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Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder Review, Photos, Swatches

Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder
Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder

Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder ($70.00 for 0.54 oz.) is described as a “sheer ivory … with rosy highlights.” It’s a pale beige with a champagne shimmer-sheen that’s very, very subtle. Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight (P, $44.00) is more shimmery. Chanel Poudre Signee de Chanel Illuminating Powder (LE, $68.00) is more shimmery. Chanel Lumiere Sculptee de Chanel Highlighting Powder (LE, $72.00) is lighter. See comparison swatches.

According to Chanel, their newest limited edition Illuminating Powder is supposed to “delicately [illuminate] the face with an imperceptible halo.” The powder itself is embossed with a camellia flower. It’s a very subtle powder that can easily be dusted all over the face for a softening, lightly brightening and illuminating effect. If you’re someone who has felt like most highlighters are too shimmery, sparkly, or frosty, then this is one to consider, as it’s the very definition of subtle. On the other hand, if you want to use this to yield a more targeted glow on the high planes of the face, it’s so subtle that it might not be enough for your liking. “Delicate” is quite right, and “sheer” is correct to a degree. It’s somewhat buildable if you want to concentrate the illumination on a certain part, but it blends and sheers out as you blend the powder into the skin. The texture is soft, finely-milled, and blendable, while the product itself lasted for eight hours on me.

See more photos & swatches!

Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder
Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder

Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder
Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder

Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder
Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder

Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder
Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder

Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder
Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder

Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder
Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder

Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder
Chanel Jardin de Camelias Illuminating Powder (paired with Sakura Blush)

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Guerlain Parure de Lumiere Foundation
  • Guerlain Les Voilettes Pressed Powder
On lips:
  • Chanel Rosace Aqualumiere
On eyes:
  • Chanel Jardin Zen Eyeshadow Quad

97 Comments

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Mariella Avatar

Yeah, but if it were really crummy, it would be SO much easier. I do have to laugh, though, about the “imperceptible halo”. If it’s “imperceptible” (as opposed to “barely perceptible” or “almost imperceptible”) then why should we shell out for it. I already emit an imperceptible halo! I want products to make that halo a bit more “perceptible”.

Christine Avatar

LOL! You definitely have an imperceptible halo 😉

Sometimes, it would be nice if brands would be realistic and clear and not so marketing-oriented. I think that’s one thing I like about Zoya’s descriptions – they have their fancier wording, but then they have their sheer/opaque scale and a finish, so you have a better idea of what you’re getting yourself into.

Sabrina Avatar

From the review, this seems to be exactly what i’m after! Illumination, but not too obvious, i like quite a subtle glow. I’m not really into a sparkly finish either, so this sounds nice. I’ll definately have a lot at my nearest Chanel counter, when it gets to the UK!

xamyx Avatar

When I use a highlighter, I typically forgo blush, so I prefer something a bit more “obvious”. On the other hand, I know a lot of people prefer the subtlety of shades like this, and it’s nice to see both options are available across the board.

Vi Avatar

Woah! I’m not typically one to go for subtle but this looks absolutely gorgeous! In fact, I’m loving your entire look; it’s soft and subtle without veering into the “natural” look. (I am SO done with “naked neutrals”!)

By the way, where do you buy all those pretty earrings?

Sylirael Avatar

This is beautiful 🙂 The problem I usually have with highlighters is that they’re too shimmery and sparkly, so this one is lovely!

Since I’m pale enough to already glow in direct light, I’m not sure it would nevessarily be worth the investment (going by the US price, this is going to be something in the region of $140 here!)…but then on the other hand I probably wouldn’t use it up quickly…

Please! Someone talk me out of this! Help! 😀

Christine Avatar

I worry it could turn ashy or look chalky on deeper skin tones. It doesn’t even veer that way on mine (and many of the very light powders can). Have you tried Lumiere Sculptee at all? That is very comparable and if that went ashy, I suspect this would too. It doesn’t have a chalky or pure white base, so there is some hope. Clearly, I don’t sound or feel very confident about recommending it, though!

Linda Avatar

It seems quite like the effect of Guerlain Meteorites. Seems like everyone is trying to put out similar-effect powders to get in on that. I wonder what took them so long?

Ade Avatar

How it compares to Shiseido Luminizing Satin Face Color?
I’m looking for something that’s less shimmery than Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight but more noticeable than Hourglass Ambient Light on the high planes of my face.
Thanks! 😉

Catherine Avatar

I was hoping this wouldn’t be so beautiful, because I wanted it as soon as I saw it! It’s totally going on my wishlist now – it looks so lovely and subtle! 😉 Thanks for the review!

Emma M. Avatar

Quite the season for highlighters!!! Do you have a preference for one between this and Armani’s Belladonna. Both got similar grading.
Also, my favorite highlighter is still Chanel Poudre De Signee, based on that would you recommended either of these two or even Kevyn Aucoin’ candlelight? Thanks!

Christine Avatar

If you like Poudre de Signee, I kind of say go for this, because it is kind of in the same vein… and obviously both are LE so if you want to kind of “back up” your Poudre de Signee, get this. If you want something more different, Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight.

Christine Avatar

I worry it could turn ashy or look chalky on deeper skin tones. It doesn’t even veer that way on mine (and many of the very light powders can). Have you tried Lumiere Sculptee at all? That is very comparable and if that went ashy, I suspect this would too. It doesn’t have a chalky or pure white base, so there is some hope. Clearly, I don’t sound or feel very confident about recommending it, though!

jeanfancoiscd Avatar

Mmmm… I wonder if I should get this?! It’s quite similar the “Poudre Signée de Chanel”.
Is it worth getting my love?

JF

Catherine Avatar

Hey Christine!
I’m REALLY considering this powder, as I love Chanel products and I’m looking for a subtle highlighter. (Right now I use NARS Copacabana illuminator, which I love, but is not subtle at ALL). I’ve watched a few reviews on this, and I still have one question – does this have a matte or powdery finish at all? I love the idea of a subtle glow/”blurring” effect on the face, but I don’t want to look powdery. Thoughts?

As always, thanks for the amazing reviews~

Christine Avatar

Hey Catherine!

I don’t think it looks powdery, but it is a light shade, and if you layer too much on, it could look powdery. Applying normally, it didn’t seem powdery to me! It might be a big difference, though, from Copacabana to this – like this might seem almost matte, lol!

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