The Chanel Les Beiges summer collection is something I look forward to each year. I just Love, love, LOVE the limited edition bronzers and all those gorgeous eyeshadow quads that hit the counters each summer.
You could imagine my excitement when Chanel decided to drop the cushion bomb this time around. It was a must-have-at-any-cost kind of situation, so I made a quick trip to the counter the second it landed.
The packaging is the same chic beige packaging of their Les Beiges collections although with a slightly bulkier box. Inside there’s a protective flap that keeps the foundation sealed in with a sponge securely fitting on top. Everything is just sleek and beautifully presented in a very elegant case.
What’s interesting about this Chanel cushion is that the foundation is dispensed through a mesh, not the typical sponge where the liquid is soaked in. This design is not uncommon but I do favour it over the sponge as it can be wiped clean with an antibacterial wipe now and then for sanitising.
According to Chanel Beauté, ‘the foundation is an aqua-gel foundation with a unique mesh delivery system. It provides natural, sheer medium buildable coverage. “Healthy Glow Booster” mineral pigments instantly deliver a fresh radiant glow. Together with soft-focus powders they create an optimal reflection of natural light for a more even-looking complexion along with visibly diminished colour and surface imperfections. Skin is luminous with a fresh, natural dewy finish.
The water-based formula creates a moisture cushion on the surface of the skin for a refreshing sensation and unique texture with a Hyaluronic Acid derivative that helps provide comfort and hydration all day long.
The product is a very fluid formula, which feels quite watery on application. It also has a slightly cooling effect as mentioned above, which actually makes application quite refreshing. Once applied, the texture stays dewy and feels gel like and slightly tacky even after it has dried down and settled in.
I also like that the product is lightly scented with camellia, which is typical of most Chanel bases.
Personally I love this scent (even though I don’t favour scented products in general), it’s not powdery at all and feels very mild yet adds an element of luxury to the ‘chore’ of application!
The sponge that comes with the foundation is washable and quite good quality. I love that it can be used for on the go touch ups, though find it sheers out the coverage quite a bit in comparison to using a brush (which is my preferred method for a light to medium coverage). A gentle tap picks up enough product to saturate the applicator and blend in seamlessly. In the photo above i’ve used too much pressure, which is why the product is practically oozing out from the edges!
Application
I use a foundation buffing brush to apply this cushion. I find it’s easier to blend and also adjust the coverage. The sponge applicator absorbs quite a bit of the product as well, most of which never ends up on the face! Given this cushion foundation doesn’t come with an extra refill (as the Dior does) i’d like to be quite frugal with my new foundation!
There’s also the hygiene factor, and being a germaphobe, I can’t bare the thought of using a sponge more than once without a proper wash! Therefore a brush will continue to be my preferred method of application, of course cleaned after every use.
Coverage & Finish
In general without any layering, the cushion delivers a light to medium coverage. Anything over medium is a bit of a long shot.
I find it evens out the skin tone easily & covers redness for a glowy natural look. It is the most skin like finish i’ve ever seen.
Below is a quick comparison of my bare face / foundation + my usual Charlotte Tilbury powder. The finish before powdering looks almost wet, a very glowy K-beauty effect. Of course after setting (as seen in the ‘after’), it still retains the luminous sheen which is visible on the cheek.
The watery formula also makes blending very easy and perfect for days when you only have a few minutes to get ready. It’s next to impossible to get visible, unblended lines or uneven coverage. This formula is really idiot proof.
Here’s a quick look at some swatch comparisons.
As you can see the cushions are all deeper in colour than my regular Chanel Perfection Lumiere shades. Mostly because they all oxidise, including the Chanel.
I decided to pick up shade 40 in the cushion for the simple reason it’ll suit my tanned skin better once summer kicks in. Also I like the warmth. It doesn’t look muddy on my complexion and for now i’m pairing it with a slightly lighter setting powder.
Wear & Longevity
What I absolutely love about this foundation is that it survives well in warm conditions. Even though most foundations break down and get quite oily within a few hours of application, I find this to really last and keep looking fresh through the day without greasing up my t-zone or dehydrating my cheeks.
All the reasons why I believe this was absolutely created with summer in mind.
Other Observations
I find the packaging is quite good and doesn’t leak when travelling (I flew back home with this and not a drop had seeped out) and as long as the lid is firmly shut, the liquid should remain contained under the mesh. This makes it great for packing on beach vacays, gym bags and also your daily makeup pouch for touchups, any time anywhere.
Bottom Line
If a whole lotta coverage isn’t your primary requirement and have near flawless skin that requires very little coverage, this is for YOU. Also recommend it to anyone who prefers light coverage (regardless of skin condition) & usually look for a glossy, dewy, skin like finishes.
This is honestly a great product to fake good skin! No one could tell i’m wearing foundation. Specially since you can always see your skin peeking through. This is as natural as it gets, but with some coverage just to look more polished. PERFECT for summer.
Ingredient List
Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polysorbate 85, Silica, Glycerin, Titanium Dioxide (nano), Alcohol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, KA-lanchhoe Pinnata Leaf Extract, Peg-240/HDI Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20-Ether, Phenooxyethanol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Sobitan Laurate, Dimethicone, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfume (fragrance), Stearic Acid, Alumina, Tocopherol Acetate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xantham Gum, Aluminium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, BHT, Maltodextrin, Potasium Laurate, Tocopherol, [+/- (May Contain) CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77491,CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides),CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Mica
Pricing & Product Info
Chanel Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation retails at SGD 88 for 11g.
Currently available at all Chanel counters in Singapore.
