Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation Review

I haven't used many Chanel makeup products, but I like what I have tried from the brand so far - the eyeshadow palette, liquid liner, and eye makeup remover. When I was searching for a good lightweight foundation, Chanel therefore was among the list of brands I was considering. I decided to stop by Bergdorf in NYC to test out the products from the brands on my list to see which one I like most. Chanel counter was my first, and last, stop. As soon as I asked the sales assistant about foundations, she offered to do my makeup with Chanel foundations so I can decide myself whether I like the finish and feel of the product. I hesitated at first because I was afraid that the foundation she was going to try on me would turn cakey - I didn't have enough time to go back to the hotel and redo my makeup. But, I took a leap of faith and say yes :) And, I was glad I that I did! I didn't have to look further for a nice everyday base makeup as it was a love at first sight with the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua.

The kind sales assistant tried out two foundations on me - the Vitalumiere Aqua on one side of my face and the Perfection Lumiere Velvet on the other - both of shade Beige 20, which blends into my current skin tone perfectly. Both foundations have similar lightweight texture and 'second-skin' result, but the Perfection Lumiere Velvet has a more matte finish and provides higher coverage. I was actually torn between the two as they both looked great on me but I finally went with the Vitalumiere Aqua because I prefer a little bit more glow than the Lumiere Velvet offers.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua is a water-based lightweight foundation that claims to provide skin-like finish and to protect skin from the sun. It has natural semi-matte finish and sheer-medium coverage.Unfortunately, alcohol is pretty high on the ingredient list, and it also contains fragrance. Those with sensitive skin might have to be cautious before splurging on this - ask for a sample if possible or let them do your makeup for a day :) As for me, I gave it a green light because it didn't irritate or break out my fairly sensitive skin.

The foundation comes in a small plastic bottle - so small that I wasn't sure its price tag can be justified. However, I then realized that it actually contains the same amount of product as many high end foundations that cost more (like the famous Giorgio Armani's or Bobbi Brown's). The twist cap is secure, and the size/weight of this packaging makes it very travel-friendly.

Unlike may foundations, this doesn't come with a pump. You need to squeeze out the product. But before you do that, make sure you SHAKE the bottle so that the product will mix nicely. If you don't, only water will come out.

This foundation has a relatively runny texture that spreads so easily on skin. You can use a brush, sponge, or fingers to apply it. I prefer a wedge sponge cause it gives me a streak-free airbrushed finish, and I can just throw it away after use. The fragrance in this is pretty strong but not unpleasant. It kinda smells like sunscreen, and the smell goes away quite quickly. This sets into a skin-like semi-matte finish so it's great for summer days in which dewy = oily for my skin. It is so light and appropriate for everyday wear. you don't have to think much when applying this as it glides on nicely and doesn't set into lines or accentuate dry patches. It has sheer coverage but very build-able to medium without being cakey. I actually don't feel like I'm wearing much makeup when using this, even when I put 2-3 layers on :)

I usually apply one layer on my whole face with an extra layer on my nose and cheeks where my pores are clearly visible - this gives me coverage like the photo above. The coverage reminds me of a tinted moisturizer, actually. It evens out my skin tone and blurs my redness, although it cannot completely cover my pores. But, since I only have minor imperfections, this much of coverage is enough for me on a daily basis. For those who needs more coverage may not find this sufficient. So, I'd say this is mostly for people without major imperfections. It looks the most skin-like compared to other foundations and cushions I've tried - that "second-skin" result claim is a real deal. Usually I'm wary of foundations because they all tend to accentuate my dry patches and look unnatural on me - but this one do not. The only thing I wish this foundation has is more oil control. It has minimal oil control but it doesn't make my face oilier than usual. Without primer and setting powder, I usually feel the need to blot after 3-hour mark. It's no biggie since that is when I normally blot my face anyway. I usually get 6-7 hours of wear from this before it starts to fade (my T-zone is the first to go), but primer and setting powder will give your a bit of extra wear time if you need more. I feel like this may not be so good for people with very oily skin living in humid weather (may be an option if you live in cold places), but if you have combo skin like me or drier skin types, this is worth looking into.

QUICK TAKE

• Looks and feels like skin
• SPF 15 protects skin from the sun
• Note for sensitive skin: this contains alcohol and fragrance
• Good for slightly dry to slightly oily; for very dry - not enough moisture / for very oily skin - not enough oil control
• Semi-matte finish
• Very lightweight, watery texture
• Glides on easily and does not sink into lines or accentuate dry patches
• Has sheer coverage but build-able to medium without being cakey
• Minimal oil control: I felt the need to blot after 3 hours
• Does not make my face oilier than usual
• Moderately long-lasting: fades after 6-7 hours, but will last a bit longer with primer and setting powder/spray

I used to avoid foundations because they tend to look fake and cakey on me, but this really changes my perspective. If you have slightly dry to slightly oily skin with minor imperfections like redness, uneven skin tone, or big pores, this lightweight foundation is definitely worth a try!

AVAILABLE AT: Nordstrom, Bergdorf