Holy moly. I have found my radiance holy grails, and it’s no surprise they are from Chanel *clouds part* and Bobbi Brown *cue angels chorus*.

Chanel Le Blanc de Chanel is an “illuminating base”, designed primarily as a primer, with the added benefit of adding a glow. It is silicone free, but does have some silica powder to blur and soften. I am very choosy and have yet to meet a primer I like. I LOVE Le Blanc de Chanel. I was watching the divine Lisa Eldridge in a video on Chanel’s site. She used Le Blanc in key areas – around the eyes, tops of cheekbones, the nose and around the mouth, and then applied her foundation. I don’t use foundation, but I do use a powder. The effect is nothing short of perfection – and yet it looks like Elmer’s Glue when I swatch it on my arm. Sorry, beauties, but I can’t explain how this witchcraft works.  At around $45 it is not cheap, but it’s Chanel. I use the tiniest amount and the 1oz bottle will last for ages.

From Chanel’s website:

Ingenious multi-tasking oil- free fluid ‘primes’ skin perfectly for makeup, while adding subtle contours and radiance to the face. A unique blend of powders reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines for smooth, even, flawless finish.

I top off my makeup with my latest radiant obsession, Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder in Nude. Wow wow wow. I cannot believe what this does for my skin. I apply it, see a difference I can’t put my finger on, lean in closer to the mirror and say “WOW”. It’s a hint of glowy blush/bronzer that, while shimmery in the pan, is not on the face. I tried swatching it heavily on my arm for this photo, and it looks like a bruise. Like Blanc de Chanel, this magic is unexplainable. It’s around $60, so not inexpensive, but if you use the CPU scale – Cost Per Use – you will see a little goes a long way.

From Bobbi Brown’s site:

A brightening pick-me-up for skin – this all-over powder instantly illuminates and gives skin a healthy-looking glow. Comes in a super-reflective silver compact with an interior mirror (so on-the-go touch-ups feel extra sophisticated). It’s infused with a skin-brightening blend of mulberry, grape and scutellaria extracts, as well as sodium hyaluronate to help keep skin fresh and smooth looking.

If you add the magic of Soleil Tan de Chanel (post to come), we have the Bermuda Triangle of Radiance, people. What are your radiance secrets? Share!