NEW-FOUND LOVE AND MUST-HAVE: LE BLANC DE CHANEL SHEER ILLUMINATING BASE

I mentioned Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base in my previous post on my "Recent Loves". :)  I've been meaning to do a review on this fabulous product for a while now, and after a reader (thanks Naomi!) comment asking me how this compares to Burberry Sheer Glow Luminous Fluid Base, I thought what a great idea!

About

Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base claims to give:

"A flawless complexion glowing with radiance...embellishes the complexion by reducing and tightening the appearance of pores"

Key Ingredients

Witch Hazel extract which reduces and tightens pores. Mineral mica and silica powders to give a subtle matte complexion.  Liquorice extract to help provide an even skin tone.

Full list of ingredients.

Formulation

Apparently it is "enriched with a moisturising complex to help ensure absolute comfort".  I would agree, it definitely feels super comfortable, soft, silky smooth, and weightless.  The thin, white lotion-like consistency of this oil-free fluid makes it extremely easy to blend onto the skin.

Scent

It has a clean, possibly floral, slightly powdery scent to it, which I rather like.  It reminds me of the Chanel Hydramax Serum, but better.  If you are sensitive to scents, you should probably try this out at the counter first to see if you can tolerate it.  I'm usually sensitive, but I find this one pleasant.

Application

Scoop a small amount of product using the provided plastic spatula onto the back of your hand and apply to the face with finger tips.  Blend lightly.

Uses
A multi-tasking product that can be used:

- On its own for an even, smooth and radiant complexion (my favourite way to use!);

- Before foundation, to optimise radiance;

- Mixed with foundation, to brighten the complexion and maximise radiance;

- Dabbed directly over foundation to catch the light on the high points of the face (e.g., cheek bones, nose bridge, cupid's bow).

Finish

Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base instantly lifts and lights up the face with a sheer and imperceptible finish on the skin surface.  My naturally medium, olive NC30 skin tone looks a shade or two lighter and brighter and more even, without looking ashy or have the wrong colour skin.  It just looks clean and refreshed.  At an angle, you will notice a subtle, natural looking glow and 'lit from within' look on the high points of the face where the light hits, without looking too luminous or too "glowy".  The rest of the face mostly appears smooth and matte without looking like you have anything on the skin at all, or looking dry.  I have dry skin at present as it is winter, and this doesn't look dry or feels drying to my skin at all (however, I do always put a moisturiser on after cleansing and before applying this).  There is no shimmer in this product.  It feels silky smooth to the touch - there is no tackiness.  It just feels like my own skin.

Longevity

I found this to help my make up look fresh and last longer through out the day.  However, I have only tried this during the colder months and when my skin is dry.  It would be interesting to see how well it holds up in summer and when my skin is more combination (oily in my T-zone).  I have a feeling it will hold up fairly well still.  (If you've tried this and you have combination/oily skin or tried this in the hot weather, please leave a comment below about how it performed.  Would love to hear!).

Packaging

Not the most travel-friendly.  It comes in a square-shaped, thick, heavy glass bottle. It has a large opening, large enough to fit the plastic spatula provided to scoop product out. This means it is easy to scrape every last drop and there is no product wastage that often comes with a pump and small opening.  Just be careful not to drop it or spill any!  Unfortunately, I don't have the spatula shown as I've misplaced it, but you can use any clean implement to do the same and that can easily be washed after each use.  It has a secure screw cap.

Swatches

All swatches applied on medium, olive skin tone (the back of my hand is slightly darker than my face - so I guess it may be ~NC35).  All photographed indoors under artificial lighting and using a strobe.

Swatches of Burberry Sheer Glow for Comparison

Hopefully, you can see from the photographs that Burberry Sheer Glow Luminous Fluid is definitely more luminous and glowy compared to Le Blanc de Chanel.  The Burberry Sheer Glow also has a thicker consistency, feels heavier on the skin; is slightly tacky to the touch (like a lot of moisturisers), and in person, you will notice the micro-shimmers on the surface of the skin.  The Sheer Glow adds glow, but unfortunately, does not brighten or even out my skin tone.  Overall, my personal preference between the two would have to be Le Blanc de Chanel unless you're looking for a more obvious glow.

Overall

Definitely a new must-have for me.  I've used it everyday for a couple of months or so now and I'm probably already half way through it.  I've already purchased a back-up!  Haven't come across anything quite like it.  It's an amazing product and since I've started using this, I haven't had to use any of my usual liquid foundation at all, because of how well it evens out my skin tone and softens minor blemishes and pores!!!  :-O  My everyday routine has become applying this over the face and just covering up any blemishes and under-eye darkness with a concealer, and either a setting powder for the concealing work, or topping with Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Powder in No.20. Other times when I'm in a rush, I just use this on its own.  Beautiful!

It's photoshopping magic in a bottle. ^_^

For pretty FOTD using Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base - see Kate from Ghost Parties.

Hope this was helpful.

Thanks for stopping by! xo

DO NOT REPUBLISH CONTENT OR PHOTOS WITHOUT PERMISSION