CHANEL Vitalumière Loose Powder Foundation with Mini Kabuki Brush

Press sample provided for my unbiased consideration

 

 

CHANEL’s latest addition to their foundation lineup is the recently launched Vitalumière Loose Powder Foundation (CAN $80.00/available in 5 shades and which comes with its own mini kabuki brush). This is a product that is somewhat of a hybrid foundation/face powder rolled into one and meant to give medium to full buildable coverage, all in a lightweight texture that feels undetectable on the skin but which still provides a flawless finish. Then there’s the totally adorable mini kabuki brush it comes with, which feels and behaves exactly like CHANEL’s larger version (reviewed), but better equipped size-wise to handle those tricky & smaller areas of the face. And just so damn cute.

According to the company, this product promises to provide a ‘second-skin effect’ via:

• A new generation of high-definition light pigments that makes it possible to capture and diffuse softer light that is more flattering for the complexion
• Mica powder, which optimises light reflection for a natural satiny effect
• Canola oil derivative, which improves skin suppleness and provides a sensation of comfort on application and all day long
• A sunscreen for SPF 15 protection (I’m guessing that some bizarre Canadian regulation doesn’t permit the SPF amount to be listed on the packaging – as always)

I was kindly send shade N°30 to try out, which turns out to be an absolutely perfect match for my skin tone (although I suspect against a light tan, I’ll need to go up a shade).

 

The flattened round container comes with a protective & removable seal; underneath & helping to keep the contents under control is a mesh sifter to prevent the powder from flooding the upper section. There is a lovely floral scent to this foundation (reminds me of CHANEL’s Hydra Beauty skincare range), that becomes relatively undetectable once applied, but still worth mentioning for those with sensitivities. The stretchiness of the mesh sifter is genius; it has a ‘give’ when you press the brush down upon it, acting as both a barrier to excess powder being kicked up, as well as enabling you to get the right amount of product per use. CHANEL recommends that you tip the closed container over & tap it once on the bottom before righting & opening it, in order to release the powder into the upper compartment, but I find it just as easy to press my brush firmly down upon the sifter to pick up what I need.

I have oily/combination skin (although paradoxically as I’ve gotten older, my skin seems to need a lot more hydration – but the oily part is still alive & kicking, unfortunately) and while I’d love to be able to pull off the ‘dewy’ look, 99% of the time I wind up just looking greasy. Mattifying foundations are usually recommended for my skin type, but those can sometimes feel a little mask-like on my skin while having the added effect of emphasizing fine lines – which is a total deal breaker. Powdered face products meant to keep oiliness at bay can frequently look aging upon my skin, so finding that balance between toning down shine while providing coverage AND detracting from facial lines, can sometimes be a challenge. Enter CHANEL’s Vitalumière Loose Powder Foundation, or as I like to call it, my saviour.

It was recommended to me that using this foundation in conjunction (and on top of) Le Blanc de CHANEL (an illuminating primer and one which totally deserves its own post/spotlight) is the way to go, and after having experimented with applying this foundation several ways, I absolutely have to agree. After moisturizing my face (I give this step about 15 minutes to settle in before continuing with makeup application), I then apply a thin layer of Le Blanc de CHANEL and ensure it’s fully blended in (I give this a couple of minutes to settle in as well), then I’m ready to follow that up with the Vitalumière Loose Powder Foundation. After loading product onto my brush, I start with the fleshier part of the cheeks and blend out towards the ear/hairline; ears, jawline and neck are given a light sweep at the very end.

The initial appearance of this foundation upon the skin, is nothing earth-shattering, but as it warms up and begins to fuse with your natural oils, that’s when the magic happens: my skin simply looks luminous and flawless. It even seems to get better with wear, all while doing an excellent job of keeping shine away throughout the duration (although I do experience the slightest sheen at the end of the day – but nothing that makes me want to instantly reach for blotting paper). My only caution is that for those with dry skin, test-drive this foundation at the counter first, because my instincts tell me it probably won’t produce the same results I get. As to lasting powder, there’s some slight fading at the end of the day but the coverage manages to stay beautifully in place just the same, without any signs of oxidation.

 

swatch 1

swatch 2

 

I have tried a few powdered foundations, and none have impressed me enough to want to continue using them. Loose face powder is also not a staple in my makeup regimen (unless I’m doing a more evening look) and while CHANEL claims that this Vitalumière Loose Powder Foundation can provide full coverage, I would have to say that that depends on what your definition of full coverage is.  I’m fortunate enough to have pretty decent skin to start with and prefer my foundation to be medium coverage at most – which is exactly the effect I get with this product. The beauty of this formula, is that you can basically dial up the level of coverage by which brush you opt for application (fluffier brushes will provide the lightest veil of colour, while dense Kabuki-style brushes give more opacity), but what has made this foundation hit Holy Grail status for me, is how gorgeous my skin looks throughout the wearing and how well it manages oil without any ensuing cakiness. Sigh of relief, I tell you.

Available at The Bay locations and online through thebay.com (CANADA) – find more information via chanel.com