Chanel's newest foundation left me with a dilemma - something like an approach avoidance conflict. I love the way Perfection Lumière Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup SPF 10 ($55) looks on my skin, but I know after a few days of testing that it's not the right foundation for me. I also know that it's a perfect foundation for 75% of you.Effortless to apply, with seamless blendability for a naturally flawless effect, this breakthrough foundation is the ideal all-day, everyday formula - suitable for a majority of skin types in a diverse range of 20 shades. Even with 20 shades available, I had to mix two to get the perfect shade for my fair skin. Hopefully, you'll have more luck.
I tried Beige 10 and Beige 20. I started with Beige 20, applying it to my face in the store, then I tried Beige 10. Both looked fine, but there was something just a tiny bit "off" about the shades on my face. Chanel representative Janine Greenberg at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria suggested mixing them. That's what she had done on Kathy Shoreman, whose skin tone is similar to mine. She was spot-on. I liked the two shades mixed much better than either alone.
Thursday night, I went to a media event at Saks Fifth Avenue. Loyd Cassler had no idea I was wearing the new foundation (the shades mixed) when he remarked that my skin looked fabulous. I was thrilled to be able to tell him that it was "created by Chanel." I have to admit, Chanel's Perfection Lumière makes my skin look airbrushed, even-toned, and absolutely perfect - except for one thing. It's too matte for my taste. I like to get a little glow from my foundation - a glow that my dry skin doesn't always produce naturally. In order to make this foundation perfect for my skin, I need to mix two shades and also blend in a touch of Sheer Brilliance or Fluid Sheer to add a glow. Using three products to create a foundation is a bit excessive, even for a beauty addict.
Who is going to adore Perfection Lumière? Most of you! It's absolutely perfect for those whose skin is normal or combination. I'll go out on a limb and say that I think those with oily skin will like it too. It resists the daily T-zone glistening that many experience, giving the skin a matte perfection for many hours.
I prefer the coverage of Perfection Lumière to the lighter coverage offered by Vitalumière Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup SPF 15, recently the newest Chanel foundation. I prefer a medium coverage to hide the redness in the center of my face and even out my skin tone. The finish of Perfection Lumière is just right. While it adds coverage, it doesn't have a heavy feel. It actually feels weightless - a definite plus. I've been testing it without a primer - just my usual skin care underneath.
There is a slight fragrance that dissipates quickly. I don't find the fragrance distracting at all. It's gone before I can concentrate on it.
Here are two swatch photos. For the photo at right, I applied Beige 20 at the top of my arm, Beige 10 below, and the two shades mixed at the bottom. I put them on with a little paddle, and then I blended them slightly with a foundation brush. I hope you can see that Beige 10 is more yellow on my skin (and lighter) than Beige 20. I like the mixture at the bottom best (for my face).
I wasn't sure y
ou would be able to see the subtle differences in these two light shades in that photo, so I got a photo, shown at left, in the rain today. I applied both shades to my arm with a little paddle and did not blend them at all. I reversed the order. Beige 10 is shown at the top, with Beige 20 below. Fair-skinned gals with yellow undertones may prefer Beige 10, while those with pink undertones will probably prefer Beige 20.I find myself thinking wonderful things about Perfection Lumière, but I won't be purchasing it. Don't let my peculiarities stop you, though. If you prefer a medium-coverage foundation and don't have very dry skin, you should give it serious consideration the next time you're looking for a new foundation. Chanel's Web site and all Chanel counters have Perfection Lumière. If you take the time to find a shade that's perfect for your skin (indoors and out), I think you'll love the finish it adds to your face. It's remarkable.
Photo at top courtesy of Chanel; other photos by Best Things in Beauty
I had been living off samples of this foundation for just over a week and finally bought a bottle at the Chanel event I attended on Friday. Like you, I have dry mature skin, but I don't find it to be too matte at all. It gives me a semi-matte, soft-focus look with a subtle glow which I quite like. Perhaps the difference is the products over which I'm applying it. That would certainly have an effect on the finished look. For casual day wear, I like it on it's own. For evening or a more polished day look, I find a light sweep of my Météorites amps up the glow.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that there isn't a good color match for you. Mixing foundations and luminizers just isn't worth the trouble when there are many other beautiful foundations from which to choose.
I was lucky to find the perfect shade for my fair skin: BR12. This foundation applies lighter but darkens a bit as it dries and settles on the skin. I'd suggest that anyone going to the counter to swatch it should give it 5-10 minutes or so to dry completely before committing to a color. The MA originally applied a swatch of BR22 and, at my request, a swatch of BR12. The BR22 looked great--until it dried and then it was obviously too dark. The BR12 which had originally looked too light; however, had dried to perfection.
Eileen, the Météorites would definitely give it a glow it doesn't have.
ReplyDeleteGood point about the oxidation. Most foundations darken with a little time. That's why I have often selected the wrong shade with snap decisions in stores - years ago, of course. :)
I think I'm the anomaly. With 20 shades, most people should be able to find a perfect shade in this lovely foundation. I'm sure I'm use up my large samples.
Hello CharlestonGirl.
ReplyDeleteI have a question...How would you compare this new Chanel foundation with the new Armani Designer Lift? I am on the fence and would really appreciate your thoughts.
Pam, I haven't got my hands on a Designer Lift sample yet. Even the product specialists got trained without product, just one little sample. So, on that answer, stay tuned.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, I've been a dewy foundation exclusive user girl for years and not a fan of matte finish but I was pleasantly surprised when I played with Perfection Lumiere the flawless finish it gave. I think it's an incredible foundation, in fact I think I've would be happy to throw all my other foundations away.
ReplyDeleteI have dry skin and I tried this foundation at Nordstrom's this morning. It looks semi-matte, not flat, and seamless on my skin. It has been 4.5 hours and still look great. I was matched with Beige30, but it is just a tad bit off or dark for me. I will try the sample I got for a few more days and see if it is really for me.
ReplyDeleteHi Rola,
ReplyDeleteTry a sample in the next shade lighter and see if that works. Several bloggers have noted that the shade darkens a bit during the first 20-30 minutes and then remains color true the rest of the time. See my comment above for my color experience :-)
I agree with Eileen, Rola. I always agree with Eileen. :)
ReplyDeleteThere are so many shades, there's likely to be a great one for you. Definitely apply it, wait 30-45 minutes, look at your face outside and in, and then decide.
I agree, it's not lifeless flat. On some, it's semi-matte. On me, it's more than "semi." That's because I don't make enough oil. I could put a heavy layer of moisturizer on underneath it, and that would lift the finish. I usually test as I normally apply treatments and moisturizers.
I may find a way to wear this - if I'm willing to buy two bottles. I do think it's extraordinary.
Thanks, Eileen!
Thank you both, Eileen and Charlestongirl. I will do just that, go back one day to sample B20, hopefully it will work because I really like the formula:)
ReplyDeleteThe new Chanel Perfection Lumiere did not wear well on my oily skin on one of Washington’s hot, humid days. It pooled into oily droplets on my forehead. Someone else with oily skin reported that her skin was really shiny/oily by 10am in her air conditioned office. I found that on my jawline both Beige Ambre 44 and Beige 60 looked fine. When applied to my entire face BA44 was not in the least matte, and was slightly illuminating, while the Beige 60 was matte after 11 hours, and not at all illuminating. It actually looked kind of ghostly. BA 44 is the best color match for my entire face – near perfect, in fact - but in the summer at least, it won't wear well for the entire day. I’ll have to try it in the winter or over a lighter moisturizer.
ReplyDeleteThat shoots my theory about oily skin, Ava! Did you buy it? Try wearing a lotion moisturizer, rather than cream under it. Chanel makes a lovely one in the Lift series.
ReplyDeleteHi Charlestongirl!
ReplyDeleteI've not tried this one yet but reading all the comments puts me off..I don't like mat foundations on my skin, I'd rather have a glow...I'll play safe and stay with my dear Armani or Lingerie de peau by Guerlain! The shades seem to be tricky too.... Have a lovely Sunday with little Charlie by your side:-)
What a meticulous and comprehensive review you provided - thank you so much, Charlestongirl. I presently am in the throes of the Foundation Quandry and find myself almost dismayed to the point of giving up, at least for a while. I am in the same age bracket as you, and I also have very fair dry skin. So, allow me to stress that I pay extremely close attention to your opinions. I additionally share the same uncompromising appreciation of the cosmetic industry as you exhibit, so, in a nutshell, you're a Rockstar to my thinking! xo Beth in Pgh ;-)
ReplyDeleteI got two generous PL samples to test and used a light cream moisturizer under both. It is the same moisturizer I had been applying for weeks under the Jouer foundation I normally use. The Jouer does not pool. In fact, it doesn't budge at all.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Clarisse!
ReplyDeleteIt turned into an errand Sunday, but I'm relaxing now.
I don't think this is the best foundation for you. Let's see what Armani's new one is like.
Thank you, Beth! Don't give up. Have you tried LMdB's gorgeous foundation?
ReplyDeleteAva, before my fascination with Jouer calms, I may have to buy everything!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that I saw this post! I was about to return my PL to Nordstrom because it was too drying....but thought I would give it another try after reading this post. I used the technique you described with the LMdB foundation (using my Bobbi Brown fluffy kabuki brush, which I had never thought to use with liquid foundation!) and it gave me a great, sheer veil of coverage that stayed on even after running 3 miles today....(perhaps I was using too much previously?). When I was trying to find which color was a match, I put beige 10 on one side of my face and beige rose 12 on the other side and virtually could not tell the difference. I'm not quite sure why, as the colors seem quite different when swatched on my arm? Anyway, thank you so much for the great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katie!
ReplyDeleteDid you find a way to open the bottle of perfection lumiere? I have to mix two colors as well, and am getting sick of mixing every day. I would like to mix them in one bottle, but am afraid of trying to pry open the pump bottles.
ReplyDelete