[unpaid/sample/ad/affiliate] Thank goodness I tried this out a couple of weeks ago under foundation and not in the midst of a heatwave. First, what it should be doing: filter, blur and diffuse. I’m always in two minds about primers but this one does seem to have a bit more about it than many when it comes to perfecting your ‘canvas’.
It’s lightweight in texture and while you cannot expect too much of the blurring of ‘imperfections’ (their word, not mine), because that’s a trick of the light that – from something as sheer as this – is only ever going to be nominal. What it does do, however, is give a veil of mild luminosity which is nice on bare skin as a glow amplifier that doesn’t make you look radioactive.
Under a full coverage foundation, all the luminosity will be gone so in my view, it’s best to use under a sheer to mid level. In priming terms, I find it almost impossible to tell whether bases last longer – I didn’t notice particularly that Becca did, but neither did I feel that it hadn’t, which I do realise is most unhelpful as an actual review. But, that’s my primer reservation – it’s somewhat subjective. I’m using only very light bases (Chanel) and even then not often. I know that primer fans rave about them – particularly Hourglass – but I think they’re for the complexion perfectionists and not for day to day wear on someone like me who doesn’t appreciate their finer qualities. I like this first and foremost for bare skin light luminosity that feels sheer and weightless. It’s £28 HERE, non affiliate HERE.
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4 comments
I’m stuck at a major muddle over current primers, base highlighters /illuminators and so on. (I don’t really bother much these days, but like to stay abreast of things)
Seems to me that everything once promoted as essential, individually, under foundation, has now begun to merge, and even cross the border into actual foundation (thinking of a newish Catrice primer) Like skin serums at one point recently, much of this stuff has suddenly abandoned claims for individual qualities, and dived after a more general, multi-tasking appeal. Both cases whiff of a bit of desperation, to be honest. Attracting the floating voter it were, by admitting any old slap will do!
Well, of course I exaggerate, and on days I feel really determined I do apply some Chanel Le Blanc under foundation, and I do notice the benefit. Brightened, without disco vibes.
(By the way Jane, which Chanel light bases are you favouring at the moment? I’m on the verge of buying that newly reformulated Le Teint Long Tenue wotsit, since I find I plaster concealer over sheer foundation anyway. I just can’t stop trying to erase freckles in unwanted areas like my jawline.)
Ah yes, Chanel Le Blanc is a classic – I still remember getting my first one. I’m using Les Beiges Water Fresh Tint, when I’m using anything. I hear you on the muddle – same destination, multiple routes!
I’m over 70, so the whole highlighter thing really does not work for me. This, however, does. It just seems to impart a healthy glowy evenness to my skin when applied lightly on its own, or under a very sheer foundation.
That’s good to know – yes, it’s a natural skin elevator without being an Instagram moment :-))