Chanel Vitalumiere is a foundation I've been interested in for ages. So, last month when purchasing Chanel's Double Perfection Compact, I figured I'd ask for a sample of Vitalumiere.
I was matched to Beige 40, which seems to match my skintone well. I would say it's a good NC35-37 match. Based on reviews, Beige 40 has worked for those in the MAC NC30-NC40 color range.
If you're familiar with Chanel products, many of them share the same scent (exactly like Chanel Bronze Universel/Soleil Tan De Chanel). It's a light, refreshing scent - if you sniff hard enough (lol) you can detect the chemical smell that's covered up with fragrance.
I first applied a very light moisturizer to my face (DDF Oil Free Moisturizing Dew) and with my Sigma F60 Foundation Brush I applied this foundation to my whole face, with light, short strokes. With thinner consistency foundations, I find that a standard foundation brush works the best, or a dense synthetic brush. I didn't care for using my MAC 131 (Duo Fibre) with this.
The way I categorize the coverage of foundations goes as: Light, Medium Light, Medium, Medium Full and Full. I consider this to be a Medium Light. It is definitely buildable, and doesn't look heavy once it's built up a bit. Some may find it necessary to apply a concealer over any blemishes, as this foundation may not cover the redness 100%. Before application, I dotted Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer on any areas that needed it. The result with this foundation is skin that actually looks like skin, but more even and radiant. I love how this makes my skin "glow". I'd compare it to Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (but with less coverage than GA) and MAKE UP FOREVER Face & Body Foundation (but with more luminosity, more natural). I much prefer this foundation over MUFE F&B, which I find has a "tacky" feeling after application, not to mention the "globby" texture. Application with both is very similar.
I didn't blot my face because I wanted to see how well the foundation wears on its own. After around 3 hours I noticed a bit of shine on my t-zone. I still didn't blot, because I wanted to see how oily it would get. After around 6 hours, it didn't seem to get much more oily than it did at hour 3, but the foundation had worn off the tip of my nose, as well as the area around my mouth. Everything else was pretty much in tact.
I wouldn't consider this foundation to be long-wearing, as it looks it's best the first 2-3 hours and seems to budge a little after that. I think it's a great foundation for the summer, special occasions, a night out, etc. To those that prefer a foundation that won't budge through a 8-9 hour work shift, this may fall under your expectations. The sales associate actually recommended I use Chanel Double Perfection Compact (powder foundation) over Vitalumiere to prolong the wear. Double Perfection isn't a dull powder, so it wouldn't take away from the finish of Vitalumiere. I haven't tried that though, but I will next time I wear Vitalumiere, as I know now that it's necessary for me to use a setting powder. I'll let you know how that goes. (Sorry for trailing off) Many reviewers have agreed that this foundation is awesome for dry skin, as it doesn't accentuate dry patches, it's moisturizing and it is dewy. I have pretty normal to combination skin (although it seems to be more normal lately) and I think it worked well for me, as it didn't get awfully oily. When I say "awfully", I'm saying, my eyebrows looking shiny & wearing off around the edges, which some foundations will do. Those with oily skin, may want to have a look at Mat Lumiere.
As far as purchasing goes, I'm not sure if this is a product I'll be purchasing anytime soon. I've been preferring Guerlain Parure Extreme lately - and it has actually climbed up to my favorite foundations list.
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| Chanel Vitalumiere in Beige 40 swatched on my hand |
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| Top: Chanel Vitalumiere Beige 40, Bottom: MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC40 |
Compared to MAC SFF in NC40, they are similar in depth, but MAC is noticeable more yellow.
Even though you can't see my makeup in close detail, I figured I'd give a break down anyway of what I'm wearing.
Face:
Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer in Medium applied under my eyes and to blemishes
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in 20 applied under my eyes to better suit my skintone
Chanel Vitalumiere Foundation in 40 Beige
YSL Touche Eclat in #1 in the corners of my eyes to brighten
NYC Sunny Bronzer to contour
MAC Pleasureful Blushcreme to cheeks
Hard Candy Living Doll Blush applied very lightly over Pleasureful for a pink glow
Eyes:
Dior 5-Colour Iridescent Eyeshadow in Crush Glow
NARS Coconut Grove Eyeshadow used as liner
Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara in Blackest Black
Brows:
MAKE UP FOREVER Eyebrow Corrector in #3
MAC Brow Set in Girl/Boy
Lips:
Bobbi Brown Petal Lip liner (discontinued)
MAC Shygirl Lipstick
Essense Nude Kiss Lipgloss
