ABOUT
"Inside its new "LIGHT BOX," which holds the secrets of a naturally luminous and even complexion, CHANEL unveils an unprecedented duo. A loose powder foundation and a precious accessory: the MINI KABUKI BRUSH. The surprise: a texture with the evanescence of a loose powder and the smoothing result of a fluid foundation. For a natural second-skin result with no hint of thickness and an amazingly even and smooth skin texture.- 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."
PACKAGING
The product comes in a round, translucent plastic tub - designed to look like it's glass. The black lacquer lid screws into place and it has the Chanel logo in white.
Above: the size of the product container relative to my smaller than average hand, and below: the container relative to Chanel's Natural Finish Loose Powder and Soleil Tan de Chanel (cream bronzer).
I do like the fact that the packaging isn't too big and because it's plastic, it's lightweight so it's still practical and convenient to travel with.
Below: the product label at the bottom of the container.
The container is fitted with an elastic gauze as an opening that allows a little bit of product to be dispensed at a time if tapped gently as instructed. The product also comes with an ultra soft and densely bristled mini kabuki brush. Its small size is not only appropriate for the size of the product container and for travelling with/keeping in your handbag, but also allows precise application. The high density of the bristles allows more powder to be picked up and deposited onto the skin, so coverage can easily be built up. The density and reasonable give in the brush also allows efficient blending of product through buffing motions.
Below: underneath the lid, there's a plastic safety seal that fits perfectly onto the elastic gauze opening and this keeps the powder from going everywhere and also keeps it fairly airtight. Excellent idea. :)
Below: the Chanel logo on black lacquer handle of the mini kabuki brush.
Below: the white, synthetic bristles of the mini kabuki brush. It has a round, slightly domed end - perfect for both depositing product and blending out (especially the edges).
APPLICATION
1 // Turn the powder case upside-down and tap the bottom to release the powder in the case.
2 // Swirl the Mini Kabuki Brush over the sifter several times to take just the right amount of powder.
3 // Tap the brush on the sides of the case to remove excess powder.
3 // Tap the brush on the sides of the case to remove excess powder.
4 // Sweep on lightly with circular movements, from the middle of the face outwards. To build more coverage, gently dab or press the product onto the skin with the brush where needed and then blend or buff it out in circular movements.
I must say that I'm used to applying liquid foundations - usually with clean fingers - a process that is relatively quick. So, I found the powder quite time consuming and tedious to use the first couple of times - partly because I was unsure of how much I needed to use and found I had to repeat the steps about 3 times to get the result I wanted. However, I managed to get the hang of it after that and it doesn't seem so bad. At least I don't have to wash my hands afterwards. Also, even if you think you may have applied too much, it really never looks like it because of the fine quality of the powder and it will only really give you medium coverage at the most. Overall, it's hard to overdo!
I must say that I'm used to applying liquid foundations - usually with clean fingers - a process that is relatively quick. So, I found the powder quite time consuming and tedious to use the first couple of times - partly because I was unsure of how much I needed to use and found I had to repeat the steps about 3 times to get the result I wanted. However, I managed to get the hang of it after that and it doesn't seem so bad. At least I don't have to wash my hands afterwards. Also, even if you think you may have applied too much, it really never looks like it because of the fine quality of the powder and it will only really give you medium coverage at the most. Overall, it's hard to overdo!
SHADES
There are currently only 5 shades available: 10 Beige, 20 Beige, 30 Beige, 40 Beige and 50 Beige. So only fair to tanned skin tones are only catered for at the moment that suit the Chanel beige undertone.
I'm normally a 30 Beige, but since summer is coming up here in the southern hemisphere, I purchased a shade darker in 40 Beige, which is what is shown here in this post. I found the 40 Beige in the loose powder pretty much matched the shade B40 (Beige - Désert) in the Vitalumière Aqua version, so I think the other shades will be consistent with each other in that liquid formula or other Chanel foundations with the same shade name/number. The loose powder did oxidise just a little after 10-15 mins, but I wouldn't say it was dramatic enough to warrant getting a shade lighter. ;-)
I am currently undecided about how this shade looks on me. A couple of times I've worn it (with and without a primer) it appeared to have a more pinkish undertone in natural light which doesn't suit my medium, olive (~NC30) skin tone (i.e. naturally yellow/greenish undertone). The other few times, I found it to look great in natural light - with no pink undertone! The only reasonable explanation I can think that might explain this inconsistency is that the powder needs to be mixed through or shaken before use?
SWATCHES
Below is a heavy swatch of Beige 40 Chanel Vitalumière Loose Powder Foundation. For reference, I have medium, olive (~NC30) skin tone. Unless otherwise stated, they are photographed indoors under artificial lighting and using a strobe.
Below: my bare wrist before I applied the foundation.
Here's how 3 layers (so you can see the difference in colour) of the foundation looks like when it's blended out using the provided mini kabuki brush. You will notice that on my wrist the colour looks rather tanned, but in the swatch it is noticeably more pink. You can also see that the powder is blended out very well and seamlessly onto the skin and (ignoring the colour difference), you can't really see any powder "sitting" on the skin or nestling in between lines and wrinkles thereby accentuating them. So, it gives a very natural finish and looks just like your own skin. It's not "cakey" looking even after 3 heavy layers!
Below: shot at an angle to capture the amazing, but natural-looking illumination it gives!
Take 2!
And, three below under low light (no strobe). See how the skin now has light!!! Chanel is not kidding when they call this their "Light Box". ^_^ It's not shimmery and I'd say it's not even your average "glow" where it tends to look as if it's coming from within. Instead, it really looks a bit like a soft light is shining on it. Don't you think? :)
COMPARISON SWATCHES
Below are swatches of other powder foundations and their respective shades compared to the Chanel Vitalumière Loose Powder in shade Beige 40.
1] Chanel Le Blanc Light Mastering Whitening Compact Foundation SPF 25/PA+++ in B30 Beige - Sable.
2] Eve Lom Mineral Powder Foundation in 3 Beige (reviewed HERE with swatches of shades 4 and 5)
3] Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF 15 in Medium
4] Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation Compact in 60 watts
6] Becca Boudoir Skin Mineral Powder in Dream
7] Chanel Vitalumière Loose Powder Foundation in Beige 40
TEXTURE, FINISH, FEEL & WEAR
The powder is ultra fine and silky in texture, and applies smoothly and evenly. Once buffed onto the skin, it gives a natural, second-skin finish (as Chanel claims). A few times I have worn this, it had a very glowy, illuminated finish and other times, it appeared more natural or satin. Again, this might be due to the powder not being mixed completely. The product feels very lightweight and comfortable on the skin as if you have nothing on it. While it doesn't dry out my skin, I didn't feel it added hydration, so if you have dry skin, I recommend prepping well beforehand by exfoliating and moisturising well. Very dry skins may opt for a more hydrating foundation. I didn't notice any increased suppleness as claimed. I found the wear time to be surprisingly excellent for a powder even without a primer! It lasted through the entire day on my current normal to dry skin in spring weather. There was no visibly noticeable fading nor separation of product in areas. The freshness of the look was maintained even more so with the help of a primer - lasting even throughout the evening with no touch-ups required. It basically looked as good after 12 hours as it did the moment I first applied it in the morning! :)
SIZE
10 g / 0.35 oz of product
SCENT
In the container, there is a scent that's fairly common amongst most Chanel foundations - clean, fresh and slightly floral. To me it is pleasant, but becomes unnoticeable after it's been applied on the face.
INGREDIENTS
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OVERALL
Perfectly designed packaging that's practical and convenient without sacrificing the luxurious look. Suitable on most skin types (except perhaps those with very dry skin), and those who prefer light to buildable medium coverage. The product sits beautifully and seamlessly on the skin with a flattering, natural and subtle illuminating finish. Impossible to overdo! The wear time is impressive. :) Overall, I must say the quality of this product has converted me (a liquid foundation fan) to wearing powder foundations - at least just this one. ^_^
I do, however, highly recommend you apply a higher SPF underneath if you're wearing this during the day as it only has the minimum SPF 15.
SCENT
In the container, there is a scent that's fairly common amongst most Chanel foundations - clean, fresh and slightly floral. To me it is pleasant, but becomes unnoticeable after it's been applied on the face.
INGREDIENTS
Perfectly designed packaging that's practical and convenient without sacrificing the luxurious look. Suitable on most skin types (except perhaps those with very dry skin), and those who prefer light to buildable medium coverage. The product sits beautifully and seamlessly on the skin with a flattering, natural and subtle illuminating finish. Impossible to overdo! The wear time is impressive. :) Overall, I must say the quality of this product has converted me (a liquid foundation fan) to wearing powder foundations - at least just this one. ^_^
I do, however, highly recommend you apply a higher SPF underneath if you're wearing this during the day as it only has the minimum SPF 15.
AVAILABILITY
Available now in Australia. I purchased mine from the Chanel Makeup Studio, Myer Sydney City.
Hope this was helpful. :)
Thanks for stopping by! ^_^ xo