A couple of weeks ago I ran out of my Shu Uemura face architect foundation, and while I did love the product, I needed a lighter shade (and Shu Uemura closed all of their US counters, and there was no way I was going to guess online). A few of my fairer-skinned friends recommended Chanel foundations for especially light shades, and so I stopped by a counter to try it out. Here’s my review!
Rating:
out of 5Pros:
- Can provide light to full coverage, depending on how you layer it
- Almost completely unscented
- Does not settle in creases
- Lends a healthy glow to skin
- Stays put in stifling Texas heat
Cons:
- Not a completely “matte” finish; still must be set with powder for a dry look
- Incredibly expensive!
Description: My initial intent upon approaching the Chanel counter was merely to try the foundation and see how I liked it – but it so effectively evened out my skin tone and covered my blemishes without giving a heavily-made-up look that I gladly forked over the $50-something dollars on the spot. With just one push of the pump, I can cover my entire face to sufficiently reduce redness and visibility of imperfections with enough transparency for my freckles to show through. My boyfriend says it doesn’t even look like I’m wearing foundation – and it certainly doesn’t feel like I’m wearing it.
Although the foundation is a bit less matte than I expected, it is still rather dryer on my face than other foundations, so moisturizing before applying is a MUST. Moisturizing will also prevent the foundation from settling in any fine lines or blemishes in your skin – and although I have not had that problem with this foundation yet, I have heard that it is sometimes prone to creasing.
Everyone’s skin is different, so before buying this, I recommend stopping by a Chanel counter and trying it out. If you don’t buy it that day but plan to buy it later, make sure to get the name of the sales associate who helped you! Those ladies and gentlemen almost always work off of commission, so if you return to buy it, make sure to either buy it from your associate or mention that he or she helped you!
Although the Chanel foundation is very expensive, I highly recommend it if you can set aside the cash. I am a frequent indulger in drug store makeup but foundation is one item on which I refuse to skimp.
Chanel Mat Lumière Before & After: Click to see Large
These two photos were shot in the same lighting within minutes of each other, with no Photoshop editing.
June 6, 2011 at 6:29 pm
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I completely agree :) Mat Lumiere has been my go to foundation since a couple of years and I somehow wish it wasn’t so good, as it’s mad expensive. I use to buy lots of drugstore makeup and always look for cheaper dupes as I’m really not a big fan of designer cosmetics, especially the ones who test on animals (and Chanel does). However, foundation is something I can’t go wrong with as the smallest thing breaks me out, so I totally consider it as an investment on my skin.
Another good one is Diorskin Nude, which I find awesome for summer as it’s got a lighter texture but still great coverage. Enough with my ramblings, have a lovely evening darling ;)
Ale
x
June 6, 2011 at 7:40 pm
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Fantastic and honest review :) Are you sure you aren’t secretly a beauty blogger ;)
June 7, 2011 at 5:04 pm
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Thank you so much, Celina! Your blog inspired me to post a review. Any time I am about to buy a beauty product, your blog is the FIRST one I consult to see if you’ve posted anything about it. I’m not exaggerating~
June 7, 2011 at 12:57 am
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wow. thanks for the review. i’m a fan of chanel’s cosmetic products, but haven’t tried this foundation yet. think i’ll stop by the chanel counter next time. :)
June 8, 2011 at 1:03 pm
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Been wanting to try Chanel foundation for ages, but usually find approaching the makeup counters a bit daunting!
What shade did you use if you don’t mind me asking? As I’m quite pale too and find it hard to find shades light enough for me.
June 11, 2011 at 1:47 am
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I feel the same way about approaching makeup counters- I always feel compelled to buy something so I rarely ever approach them!
I am using porcelaine! It is a pale shade with a bit of pink in it!
June 26, 2011 at 10:43 pm
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Ah, now I remember why I used to have awesome skin – I used to splurge on good foundation! I’ll definitely have to get back in the habit. Thanks for the review!
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November 24, 2011 at 1:42 am
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I was a devote Chanel skin care user for over 30 years. One day, while I was at my sister’s house, she had received a delivery for about 8 of the same moisturizers!!! Of course, I asked her if this product was good, and she conveyed that she couldn’t live without it. It was the Lady Soma “Renewal Serum” and oh my Geez, I am so happy I have found it.
I was so impressed. The compliments are still coming my way, 2 years later. I am 51 years old, and my skin is so youthful thanks to Lady Soma. I strongly recommend giving this product a try!!