Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder SPF 15+ Compact

I've wanted a Chanel compact for years, for me they are so iconic and really sum up the simplicity and elegance of the Chanel brand. As Danny and I were perusing the beauty counters of John Lewis last weekend, I fell head over heels for the new Chanel Les Beiges compact. It comes in a gorgeous cream case as opposed to the usual black ones, (a little Googling tells me that this was how the original Chanel beauty products were packaged back in the day). It does look really vintage, and so for someone like me who loves anything vaguely 'old-looking', I was completely sold.

At £38 this isn't exactly a student friendly purchase but Danny announced he would treat me and so I very happily became the owner of this beautiful compact. To make it even more special, the compact itself comes packaged in a lovely little black velvet bag embossed with the interlocking C's, and I am a sucker for cute packaging. The perfect present (if any husbands/boyfriends are reading)!

The Les Beiges compact is significantly more expensive than the standard one, but it is also a lot larger. It comes with a lovely big mirror and a gorgeous little brush which sits in a tray above the powder. I am very pale skinned so went for the N10 which is the palest shade, and I am so glad I did. Although the powder appears to go on translucently, it oxidises on the skin which really brings out the 'natural glow' which Chanel promises, so I think any darker and I would have been in danger of looking a little orange. This is definitely not the kind of powder which provides coverage, it really is a setting powder and highlighter, designed to brighten and bring out the glow of your natural skin rather than conceal redness or blemishes. The powder smells absolutely gorgeous, I'm terrible at identifying scents so I couldn't for the life of me tell you what it is, only that I have to go and smell it every time I walk into my room.

I wear this over my foundation (Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua) and it sets it beautifully. Even after a long or particularly hot day my makeup remains steadfast and shine free. It really makes a difference. I would really recommend this product for anyone who wants a lasting iconic compact. At £38 this is undoubtedly a luxury product but if you see it as a lifelong purchase/investment then it is definitely worth the price. And obviously it makes for an amazing present. Let me know how you get on with Chanel Les Beiges, and if you have any questions please ask!