Chanel • Chanel Blanc Essentiel Light Reflecting Whitening Powder Foundation SPF 25 • Powder

Where To Buy?

jeanjeantata on 7/13/2012 1:37:00 AM more reviews by jeanjeantata

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

this powder gives an instant brightening effect. it is rather thick and if you apply too much of it, your face will cake up. use instead a brush after dabbing a little of the powder over your face with the sponge provided.

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Ginetoile on 4/10/2012 12:41:00 AM more reviews by Ginetoile

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Those looking for a product that luminizes your face and/ or whitens it over time will be disappointed. What it does do, however, is provide high coverage and SPF 25 PA+++ in a convenient compact. It also the best mattifying powder I have so far - I usually put this on before running for extra sun protection and though I sweat afterwards, I don't look "greasy", if that makes sense.

I believe it's made for Asian women, as my aunt bought it for me in Korea and I haven't seen it outside of Asia. I have it in 30 Beige Cendre, which is a bit orange for me; it's a pretty close match during the summer though (I'm about a NW20 - fair to light Asian skin with pink undertones).
I have combination skin, meaning my face gets oily on the t-zone but tends to be dry on other parts of my face. I also have some reddish-purple scars on my cheeks from acne, and this powder covers them completely.

I mostly use the sponge applicator inside out of convenience, and it works pretty well for me. The finish is completely matte and flawless, but it can look powdery if you over apply. Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with this powder, but I probably wouldn't purchase again because i can probably find a high-coverage powder for a cheaper price.

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dianeyannah on 3/18/2011 12:48:00 AM more reviews by dianeyannah

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight   Eyes: Brown    

where can i buy this? i've been searching for it!

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golightly on 2/24/2011 9:50:00 PM more reviews by golightly

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I love this powder foundation. I generally use it to refresh makeup halfway through the day, and am lazy, so use the sponge inside. When I first apply it, it looks powdery, but a few minutes later it melds into the skin and looks extremely luminous and natural. It manages to diminish any brown spots and breakouts and evens out the skin without being very heavy. I love that it has added SPF and is PA+++. Doesn't dry out skin and has decent-good staying power (think it's formulated for the Asian market and humid summers...) Have repurchased at least 4-5 times, and each compact lasts me at least 6-8 months. The packaging is very nice -- I like the satin cover as opposed to the velour/velvet pouch.

My foundation colors are Chantecaille Future Skin in Camomile, Laura Mercier TM in Nude, and MAC NW20, and I use White Essentiel 30 Beige Cendre.

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mamicantik on 1/20/2011 9:46:00 PM more reviews by mamicantik

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Its not what I expected from chanel, its powdery, not much long lasting (in me), and I don't like the finish, the only thing I love that its have spf.

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GabrielleUtomo on 7/23/2010 4:03:00 AM more reviews by GabrielleUtomo

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I do not see the good thing for this product. I love Chanel Mat Lumiere much better. It feels so powdery and does not have oil control.

One thing I like about it is just the cute white packaging. I love white packaging, i hope Chanel Mat have white packaging version rather than the normal black one that they have.

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dandanmian on 3/15/2010 11:28:00 PM more reviews by dandanmian

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I gave this product a 4 even though it did not achieve what i wanted it to. I've been on a quest for that illusive, natural glow and sad to say this product is not light reflecting at all. Instead, those looking for a mattifying powder will enjoy this.


Pros: it makes my skin look so soft and smooth! This powder will be great for a matte look.
Those who also have oily skin and are also after THE glow (not the oily, big pore, i-need-a-blotter shine) may find comfort in the fact that after 2-3h, there is a nice balance between the powder and facial oil where a sheen (and not a shine) appears.


Cons: it feels like pure talc. Soft as my skin looks, it is unhappy to the touch. Those with dry, sensitive skin may wish to try this powder repeatedly before purchase.

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arieeel on 2/26/2010 12:11:00 PM more reviews by arieeel

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

The first high-end foundation I've ever used. I usually don't wear foundation but ever since I discovered freckles were forming, I began looking for a foundation that would cover them up while protecting my skin with SPF. This was it. It cost me S$90, which in my opinion is ridiculously expensive for a foundation. I think my skin, that is the part without the freckles, actually looks better without foundation because it kind of makes it look more matte and less dewy. However, this foundation does a great job of mattifying. It's very hot here, so when I walk back from school I usually work up a great deal of perspiration. When I looked in the mirror, my face was still matte despite the fact that I was dripping with perspiration. So thumbs up for mattifying. Packaging-wise, I'm not very fussy so it doesn't matter, but I find it nice that it comes with a black pouch to hold it. Overall an okay foundation; have not tested this in photos so I shall update when that happens. Would not buy again because the results dont justify the price.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

starrystarzzz on 1/16/2010 1:15:00 PM more reviews by starrystarzzz

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I do not like the high coverage of this. But the lasting power is quite good for my oily skin.

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CazT on 10/12/2009 9:53:00 PM more reviews by CazT

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I absolutely love this foundation compact! This is the first powder I have used from Chanel and I am happy that my money was well spend. Being a whitening range, I think the powder itself was meant to be lighter than the colour shades in other Chanel foundation ranges. The compact is sleek and classy and it has a huge mirror! When wearing this foundation it doesn't make my skin dry nor oily at the end of the day. It actually makes my skin look flawless and its quite easy to apply with the sponge supplied. I would highly recommend this powder!

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aloha_bua on 4/1/2009 6:13:00 AM more reviews by aloha_bua

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I've been using this amazing powder for 11 months and it's the best foundation powder I've ever used. Easy application and able to cover uneven skin tone. (medium coverage) I would say the result on my face is almost as same as using liquid foundation.

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pinkykathy on 1/1/2009 11:25:00 PM more reviews by pinkykathy

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

After trying many many many foundation powder. This chanel white case is the best forever for me. I don't think i gonna try any other brands again. The texture is perfect. It looks natural and not too heavy. The white package with little CHANEL logo is simple but perfect. It expensive though, i'm glad that i purchased it from 'duty free' in the airport.

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bcheng on 10/19/2008 10:50:00 PM more reviews by bcheng

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

love it. wish it were available in the states. i love the spf foundation combo, the natural matte finish & the lasting quality. i don't have terribly oily skin so don't need a lot but it keeps it under control well where i do. for some reason the latest package i purchased flakes a bit but maybe because it's so fine a powder.

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lil_pie on 10/4/2008 2:03:00 AM more reviews by lil_pie

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Amazing oil-controlling properties, finely milled so it's never chalky unless you pile it on. The things that pull this down to a 4 is: expensive, and has a really horrid smell. I dont' know if it's just the sponge or just my compact, but I'm suprised no-one's written about this. I'm used to high-end foundations, so the finish is nothing I haven't seen.

Double perfection was 1/4 cheaper (when I bought it anyway), and I didn't really see any "light -reflecting" properties etc to warrant the increase in price.

Oil control is a huge thing for me though, and it's excellent for those days I'm not bothered to put on oil-controlling base/I'm pressed for time. So this will probably be a staple until I can find a better alternative.

edit: this actually gives a BETTER finish than the La Prairie compact (which looked kinda..'dead'), plus better oil control AND cheaper. Two thumbs up.

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sagacat on 9/4/2008 4:42:00 PM more reviews by sagacat

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

great powder! the best I ve ever had..

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syeang on 8/1/2008 10:14:00 PM more reviews by syeang

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

i have tried numerous amounts of powders, foundations....etc....i'm so falling inlove with it now. i'm really afraid of powders that clogs up pores. i was out shopping for a powder and i found this prod. the SA was nice enough to tell me what suits me best. this prod last! it really does. only makeup powder that needs no re-application , well for me at least. super find powder-brightens up the face! love it

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joucygal on 6/18/2008 6:10:00 AM more reviews by joucygal

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

i've just started using Chanel Powder Foundation (or foundation for that matter) so i don't know anything about other powder foundations. but i do know this- CHANEL's rocks!!! big time. i've gotten:
1) Mat Lumiere in #Lumiere
2) Blanc Essential in #Beige Rose
3) Controle Extreme in #Beige Rose
on Blanc Essential... it's good overall, but in comparison to the other two- much much less matte (which is ok, since it only claims to be semi-matte) and very light in formula. i feel like i almost have to press my sponge 2-3 times just to get anything visible on my face (as opposed to the other two). it's ok overall i guess, and the SPF is great. love that it (supposedly) whitens with Vitamin C contents, although i don't know if it actually does ^,^. but seeing how i have combi skin which starts to look greasy mid day... i'd say this one is my least favourite of the 3. but still worth trying if you're after a whitening powder foundation with lotsa SPF. but for mattifying effect, don't bother, it'll disappoint. doesn't break me out which is great. not too crazy about the white case, but it's a change from the usual black Chanel cases. worth trying but i won't buy again cos' i prefer the other two. cost me SGD$73.50 at Changi for 10ml. (Mat Lumiere and Controle Extreme are 13ml each). go figure...
UPDATE: i've decided to up this review with one lippie cos' the shade (#Rose Beige) is the best and most suited to me overall. even if the whole range's colors are generally a tad lighter than other powder foundations by Chanel, i feel i like Blanc Essential's range the best. especially if you don't wanna end up a bit orangey (as TCE's #beige rose seem to do to me!!!)

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*TOP REVIEWER* Tess35 on 6/14/2008 8:22:00 AM more reviews by Tess35

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I love that this powder controls shine very well and makes my skin look even toned and fine. I use this dry at home with the sponge and I find that I only need one touch up at mid-day with loose or pressed powder. No. 30 Beige Cendre suits me perfectly. I use this with CdP concealer in Ochre and with Diorsnow spf50. Looks better with a silicone primer underneath as the results is not as perfect with All Day All Year. I also love the white casing as it is very simplistic and clean. To be honest this is quite a nice surprise from chanel.

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minax on 6/9/2008 8:27:00 AM more reviews by minax

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I like this but maybe just for summer, in winter I find it's a bit too drying (but still not as much as DPC!). This will not actually whiten your skin, even with everyday use, the whitening ingredient is almost last on the list! I have this in 30, it is light yellow based. 20 is pink based in comparison. The whole line is very pale. I use 20-30 usually in chanel products and here both are much lighter in comparison. I have both but 30 matches my skintone much better. The texture is very fine, but this powder irritates my eyes so I don't use it as my staple powder foundation. Sadly I haven't worked out what ingredient does this so I won't repurchase. I apply with a kabuki brush, and use the sponge for touch ups only, I don't really like it. This powder gives a very matte look, but doesn't have much coverage. If I try to layer more on it looks too powdery and CHALKY - this is the biggest con. I have pretty good skin, just some redness to cover so I still use it. I haven't tried it wet because I don't like the idea of the cake getting wet and possibly getting bacteria infested. It wears well and melts into the skin nicely on warm days. I love the compact, it is the same compact as the discontinued DPC but is white rather than black. Not available in Australia but I get it duty free when traveling. I broke the compact the first time I dropped it (hinge and lock both) but Chanel don't sell empty compacts so I can't replace it and now I can't carry it around with me anymore.

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lilpea on 3/29/2008 12:29:00 PM more reviews by lilpea

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I love chanels powders but this one I am afraid is just too too sheer - no coverage really whatsoever. It is very good at oil control but if you want some coverage of blemishes which is lets face it why we wear foundation then it really is a bit of a waste of time.
The colours are also at least 2 shades lighter than the rest of chanel - which is completelly stupid - ok I know its a whitening range but I didn;t realise that meant slapping white powder on. I am a 30-40 in the dpf range, a 60 (secret) in the now discontinued dpc, a 50 in the teint controle and although I got the 50 in blanc essentiel it was still way too light - sadly there is nothing darker than 50 in this range it seems!!!

My utter pet hate is the way some companies refuse to be shade consistent withinh their own range. aaarggghhhhh!!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No