Chanel recently launched their Les Beiges collection (read here). A natural looking collection with a healthy dose of color to enhance and brighten the complexion for summer. Sounds promising so I jumped on board and purchased one of two Les Beiges healthy glow powders in 01 Mariniere. The other, 02 Mariniere, was nice but a tad too dark / orange for my really pale skin tone so I passed on it. Both Chanel Mariniere powders are housed in a really nice luxurious looking cream colored mirrored compact. The Healthy glow powders offer skin protection from the sun with an SPF 15 and can be used as a highlighter, bronzer, blush, sculpting powder or face powder. They are on the price-y side at $65 each (.39 oz) but considering this is not your typical face powder and they are a multi-purpose powder with SPF 15 sunscreen protection that is to be expected. On me I'm pale enough that 01 Mariniere works best on me as a blush, a highlight and as an all-over face powder. It didn't look overly powdery on my already dry skin and it seemed to brighten ever so slightly the areas on my face once it was applied. Application with the enclosed fan brush was okay but it tended to make things a tad powdery. I achieved better results using the Chanel 7 blending foundation make up brush. This brush is similar to the MAC duo fiber face brushes but in my opinion the Chanel brush is more compact and the duo fiber bristles are less uniform so it allows for better coverage. Either brush will work but I achieved better results with my Chanel brush. Wear time with the Mariniere powders is more a matter of personal preference. Since it's also meant to be worn outdoors then depending on the person's activity level reapplication may be necessary after just a few hours. Or it could wear longer if physical activity is kept to a minimum. Either way, in my opinion these multi-purpose healthy glow powders are a good investment piece to have in your collection.
Availability: Nordstrom, Chanel
