Comments on: Best. Foundation. Ever. Chanel Vitalumiere

By: The Foundation Files: Revlon Age Defy Foundation

The Foundation Files: Revlon Age Defy Foundation — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:36:20 +0000

[...] Defy is a very creamy, moisturizing foundation with a dewy finish – a little bit like an MM fave, Chanel Vitalumiere. I like to apply it with my fingers and go lightly, just where needed as I find that a heavy [...]

By: Lucy

Lucy — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:12:18 +0000

I went to a salon in Hereford the other day today for a consultation and she did a patch test to determine whether I’d have an allergic reaction, yada yada, then before I left, she let me sample Lycogel uk. Well, it’s absolutely incredible. It provides amazing coverage. It doesn’t block pores and gives a dewy look so you don’t really look like you’re wearing anything. I think it is the best foundation ever!

By: The Foundation Files: Armani Luminous Silk

The Foundation Files: Armani Luminous Silk — Tue, 24 May 2011 12:43:16 +0000

[...] would say that it’s a slightly lighter weight foundation than Chanel Vitalumiere, and applies beautifully with a brush or sponge. The shade range is also more extensive than the [...]

By: Product Review: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation « FutureDerm.com

Product Review: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation « FutureDerm.com — Fri, 20 May 2011 07:16:57 +0000

[...] Makeup Mole [...]

By: The Makeup Mole

The Makeup Mole — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 03:38:58 +0000

Have a look at the Chanel website, http://www.chanel.com – they have a comprehensive list of all the shades.

By: MJ

MJ — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 13:30:47 +0000

I was wondering what shades this foundation comes in?

By: The Makeup Mole

The Makeup Mole — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 23:12:58 +0000

Whilst I haven’t worked extensively with all the Chanel foundations, the quick version is: Chanel Vitalumiere is quite dewy, so best for drier skins, Pro Lumiere is more matte than VL, and has a slightly heavier feel to it, Matt Lumiere is their foundation for oily skins but is a heavier weight foundation as well. The new Aqua VL is a thinner version of VL, a bit like the tinted moisturiser version of it.

If you are very pale you may find that Limpide, the palest Chanel foundation is not pale enough for you, so try before you buy. I would recommend that you look at getting the right shade for you in paler foundations (a good oil-free foundation that now comes in a paler shade is Chantecaille’s Future Skin.) You can always add an oil-absorbing primer or gel like MAC Matte to help your t-zone, and a powder afterwards. I like Bobbi Brown’s Colour Correctors and concealers for very dark circles, and a thicker concealer like Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage for spots. Good luck!

By: mlew

mlew — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 02:40:28 +0000

I was wondering what the differences in all of the Vitalumiere foundations are? The Mat, regular, Aqua, etc. I know you can’t tell me exactly which is best for my skin, but I am very pale with very dark undereye circles, an oily t-zone, and many spots on my nose I would like to cover. Thank you!

By: The Makeup Mole

The Makeup Mole — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 00:47:59 +0000

Yes, the tones of VL aren’t right for everyone. Without meeting you it’s very hard to say, but I find that Chantecaille Future Skin tends to have pinker foundations in its range. For very fair people I tend to say check out Becca foundations as they do pale skin tones well (they have a great stick foundation), or Illamasqua has some good options for fair skin too (they even do a pure white foundation!) The other brand you could try would be YSL, as from what I hear they are quite good at doing in-between skintones that the other brands don’t cater for, although I haven’t tried their foundations so I have no idea about their performance.

By: Sally

Sally — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 20:08:19 +0000

I’m looking for a new foundation and after reading your article I hurried straight to the Chanel counter. Tried the VL as that sounded perfect for me. Only trouble is I have very fairy skin with rosy undertones and the VL looked a bit yellowy. Are there any foundations that are like VL but more rosy?

Thanks in advance

By: The Makeup Mole

The Makeup Mole — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 04:11:28 +0000

Dewy is good as your skin gets older – it tends to need more light reflection. I haven’t tried the Chanel VL Aqua yet, although it’s supposed to be amazing. I’m afraid in terms of colours without seeing you in person it’s very hard to advise you. I know that the shade guide on their website isn’t great, and all I can suggest is that you try some of the makeup forums like http://www.specktra.net and http://www.makeupalley.com where you could ask a number of women what they think the equivalent shade for you might be (I’m not familiar with Bare Minerals so it’s hard for me to say). In terms of powder I love either Laura Mercier Loose Translucent Powder, or I also love Jurlique Rose Scented Powder – it’s super fine so removes shine without adding heavy product build up.

By: The Makeup Mole

The Makeup Mole — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 04:05:43 +0000

Definitely get her to try it on your nose – surely she could try it properly for you anyway, instead of just one bit? Your jawline is the last place you should be checking foundation (as you say it’s the T-zone you use it in!) As long as you check it in proper daylight, if you think it’s right for you get it. It’s a beautiful foundation.

By: annie

annie — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 04:24:03 +0000

I am 52 with normal to dry skin and have been using Bare Minerals for years. Although I do like it I am feeling the need to try something more dewy. I have heard a lot of good about Chanel VL Ultralight. I use a medium shade currently and have pink undertones. No Chanel counter anywhere near me and looking at shades on their website is difficult. Any info about shades would be appreciated. Also, any suggestions for a companion powder appropriate for the over 50 crowd.

By: Mahak

Mahak — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 06:56:36 +0000

Hey! Thanks for the response! I tried vita lumiere on one side and pro lumiere on one side today. Pro lumiere is definitely too matte for me (also a bit too full coverage for my liking). THing is, the counter lady always applies it on the lower cheek/jaw line which never gets oily for me ever. It’s just my nose. I think i am going to go to another counter and get her to try it on my nose and walk around for an hour before i decide. Don’t care if she thinks i am weird for wanting to apply it on my nose. :P
Although I do think i am tending towards getting the vitalumiere. My t-zone is under control if i use a mattifying toner and lotion before makeup. Plus while singapore is hot, i am in airconditioning for 12 hours a day! that just rips off all the moisture in my skin anyway.

By: The Makeup Mole

The Makeup Mole — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 04:17:08 +0000

I think you really need to test it properly, as you said – can’t the counter lady apply it for you and then you can walk around for awhile? It is definitely on the glowy side so if your face gets oily I would recommend you try something else.

By: Mahak

Mahak — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 07:37:08 +0000

Hi, I am an NC20 in Mac and use Laura Mercier mineral foundation in REAL SAND (it’s the second palest shade with neutral to yellow undertone). The chanel counter lady suggested that I go for #20 (Can’t remember what the shade was called – something “cameo”). She tried it on me and it looked ok. But u cannot tell about foundation until u wear it on your full face fr atleast half an hour. :( and she didn’t have any sample sizes. So i was wondering if you had any suggestions and if you think the shade should be ok.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:14:06 +0000

Much appreciated, thank you. Sounds like a trip to the Bobbi Brown counter is in order!

By: The Makeup Mole

The Makeup Mole — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 02:58:05 +0000

Thank you for your question! First off regarding SPF, it is products that contain titanium dioxide that flash white sometimes in photos, so look for a sunscreen that doesn’t contain this. You could also get a friend to take some photos of you before the wedding wearing your wedding makeup, just check how it photographs.

For foundation I do think you need an oil-free one as it sounds like you do get quite shiny (Chanel Vitalumiere wouldn’t be suitable for you, it’s too much of a glowy foundation if you have oily skin.) My favourite matte foundation is Bobbi Brown’s Natural Finish Long Lasting foundation – and it has an SPF of 15. If you find your cheeks get dry, use extra moisturiser on them first. You can then top up with your pressed powder throughout the day – I like Laura Mercier’s Translucent Pressed Powder. Have a wonderful wedding!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 21:46:16 +0000

Hi, just came across your blog, and am hoping you can help. I’m getting married later this year (autumn), UK, and am already starting to think about my makeup. I’ve read that wearing an SPF is bad for photos because of the way they react with flash photography leaving a white out. But I don’t really not want to wear any.

I’m pale, and have combination skin with a very oily T-zone that gets shiny within half an hour of doing my make up. I’ve tried oil free foundations but they’re too drying on my cheeks. At the moment I’m using stila illuminating foundation in 20 watts, and guerlain meterorites powder, but my make up doesn’t last all day. Is there a different foundation and powder I should try (which I can use with an SPF moisturiser) which will last well, with top ups from a pressed powder, please? Oh,yes, I have more of a yellow undertone than a pink one.

Thank you!

By: The Makeup Mole

The Makeup Mole — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 01:07:40 +0000

Without seeing you in person it’s hard to say, but the palest Chanel VL colour is Limpide, and from comparing it in my kit it looks like it could be a pretty good match.

For concealers you really need to find the best shade for you – there is no brand that is better for photographs, although it is best to be careful of products like YSL Touche Eclat in photos as too much can photograph white due to the light reflective particles in them. Any good normal concealer from any brand that you like should be fine.

By: julie

julie — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:06:18 +0000

Hi,

I am Bobbi Brown Warm Ivory, what shade would I be in Chanel Vitalumiere? Also what in your opinion is the best under eye concealer that also works for photos. Thanks Julie

By: The Makeup Mole

The Makeup Mole — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 01:46:56 +0000

Hi there, I’m afraid without seeing you in person I can’t tell you which ones to try – it’s so dependent on skintone and how much coverage you like. The best thing to do would be to visit a couple of different counters and try on a number of foundations. Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier and Chanel all make great foundations but you really need someone to asses your skin and give you samples to try.

By: katie blick

katie blick — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:09:36 +0000

Could you please advice of some good foundations to try for my skin type please? For years I’ve tried different ones and never found anything I really liked. I have combination skin oily t zone with dry parts, my complexion is o.k. but i have large pores on my nose and to the side of it. So I would like to achieve a flawless look, that gives a radiant look. Thanks x

By: Katharine

Katharine — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:15:19 +0000

Thank-you so much, I’ll give those a try :-)

By: The Makeup Mole

The Makeup Mole — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 04:11:00 +0000

Thank you, I’m glad you like my blog! OK, first thoughts are that you sound like you need a very rich moisturiser to deal with the dryness. I would recommend Weleda Skin Food or Liz Earle Superskin moisturiser. A very gentle scrub like Dermalogica’s Microfoliant used once a week only should help with flakiness as well.

For blush I would recommend a cream as they’re less dry looking than a powder. Good ones to try would be Stila Convertible Colour, Becca Cheek creams, Revlon Creme Blush and Bobbi Brown Pot Rouges. For concealer it sounds like you need something quite peach to cut the purple undertones under your eyes. I would go to the Bobbi Brown counter and get them to help you – her Tinted Eyebrighteners are genius for just that problem and her concealers are really creamy. Finally unless you get shiny during the day I would probably avoid powder and use either blotting powder, or reapplying your foundation (if the coverage is wearing away in the afternoon).

By: Katharine

Katharine — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 15:02:15 +0000

Sorry to post again! if there are products that you could recommend that are more in the myface price bracket than the chanel price bracket then that would be great. I invest in foundation because it’s so crucial, but I can’t afford to buy many expensive products.
Thanks!

By: Katharine

Katharine — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:35:02 +0000

Hello! Thanks for the very informative lovely blog. I’ve been using Chanel Vitalumiere in 20 (clair-cameo) for a couple of years now. It is really great for my skin because I have very dry skin with flaky patches. I have an excellent moisturizer and do use a gentle exfoliator about once a week but nothing seems to really fix it. VL manages to skim over the flaky bits without clinging to them and highlighting them. It’s not perfect but it’s pretty good.

My question is, I never use a blusher because I’m afraid the extra layer will make the flaky patches stand out again. Can you recommend a blusher to use over VL, and a way of applying it, that wont cause this problem?

Also, I have quite dark circles under my eyes. VL isn’t thick enough to sort them out, but when I put concealer on them it always looks really unnatural and kind of ashy, as the paler colour goes over the darker purple-ish patch. What would you recommend I use under my eyes with VL, and would I apply it before or after?

Also (last one, I promise) I never use a powder because I’m worried it will cling to the flaky bits, but the coverage of VL does wear off quite a bit during the day. Can I use a powder without making the flakiness worse?

Thanks so much!

By: The Makeup Mole

The Makeup Mole — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 21:24:07 +0000

Gosh, I didn’t know there was a new addition to the Vitalumiere range! The one I like is the Satin Smoothing one and I haven’t tried the new VL, so I can’t tell you whether it will be the same. I would keep it and take it back to the counter and get them to explain to you (and show you!) what the difference is. Then you can make a decision. Generally with foundation I think if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:35:47 +0000

Hello! I just landed on this post. I have been using Vitalumiere for years and I love it. Unfortunately my shade is no longer available (Soft Honey) and when I went to get re-matched I got ‘Naturel’. Problem is, I came home and realized it wasn’t the kind I have used for years – The ‘Satin Smoothing Fluid Makeup’ Vitalumiere. I got the ‘Moisture-Rich Radiance Fluid Makeup’. Is there *really* a difference or should I just go back and exchange for the ‘Satin Smoothing’ version. PS- I am in LOVE with the Satin Smoothing version of Vitalumiere and if this moisture rich radiance one accomplishes the same thing then perhaps it is best to keep it? Help!

By: The Makeup Mole

The Makeup Mole — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 00:41:26 +0000

Hi there, it sounds to me like Clinique isn’t agreeing with your skin, so I would give it a miss. The Chanel Vitalumiere is good for dry skins, but PLEASE check in daylight that it is a good colour match for your skin (it’s quite a narrow range of shades, so it doesn’t suit everyone). Have you got a good moisturiser? It sounds like you need something quite rich – I like Embryolisse, which is a French moisturiser but if you Google it you can now buy it on the internet.

In terms of good moisturising undereye concealers, I like Laura Mercier’s Secret Concealer (again, check the colour range for you first) and Benefit Erase Paste, although again check the colours as they are a bit on the pink side. You also need to powder after that one as it can get a bit creasey under the eye.