Via a Skype conversation recently, I took blame for Lauren's expensive makeup taste. And really, its all my fault. I love a Dior gloss and a NARS blush like no other. And I have passed these shimmering and colorful obsessions onto Lauren's bank account.
Point being: we just can't help ourselves in terms of cosmetics. (Read: or sweet potato pancakes, leather handbags, hair spray, or brocade skirts.)
And my last credit card beneficiary is Chanel. And Lauren's too for that matter, though, more on that later.
I have foundation complex. I have exclusively used Bare Minerals foundations for the past 7 years. With a MAC try out here and there for good measure. I have combination, highly highly acne prone skin. And a fear of making my skin angry.
While I find myself being skilled at the art of concealing, I still struggle to try new products that mean I have to employ this skill even more so.
You may have noticed a small bottle of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in my last Chanel post. It was a sample, out of fear I waited several weeks before using it. I then used it for several days straight with a dirty brush and even ran with it on. That , my friends, is fear conquering foundation testing.
And with my skin being no worse than usual, I bought it. And the Soleil de Tan creme bronzer, and a powder compact.
See?
The powder is in Clair and the foundation is in Beige Rose 12, if you're curious.
My foundation philosophy is this, wear as little foundation as possible, and conceal the problem areas separately. I hate a cake face with a passion. And its happened to me, and I make a conscious effort to prevent it now.
Vitalumiere Aqua is pretty, soft skin in a bottle. It looks like skin. Its light coverage, Im just telling you now. If looking like a Madame Tussaud's creation is your jam, this foundation is not for you. Also, if you aren't willing to shake the bottle vigorously for 5 minutes straight, skip this one. You must, if you don't its a waste of a trés cher foundation. I apply with a stippling brush. I also use it with my fingers as under eye concealer, I don't really have dark circles.
On the bronzer- you can create one of two looks with this baby. Added sunkissed glow to a natural tan, or natural warm sculpting to a fair visage. If you're tan looking for a contour, take a pass. Its beautiful, Im applying with my hands at the moment, waiting on a synthetic blush brush. And for all that is the $50 price tag on this bronzer, do not do not use a natural fiber brush use on top of powder. You'll ruin it and hate the outcome. Just trust me.
The powder is a basic powder in fancy packaging. I was going with a theme here, remember its my first real liquid foundation adventure, Im feeling excited. This is pretty average for powder, not special, probably wont repurchase unless the packaging calls to me again.
All of these things are on my face right now, plus a little NARS Sex Appeal, and it looks like natural and pretty skin, which is really what I'm after.
Even more wonderful, is how great the Creme Compact Vitalumiere Aqua looks on Lauren.
Take it away!
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I think Rachel pretty much covered all the bases! I haven't tried the liquid, but I love the ease of the compact. One suggestion is to use a foundation brush for your full face in the morning and the sponge included for touch ups only. The sponge tends to soak up a lot of foundation. This is a product you don't want to waste!
Also, a note on a new addition to my beauty routine. I've been using Caudile Beauty Elixir before my moisturizer and it is a TOTAL dream multitasker. It's a toner, pore minimizer, and all around glowy skin giver. A little pricey, but the tiny bottle is worth the $20 or so.
Here are before and after pictures of my skin during my first Vitalumiere Aqua trial.
Before After
As you can see, it masked the redness in my cheeks and dark spots on my chin while still allowing my skin to show through. Totally in love! (I am pictured above in 40 beige, but I usually warm it with Nars Laguna)
