Chantecaille HD Perfecting Powder, $72/.42oz @ Nordstrom, Chantecaille.com, SpaceNK, Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman.
The design of this compact is absolutely gorgeous, with somewhat of a wave shape on the cover. In real life it's beautiful...but difficult to capture in picture! What's missing from this packaging is the weight and heft you expect from a $72 compact. This is probably the lightest weight compact I've felt - even lighter than some compacts at 1/2 or 1/4 the price. And given the finish, I'd like it to come with some sort of protective covering but it doesn't. Boo. I still love it though!!
I also love the design of the inside, and really appreciate that no space is wasted with some applicator I won't ever use!!
I found this added no color to my skin, and only served to give my complexion an absolutely amazing finish. It's matte, but grown up...seems somehow more refined and not an in-your-face matte. It looks very natural yet polished, and even better it feels weightless and super comfortable. It makes my Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick last longer, and makes me a bit less oily. This is a wonderful addition to any powder collection and I'd highly recommend checking it out!!!
That said...oh, yeah...you know how there's usually a 'but' with me. Ha ha! This is full of 'cones and I can't use it for more than a day or 2 without irritation. Boo. Hisssss. What a bummer. But I still think the effect this powder gives is so beautiful and should not be dismissed!
From Nordstrom:
Created especially for HD cameras, Chantecaille's revolutionary skin-smoothing powder goes on without a trace leaving only a flawless, matte finish. The innovative, weightless powder is nondrying and colorless making it appropriate for all skin types. The ultra-gliding texture never settles into fine lines and blends like a fluid to perfect your complexion. Pores are instantly erased leaving skin silky soft and smoother than ever.
Features and benefits:
- The non-drying, colorless formula instantly erases pores and softens imperfections on all skin tones.
- An added luminosity agent boosts radiance and evens the complexion never settling into fine lines. The weightless, ultra gliding texture blends like a fluid on to skin.
- New micro-fine light perfecting powders, undetectable under High Definition cameras or by the naked eye, give all skin tones a flawless yet natural finish.
Guerlain Meteorites Wulong Exceptional Pressed Powder, $170/.26oz. I do apologize for showing this as you can't find it anywhere (unless you want to pay an even more exorbitant price on eBay), but it's a recent discovery and new LOVE. So in the name of beauty...here goes :-)
Pictures can't really capture the absolute beauty and feel of this compact (for a better one see here from Nordstrom, though it's not available). I thought I'd have buyers' remorse for spending so much on a singular MAKEUP item, but I'll tell ya' that I have not one single shred of regret!!! I am soooo happy I purchased this, as it brings joy and a smile to my beauty heart every time I use it!!! It's LE, it was hard to track down, it's gorgeous, it's Guerlain and I have nothing but love and endearment for this Wulong compact!!!
The description from Nordstrom:
Black Dragon combines six shades to ensure a pure, flawless and luminous complexion regardless of skin tone. Matte shades are paired with two white and gold illuminating shades that add subtle radiance. The delicate black-metal powder compact is sculpted with a gold mother-of-pearl rosette and tucked inside a black suedette pouch bordered with red stitching.
I had read that the compact was heavy, but had no idea just how heavy. If weight = luxury...this is very, very luxurious!! Oh, and mother of pearl...very exciting!!
I love my Guerlain Meteorites (review HERE), but I love, love, love the finish of this even more and didn't think that was possible!!! This pressed powder seems to be a bit finer than the Meteorites, both in texture and finish. It gives my skin the most delicious, naturally glowy and amazing looking skin...beautiful finish...beautiful wear that seems to get better as the day totters along. I'm trying not to think about it, but I will be very sad when this is finished because I can't seem to find this exact refill anywhere. If anyone knows where I might find one, PLEASE let me knoooow!!!! Oh, and this does have the signature Meteorites scent...which I also happen to be addicted to!!! Oh, Wulong...you are a cruel mistress but I love/adore/worship you!!!