CHANEL Oversize Illuminating Powder Review

Diamond dust...

[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] Oh yes we are. In the land of extra-large glam, that is. Look at this giant of a palette so beautifully embossed and designed. I think it's a Sephora exclusive (and it's discounted - very unusual) and it's for face, eyes and décolleté. I'm just going to say that it's a powder that's an all or nothing kind of a thing - there is no such thing as a little bit of shimmer with this constellation of sparkle.

The hue is a kind of peachy pearl - the finish has a warmth to it but I don't think you'll take much notice of the base because you'll be lit with twinkles. I'd suggest you do the lightest possible sweep over the top with a big and fluffy brush, and if you're planning on using it on your face, send that brush to your shoulders, décolleté or legs first. Only when that lot is distributed elsewhere can you take it to your face for a nuance of shimmer.

In the past, CHANEL has made some gloriously intricate embossing on their palettes - several of the brands that used to, such as Dior, have pared right back in recent years (anyone remember the Mitzah palette or the Tailleur Bar from Dior?). You might even remember the Jeans de Chanel - an eye palette dedicated to denim including embossed stitches. The CHANEL Oversize Illuminating Powder is a nod to those opulent times and I love it. I can never understand how anyone can use such intricately designed products and it's actually painful to have to do it for this site!

I'm hoping you'll be able to spot the sparkle - it's a terrible light day and I don't use a ring light unless I utterly have to. I've taken it over the cheekbones and apples using a big brush, but in hindsight I think I'd use a smaller brush to just hit the bones instead.

If you are using it on your cheeks, it's a nice idea to take it under the brow bone in one sweep from the cheek. Personally, I think I'd go all in - I'd just put it everywhere (other than all over my face) - arms, legs, shoulders, back and so on and shed the joy all evening no doubt. The CHANEL Oversize Illuminating Powder is just the ticket for dark, candlelit evenings, velvet gowns and being whisked across London in a black cab. Put on your highest heels and SHINE! Inexplicably, it's £56 HERE instead of £70.