anyhow, I digress.

My luxury winter splurges are Champneys Spa Indulgence Distant Shores Body Butter and Scrub, £10 each, available from Champneys.com The exfoliating scrub banishes old, tatty skin and leaves you super soft and rejuvenated. It also contains grapefruit, lemon and orange peel oils which naturally boost the skin's appearance.

The Body Butter is wonderfully rich, perfect for a good dose of rehydration. But my fave thing about this pampering duo is the smell. Mangoes and citrus, a tropical holiday delight on the coldest of British evenings. Brrr!