Chanel Le Blanc

Chanel has launched its Le Blanc makeup and skincare collection exclusively at Takashimaya. The collection should be available at other counters in Singapore in February.

The Poudre Lumiere Perles is a gossamer-fine skin illuminator, retailing at around S$77. I think both the eyeshadow quad and blush are re-promotes of previously limited edition shades.

The new Le Blanc skincare line includes the Whitening Moisturizing Cream (S$140), Lightening Moisture Nanolotion (S$79), Whitening Concentrate Continuous Action XTC (S$165) and Whitening Moisturising Fluid (S$140). The line was designed in Chanel's laboratory in Funabashi, Japan for Asians. Chanel undertook an arduous and very expensive three year application process to become one of the first non-Japanese companies to obtain "quasi-drug" status for its whitening skincare products in Japan.

Achieving quasi-drug status allows Chanel to promise specific whitening results. The Le Blanc skincare products contain TXC, a modified version of tranexamic acid, which helps to reduce the inflammation that contributes to skin pigmentation. TXC is more easily absorbed by the skin than the usual tranexamic acid, and works for up to 12 hours once absorbed to reduce melanin production.

Both the Le Blanc White Mastering Whitening Compact Foundation SPF25 PA+++ (S$94) and Light Mastering Whitening Fluid Foundation SPF25 PA+++ (S$79) come in 6 shades each. They do not contain TXC, so they won't lighten the skin permanently but the SPF will help to prevent sun damage. The foundations are supposed to help skin look more luminous and glowy as they contain hexagonal-shaped pigments that form an interlocking film to better reflect light white providing coverage. The powder foundation felt extremely silky and velvety when swatched.