Chanel Vitalumière Hydra Moist Radiance Emulsion Compact foundation, $95 & $66 for refill

Chanel Vitalumière Hydra Moist Radiance Emulsion Compact foundation continues the expansion of the brand’s Vitalumière foundation series that was originally launched in 2002.

Described as having a “melting water-rich texture” this cream foundation is said to “optically erase imperfections” leaving your skin “dewy and flawless”. Chanel Vitalumière Hydra Moist Radiance Emulsion Compact foundation uses fresh water to create a “breathable second-skin” and also contains emollient ingredients to balance moisture and radiance.

Chanel’s Soft Focus Pigments in the foundation apparently create a “halo” effect that diffuses light from the skin, covers imperfections and signs of skin fatigue; the formula also contains antioxidants, vitamin E and SPF 15/PA++.

Chanel Vitalumière Hydra Moist Radiance Emulsion Compact foundation’s hydration is supposed to last for up to eight hours, comes in six shades and is able to be refilled.

Rating: 5/5

I’m an avowed lover of Chanel Makeup foundations – I already own and use the brand’s existing Vitalumière Aqua liquid foundation, its Pro Lumiēre liquid and the Chanel Mat Lumiēre powder foundation. Yes, I use them all for different occasions.

So I was ecstatic when the new Vitalumière Hydra Moist Radiance Emulsion Compact foundation landed on my desk. Finally I had a foundation that combined the best of all three worlds of my existing foundations.

Currently I use the Vitalumière Aqua liquid foundation for the weekend, or days when I don’t really want to be wearing too much makeup; the Pro Lumiēre liquid is for days when I need good coverage and hours of wear, and the Mat Lumiēre powder foundation is for touch-ups throughout the day or when I know I’m going to be sweating a lot.

The Mat Lumiēre powder foundation was also my go-to choice for travelling as it was the most convenient with it’s mirrored compact and supplied brush or sponge. However since my skin is often drier when I travel, it tended to cake or slip.

So, the Vitalumière Hydra Moist Radiance Emulsion Compact foundation solves that particular problem beautifully. It’s moist consistency means you not only get great coverage, but it is definitely less drying – in fact, it keeps your skin moist all day – and as a compact it has the convenience of a mirror and built-in applicator sponge.

The texture, like all the Chanel foundations I use, is silky smooth and the overall coverage is good – not too heavy, so you don’t mask all your features but not too light that imperfections are visible.

Also, again like the other Chanel foundations, the Vitalumière Hydra Moist Radiance Emulsion Compact foundation seems to “settle” onto the skin after an hour or so of application, giving it a velvety appearance that goes even further to mask uneven skin-tone and texture.

I absolutely love this product. It is perfectly suited to my requirements and reminds me yet again why I spend so much money on makeup products from Chanel.

Niki Bruce, Editor herworld.com