Until I started watching Pixiwoo’s channel on YouTube a few months ago I had never really even considered Chanel Foundation. Her constant use of its many variations piqued my interest and I bought the Pro Lumiére as being someone who likes the full coverage I thought this would be the one for me.
I used it a few times but actually found it quite hard to work with and blend. It felt overly heavy, more so than my favourite mask foundation Estee Lauder Double Wear. To my mind this is an on location foundation, Pro being the operative word, this foundation makes skin look a dream through a lens, it is by no means a “natural” finish.
After about a month I think I had used it 4 times tops and I swapped it out, tbh thought that was the end of my adventures with Chanel.
That was until my good chum @karenquinn treated herself to Chanel Vita lumiére foundation, she wore it out and simply glowed, much like the effect I get from MUFE HD. I vowed to pick it up next time I was flush (that stage is still yet to arrive…). In the meantime while chatting to kelanjo19 over AIM we got to talking about our wish list products and possible swaps. Stored under her bed kelanjo19 had a almost full bottle of the Chanel Mat Lumiére! It was too light for her, me being the pasty girl I am jumped at the swap and it arrived last week.
This I <3
Shade is 30 Cendre Intensity 1.5 and suits my NC15 – 20 skin perfectly.
You don’t need a lot of product to obtain a full coverage face with this, I love the matt finish, very flattering, gives that flawless look I adore. You do need to work quickly with your brush though as once this sets it aint going anywhere until you get out the make-up remover. Another reason I love it, transfer rate is practically nil.
To my mind I wouldn’t particularly want to see a 16yr old sporting Chanel’s foundations. They are full coverage and as such give you a blank canvas, they cover the bad as well as the good. Which at almost 30 I’m not complaining about, but for a youthful skinned teenager I feel would simply be a shame. Why cover that up?
Bad points are that its pricey, not an issue for some, but at £40 I have to really love something. Luckily with this I do, however I’m waiting it out until someone purchases Vita lumiére for me as I can’t justify it right now. I love the look of it but I am also 110% sure that MUFE HD works for me on the luminous front so its a lot more likely that I’ll re-purchase it again if I have some spare readies 
My advice in regards to Chanel is make the most of a counter appointment at your local House of Fraser etc. Try them on, ask for samples, be sure. They definitely aren’t for everyone! xox
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I was intrigued by Pixiwoo's constant use of the ProLumiere as well. Thanks for your post as this helps me out tremendously. I will check out the Mat Lumiere instead. I like a full coverage during the work week and often use a bronzer to counteract the "flat" face. I'm glad to hear it won't transfer much as I love wearing white button downs. Hope your having a great weekend!
I was wearing it again today with Benefit Hoola bronzer, its still holding up well 8 hours later. Definitely check it out x
Hi Girlies
Yes defaintly try there foundations but for sampling get yourselves to Boots Belfast Chanel Counter- My sis. in law works there, and they are very good with their customers in that department and makeovers etc… Well may as well plug them when I can! LOL XX
i love watching pixiwoo's channel too !! and start looking for mat lumiere preview over the internet. i am currently using bobbi brown foundation stick in warm beige..coz i heard that foundation stick is the best one for photography. do you think mat lumiere is good for photography too ?? i wanna try mat lumiere instead of pro because my skin type is a combination skin type.
Pro would be the heaviest formulation from the range, however saying that the Matt Lumiere is also a full coverage, just that the Pro would have the edge. The Matt is perfect for photography, its a top choice with brides, Estee Lauder Doublewear would be up there too. Hope this helps xxx
Thanx very much for your help.. I feel more confidence to try mat lumiere after reading your point of view especially when you say "its a top choice with brides"…im getting married this June!Im gonna buy that mat lumiere straight away since there are no more samples at the store here in M'sia .. thanx again
It really is a top performer in the foundation stakes. If you could I would try and book in for a free consultation at your Chanel counter. That would give you an idea about the finish
Congratulations for your impending "Big Day", its a fabulous time and I hope you enjoy every second of it xxxx
I've already bought it t'day by the time I read your reply. thanx, though
I hope that i'll love this foundation foreveeeer since I hate to try out this and that again n again.. such a waste of money *sigh*. Btw, I love reading your blog .. keep it up !
Chanel Counter @ BOOTS Belfast Mat Lumiere – shade – 30 Cendre – I was advised this product and shade – on using it the next day at work found it too dark and dirty/heavy looking for my complexion – still the same after using it for nearly a week – also I had asked for samples – none available, and not only on this occasion!! I visited the Boots Fairhill and the assistant provided me with a 7-day-sample of Estee Lauder – very helpful – have returned and purchased.
I had a similar issue with an Illamasqua foundation last week, don't accept it. Just take it back. I did and got a full refund. They are meant to be the experts and if the shade is wrong the blame lies firmly in their "expert" arms.
I'm glad you had a good experience with Estee Lauder, I'd have to agree and say they are always very generous with their samples which in turn as you have proved is more likely to make you return and purchase xx