Chanel White Opal (40) Highlighting Powder Review & Swatches
White Opal (40)
Chanel White Opal (40) Highlighting Powder ($58.00 for 0.3 oz.) is a pale beige base with a subtle pink-to-violet shifting pearl. It had semi-opaque, buildable pigmentation with a smooth, more firmly-pressed consistency that was firm without being stiff to work with, though you’ll want to use a moderately dense or denser brush. It was yielding enough that a fan brush would give a delicate dusting of sheen, but generally, I think most will prefer a moderately dense highlighting brush (like typical tapered ones).
This particular take on this shade has a more powdery base, which was less glowing as it was noticeably powdery on my skin, though, which was its downfall. At very sheer coverage, it was just fine, but to get to a noticeable sheen on my complexion (medium to semi-opaque, blended application), it could have sat better on my skin–and in general, Chanel’s cheek powders (including other shades in this formula) tend to look lovely applied. On me, the highlighter lasted well for eight hours before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NYX Snow Rose (P, $7.99) is cooler (95% similar).
- Giorgio Armani Pink Pearl (7) (P, $44.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Coloured Raine Fashion Show (P, $25.00) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Frosted Kiss (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar).
- OFRA Cloud 9 (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Pink Mist (P, $9.00) is cooler (90% similar).
- Becca Pink Pyrite (LE, $38.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Out on the Tinseltown (LE, $42.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Essence Be My Spacelight (P, $4.49) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Becca Aquamarine (LE, $38.00) is cooler (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$58.00/0.3 oz. - $193.33 Per Ounce
Chanel described the powder as having a “sheer, radiant finish,” and I’d expect “sheer” to indicate more of a veil of radiance–it is not the clearest description. There are noticeable sparkles/micro-glitters in both shades released, so I would consider it suitable for someone who likes sparkle and more intense highlighters. The powders applied, blended, and lasted well on my skin.
Browse all of our Chanel Highlighting Powder swatches.
Ingredients
Good that this is permanent (there is usually such a scramble to get one’s hands on Chanel’s LE highlighters) but at only a B rating and at this price point, I wouldn’t buy it. It is beautifully subtle, though. I don’t have either of the WnW or Essence LE dupes but wish I did – they seem like really acceptable dupes for under $5!!!
I think it is, as Chanel has a “limited edition” tag when they are, but they have been a little remiss about it in the last couple of launches…
It actually does look very pretty applied, but I can see that it does have what appears to be a strong white base underlying it. Which would look chalky and plain weird on me.
Well, as disappointing as it is, here’s my incentive to finally grab up Nyx Snow Rose!
A lovely shade, but the B rating… and it looks absolutely beautiful on you Christine, with that gorgeous neutral eye look and stunning lip shade.
This is a much more subtle look in a highlighter and frankly, those are the kind that work best for me at my age. I do like the tone of this also. Not sure about quality to price however. I will have to try it in person.
I love the way Liev looks in this post much more than in the post for Liev. Not sure why but I do like it here. When I first saw it here on the blog I was salivating to get my hands on it and then earlier when I saw it’s dedicated post I was less enraptured. Now I am again so not sure why I am wishy washy about it but definitely a check it out item.
I don’t mind that it’s subtle but found the more powdery base to be unexpected!
Nice shade, but the HE price keeps me safe.
Hi! Is this Limited Edition? Thanks!
Chanel’s website doesn’t list it as limited edition.
I love this one. It’s my first Chanel product and I use the Clinique chubby highlighter stick underneath so I don’t get so much if the white. I love pink highlighters so this is right up my alley.