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Marie Claire
Marie Claire
Lifestyle
Shannon Lawlor

Hailey Bieber uses this Chanel foundation on repeat, so I decided to test every formula the brand offers

Acting Senior Beauty Editor Shannon Lawlor wearing Chanel Foundations

Throughout my years as a beauty editor, I've put a lot of effort into finding the best foundation out there. And truth be told, I'm not much of a foundation lover. You see, I like skin to look natural and like its most glowing self. For this reason, I'm big into serum foundations and foundations for dry skin that leave a dewy complexion (despite the fact my skin is actually quite greasy, so probably best suited to a mattifying foundation for oily skin). Typically, I find foundation hard to shop for because I think it covers up all of the things that make my skin mine.

But recently, from scrolling through TikTok for too many hours a day, I have realised that Hailey Bieber (who, by the way, is my ultimate complexion inspiration) uses one particular foundation on repeat to achieve her natural-looking glow—Chanel Vitalumière Radiant Moisture-Rich Fluid Foundation. And I have been more than a little intrigued ever since.

(Image credit: Shannon Lawlor)

I used Vitalumière regularly when I was younger—but as my career grew, so too did the amount of foundations I had to test, and Vitalumière was slowly forgotten about over the years. But a couple of months ago I decided to give it another go, and it was love at first application. It smooths out the complexion expertly but maintains enough texture and glow to ensure skin still looks like skin—I was hooked once again.

But my newly rekindled love for Chanel Vitalumière has left me in quite a pickle. You see, Vitalumière has become almost impossible to get your hands on. Whether this is because Hailey Bieber is selling it out or because Chanel is discontinuing it, I'm not sure. While it's still listed on the Chanel website, I can't seem to get my mitts on it at all. But my journalistic mind knows better than to think Chanel would simply discontinue one of its most iconic and popular foundation formulas—they must have an alternative. So, in a bid to find the next best thing, I decided to try every Chanel foundation out there.

I hate to admit this, but Chanel is a brand I always overlook when it comes to base products. For starters, it's expensive—like really quite expensive (I love a good drugstore foundation). And considering I only wear foundation once at a week at most, the idea of parting with £40+ for a foundation doesn't sit well with me. Secondly, I've always considered Chanel to be more of a 'treat' beauty brand. And by this I mean the sort of brand I shop from for little luxuries that make me feel good. I'm talking nail polish, lipstick or blusher, opposed to the core essentials of my make-up bag.

But in reality, using a Chanel foundation in the form of Vitalumière regularly had me feeling on top of the world. Not only does it leave my skin looking the best it has, well, ever, but it also adds a little bit of high-end luxury to my daily routine. I feel expensive every time I pump a dollop of that liquid gold and apply it mindfully to my face. And I think everyone deserves a bit of that joy. So, if you too are in the market for a luxury foundation that delivers, I tested out every Chanel foundation the brand offers and reached out to some experts for their insights, so you know exactly which formula will be best for you. Here's how I got on...

Best Chanel Foundation For A Smooth Glow

Chanel Vitalumière Radiant Moisture-Rich Fluid Foundation

(Image credit: Shannon Lawlor)

Best Chanel Foundation for Skincare Benefits

Chanel No1 de Chanel Revitalizing Foundation

(Image credit: Shannon Lawlor)

Best Chanel Foundation for Everyday Wear

Chanel Les Beiges Foundation

(Image credit: Shannon Lawlor)

Best Luxury Chanel Foundation

Chanel Sublimage L'Essence de Teint

(Image credit: Shannon Lawlor)

Best Chanel Foundation for a barely-there finish

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

(Image credit: Shannon Lawlor)

Best Chanel Foundation for Hydration

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch

(Image credit: Shannon Lawlor)

Best Chanel Foundation For All-Day Wear

Chanel Ultra Le Teint Fluide Foundation

(Image credit: Shannon Lawlor)

Best Chanel Foundation for a matte finish

Chanel Ultra Le Teint Velvet

(Image credit: Shannon Lawlor)

Best Chanel Foundation for a lightweight finish

Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Foundation

(Image credit: Shannon Lawlor)
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