CHANEL Vitalumiere Aqua Cream Compact Review! & Beige 565 Polish

Between my sister and I, we have tried almost all the foundations produced by CHANEL- Mat Lumiere, Pro Lumiere (discontinued, super sad), Perfection Lumiere, Vitalumiere Aqua (Liquid), Vitalumiere Eclat, and Teint Innocence (also discontinued). *Phew*

The only 3 we have not are: Vitalumiere Aqua (Cream), Vitalumiere (Liquid) and Lift Lumiere. I am actually bummed that Pro Lumiere has been discontinued, and although everyone is raving about Perfection Lumiere which has replaced it (even my sister!!), I somehow don't quite love it. I tested it out over a week using different applications, with base, no base, misting, layering.. but I still couldn't love it. The lovely SA suggested I try Vitalumiere Aqua in the cream formula instead and gave me some samples to take home.

After using it for a few days, here are my thoughts..

Sealed 

What is it? (from website) 

CHANEL Vitalumiere Aqua, Fresh and Hydrating Cream Compact Makeup SPF 15

Claims? (from website) 
A water-based formula which blends effortlessly and offers the lightness and radiance of a fluid, with the convenience of a compact. The complexion is immediately hydrated and smoother, with a look of natural, flawless radiance and a comfortable feel that lasts all day.

How to use it?
Apply over primer/base with the sponge provided/brush. Alternatively you can dab on with the sponge and blend with your (clean) fingers.

Things to note? 
There is a typical Chanel scent which goes away after a while. It is a cream so remember to keep it away from the heat/sun.

My review: I used the sponge to apply this. It has a cream-to-velvety finish on my skin and the texture is very easy to work with. Immediately the face feels "moist", and it is very comfortable to wear. However, despite being a high coverage foundation, it just did not sit very well on my lower cheeks! I don't know if it is because the area is not moisturized enough, but after I set it with loose powder, I can see little clumps of the foundation. It's like it will not absorb into my skin! I've tried using a different base/no base but it is the same.

Conclusion: I really wanted to like this, but I don't think it works well with combination skin. Coverage is good, my acne scars were covered well and the texture is also easy to work with. It feels very comfortable on my face. Am so glad I got some samples before buying this blindly. I've read many good reviews about this product so maybe it is just me.

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P/S: For all CHANEL polish aficionados, there is also another nail colour recently put up for sale on their website, Beige 565. Swatches here.