Hello lightweight foundation! If you are looking for a decent, medium coverage foundation for daily use (and one that doesn't clog pores), you may want to check this one out. :)
The packaging of Chanel Vitalumière Aqua is nothing fancy – just a lightweight, compact plastic bottle that is very travel-friendly. I think this is the only Chanel foundation that comes in plastic packaging. The rest of them as far as I know comes in a heavy glass bottle that I'm not really a fan of. This one has a dropper top that you can easily gauge the amount of product to dispense.
This is a water-based foundation and it is very watery at that. It is mandatory to shake the bottle really, really well before pouring the product out. Without doing so, you will get the kind of consistency you see of separating foundation that you let sit for a long period of time — kind of greasy, kind of watery. It has a strong scent that reminds me of shampoo, you know the smell of hair just after washing? Nothing alarming as it disappears quickly upon application. The formula is incredibly light (I love!) and provides medium coverage.
I normally use a pea size amount and apply a thin layer first, then I dab some more on the areas that need more coverage (acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and pores). I've tried applying with both fingers and foundation brush such as MAC 190 and they both give a wonderful, natural-looking finish. Since it is very watery, I wouldn't recommend a dense hair brush or beauty blender since it may soak up too much product. The finish is semi-matte, almost satin that looks kind of like your skin but only better.
Another thing worth mentioning is that this foundation has alcohol listed as one of the top ingredients (hence, the slight cooling effect upon contact with skin) so if you have dry skin, this may not be suitable for you. It is said to be a “Summer” foundation to a lot of people but I find it to work for me any time of year. I just have to moisturize my skin a little more in Winter that's all. It does contain both physical and chemical sunscreens; Octinoxate (6%) and Titanium Dioxide (5.6%) with SPF of only 15 so I would recommend wearing a regular sunscreen of higher SPF underneath.
This is definitely by far my ultimate favorite foundation to use. It comes in a variety of shades too so chances are you will find one that matches you. Let me know if you love this foundation as much as I do! :)
