I know it sounds frivolous in these uncertain times, but I haven’t quite mastered the art of applying makeup under my face mask that doesn’t eventually smudge or become patchy.
Even though I use a setting spray – Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 (review here) to lock in my foundation, makeup still transfers to the inside of my mask, especially around the nose where the mask fits snugly.
That’s around my nose, not the nose itself because my nose is never shiny and makeup never budges. I use Benefit’s ‘The POREfessional License to Blot Primer’ stick. There’s a review here, but don’t bother reading it because Benefit HAS SELFISHLY DISCONTINUED IT and I have just bought the last three from Debenhams (down to £12.75 each). An alternative to License to Blot is Benefit’s PRO Balm Primer, which is OK but not as convenient as the stick.
Do check out the Debenhams sale, but also refer to other sites because their beauty discounts vary. That said, I nabbed a few Chanel lipsticks at £5.00 off a couple of weeks ago, sadly they’re now back up to the full price.
So, my idea was to buy a light finish foundation to quickly touch up my makeup whenever I had to take the mask off.
Chanel’s gel cushion foundation felt like a good compromise. It wouldn’t leak in my bag, coverage would be sheer and of course, it never hurts to whip out a cute compact even if no one can see it. We’re living in crazy, horrible times and I’m holding out for as much normal as I can grab, buying an overpriced foundation with a fancy logo is right at the top of my normal.
CHANEL Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation
An innovative gel foundation that reveals a complexion glowing with freshness and radiance. Its dewy finish revives the skin at any time of day. Its ultra-fine, fresh aqua-gel texture provides buildable coverage on either bare skin or over existing makeup for any touch-ups.
For extra convenience, its flexible fabric screen releases the perfect dose.
HOW TO USE
Press the sponge into the fine fabric screen to neatly dispense the perfect dose, then gently pat it onto the skin.
REVIEW
Normally, I’d shun any foundation product described as glowy, but I’ve noticed my skin (not my nose) now needs an extra shot of dewiness to lift it. I think it’s called ageing.
The compact case is lightweight but bulky which it doesn’t need to be as it only contains 11g of product.
The foundation is highly fragranced and the delicious, but unnecessary, scent reminds me of their Hydra Beauty skincare range. I do have a couple of serums (gifts), but I’m just not feeling Chanel skincare, I really don’t think it’s their strong point.
The SPF rating is 25 which obviously isn’t enough, plus you should be using a standalone SPF anyway and not rely on the scant amount in makeup. I use Ultrasun Face SPF 50. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. There is no excuse not to use sunscreen even now when our time outside is limited.
Alas, the foam sponge applicator, with a Chanel logo printed white ribbon, is as cheap as any you’ll find from a budget brand, you’d think Chanel would luxe it up a bit.
However, I always use the sponge for application, and surprisingly, it works rather well, foundation glides onto the skin. Coverage is sheer, but it is buildable and the layers don’t fight each other, that’s a huge bonus for me.
I should emphasise that sheer coverage suits me at the moment as my skin is in very good condition. I’ve been using a combination of four new (‘new’ as in I haven’t used them before, nothing is particularly expensive), skincare products, a collagen powder supplement, and a new beauty device gadget. The problem is, I don’t know which one (or maybe it’s all of them) is working its magic. I’ll pop a post up listing them next week.
Gel Touch calms down the redness on my cheeks and gives me a natural fresh-looking finish. I would call it healthy dewy rather than glowy. On younger, smoother skin, this would definitely create that much sought after ‘glass skin’ effect.
Longevity is good too, I still use Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base (glowing review here) underneath. But now, with the luxury of time, I let it sink in for 15 minutes and I wonder if it’s this that contributes to the staying power of the foundation?
I chose shade 30 from online swatches from bloggers, NOT by looking at any online retailer where it looks quite dark and I would have plumped for shade 22 Rose. Even in the pan, 30 looks too tan for my pale, cool-toned colouring, but fortunately, it’s a perfect match.
It can be applied as a full face or as a touch-up when I take my mask off (no transfer either) and it blends seamlessly every time. I’m sure it’s because of the light as air gel formulation, this is what I’ve been looking for for a very long time.
It is ridiculously expensive (and I’ve just bought a refill) so I hope Chanel won’t discontinue it suddenly.
CONCLUSION
My skin is changing and I have to adapt my makeup to these changes. This sheer, lightweight formula is perfect for me, the shade is spot on and it feels weightless on the skin. My foundation application timed is halved and I’ve found there’s no need even to buff it in with a brush.
There are a lot of cushion foundations on the market – at all price points. Some big-name luxury brands offer more product for a smaller price than Chanel but the flattering finish and shade have me hooked on this one.
I wasn’t looking for a new foundation, but somehow it found me. #lovestory
PRODUCTS MENTIONED
CHANEL Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation 11g £43.00 (refill £34.00) BOOTS *
TOO FACED Hangover 3-in-1 Primer & Setting Spray 120ml £28.00 LOOK FANTASTIC * 10% off with code PAYDAY10
BENEFIT PRO Balm Primer 22ml £29.00 (overpriced) BOOTS * Try Debenhams first, £23.20 (29/01/21)
BOBBI BROWN Vitamin Enriched Face Base 50ml £45.00 (lasts forever) LOOK FANTASTIC * 10% off with code LFWINTER
ULTRASUN Face Anti-Ageing Lotion SPF 50+ 50ml Was £24.00, now £18.00 LOOK FANTASTIC *
*Affiliate links
