I have good news and I have bad news, and they both pertain to Chanel’s Les Symboles de Chanel Oversize Illuminating Powders. The good news is that they are absolutely divine and necessary, the bad news is that they are selling out so fast it’s making my head spin. Case in point: I was going to buy the Perles design in pearly white for a Christmas gift last night, but I put it off until this morning and it had already sold out. But all three shades in this limited edition range (Pearly White, Precious Coral, and Warm Gold) are still available in select designs. 

The three shades are all quite subtle yet luminous, so — wallet permitting — you really could get one of each. If you were going to walk away with just one, however, let it be the pearly white. You can currently (though not for long) grab it in the La Chaine, Le Lion, and La Cométe designs. I think of this powder as a light catcher and complexion booster wrapped into one very chic package. 

There are two and a half ways I recommend using this. The first is as a highlighter with a smaller, more tapered brush for precise application. (I like this one from Rare Beauty). Really get the brush in there and coat it in powder before applying it to cheekbones, the tip of your nose, and cupid’s bow. The second method is to lightly dab a setting powder brush (I like this one from Hourglass) onto the illuminator and, with a very light hand, spread over your entire face. I like to do it this way during dusk or dark hours as it brightens an otherwise lusterless winter complexion.

The half method is an add-on to any of the other two. If and when I am wearing something that reveals my collar bones or décolletage, I brush the Chanel Illuminating Powder over those areas. The Pearly White will do but I actually like using the Warm Gold for this method, it perks and adds a tiny bit of color to an area that is truly sun deprived during the winter. It’s going to be a major part of my repertoire as the holiday party season ramps up. 

Before I end my spiel I want to once again emphasize how quickly these are going to sell out. Every single limited edition Chanel makeup product does so before I have a chance to share that information with you precious readers or even my friends. Plus, Chanel’s Les Symboles de Chanel Oversize Illuminating Powders make for wonderful holiday gifts. Head to Chanel’s to shop these multipurpose powders before they sell out.