Swatches + Review - Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base

The Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base is a cult favorite among many beauty bloggers and YouTube vloggers. I never understood why because the swatches online look Oompa Loompa orange. I already have the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil bronzer, which is my holy grail bronzing and contouring product not orange, it's completely matte and it gives my face dimension. I decided to purchase the Chanel cream bronzer with the intention of using it as a base and to prolong the wear of my powder bronzers. 

The texture of the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel is creamy and it blends into my skin effortlessly when applied with a synthetic brush, such as the Royal & Langnickel BX-25, BX-15, BX-30, BX-35 and BX-70 brush (review + comparison). (Do not use a brush that's made from natural hair because it will shed when it comes in contact with cream products.) I usually apply my foundation, then the Chanel cream bronzer and finally, I'll set everything with a translucent powder. I prefer to apply the cream bronzer in a tapping motion rather than a sweeping motion because if I use the sweeping motion, it can mess up my foundation and the finish can look blotchy. Tapping the product into my skin leaves a more natural finish.

The BX-25 brush is denser than both the BX-15 and BX-30; therefore, it picks up more product, applies more heavily and requires less layering to get good color payoff. The BX-15 and BX-30 are by no means flimsy, but they apply more lightly and prevent you from over applying the product. However, it's difficult to over apply the Chanel bronzer because it looks so natural no matter how many times you layer it. Therefore, it doesn't matter which 3 of the brushes you use. You'll still achieve the same result.

If I want a more "chiseled" look, I'll use the BX-35 to contour my cheekbones and the BX-70 to contour my nose. (I use the BX35 in a tapping motion rather than a sweeping motion to prevent it from moving my foundation and from creating a harsh line.) To finish off the look, I apply a setting powder and then my Too Faced Chocolate Soleil as the final step. I find that it gives me more dimension than Soleil Tan De Chanel because it's darker and completely matte.

Royal & Langnickel Revolution Brushes: BX-25 ~ BX-15 ~ BX30

(brushes are dirty, sorry)

Royal & Langnickel Revolution Brushes: BX-35 ~ BX-70

Soleil Tan De Chanel looks scary orange compared to Chocolate Soleil, but I assure you, it looks completely natural when applied to the face. For reference, I'm a MAC NC30/35, MUFE HD 127, L'oreal True Match W4 and Dior Forever 21 mixed with 31. I have also wore this when I was a MAC NC35/37, MUFE HD 128, L'oreal True Match W6 and Dior Forever 31 and it looked absolutely gorgeous. However, lighter beauties may find this to be too orange and darker beauties (NC42 and up) may find it to be too light. This product works best on medium skin tones as it adds warmth to the skin and enhances the complexion.

It is important to mention that Soleil Tan De Chanel looks slightly shimmery under direct sunlight. However, the shimmers are barely noticeable and it looks nearly matte under artificial lighting. It's still very safe to wear during the day time because it looks very natural. Also, it lasts at least 12 hours without fading when worn over liquid/cream foundation and set with a powder.

The price can be a turnoff, but it contains a hefty amount of product and you only need about 3 taps of product for each cheek. Therefore, it will take months before you'll need to replenish.

Bottom Line: I highly recommend getting the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel to use as a base in order to lengthen the wear of a powder bronzer. If you have a medium complexion, this will also work well alone and leave your skin with a natural sun-kissed look.

Note: The Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base contains 1oz of product and is available on their online store, Nordstrom, and at Chanel makeup counters for $48.

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What product do you use to contour your face?