LOVING RIGHT NOW | TOM FORD TRACELESS TOUCH CUSHION FOUNDATION + MORE!

Surprise!  ^_^  LOL.  I just thought I'd sneak in a surprise post after much absence due to recently becoming a mum again.  Running a household with a baby, toddler and dog (and husband ;-) ) doesn't leave one much room for anything else these days. >_<  If you follow me on Instagram (search "indigokirroyale"), I still often do little snippet reviews of things I've used up (see "empties" instastory collection), and all things beauty with MOTD or FOTDs, and swatches here and there.  So please check it out as I find Instagram much easier to do than blog nowadays.  But, needless to say, I do very much miss blogging!  At the same time, it's made me slow down and take the time to enjoy what I already have (and I have a LOT) and occasionally buy new exciting beauty, too of course, but not as often as I used to.  Throughout the years I've figured out what I really love and what works for me and I'm even more picky now that I have little time to play with make up and I need something that is super efficient for me to use as a busy mum.

Anyway, here are some beauty items - new and old that I've really been loving!

Tom Ford Traceless Touch Cushion Foundation SPF 45

Believe it or not, this is my first venture into the luxury brand's foundation range.  With so many brands coming out with cushion foundations nowadays, I've been on the hunt for one that I'm actually happy with.  I've tried Lancome's and Chanel's, but Tom Ford's new, first cushion foundation is a winner for me.  The other two I've had issues with shade mostly as well as coverage.  The darkest shade available that I could find at the time is Bisque 5.5 and luckily for me, it's a good match.  (Please note that the colour looks much much darker in the cushion than it actually is when applied).  It's the right, neutral to yellowish undertone.  It has a lovely satin to matte finish as described.  Unlike many foundations, I'm ecstatic to find this one does not oxidise on me! :-)  I'm pleasantly surprised by the decent coverage it gives without having to spend time, effort and more product building it (unlike say the Chanel Les Beiges Gel Touch Foundation).  It is worth noting, however, that cushion foundations are usually sheer to medium coverage at most.  I only need to dab twice or so in the cushion with the sponge provided and it's enough for every day wear.  Also, it spreads really easily and blends super efficiently.  A win for busy folks like me!  Longevity is great with maybe just a little bit of fading by the end of the day.  This cushion contains 12g / 0.42 oz of product.  I note that this is made in Japan (where they know their cushion foundations!) and this product expires after 24 months once opened versus 12 months for the other foundations I've mentioned here.

Clockwise from left (above and below): Chanel Vitalumiere Glow Cushion, Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch & Tom Ford Traceless Touch Cushion.

Unfortunately, at the time I purchased the Tom Ford cushion, they did not have the compact (outer packaging) available, so I could only get the refill as shown in the images here.  However, on the upside, it did save me quite a bit of money!  The entire compact does look ultra luxurious though from what I've seen in the promo. >_<

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation

Briefly on the Chanel Les Beiges Gel Touch Foundation - this is a lovely cushion, but it is the sheerest out of the Vitalumiere Glow and Tom Ford Cushion, and also doesn't spread as easily so takes a while to apply a full face of foundation on.  Beige 30 in this range is a good match for me even though it seems a little lighter than other Beige 30 shades in other Chanel foundation formulas (most likely due to its higher SPF) as it does oxidise a touch.  Plus, I do like the lovely, natural finish it gives.  My only gripe is that it's not the best option when I need fast application.  It is also probably the foundation that I've used up the quickest as you need more to cover the entire face, so not the most economical.  Note, this foundation has 11 g / 0.38 oz of product.  Made in France.

Chanel Vitalumière Glow Luminous Touch Foundation Hydratation And Comfort SPF 15

The new foundation from Chanel is their Vitalumiere Glow Cushion.  This one uses the traditional cushion or sponge that contains all the product unlike the Les Beiges Gel Touch, which just has a flexible "net" to keep the product in place.  I was excited for this and it looked beautiful in store when I tried it just over top of my existing makeup just sparingly.  However, when I used it properly, it really oxidised not long after application and the undertone is way too pink for me! :-(  If you're usually a Beige 30 in other Chanel foundations, please note of this change in undertone!  This one also it looks much darker in the cushion than it applies.  If you find the right shade in this cushion, it is great for dry skins as it is hydrating and gives a lot of glow.  It's also much quicker and easy to use than the Les Beiges Gel Touch (better coverage and "spreadability" in comparison).  I'd say even more than the new Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturiser - which I did not buy as it was too "silicone-y" in feel for me (also recently released - so many, right?! >_<)  This product contains 14g / 0.49 oz.  Made in France.

All three bases feel lightweight and comfortable on the skin as with most other cushions.

Foundation Comparison Swatches

Above are swatches of the three aforementioned foundations (left to right): Tom Ford Traceless Touch Cushion in Bisque 5.5, Chanel Vitalumiere Glow Cushion in Beige 30, Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch in 30 Beige.  Note, the photo was taken under natural lighting indoors and swatched on my medium, olive skin (~NC30).  It was photographed directly after swatching, but if I had waited a few more minutes, the pink undertone of the Chanel Vitalumiere Glow would appear more obvious.  As you can see, it is more glowy and wet in texture than say the more creamier Tom Ford Cushion.

Chantecaille La Sirena Highlighter Bronzer Duo

I very rarely buy any "backups" of makeup coz I have so many (ha!), but when I tried the silkiest, finest, most stunning gold champagne highlighter in this new limited edition duo from Chantecaille...I felt immediate and lasting anxiety of running out of it and how I would be without it!  LOL.  So, I just *HAD TO*, despite the exorbitant price tag!  >_<  I rarely wear powder highlighter these days as my skin is so dry and I've got a "few" (ha!) more fine lines and wrinkles on the tops of my cheeks where I would normally apply highlighter.  However, this particular product does not emphasise them *at all* - it's AMAZING.  And, it looks EXQUISITE - even in broad daylight (it's not too much).  It has that subtle "wet" look about it and it looks like it's part of the skin rather than powder sitting on top.  The bronzer is lovely, too - sheer, but buildable and you'll need a touch more layering on medium to darker skin tones.  But, it's the highlighter that's the stand out for me.  I wish there was more of it!!!  It has topped all my highlighters by far - even my Chanel ones that I adore.  And, that's a big deal.

Le Mat de Chanel Fall/Winter 2018 Collection

Probably the best collection they've released in some time (IMO) since Peter Philips departed.  The completely matte packaging alone is so chic.  A lot of the items are permanent (just not in the matte packaging), but I love the packaging so much I just slowly had to get more from the collection after trying to resist.  So far, I've picked up both eye shadow palettes (one of which, "Quiet Revolution" pictured below), two jumbo lip crayons (Impact and Impulsion), the Quintessence blush and the Profondeur Velvet Nail Polish (not all photographed here sorry).  Hopefully, I'll stop there. Ha! *eye roll*  While Chanel is my fave brand for that sophisticated twinkle and sparkle in makeup, it also happens to do matte finishes perfectly.  So much to love here.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder

I finally gave in to this much hyped finishing powder.  It's been on my wish list to try for at least a year and now that I have it, I can fully appreciate all the love for this product.  It really does make your skin appear flawless and I find a little goes a long way for me.  On my dry skin, it lasts and keeps the rest of my face products on all day without making my skin look dry or powdery.

Burberry Effortless Eyebrow Definer & Fresh Glow Compact Foundation

Undoubtedly the best powder foundation - Fresh Glow is one I will repurchase over and over again.  I use it in Ochre 20 (keen to try a darker shade this summer - I just need to know which shade!).  This has a great yellow undertone.  It does NOT oxidise on me at all!!  It looks as fresh at the end of the day as it does when you first apply it.  This is fantastic for all skin types - even dry skins like mine!  It does not look powdery or cakey and does not emphasise any lines or wrinkles or cling to any dry patches, nor does it make me look dryer.  It does not look like your usual powder.  I think it's part magic.  LOL.  It has great medium to buildable high coverage.  Apparently, you can use this dry or wet!  I've yet to try it wet (much excite!)  I simply LOVE this stuff...forever...please do not discontinue it now that I've said that(!), and if you do, please make it just as good if not better (I don't think that's possible though).  I always enjoy putting this on - it instantly makes my face look brighter and fresher.  It does have a bit of a scent, but I rather enjoy it's pleasantness and overall creates a great application ritual and experience.  This is one not many people talk about, but I can't recommend it enough.  I've hit pan and I need to repurchase for sure. >_<

Effortless Eyebrow Definer – Ash Brown No.03...this is the best for fast application.  Perfect ashy dark colour (perfect for my naturally black hair), consistency and shape.  Comes with a nice big brow brush on the other end.  It also doesn't ever seem to run out, even though I use it "on the daily" unlike other brow pencils.  Money well spent.  I will repurchase this constantly also.  Nuff said.

Chanel Le Volume Revolution Mascara

Umm...look at the packaging! >_<  Hello!  It's as if it's been laser cut all the way round...and it probably is! *shrug*  The bristles of the brush applicator is made by 3D printer - the first of its kind.

It's designed to be an "extreme volume" mascara.  I've only used this once so far, and surprisingly, I did not find it as volumising as the Le Volume de Chanel mascara, so if you're looking for something like that or more then this may not be for you.  *However*, as much as I love the effect Le Volume formula gave, I found it always dropped product under my eyes by the end of the day like a lot of other mascaras.  This Le Volume Revolution Mascara did not AT ALL, and I adore the wispy, well-separated / clean, super lash lifting (makes super tired mums like me look fresh and awake!) and very lengthening effect it gave on me.  Also, it felt really lightweight and natural on the eyes as if I wasn't wearing any mascara at all.  It didn't feel stiff to the touch.  Last, but not least, my eyes did not feel irritated at all, which is great for those who have sensitivity like I do.  I know this is possibly too early to say so, but I think this is officially my favourite mascara - perfect all-round - especially perfect for every day wear.

Hope you've enjoyed this little impromptu blog post re-appearance!  Who knows...maybe there will be more?  Regardless, I will continue to post fairly regularly on my IG account if you're keen to follow my beauty-related posts there.


Let me know what you're recent favourites are in the comments.  Would love to hear! x





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