Another pic-heavy post today so I’ll keep my review short! I’m just hoping that my (somewhat creative) photos will capture and convey just how elegant the Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder really is! :)
Let’s start with the container – a round frosted jar almost twice the size of a typical loose powder jar! Probably not the most friendly to travel with but it sure looks appealing sitting on the vanity. :) The powder comes with an accompanying white little puff that is soft and applies the product well. It will also keep the powder from spilling everywhere in your makeup bag.
There are 4 shade available: 20 Clair, 30 Naturel, 40 Doré, and 57 Réverie (limited edition). I picked 20 Clair but I should have bought 30 Naturel instead for my NC30 skin tone. However, upon using it, 20 Clair doesn’t seem to be too light for me at all. It is a light coverage loose powder after all, so any hint of color becomes close to invisible once it’s applied on the skin.
The powder is beautifully milled and feels extremely silky soft. It has a sheer coverage and contains photo-reflective pigments to help “disguise imperfections” for a beautiful skin smoothing effect with a semi-matte finish.
In terms of disguising imperfections, it does soften fine lines, even out, and slightly brighten my overall complexion but it doesn’t completely cover major flaws (and you shouldn’t expect any loose powder to). You will still need your usual foundation and concealer for a completely flawless finish.
I do find, though, that it really does a great job at mattifying the skin, enough to remove all traces of shine but not to the extent that you skin becomes dull and flat. It is amazingly lightweight and even with multiple layers, my skin still feels like I have nothing on, and it doesn’t become cakey or look powdery, either. :)
I really do love the natural finish of this powder. It doesn’t seem to emphasize pores or dry areas on my face. I have a combination skin with oily T-zone and this powder just works wonders for me. It makes my skin look really smooth and matte when I first put it on, but as the day progresses, it seems to meld into my skin making it look even better!
It does a great job at keeping my skin matte all day for the most part, but on the small areas that oils still break through, this powder seems to diffuse them which in turn creates a naturally-looking soft glow instead. Not sure how that works but I do like the effect!
I bought this powder more than a year ago and I’m still not even half way finished! (Granted, I haven’t been using it everyday, maybe a couple times a week.) There is just so much product (1 oz / 30 g) in this gigantic jar that I think even with daily use, it will easily last you more than a year. It’s definitely an investment but trust me, it will be one you won’t regret! :)
Purchase
US$52 at Nordstrom ○ Saks Fifth Avenue ○ Chanel
At Chanel counters
Hey Jaa, AMAZING photos as usual! I’ve never looked at powder on a powder puff that close in my life LOL
I’ve heard great things about this one, and for a while I toyed with the idea of buying it. However, for the moment I have so many setting/finishing powders, so I’ll wait till I can eventually finish just one before I take the plunge! Glad to hear it works so well for you! The oil-controlling property is especially tempting for me :)
Haha I was like you too when I looked through a viewfinder for the first time with a macro lens. I was like HOLY BANANA you can see THAT close?!!!
I’m trying to stop myself from purchasing any more powder, too! It’s getting ridiculous how many I have! But it’s so tempting sometimes, right?!
OH MY GOD. My heart is ventilating!!! :* BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS!!! Ive never seen finely milled powder THISCLOSE in my life!
Haha thank you, Shari! ^_^ I still wish I could get a little closer than this! I need a new lens!! LOL
Oh wow the photos are so cool to look at! i never see loose powder up close like that reminds me of my science classes looking through a microscope ;P
I am obsessed with my macro lens, if you can’t tell already, ha ha!
I saw your review of the Naked Skin loose powder by UD. How would you compare the two powders? Since UD if much cheaper than Chanel, is it just as good/similar in effect? I need to choose between the two.
Thank you!
Hi PianoGirl,
I find the coverage of UD Naked Skin to be a bit superior. It covers better and makes my skin look smoother.
In terms of oil controlling, UD wins it hands down. My skin stays matte longer and if there is any shine, it’s only very slightly. Chanel doesn’t keep my face matte as long as the UD.
As for texture, I like Chanel much better. It’s much more finely-milled and feels more luxurious against the skin.
Price wise, Chanel is actually cheaper though ($52 for 1 oz vs $34 for 0.28 oz).
Hope this helps! :)
the photos are very amazing and powerful ! omg just love how close that is .
can’t get enough of you blog .
Thank you so much ka! Glad you enjoyed my crazy macro shots. :D
Thank you for your review and beautiful photos. Chanel has re formulated this product to remove the talc and parabans from it. I panicked and bought 6 backups! ???? I used this powder 20 years ago and nothing has beat it. One container last over a year 30gms. It leaves a lovely halo on the face. Lighter shades look good when a powder is translucent. I believe the new formulation is more opaque and darker. Is this still a
favourite of yours? Have you found something better? The only other similar one I’ve found to the original Chanel powder is Givenchy Prisme, but it’s oil control is not as good. Works out to be twice the price per gram too. Talc is important in a setting powder (original formula) in my opinion, to set foundation.
Hey Jaa, guess what I bought this powder today after trying it in the store and I am already loving it… and now seeing your post … I feel even better.
Such amazing pictures! Sure a visual treat! <3 <3
Yay, glad you are loving it, Eesha!! Thank you for the compliment on the photos! :D
Thank you for your review and beautiful photos. Chanel has re formulated this product to remove the talc and parabans from it. I panicked and bought 6 backups! ???? I used this powder 20 years ago and nothing has beat it. One container last over a year 30gms. It leaves a lovely halo on the face. Lighter shades look good when a powder is translucent. I believe the new formulation is more opaque and darker. Is this still a
favourite of yours? Have you found something better? The only other similar one I’ve found to the original Chanel powder is Givenchy Prisme, but it’s oil control is not as good. Works out to be twice the price per gram too. Talc is important in a setting powder (original formula) in my opinion, to set foundation.