I absolutely adore the Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Fresh And Hydrating Cream Compact foundation, so much so that it is the very first foundation that I have EVER hit pan on.
I love the fact you can carry this compact around
anywhere you go which makes it great to travel with or if you're like me and
often do you make-up on-the-go! Not only is the packaging convenient (no
spills, no mess, contains a sponge and a mirror!) but the foundation itself
is so easy to work with you're guaranteed a quick, foolproof and flawless
application can be achieved every single time in any situation. I often apply
this in a mad rush on the train/in the car with my fingers and can be confident
of a streak free, even finish. It's also fabulous to throw in your handbag
to use throughout the day for touch-ups.
I view this foundation as a concealer-foundation two-in-one hybrid as I believe it offers similar coverage to a concealer, but is much much easier to work with and apply to the entire face. On a good skin day (or in the summertime when I'm more freckled) I tend to use this on it's own, apply with my fingers, and set with powder as it provides a buildable, semi-matte (your skin still looks ever so slightly radiant/glowy and never ever dull or cakey) light-medium coverage - Chanel claims 'Soft Focus pigments illuminate dull and tired skin' and I couldn't agree more. If I feel like need a bit more coverage then I will dot this on the centre of my forehead nose, under my eyes, cheeks and chin and then apply another foundation or tinted moisturiser on top.
It's meant to be for normal-dry skin, but the fact that it's oil-free, creamy and hydrating (Emollient ingredients preserve the skin's hydration for immediate and all-day comfort) means it lasts well on my oily/combination skin. It doesn't cause microexfoliation as it's such a light and creamy consistency and I adore how it feels on the skin - so much lighter and more comfortable than most liquid foundations. It really is 'fresh and hydrating'!
I view this foundation as a concealer-foundation two-in-one hybrid as I believe it offers similar coverage to a concealer, but is much much easier to work with and apply to the entire face. On a good skin day (or in the summertime when I'm more freckled) I tend to use this on it's own, apply with my fingers, and set with powder as it provides a buildable, semi-matte (your skin still looks ever so slightly radiant/glowy and never ever dull or cakey) light-medium coverage - Chanel claims 'Soft Focus pigments illuminate dull and tired skin' and I couldn't agree more. If I feel like need a bit more coverage then I will dot this on the centre of my forehead nose, under my eyes, cheeks and chin and then apply another foundation or tinted moisturiser on top.
It's meant to be for normal-dry skin, but the fact that it's oil-free, creamy and hydrating (Emollient ingredients preserve the skin's hydration for immediate and all-day comfort) means it lasts well on my oily/combination skin. It doesn't cause microexfoliation as it's such a light and creamy consistency and I adore how it feels on the skin - so much lighter and more comfortable than most liquid foundations. It really is 'fresh and hydrating'!
SPF
15 protects the skin from damaging sun rays which is a bonus and the formula
also contains Vitamin E, renowned for its anti-free radical properties. A
little random tip is that, because it's so hydrating, it's the perfect base for
ensuring long-lasting, true-colour lipstick.
The compact itself (which comes
with the foundation inside) costs £39.00 and then once you hit
pan only need to repurchase the refill which costs £30.00 - of
course you can just purchase the refill itself and when I purchased this last
year I bought one compact in beige 20 and one refill-only in beige 40 to use as
a contour/when I'm tanned. I've spotted that the compact and refills are both 10% off at Debenhams right now - so I might be making a cheeky online purchase!