Estée Lauder – Topaz Chameleon Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée (swatches & review)
I admit that before seeing Estée Lauder’s ‘Topaz Chameleon Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée’ (what a mouthful!) from the spring 2012 collection, I had no idea that a product like this even existed, nor the fact that the previously released version, ‘Modern Mercury’, had immediately sold out – but not before achieving near-cult status. Personally, I absolutely could not pass up anything that had such a spectacular pattern embossed on its surface, not to mention my new-found weakness for highlighters.
I love the simple gold case, especially the large embossed “E”!
What makes ‘Topaz Chameleon’ unique is its innovative tri-brid formula, a combination creme-gel-powder that literally feels like it glides across your skin. The test swatch I did at the counter was scarily pigmented – enough so, that I initially passed this up. Giving it a second chance, I realized that not only can this formula be blended with incredible ease, but that its warm hue compliments a vast range of skin tones – it’s all in the application. You should be warned that a little goes a long way, and that you need a light hand in order that you don’t come off looking “gilded” (although it can also be worn wet, or as eyeshadow if you desire a deeper look). There are gorgeous coppery undertones in the base that seem to really give off that “faux glow” when dusted lightly along the cheeks, and while it is pigment-rich, it imparts more of a sheen than a frost at the finish. The lasting power was impressive as well, lingering easily up to 8 hours before I noticed any fading.
closeup detail
The following are all on foundation primed skin, and swatched: heavily in the middle, blended partially on the right, blended out on the left.
in sunlight
indoors
with flash
side angle, showing the raised embossed pattern
Final thoughts: I am so glad that I gave ‘Topaz Chameleon’ another shot at winning my heart, as it has turned out to be quite unique in my highlighter arsenal, being that perfect golden blend shade. The formula, as well, is like nothing I have come across, applying feather-light across the skin, never feeling cake-y or too heavy. Care needs to be taken to not overdo it, as this product is exceptionally pigmented, but as it can be blended out so smoothly, mistakes are easily avoided. I know that ‘Topaz Chameleon’ is a limited edition highlighter and while online it is showing as sold out, there may be some Estée Lauder counters that are carrying it still … my advice would be that if this beauty calls to you, do NOT wait too long in tracking it down!
This is what bothers me about EL….They come up with some amazing products but everything is in such limited quantities and limited editions that I often don’t want to buy it because I don’t want to get used to something only to run out and never find it again. I have this product and its great but I’ve found a cheaper similar product as replacement for the future as my local Macys no longer sells it. Topaz Chameleon is better than the shimmering sands color in the bronze collection because it is more blendable and less rouge.
I know…the dreaded “limited edition” – 2 words that consumers (and beauty bloggers) break out in hives just hearing! I agree that Topaz Chameleon may be more wearable; I found Shimmering Sands to be finer in texture and somewhat less “shiny”, but the deep golden tone of Topaz seems to work on all skin tones. Yesterday I layered it (lightly) over bronzer, and I was stunned at how it literally made my skin seem to glow from within…I’ll be doing that again, you can be sure!
Nordstroms online still has this and there is free shipping. Also I think Barneys NEW YORK has it too online. So act fast! I am nc45 color in Mac and i battled buying this for 2 months! But it is so GORG in person. Also it is very unique.
Thanks for the info, Elysia! I’m sure it’ll be helpful for anyone still on the fence about this, or for those wondering where they can purchase! I picked up the new summer version, ‘Shimmering Sands’ today, and that one too looks like it’ll be a total hit!
Lol, yes it is fun to play with makeup isn’t it? Very true about enhancing, I tend to do makeup (not necessarily eyes and lips but face) very lighthanded/naturally, the point is not that people say that makeup is nice but that say my skin is perfect, no?:))) I will use color on the eyes and/or lips but in my opinion that is where the color and drama should go, we just want our face to look great. Yes I too love Lingerie de Peau because it does look very natural, never settles into lines or cakes but yet is covers really well. You are right that it sort of melts into the skin. It is the best foundation I have tried so far. I have used both the liquid and the compact and both are wonderful. I think the compact is the one to pick if someone needs a more matte finish and has a bit oilier skin.
I was looking at the compact version and sadly, the sales agent wasn’t as informative as I wanted her to be….thanks so much for your input! By the way, I so totally agree with your description of how a “made-up” face should look…and while eyes & lips can handle some extra “oomph”, skin should always look flawless!
I think this one is not orange at all, depends on the application of course but it is definitely a bronze/golder toned highlighter, perhaps slight copper tones. You can definitely apply it with a very light hand for an overall glow effect, I am wearing it today and it is almost colorless but still gives you a fresh glow. This is what I do: put serum, then moisturizer (EL). Skincare first is of course essential but also skin acts like canvas and you can never apply makeup evenly without the right skincare. Then I apply foundation (Guerlain Lingerie de Peau), bronzer all over ; including neck and decollete to the edges of clothing especially focusing on the edges of the face, ears, etc. (Guerlain Terracotta 00) it has almost no color on me but fixes the foundation, I always apply with a very light hand and can build if necessary. The correct brush is also really important; I use a Guerlain powder brush. Then I use a bit of a blush with a blush brush. Lastly I use this EL Topaz Chameleon and for a very light effect use a powder brush with a large head focusing on cheeks, a bit for over the brows, nose and chin and the eedges of the face as well as the collarbones. Sounds complicated but actually it is not hard and is done fast.
Wow….thank you for such thorough detail, and while it does sound like many steps, I’m sure that once you know what you’re doing and have followed these steps a few times, it becomes almost second nature. I love Lingerie de Peau as well; have found that it melts almost seamlessly into the skin and never looks overdone. You are 100% correct about proper skincare, Ursula; I’ve always said that if your skin is at its optimum best, then anything you put on it will only enhance as opposed to emphasize. Love the idea of a “colourless but fresh glow”…I’m dying to go and play with some makeup now!!
Hello dear Eugenia! I take the liberty to comment on this article to tell you something completely unrelated!! I was wondering if you ever considered watermarking your pictures and here’s why: this morning, I saw, much to my dismay, that a French etailer who had just received the Essie Resort 2012 collection was using your swatches without any credit. I sent them a message to ask them to put credit where it was due, and they did, immediately, but they told me that they had not acted that way on purpose, only that they had found the pictures on Pinterest and couldn’t locate the source. There’s a lot of picture-theft on the internet, but sometimes it’s not deliberate, and I really don’t like seeing pictures from blogs I love without the proper credits (especially when they’re used for advertising), so I think your beautiful swatches deserve to be marked!!
My lovely Lélie, thank you so much for your vigilance and looking out for me…I appreciate it! They did indeed give me credit, and I’m glad for it. That there’s a lot of photo-theft going on, believe me I know; it seems like every week I get yet another email letting me know that someone has stolen my pictures. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t mind, as long as proper credit was given (is that so hard?). As to watermarking my pictures, I’ve been avoiding it as I really dislike the obtrusiveness of watermarks but it looks more and more like I’m going to have to bite the bullet on this…makes me so sad (and mad!). I’m a little suspicious at their Pinterest story, because as far as I know, all pictures there can be traced to their original source – it’s only the captions people put on them that one can freely alter, so I don’t believe their excuse…whatever; as long as they gave credit, that’s what counts! Thanks once more, my friend!
Somehow our Estee Lauder counters here are messed up – I haunted them for weeks waiting for ‘Modern Mercury’ to come out, and never saw it once, not even a display! The same goes for this, though I’m holding out hope it may still be released, just later in the season (as things tend to do there). I took the bull by the horns this time though with the upcoming Summer collection and bought ‘Shimmering Sands’ online a couple days ago. I’m not missing out again!!
I am really glad you swatched this Eugenia – even though you obviously are a lighter skin tone than I, you have similar tones and I find that I can see how things will play on my skin, on you. I was nervous about this highlighter because it seemed like wayyy too much in most other swatches, but on you, it just makes me want it BADLY!!!! Fingers crossed that I’ll still get my chance
That’s so strange, that counters across the country aren’t better synchronized…and frustration, especially when you know about a product’s existence, but can’t see it for yourself. Good move on picking up Shimmering Sands…I’ve got my eye on that one too, but I’m still undecided on whether or not it’ll come home with me – something tells me that it may close to Laura Mercier’s Rose Rendezvous, so I need to investigate it further (who am I kidding? We both know that I’ll be picking it up, right? Lol!). It’s true that there are similar undertones in our skin, so I’m glad that my swatches can help you in some way! I’ll cross my fingers for you too (and hair, eyes, etc….)
Yay, I’m so glad you got this! It’s such a unique formula, and the design is so stunning – really like nothing else out there. It’s items like this that really elevate the standard for what high-end makeup should be.
I bet this looks stunning on your skin tone and with your hair – golden goddess!
(I just snagged the new Summer highlighter and the eye palette. GORGEOUS. And the eye palette has the same formula! If you missed out on the Cyber eyeshadows, it’s a nice one to pick up.)
Thanks, Maggie! I’ve actually been avoiding going to the mall, as I’ve spent the equivalent of a small fortune lately (so my husband says!) and just knowing that the summer stuff is starting to come in, is driving me crazy! That’s it! You’ve decided me on going to check things out TONIGHT! Thanks for the heads up on the eyeshadow palette….it’s on my “must-see” list now!
Big SIs, I swatched this and thought-no way can I wear this. But seeing the lighter swatches in your pics makes me think I can! It doesn’t look as orange as it does in the store at all. Those dang store lights make everything look so bad!
I HATE STORE LIGHTING!!!! I always look like an oompa-loompa whenever I try stuff on at store counters, lol! While you’re much fairer than me, Lil Sis, I think that with a light hand, this baby will look gorgeous on you; picture a light golden dusting across the cheekbones…..you’ll be more than ready for summer!
Gorgeous. Love the shimmer and would even use it to do a smokey eye.
Oooohh…..that sounds like an excellent idea; I can just see it on a “summer” smokey eye look! Thanks!
I think that this product works really beautifully on fair skin which I have, it is amazingly gorgeous when applied and really easy to apply as well, just use a light hand and blend it out, couple of seconds and done, gorgeous as an eyeshadow as well. Really great for waking up tired looking, pale winter skin. I do have fair skin with slight yellow undertones but it is really washed out right now. Best using it as a blush/highlighter on very fair skin and in the summer it can be used all over and on neck and decollete as well. I actually prefer this to Modern Mercury but they could be mixed and matched as well; on fair skin use Modern Mercury all over, below the browbone, use Topaz Chameleon as a blush and to highlight cheekbones as well as on the moving eyelid; the most gorgeous natural looking make up, bringing the best out of your features. Beats out much more expensive brands.
Thank you so much for all those amazing tips and such great detail, Ursula! I’m sure your words should help those with fair skin make a decision of this product works for them, as well as providing great background on the best way to use it! I hadn’t even thought of the décolletage, but that’s an excellent idea! (hmmm…also along the tops of the shinbones in the summertime…..)!!
Yes, whenever I wear a dress, top, etc. with cleavage I always put it on the decollete, especially over the collar-bones. I think on very pale skin Modern Mercury is best for the decollete but my skin looks really awake when I apply Topaz Chameleon as a blush, can be used lightly over the edges of the face and over the brows too I think. The makeup artist at EL here put it on me yesterday and I really loved it, in fact I loved it so much that I had to go back and buy it today:))) I mean here in Europe it is still available and they would have put it on hold for me until they have an event the end of next week but I wanted it yesterday and could not wait:))) curious what the summer one will be like, it could very well be that every piece in this collection is a must buy. Seriously the price is pretty good for such a product though unfortunately it has gone up and here in Europe they are expensive but still almost half of a Guerlain highlighter and honestly I think these are at least as nice even though I am normally a huge fan of Guerlain products.
The summer gelée item is already at EL counters (at least in the US…will check if my Canadian counters received it yet) and from early swatches I’ve seen, it closely resembles Laura Mercier’s ‘Rose Rendezvous’ (I’ve reviewed it on my blog if you’re unfamiliar)…more pink/coppery leaning. You’re right about it being at a much more affordable price (here it is $45.00 about $30.00 less than Guerlain), although I have to say that ‘Cruel Gardenia’ from Guerlain (which I’ve also reviewed) is just gorgeous; subtle enough to be worn daily and great on all skin tones. Good to know that ‘Topaz Chameleon’ is still available at European counters, though!
OH GOD THE GORGEOUSNESS. >_<
I was one of those people who went hunting for the orignal gelee too late. So I found this one as soon as it hit the floors but I took one look at it and sadly knew that I was never going to take the trouble to make it work. I'd gladly have bought it to stare at and stroke once in a while but now that I'm on the very strict buy 3 products a month plan, this had to be left behind. But I'm so glad that you picked up this beauty!
I didn’t even know that anything like this had even previously been created *beauty dork* !! Like I wrote, I tried this out at the counter the very day it was released, and immediately thought “no way”. Then I read some reviews. Looked at some photos. Went back and re-tried it and WHAM! Instant kismet, I tell ya! Lol!! Tell you what; when we get together, I’ll let you play with it to your heart’s content!
Wow, would I ever love that! I think Eugenia’s beauty vault is definitely a beauty blogger destination!
With like-minded people (*ahem* beauty addicts like moi), I love throwing open the doors to that vault! It’s bee a hoot!
This is gorgeous although I fear it may be too pigmented for my fair skin.
Without knowing exactly how fair you are, I know that several other bloggers that are much lighter than me have managed to have this work for them, but it’s true that you need to take more care with fair skin. I guess the best way to see if it works for you is to test it first…if you happen upon it at the counter, give it a shot and see!
I have been trying to not buy it but the packaging and the color is so beautiful. my dark skin is craving this for the summer!
Oh, this looks absolutely illuminating on darker skin! Why not try it at the counter and then decide? *shameless enabling*!!!
I was looking at this online just today! Loved reading your review of it! I take your words very seriously regarding the “do not wait to get this if you want it” factor ( I still cry myself to sleep at night, longing for Laura Mercier Rose Rendezvous! Well, not literally. But it has created that ear-worm type effect on me, and I cannot stop thinking of it!). I’m always scared of anything bronze since I am fairly pale (thank god for my yellow undertone though…I don’t burn in the sun!). I may give this a whirl…looks like I will have to decide soon!
Thanks for the praise, my friend! To compound things, Estée Lauder’s summer 2012 collection is beginning to trickle onto counters, and there’s a NEW highlighter in that batch! The spring collection arrived only 3 weeks ago and they’re already flooding us with more!!!! I’ll be checking out the new one as well (better leave my wallet at home though!) If you find this gem, let me know what you think of it! And for Pete’s sake, go see someone about that worm, lol!!