I’d never had any luck with Chanel foundations. The popular Vitalumiere Aqua was a dud, the powder foundation turned me orange and I thereafter swore off all Chanel bases. Gonna put it up front and out there because this is one instance when I have had to bite my tongue and eat my words with ketchup (everything tastes better with ketchup!) because I actually found myself liking a Chanel foundation so much, it’s found its way into my Top 10 liquid foundations (that was a post about my Top 8 but the list grows doesn’t it?)
The foundation in question is the Chanel Perfection Lumiére Velvet Smooth Effect Makeup foundation that was available a year or so ago and received a lot of raves. I wasn’t going to try it, because whenever I see the word “Velvet” in any makeup item, it implies a matte finish and when you have dry skin as I do, matte anything just screams “Lines! Drying! Parched!”
But try it I did, and what d’ya know – like how when you least expect to, you fall in love! 😀
The first thing that strikes me about this product is the size. It comes in a teeny tiny square bottle that immediately makes you look at it in wry amusement.
The plastic bottle fits snugly in my palm and it is very portable. The size and packaging reminds me of another favourite, the Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation. The cap twists off and the product is easily squeezed out. I must warn you however, that after shaking the bottle, lightly knock the base before opening the cap. I learned this trick from the Laura Mercier Fluide foundation (more on it in a future post, but I like that a lot too!) and it is very useful to prevent the product from exploding out of the nozzle when you remove the cap. All that pent up pressure you know – happens to the best of us 😉
I do find that the nozzle does get caked up and messy with regular use, so you do have to clean it off occasionally if you can’t bear the mess. Yes, it does get a bit messy. But all that pales when you consider just how portable it is, because this is one foundation you will want to tote about simply because it gives you a very lovely, smooth effect (they don’t kid!) and semi-matte base that lasts for hours.
I have drier skin, as I have often mentioned, and I was a little concerned initially, that this would be too drying on me the way most matte/semi-matte foundations are. However, I was very pleasantly surprised to note that I didn’t feel that way.
My skin felt comfortable with this on all day, and it did not settle into lines nor emphasize pores. It will however, emphasize flaky skin so if you have areas on your face with flaky skin you will not want to use this. I can’t however wear this for too long e.g. a few days at a stretch. Then, I feel the drying effects on my skin. So I tend to alternate with other more moisturising foundations that I have.
What I like about this foundation is how it gives me a smooth and oil-free effect all day long. It doesn’t slip off, I don’t get any shine and I actually look as fresh at the end of the day as when I first put it on in the morning. Do note I do not use a face primer at all. In fact, I don’t even have to apply finishing powder if I don’t want to.
I do, however. I usually finish it off with Guerlain Meteorites pressed powder, the loose pearls or Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder in Dim Light. These products help add a glow to the semi-matte base and I don’t have to worry about how I look the whole day. Good for days when I have to put a good face forward. In fact, colours seem to stay on better too, so I find that my blushes look fresher for longer.
My shade is B10 Beige, which is I believe the lightest shade available. Here is a swatch of 10 Beige alongside other liquid foundations I often use.
(1) Guerlain Lingerie de Peau 01 Beige Pale (2) Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet B10 Beige (3) Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation 1.0 (4) Diorskin Nude 10 Ivory (5) Nars Sheer Glow Mont Blanc
In terms of texture, The Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet is lighter in texture than Guerlain Lingerie de Peau and Diorskin Nude. UD Naked Skin has the lightest texture, while Nars Sheer Glow is quite close in texture to the Chanel. In terms of shade, the Chanel 10 Beige is a slightly more yellow cast but it’s fine when I wear it.
Coverage of the Chanel is light-medium but buildable to a degree. I prefer using a light coverage so I only use a very light layer of product on my skin. This is true of all foundation I use, which is why I rarely use high coverage foundation. I don’t quite like how it looks on me and I don’t mind my flaws coming through.
I use a brush to apply, the same way I do with all foundation, preferring a flat top foundation brush. I use the 5 line method, but with a lighter coverage, so I use my fingers to “draw” the lines and then use a brush to blend it out. The effect is very light and gives me just enough product to cover redness and even skin tone without ‘covering’ the skin. Some people like using their fingers. Use whatever makes you happy 🙂
This is approximately how it looks when I wear it.
On left is bare skin and on right is with a thin layer of the Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet in B10 Beige. You may notice that it evens out my skin tone and neutralizes redness in my skin, but coverage is only fair. You can of course build it up. I don’t so this is how I’d look in real life.
I like this one. I don’t wear it everyday because, as I’ve mentioned, it can then feel a bit drying on my skin. But when I want to have a flawless base that remains oil free the whole day, this is the foundation I reach for because it delivers on all counts.
As a side note, I don’t know if it’ll work better for those of you with oily or combination-oily skin. I think it might because of how it works on me, but I can’t vouch for it.
IN A NUTSHELL
The Chanel Perfection Lumiére Velvet liquid foundation has a light-medium coverage with a semi-matte to matte effect on skin. It did not oxidise on my skin the way other Chanel foundations have and the shade in 10 Beige was a good match for me. I have dry skin but I did not find this to be too drying nor did it settle or emphasize lines or pores. I like how it leaves me oil free all day and lasts from morning to night, if necessary without having to touch up. I also like how portable it is which means it’ll find its way easily into my travel makeup pouch. Count me in as a fan!
PROS: Leaves skin with a smooth effect, Lightweight, Keeps my skin oil-free all day, Not drying on dry skin if I don’t wear it too often, Does not settle into lines nor emphasize pores, Does not turn oily, Easy to apply, Good colour match, Compact and portable packaging, Light-medium coverage
CONS: Pricey, If not careful, product can explode out of the nozzle when the cap is removed
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who wants a long-lasting base that stays oil-free for hours
For those interested, here is the ingredient list for the Chanel Perfection Lumiére Velvet foundation.
Have you tried this Chanel Perfection Lumiére Velvet foundation? Do you use a mattifying foundation generally?
I don’t usually go for anything with the word “matte” or “velvet” in its name. Usually it spells disaster for drier skin like mine so this one really surprised me. Never knock anything till you try it, eh? 😉
Paris B
Chanel Perfection Lumiére Velvet Smooth Effect Makeup SPF15 Price: RM161/30ml Availability: Chanel counters and stores
This is in fact my current HG go-to foundation for Summer *ahem Melbourne’s Summer*. Loving it, no need for power over the top and just enough coverage to even out my skintone!
V x
I agree, it’s a fabulous foundation for light Summer but even here where it’s pretty humid, I think it fares well too! Well, I don’t know how it’d fare on someone with very oily skin (They might still need powder) but I love the flexibility of not having to powder and not have a foundation streak through the day!
Thank you for the review! How does it compare with Shiseido foundation? 🙂
If you mean the Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation, the Shiseido one is thicker, offering fuller coverage. I also find the Shiseido one more emollient and a bit heavier in texture. They’re both nice, just different 🙂
It is my favourite foundation from Chanel for my combo-oily skin..it seriously lasts even when I am on the go, or on the bike and sweating ..good stuff..
That’s so awesome to know Fatimah, thanks for weighing in for the combo-oily skinned gals 😀
It’s funny, I actually prefer L’Oreal’s Nude Magique Eau de Teint to this one. The coverage is slightly better but the feel of it is lighter. However, for travelling, this Chanel one is my go-to foundation because it’s light, it’s so similar to the Eau de Teint and I don’t have to worry about glass bottles breaking.
Ah, I haven’t tried that L’Oreal one (we never got it) but hey, if it works it works! 😀 I do tend to agree that this Chanel one travels so easily! I mean, plastic bottle that’s slim and compact, what’s there not to love?!
This looks like a very nice foundation!
Currently I’m using the Bare Minerals Bareskin Foundation and loving it
So I may switch to this
Decisions decisions
It is, Evan! 😉 And you’d be happy to know they carry our shade locally haha 😉 I haven’t tried the Bare Minerals one although it gets a ton of raves! But I somehow have a bit of prejudice against BM because of the whole mineral makeup thing 😛 But hey, if you’re loving the BM one there’s no need to switch la 😛
Oh that’s great news! God knows that many foundations are not in our shade and it drives us bonkers!
I feel your pain!!! 😛
I’ve never been particularly impressed by Chanel’s cosmetics because I’m of the opinion that making some iconic bags and tweed suits doesn’t render one a makeup maestro but you have me excited at the possibility of this being good for us greasy girlies.
Teehee, very true of all fashion-makeup hybrid brands 😉 The only reason I have a little more confidence in Chanel cosmetics (well just makeup, less confidence in their skincare) is because they have been doing this a very long time and not like upstarts like *ahem* Marc Jacobs or Gucci although I hear the latter’s makeup range is very high quality. That said, if you do battle the oilies, see if you can get a sample of this foundation. I really like it, and from what I read/hear, oily skinned gals do too!
Hey Paris, I’m glad (and a little surprised) to hear this works so well for you! I have oily combination skin, and I wore it all through summer because it controls oil well. I thought it’d look patchy and flaky on drier skin, but I’m really happy to hear it’s not the case! Now I can also urge people with drier skin to at least ask for a sample 🙂
You weren’t the only surprised one Sunny, so was I when my skin did not dry out into a husk! LOL I do warn though that I can’t wear it daily and I do live where it’s more humid so it might just be a combination of factors. Unsure if those who have dry skin and live where the air is dry will fully appreciate it 😉
I haven’t tried this foundation but sounds like something I’d like. I should try it out the next time I’m in KL 🙂
Yes, do try this. I couldn’t believe how blown away I was by it.
I’m glad this worked out for you but am quite surprised because I thought it might be drying. I bought it in Australia last year (before they were released here) and still have not worn it! I’d better start soon before I forget again.
I thought it might be drying too, but it was ok. Maybe it’s our weather as well, since it’s humid here. You better go and dig this out! Haha
Great review and this foundation looks really good on you!! I have been thinking of trying out a Chanel foundation for a long time and I think this would suit me but I am looking for a full coverage foundation and this is medium coverage 🙁
Thanks Aisha, depending on how full a coverage you want or need, you can build this up by layering on the areas where you want more coverage. Or you can also apply some powder over to build up coverage. However, if you’d still prefer something fuller coverage out of the tube, consider the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation or Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation. They’re both pretty good foundations that have high coverage.
My combination skin could really use this! I’m always struggling to find a foundation that controls oil well. Must check it out next time I visit the Chanel counter.
It does sound like your skin will take well to this, Gio 🙂 Would love to hear your thoughts if you do try it!
It looks lovely on you, I’ll keep this on my lust list 😉
Thank you Lana – I love it better in real life! 😉 No harm keeping it on a list – who knows if you end up getting it as a gift some day 😉
I’ve been to scared to try this one until now! I’m kind of excited hahaha-I will for sure next time I’m shopping! I’m so disappointed in foundations lately, none of them seem to last well on my face. This sounds like it will!
LOL it struck me Tracy that although I have dry skin I live where it’s humid so I’m wondering if that plays a part. That said, if you can get a sample, I’d recommend that because since it’s so dry where you are, it might just end up being too drying! 😛 Oh and try that new LM Fluide foundation too. I like that one too!
I have tried this before on my oily-combination skin and i like how oil-free i feel and look. I like it and will go and buy the full size soon (yes, it’s pricey) esp after reading your review. :p
Hehe, glad you did try it and liked it too Jennelle! I was quite blown away by it and that’s no mean feat considering I have drier skin! Can imagine it might work even better for those who need oil control
Just a case of trying enough from Chanel and then finally something will stick right? 😀
Indeed! Try enough and something should come up roses 😛
In view of the price, I will definitely give it a try (vide sample) first before buying the whole bottle.
Just a further question – how does this rack up against your (formerly?) HG of foundations – the Lunasol Skin Modeling Liquid Foundation? I was sold on that and am still a fan – on my 2nd bottle since mid 2013.
Oh yes, definitely try a sample before splurging. Too pricey to just dive in! In terms of texture, I’d say it’s similar to Lunasol, but I feel like the oil control qualities are better so it leaves your skin feeling and looking more matte if you know what I mean. Lunasol gives skin a translucent natural glow and it doesn’t last on me as long as the Chanel one does. But they’re both otherwise very good foundations – I still love the Lunasol 🙂 But then I’m fickle that way
I love, love Chanel (skincare and makeup). Good to know you finally found one of their foundations that you like. 🙂 However, all their foundations are way too pink for me. Sad face…
Have my ninja eyes set on the new NARS long-wear foundation. Hehehe…
Oh yes, now I remember you and your Chanel! hehe… oh and Nars too 😉 I must say this foundation was a right surprise. I’d totally given up on the brand because of their shade selection and oxidization problems. I hear that new NARS foundation is amazing! But long wear makes me wonder again how it’ll fare on dry skins. Hmm… I guess I’ll have to find out don’t I? 😛 BTW loving Sheer Glow – did I tell you that already? hehe
Hey Paris can you help me out and recommend something for oily skin in super humid climatic conditions? Im a bride-to-be and I’ve tried some foundations for oily types but none impressed me so far. Too matte and I look like a ghost. I don’t mind splurging if only I could get one that would suit my shade and skin type.
Congratulations on being a bride to be!! 😀 And you know what Rage, try this Chanel one. I hear from oily skinned gals that it really stays on for them! But of course, get a sample first and test run it vigorously. Another product I quite liked was the Make Up For Ever HD Foundation but I’m not too sure how that will fare for oily skins although I’m also told the MUFE Velvet foundation is pretty good for those who need oil control. I also liked the Diorskin Forever foundation, which I found a little drying, but which you can test and see if it may work for you. Also, I found the NARS Light Reflecting Powder very good for controlling oil and for giving a beautiful flawless finish to the skin. But as always, test and test before the big day! I don’t have a lot of experience dealing with oily skin types but I hope these will set you on the track to finding one that works for you 🙂
Thank youuuuu Paris!! Really appreciate your help on this!! *hugs*
It’s my pleasure, Rage! 😀 I hope you find something that works 😀
i pick this up recently too!! i love the finishing as it\’s non oily at all but the it has very light coverage so concealer is a must.