The Poudre Signee de Chanel ($68) is the star of the Chanel Spring 2013 collection. The color is a soft shell with a touch of pink. The compact is a standard size, the same as the Chanel eyeshadow and blush palettes. However, the velveteen sleeve is larger than most:

Inside, the pouch houses a spongetip applicator.  We ignored the sponge (typically, sponges give very heavy application) in favor of a soft face brush (for these looks, we used the Burberry Face Brush No. 2):

This pressed powder is embossed in a Chanel makeup-lover’s dream pattern, scattered with images of Camilla blossoms, lipsticks, glossimers and other pretty Chanel symbols.

Close up of the powder:

Overall, this is a very giftable palette, ideal for Valentines or perhaps even Mother’s Day (for those thinking ahead):

Liz and I found that the palette gave a soft candlelight glow indoors. Here, Liz applied the Poudre Signee de Chanel on her browbone and all over her cheek. You will not get the high-shine or metallic effect of a liquid like Benefit High Beam or NARS Copacabana.  Rather, in soft light she has a luminous soft candle-lit glow as Poudre Signee provides a pretty fine finishing powder effect. In this type of soft lighting, the effect is very subtle.

Another (with flash). This is with Chanel Joues Constraste Frivole Blush, as well the Chanel Raffinement Eyeshadow quad, also from the Spring 2013 collection.

Liz and I loved the little Chanel embossed touches on the powder compact of the Poudre Signe de Chanel, which brush away after a few uses of the compact. We thought that the Poudre Signee de Chanel would be appropriate for an indoor day event (such as a wedding), or for an evening look. We did get a bit of a sparkle effect in bright sun, so we’d prefer other finishing powders for a daytime/outdoor look.

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