I remember trying Chanel foundations about 5 years ago and while I did like their formulations, the undertones didn't quite match my skin very well. Since I've been really enjoying their cheek products lately, I decided to give their foundations another try, hoping that maybe they have expanded their color range.
Chanel Perfection Lumiere Long-Wear Flawless Fluid SPF 15 ($58 for 30ml/1oz)
Packaging: It comes in a frosted glass bottle with a convenient pump that makes it easy to dispense the exact amount that you want to use without wasting product or causing a mess.
Color: Supposedly, it comes in 20 shades with 4 different undertones (Beige, Beige Rose, Beige Ambre and Ambre. However, currently in the US market, it's offered in 12 shades with only 2 undertones (Beige and Beige Rose). Beige 40 is slightly too dark, while Beige 30 is too light for my warm skin tone and not as yellow as Dior Forever. I can get away with Beige 30 if I use a darker setting powder over it, but I just wish I didn't have to do that. (For reference, I'm a MAC NC30/35, Dior Forever 021 mixed with 031 and MUFE HD Y345.)
Fragrance: The floral scent is very strong when I sniff it from the back of my hand, but it's not noticeable when I apply the foundation on my face. I don't mind the fragrance, but it's worth mentioning for those who have sensitive skin.
Application: The texture is very well formulated and feels creamy. It's not too runny or too thick and applies like a dream with effortless blendability. The coverage is easily buildable without ever looking cakey or feeling mask-like, even with two layers. It evens out my complexion, covers redness and minor imperfections. It also leaves a soft-matte finish without looking flat.
Longevity: The formula is oil-free, but doesn't last as long as my other foundations, such as Dior Forever, even when set with a powder. For reference, I have an oily t-zone and normal (not dry or oily) skin on the rest of my face. I've tried countless primers with various foundations, but have not found one that substantially lengthens the wear of my makeup. The Chanel foundation is no exception. I find that oils start seeping through my nose area within 2 hours and I have to blot more often compared to my other foundations. It also lasts about 8 hours before my t-zone gets super shiny and the product looks separated. (If you have great results with primers, then this foundation may wear well for you.)
Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone/ Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Methyl Trimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Alcohol, Dimethicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Algin, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Fragrance, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Isoceteth-10, Zinc Sulfate, Hydrated Silica and Denatonium Benzoate
May Contain: Ultramarines, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide and Mica
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 3.1%
Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth-Effect SPF 15 ($48 for 30ml/1oz)
Packaging: It comes in a plastic tube that can get messy when you squeeze the bottle to get the product out. It also leaves a bit of residue around the opening and can make the inside of the cap dirty if you don't wipe the opening after every use. However, the bottle is not as heavy as a glass bottle and can be easily thrown in a purse or suitcase without fear of shattering.
Color: It comes in only 9 shades, in which 2 are pink-based, while the rest are supposedly neutral-based. Beige 30 has a more pink undertone in natural lighting compared to the one from Perfection Lumiere. It was not a match for my warm complexion and I wish it was more yellow-based.
Fragrance: The floral scent is noticeable when I smell it from the back of my hand, but it can't be detected during application.
Application and Wear: The consistency is thinner and more runny compared to Perfection Lumiere. It still smooths onto the skin effortlessly and feels very lightweight, allowing my skin to breathe, while still providing buildable, medium coverage. It also leaves a natural looking, matte finish. However, just like the other foundation, the oil-free formula lasts about 8 hours before the product starts separating around the areas where my skin gets most oily.
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Isododecane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Alcohol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Cellulose, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Propanediol Dicaprylate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Fragrance, Talc, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Lysine, Trimethylsiloxysilicate/ Dimethiconol Crosspolymer, Magnesium Chloride, BHT, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Lecithin and Hydrated Silica
May Contain: Ultramarines, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide and Mica
Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 5% and Titanium Dioxide 3.1%
Chanel Lift Lumiere Smoothing & Rejuvenating Eye Contour Concealer ($46 for 15ml/0.5oz)
Packaging: It's similar to the Perfection Lumiere bottle with the same sanitary pump, except it's made of plastic and is more travel friendly. I don't have any issues with the pump and it dispenses just enough amount of product for both under eyes with half a pump. However, you can't see or feel when you're about to run out of the product. It's not a deal-breaker, but is worth mentioning.
Color: It only comes in 3 shades, 10 Beige Lumiere, 20 Rose Lumiere and 30 Abricot Lumiere. I prefer my under eye concealer to be one shade lighter than my foundation with a peachy/pink undertone because I like the brightening effect and it counteracts my dark circles better. 20 Rose is my Goldilocks color, not too light or too dark and just about right.
Fragrance: I don't detect any scent when worn on the back of my hand or during application, which is a plus for those with sensitive skin.
Application and Wear: It's thicker than both foundations, but still feels light weight and blends easily without leaving a cakey finish or creasing throughout the day. (Just make sure you wear an eye cream as a base and set the concealer with a powder.) Unfortunately, it doesn't provide enough coverage for my dark circles. I have to apply 2 layers of it and pair it with a corrector underneath in order to get a flawless finish.
Ingredients: Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Talc, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Boron Nitride, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Alumina, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Camellia Kissi Seed Oil, Methylparaben, Disteardimonium Hectorite, PEG-8, Methicone, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Extract, Propylparaben, Tocopheryl, Alcohol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben and Denatonium Benzoate
+/- May Contain: CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide) and Mica
Bottom Line: The foundations are worth trying based on their (1) ease of application, (2) blendabilty, (3) "skin-like" finish, and (4) light-weight feeling on the skin. However, they need to expand their color range and improve the longevity of their foundations. As for the concealer, it works well for someone who just wants to brighten their under eye area with minor imperfections. Unfortunately, it's not enough coverage for someone who suffers from extreme dark circles.
Note: The Chanel Perfection Lumiere foundation, Perfection Lumiere Velvet foundation and Lift Lumiere concealer are available at Nordstrom.
*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.
