“As my SHH would say, my vanity is good for the economy.”

CHANEL VITALUMIÈRE AQUA ULTRA-LIGHT SKIN PERFECTING MAKEUP SPF 15

“The tiniest drop of this new hybrid fluid creates a fresh, natural complexion. Skin looks refined and feels refreshed, creating an exquisite makeup experience. The fluid formula has a soft, water-light texture, and comes in 10 shades that match perfectly to skin’s undertones, whether pink or beige. Dermatologist-tested. Noncomedogenic. Oil- free.”–Nordstroms.com

Comes in TEN colors

IN MY PROFESSIONAL PRODUCT WHORE OPINION: 

I recently started hearing RAVE reviews about this foundation here:

and here:

While I don’t know these lovely ladies personally, they do play a big role in my product purchasing strategies 🙂

The truth is, I don’t actually “need” a foundation.  My skin is good enough (thanks to lots of exfoliation and good natural products, that are packed with antioxidants) that I can usually get away with just blush or bronzer, mascara and lip gloss.  I am a fan of this minimalistic application option 🙂

However, there are times when I need just a little more.  Not enough to warrant a full coverage foundation (ever) and I still haven’t found a tinted moisturizer that I have been satisfied with–seriously, I hate the stuff.

I was a little nervous considering the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua as it is an official foundation.  After hearing the reviews, I thought it was worth a blog post at the very least.

I was pleasantly surprised with the formula.  I did spend a FULL MINUTE shaking the bottle to ensure that it would be as light as possible.  This is absolutely my favorite thing about this foundation.  I actually have moisturizers that are SIGNIFICANTLY thicker.

I used my fingers to apply as the video’s both mentioned that its nice to get the formula warmed up in your fingers first. I like this application method a lot and really do believe that warming the liquid up allows for a smoother finish.

The other thing I REALLY liked about this formula is that it is easily as light as a tinted moisturizer.  I felt like my skin wasn’t being suffocated–at all.  In fact, I didn’t actually think about it at all after I had applied.  This in itself is noteworthy as generally, I apply and can’t stop thinking about the way it feels on my skin–I HATE THIS FEELING.  HATE IT.  So, I was especially impressed that it was so light.  Also, because its so moisturizing, I didn’t wear anything under it except for Monistat aka Vag Cream in my T-Zone.  I really like that this is an option for me.

I applied a second layer to the spot on my chin that suffers from a personality disorder (but only right before our wedding, when we travel or have an awesome event that will surely include loads of photography–obvi).  I loved how build-able the coverage was and it was build-able without being noticeable and totally covered the light scarring–DOUBLE WHAMMY!

Here is a semi good picture of the spots on my chin that, imo, aren’t noticeable. I wish I had a picture of the glowiness (is that even a word? apparently not as my spell check won’t recognize it–but you get what I mean).  I really really liked the overall sheen/luster/glow/dewiness.  It really is like a second, but better skin.

**DISCLAIMER: this picture is also an excellent example of learning to trust your stylist.  Even though Pam warned me that this color would likely wash me out and be far too ashy, I insisted.  (IRONICALLY, the whole reason I even wore a foundation is to add color back to my face after this hair color experiment)  She did EXACTLY what I asked for, and she was 100% right on.  Pam: 1  Product Whore: 0–The good thing is, 1: the application was perfect and 2: I really enjoy Pam’s company, so nbd.  As my SHH would say, my vanity is good for the economy :)**

Overall, I am super happy with my Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua.   I would absolutely recommend it for anyone looking for a light coverage foundation that gives a really nice healthy glow.  I have received loads of compliments while wearing this foundation-and this is the first time ever that I would dare to recommend a foundation.

That said, I did get home last night, after 8 hours of wear and immediately washed, exfoliated and masked–just incase it was settling into my skin and clogging my pores.  I am a spaz.

14 thoughts on ““As my SHH would say, my vanity is good for the economy.”

  1. I love this foundation. I started using it after Chanel discontinued my other foundation Normally I only use it when I’m really “trying” with my makeup but it’s so light that I probably should use it all the time rather than my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. It’s much heavier.

    I have also noticed perfect coverage with the Chanel. 🙂

  2. Your skin is amazing! I’ve never tried Chanel foundation. I may have to mosey over to the department store and ask for a makeover or something.

  3. I am so excited to try this! I am totally willing to pay a little extra when it comes to foundation.. I’ve learned the hard way with too many brands.. thanks for this awesome review! AK

  4. I am so happy to find your blog! I’m also a Malia living in Santa Barbara. I’ve just discovered Peaches, It’s actually down the street from my place! I recently started using the AHA cleanser and coffee/blueberry exfoliator. I noticed an immediate difference. I was given a sample of the firming creme and love that, too. I’ve been wanting to transition to these products for some time now, and plan to have my first facial at Peaches in the coming weeks. I have a question for you: have you discussed the Chanel foundation with the estheticians at Peaches? Obviously you wouldn’t use anything to counteract your Peaches regime, but I’m just wondering what they thought because their website advocates for almost no make up.

    Thank you, Malia!

    • Malia!
      1. So sorry for the delay. I have taken a mini break and missed out on great messages like yours.
      2. I am so excited you were able to get in with Diana, she does all her facials with love 🙂
      3. I do love the Chanel Aqua for a lot of reasons, none of which the ladies at Peaches would condone 🙂 I mostly like it bc it allows for just enough coverage while feeling like I am not wearing makeup at all 🙂 I recently switched to Bobbi Brown Mineral foundation and have to say that it is by far and away my favorite for emergency situations 🙂 Stay tuned for that blog 🙂

      • Hi Malia!

        I’ve had two facials at Peaches and believe my skin looks better than the FOUR IPL photofacials I had earlier this year. I’m not wearing any face make up anymore. I have worn something on my face everyday since high school.I do want to have something for special occasions, though. I’m hesitant to go back to anything liquid, so I want to go with mineral foundation. Have you tried/reviewed the Laura Mercier mineral foundation and the Peaches mineral foundation? When you review the Bobbi Brown, could you include a comparison with Laura Mercier mineral and Peaches mineral? Have you tried milk of mag as a primer for mineral foundation or what do you use?

        -malia 🙂

        • MALIA!

          Tell me everything about IPL!! I have some dark sun spots that I just HATE and I don’t know much about IPL! LETS GET COFFEE WITH DIANA from PEACHES! I would love to meet you!
          Mineral foundations: I am not a big fan of the Laura products–aside from the lip glosses. ****SPOILER ALERT***I LOVE LOVE LOVE THE BOBBI BROWN MINERAL FOUNDATION! Admittedly, I did love the Chanel, I liked how it felt like a tinted moisturizer, but that was before I discovered the wonder of Mineral Foundations:) I will post this blog this week 😉
          I wouldn’t use Milk of Mag for a primer–I only use Milk of Mag as a treatment mask and mostly right after a facial. I have used Monistat as a primer and it works great!! It’s the perfect consistency for a base:)

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