Review: Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte - Natural Finish Pressed Powder
- Becky Choi
- Oct 25, 2014
- 3 min read
Hello beauty fanatics, today I'm going to review a setting powder I'm currently using: the Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte - Natural Finish Pressed Powder.
"Imparts a translucent, natural matte finish when applied over makeup in the morning or as an anytime touch-up. Ultra-fine lightweight formula with light-reflecting pigments and luxuriouslysoft feel creates a flattering, halo-like look. " - Chanel
It is so hard for me to find a good finishing powder, as I really hate the slightest bit of a cakey look. Especially when I don't have flawless skin to begin with. After doing some research and reading some other reviews, I came across this powder. So I decided to buy it and give it a try. This powder comes in 4 shades, all are translucent but just lighter or darker. My shade is the 30 Natural/Translucent 2 shade.
The powder also comes in loose powder format, but I've opted for the pressed powder compact because I can bring it in my purse for touch ups as well. Inside the box a pouch is included to protect the compact, as well as a a tiny sponge that you can use to apply the powder.
There is a light floral luxurious scent to it and I love it! The texture is very silky and less powdery, it is very sheer. Technically it doesn't really have much coverage as well as there are no oil control and other benefits like some other powders. However, if you use the right skin products and primer, you should be able to deal with the other concerns other than relying on this powder. What this powder is supposed to do is to mattify and eliminate shine, and leaves your skin with a gentle radiant glow. It is also finely milled and does not leave a cakey look on the face like a lot of powders do.
The smell is of the oil is a bit hard to describe, it is not a fresh floral scent nor fruity smell, I think it smells a bit like tea. I don't love the smell but I don't hate it either, it's very "herbal/tea"ish flavour.
I apply this powder after I use a setting spray. This is how I use it and you are welcome to use it however you want. I only use it after the setting spray because I find that I should always apply liquid first before powder to keep the powder's benefits intact. Also, you can apply this with a powder or buffing brush or the sponge it comes with. I tried all of the methods and for my skin and desired look I stayed with using the sponge it came with.
The powder is so fine and sheer that my skin looks very natural and one wouldn't be able to tell that I'm wearing powder. It matify my skin but doesn't cover the glow on my face, if that makes any sense! lol I just find that it eliminates the shine on my face from other liquid products but my skin still remains glowy and dewy. Because I don't oil much during the day, I hardly have to do any touch ups and it lasts all day (as in working hours in the office). If i have to go anywhere after work, I just have to blot a little bit to make sure any traces of oil is removed from my face and apply a little bit of this powder on top and I'm set.
I love this powder, in fact I've bought another one to put in my makeup vanity where I get ready in the morning and one for my purse so I don't have to keep taking it back out everyday haha.
This powder is available at all Chanel counters in Toronto, I bought mine at the counter inside Husdon's Bay. The retail price is $50 plus tax. It is in the higher price range but it is well worth it!