Chanel Poudre Signée de Chanel from the Spring 2013 Precieux de Printemps de Chanel Collection

I was surprised and thrilled to find Chanel's Spring 2013 Precieux de Printemps de Chanel Collection at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase yesterday. A sweet Chanel representative told me it was at Saks Chevy (and, of course, she was bummed that another store got it first). Since I was nearby, I dashed right over and purchased quite a few pieces. It's a gorgeous collection!

Poudre Signée de Chanel ($68) may not impress you on first glance. Yes, it's very pretty, and its distinctive embossed double C's (large and small) will enchant until you wear through them. My practical side started to kick in as I asked myself how this light pink highlighter/illuminator would add a novel touch to my overwhelming makeup wardrobe?

Loyd to the rescue. He applied it in a C over the top of my cheekbones, sweeping it around my eye near the hair line, and finishing on my temples. He applied it on one side only and handed me a mirror. I was putty. The difference was astounding. Even though my makeup had been beautifully applied (by Erin Lockard), Poudre Signée de Chanel was the finishing touch that lit up my looks. I didn't even ask the price. In retrospect, I'm surprised I was able to contain myself and purchase only one. I suspect these limited-edition treasures will sell out - right about the time I decide I need a back-up.

I had a feeling this powder would be hard to swatch. Most finishing powders are. I'm pleased that you can see Poudre Signée de Chanel on my arm. I applied it heavily at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator, and I used a dense blush brush to apply the larger swatch below. My photos were taken in full, afternoon sun, with winter's red holly berries as a spring backdrop.

Fortunately, you can see the sheen. I assure you this gorgeous powder is not a glitter bomb. Even though my product photo at the top of this feature gives the powder a pink hue, it's actually gold. It had a pink-gold look in the store that make me think "pastel rose gold" at first sight, but it's more gold than pink. Look carefully at my swatches, though, and you may see that gold leaning pink. Perhaps that's just my skin tone.

Do we have to give it a definitive color? I don't think so. Will I be wearing Poudre Signée de Chanel long before spring? You bet! It's the perfect finishing or highlighting powder to give my face that extra brilliance just in time for holiday parties.

Is it a party-only powder? The good news is that I can wear it during the day. Lightly dusted as Loyd demonstrated, it brightens up my face, just as the sun becomes a rarity. I could not be happier with Chanel's new centerpiece.

The rest of the collection has some pieces you will covet. I'll show you two stunning new lip colors next that should entice you to the Chanel counter. The eye shadow quad will leave you wondering if Chanel had a fall design left over to use for spring, but if you like neutrals as much as I do, you'll find it in your shopping bag. If you absolutely cannot wait for this collection to arrive at your local Chanel counter, give Georgia, Loyd, or Maria a call at (240) 497-5363.

I do not have confirmation of the following news, but I want to share it anyhow. It's possible that Chanel's cruise collection will be available only at Chanel.com and Chanel boutiques. I'll let you know as soon as I can confirm that rumor. Additionally, I'm sure some of you have seen photos of Chanel's spring look, shown on the runway and described by Allure. It is characterized by bright, "wild" shades. much like the bright colors for spring that Guerlain is showing. The late spring collection will be along later.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty and courtesy of Chic Profile and Allure