Chanel | Perfection Lumière '94 Ambré'

''Perfection Lumière controls every detail of a perfect complexion to offer a tailor-made result, a model of perfection by Chanel. Its light, fluid texture glides on seamlessly with adjustable yet lightweight coverage for perfect results. The skin-embracing texture becomes one with the face, following its every movement. Its Perfect Skin Affinity complex ensures a second-skin effect and perfect foundation hold for 15 hours. Its universal shades are easy-to-wear, so that every woman can find her perfect shade.''

(Chanel, 2013)

When it comes to foundation I find it incredibly difficult to find a shade that matches my skin tone. However here in the UK I have started to notice that brands are starting to 'stretch' their colour spectrum and cater for people of colour. I was passing the Chanel counter one day in Debenhams and I spotted the Perfection Lumière foundations, and instantly spotted a selection of shades for darker skin tones. I assumed the selection of shades would be limited, but to my surprise there is variety which surprised me for Chanel. Cutting a long story short, I was matched to '94 Ambré' which at first I thought was too light but in fact was the right shade. I umm'd and ahhh'd about getting it until eventually I succumed and purchased. 

First impressions of the packaging I quite like, although rather basic. The bottle is glass which carries a bit of weight, however it's see through which helps to judge how much product is left before repurchasing. The lid is a simple pull off top, with a pump to dispense the product. There isn't much writing on the bottle which I thought is a good as nothing irritates me more than seeing unnecessary information on products which can at times make it look somewhat untidy. The outer packaging is your standard Chanel makeup packaging; black box, etched with white writing, the logo and a gold line on the bottom of the outer packaging.

My skin is oily/combination and I always make a conscious effort to stay away from products which are 'saddled' with oily ingredients. Discovering the perfection lumière is oil free, dermatologically tested, and suitable for those with oily/combination skin, I opted for this foundation. I am not one for 'dewy' finishes, as I feel this tends to make me look very oily. So I always go for a subtle finish of  matte/satin which this foundation provides. I did notice however that this foundation has a slight fragrance which I quite like. It's not overpowering and is really pleasant but this may irritate some who are sensitive to such additions in foundations. Considering I am quite spot prone, I haven't experienced any breakouts which is great. The foundation contains SPF 10, which is ok to protect against sun, although it could be a lot higher.

My experience with this product I quite like it. I found 2 pumps provided sufficient coverage for a medium finish. Although I have blemish marks, the foundation doesn't completely cover them, it simply makes them less obvious to the eye. I find however that it's best to work with this product in sections; dot this foundation all over your face, expect to be working really hard to blend in well!  The perfection lumière tends to dry incredibly quick, which is good to some degree but is best to work with one area at a time. I also use my Sigma F80 brush which I find works really well with blending the perfection lumière into the skin. One thing I hate about liquid foundations some of them tend to be very heavy, which I did not find at all with this product. I found it to be very light and at times I completely forgot I was wearing foundation. I did begin to notice that my skin tended to get a little 'shiny' during the day, which I did expect to some degree.

Overall I do like this foundation; it provides a natural finish and decent coverage. However although I do love Chanel, this foundation isn't 'thee' best of high end foundations on the market especially at £36.00 a pop! That said, it is a foundation I will continue to use as it's light which my skin much prefers. Will I repurchase? Not sure.

Chanel Perfection Lumière RRP £36.00 for 30ml.

Have you used Chanel Perfection Lumière foundation? Or are you not so keen?