Hall of Fame - Chantecaille Just Skin

Shiny new logo for a shiny New Year!

After discussing Chanel's new foundation earlier this week and mentioning this, it occurred to me that it has hardly been mentioned here, despite me using it for 10+ (or thereabouts) years. Chantecaille Just Skin 

How is it described?
'This exceptionally versatile three-in-one formula represents a new approach to foundation, powered by the latest Japanese technology. It provides excellent coverage, smooths fine lines and offers sun protection.'

For me, it's a cross between a tinted moisturiser and a foundation, but it's closer to the moisturiser end of the spectrum.

How many shades?
6

What's in it?
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Noepentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Peg-400, Magnesium Sulfate; May Contain: Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Dimethicone/ Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Mica, Silica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Phenoxyethanol, Dextrin Palmitate, Methylparaben, Tocopherol, Methicone, Alcohol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Algae Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Preregen, Nectapure, Edelweiss GC, Rose Water Concentrated E4445, Colorants, Talc, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide

How best to apply?
I apply with fingers. It's almost like a moisturiser.

How's the coverage?
It covers but it's sheer. You can still see skin underneath.

Do you need a primer with it?
No, but I use one.

Can you feel it on the skin? Is it breathable?
Extremely breathable, this literally feels like a face cream as opposed to a foundation.

Does it give good glow?
This being Chantecaille, of course. Skin is luminous after application.

What's the staying power?
I can happily apply once in the morning and it will last most of the day. If I was going out in the evening however, I would have to reapply. Due to the high water content it will go patchy if you are dehydrated. I take this as my cue to add a ton of hydration after the evening cleanse.

Does it block pores?
No. It's light and doesn't sit 'in' the skin.

Best skin type/age?
You will need more coverage than this if you have particularly problematic skin. It's brilliant if you have fairly good skin, and across any age, but I think it would be most appreciated by a slightly older skin - and by that, I mean 30+.

Anti-ageing benefits? And would they/do they work?
Yes. And yes, in my experience.
Hyaluronic acid, 'botanical anti-pollution and antioxidants' including honeysuckle, green tea and edelweiss.

SPF content? Chemical/physical?
15 - physical - titanium dioxide

Who is it best for?
Anyone wanting light-medium coverage, it is buildable, but not for you if you want heavy-duty coverage.

Does it service WOC with the shades?
No. I love Chantecaille but they have a long way to go with darker colours, not just in this, but in Future Skin and the Compact Makeup also. And some of the names of the darker Future Skin colours are just 'no', but that's for another conversation.

And?
Like I said, I've used this for years, it's in my permanent stash and my backup stash. I switch between Tan and Wheat, depending on my sun exposure, the time of year etc.
I won't be without it.
A little goes a long way, I probably use two tubes a year.

Chantecaille Just Skin is £58.00 from SpaceNK.com or $69.00 on Nordstrom.com

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation

When I said on Instagram yesterday that I thought I had come across the 'Foundation of the Year' on January 5th, I wasn't exaggerating.

Chanel launch the addition to the Les Beiges collection on 15th January and this is one brilliant foundation.

I would go as far as to say love at first try. I don't write a lot about foundations, primarily because I am ridiculously fussy. I mean ridiculously. I have used Chantecaille Just Skin (which really should be in the Hall of Fame - will remedy that) since it launched, dipping in and out with things like La Bella Donna (reviewed here), and pretty much always with Pixi Flawless Primer, but I have not really strayed from the Chantecaille path, one way or another, in over 10 years. Yep. 10. Before Just Skin launched I was a Future Skin addict. I just, for the most part, do not like the feel of foundation on my skin. I hate feeling like my skin cannot breathe. 

I think foundations, more so than moisturisers for example, are like shoes or a bag, when you 'know', you know. So when I put this on, I just knew. I gave it to the ultimate litmus tester, Mother. This woman has used every foundation released for the last 50+ years (don't tell her I gave you that figure) and she called me immediately and said: 

'Yes. Everything gone (imperfections). Glow works, but no shine. Not too pink for me. Not orange. Yes.'

The texture is more like a cream than a liquid, and upon application is flawless. It feels like velvet and looks like satin. It immediately covered my imperfections, but as Mother said, 'without making me look like I've just been dug up'. You can see where I get my way with words.

For me, this was akin to applying an immediate filter to my face. The kind that people use on Instagram but say they don't? That filter. It's a mix of mineral pigment and soft focus powder, and it looks like it. I now want a concealer, powder, bronzer, highlighter in the same vein - everything needs to be made with this technology please Chanel.

This launches with 14 shades, although some of those look like being exclusive to the Far East, there are 9 shades listed for the UK at the moment. I can use No.40 or No.50, depending on the day/self tan etc.. I use Tan or Wheat in Just Skin for comparison. Jane has some swatches here.

You have just over a week until this launches. You need it in your life.

It's £36.00. Will update with links and amount of shades once it's live. Wow.

*I apologise in advance for the amount of Chanel that will be coming up on the blog and on my Instagram. I went a little crazy in Rue Cambon when I went to Paris with Ava last month. This is what happens when you take your equally-beauty-addicted teenage daughter to Paris and not your husband. The day is planned out by store locations, not art galleries. ;)

Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Corrector and Concealer

I think everyone I know owns a Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick. And Bone eyeshadow. And quite possibly the original Corrector and Concealer kit. Where I was absolutely on board with the first two, I hadn't, until last week, got on board with Corrector and Concealer. Instead of being sensible, and asking the always amazingly talented team on-counter specifically how to use them, I would bungle through, using, I now know, the wrong colour and most importantly, in the wrong order. Duh.

Last week, to highlight the exclusive launch of the new Intensive Skin Serum Corrector and Concealer at John Lewis, I filmed a 'Secret to Perfect Skin' tutorial with the gorgeous Hannah from Bobbi's Pro team. You literally see my lightbulb moment on screen. It's really not that difficult Hirons.

Regular readers will know that I am anaemic, and always suffer with dark circles. Always. It's the first place I go to when applying concealer. The joy of the new Intensive Serum Corrector and Concealer is that it is designed to target all of the causes of dark circles around the eyes that I am asked about the most often namely aging, illness, excess pigmentation, irritation and dehydration. 

They're beyond easy to use and the effect is immediate, looking more like you on a good day, than you wearing a ton of makeup.

Case in point:

The eye on the left is wearing the new Corrector and Concealer, right eye is my usual darkness. 

You can watch Hannah and my clearly much-needed lesson here – and further details on the products are below.

• Designed for all skin types.
• There are 16 Corrector Shades and 15 Concealer Shades
• Available Exclusively at John Lewis and Johnlewis.com from 1st-16th September.
• Book complimentary Secret to Perfect Skin Makeup Lesson at any John Lewis Counter nationwide.
• Bobbi Brown's Makeup Artists are available to help you find your perfect shades of new Intensive Skin Serum Corrector & Concealer. Visit or call a Bobbi Brown counter in John Lewis now for a complimentary Secret to Perfect Skin Makeup Lesson. www.johnlewis.com

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Bobbi Brown via Mode Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Bobbi Brown.

La Bella Donna Ultimate Pure Perfection Liquid Mineral Foundation

I'm not saying this foundation is amazing but if this were a beer commercial - it would be Heineken Carlsberg (thanks BBB :)).

Probably the best foundation I've ever tried - and I've tried EV. E. RY. THING.

I had a photo shoot this week. You may notice I'm not big on having my photo taken. I am the Chandler Bing of blogging. I think I look good, I smile - and then I see the results and want to throw myself out of the window - and throw the camera at someone's head. I'm just not photogenic. End of.

After the shoot I resolved to admit defeat and beef up my current base to an ACTUAL foundation. I've personally always hated the feel of foundation - you know when you apply it and you can feel it sitting there? Ugh.

This La Bella Donna base is SO gorgeous that I'm tempted to keep it to myself and pretend that my glowing skin is just that - my skin. Meh. My gift to you this rainy Friday?: La Bella Donna.

The official blimph - with the odd usual helpful comment on the side from yours truly:

'Ultimate Pure Perfection an aqueous texture with unrivaled qualities that respects the skin.

• Visibly corrects and lifts the skin so your face appears healthy, smooth, luminous and radiant - HELL YES
• Contains moisturizing agents to provide hydration and comfort, due to marine extracts that boost cell energy to enhance natural radiance - HELL YES
• Botanical extracts stimulate cell activity and regeneration wile maintaining anti-inflammatory properties to nourish the skin - FEELS LUSH

Focus ingredients and the benefits:

• Sodium Hyaluronate: tissue repair, contributes to tissue hydrodynamics, movement and proliferation of cells and participates in a number of cell surface interactions - SCORE!
• Aloe Barbeadensis Leaf Extract: reduces the appearance of dry or damaged skin and restores suppleness - WHO DOESN'T WANT TO BE SUPPLE?
• Ficus Crica(Fig)Extract: calms redness, a superior antioxidant - DEFINITELY CALMS REDNESS
• Squalene: gives a soft smooth appearance, a natural component of human sebum
• Thymus Valaris (Thyme) Extract: moisturizes a boosts skin tone. Stimulates cell activity and regeneration, assists in regulating hydration
• Cicumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract: moisture binding, soothing, tightening, anti-inflammatory properties, nourishes and softens the skin
• Rosa Canina Fruit Oil: excellent tissue regeneration, reduces scars(trauma and surgical), reduces wrinkles
• Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract: calms redness, anti-inflammatory, stimulates circulation, promotes healing of all skin challenges
• Jaminum Officinale (Jasmine Oil): moisturizing, soothing
• Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract: antimicrobial, excellent for any skin issues, soothing, calming benefits'

There are other items in the range - the Mineral Eraser (concealer) is also the dog's bollocks - and I cannot wait to try the rest. Apparently its predominantly sold in the US in dermatologists offices and spas etc so that women who have had invasive treatments can cover up straight away afterwards without risking irritating their skin. I totally get that.

My skin feels better wearing it than it does without it - and I have NEVER said that before.

La Bella Donna is sold exclusively at Beauty Works West. Prices start at £15.00 and the foundation in question is £44.00. And worth every penny.

*purchase

*no affiliate link

Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick and Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 Foundation + Serum

Last week I was invited to see Caroline Barnes discuss Max Factor's new launches for Autumn.

I've worked with many make-up artists in my career and Caroline is the Gold Standard that the others should aim for. Down-to-earth, approachable, friendly, excellent at what she does - and most astonishingly - no diva-like behaviour. At all. Ditto. Others take note.

It's always nice to see someone at the top of their game discussing what they love and this was no exception.

Max Factor's Colour Elixir Lipsticks contain green tea, shea, avocado and aloe butters and are designed to give a smoother surface to the lip thus making the colour 'pop' more.

Ruby Tuesday

They come in 15 shades and are £7.99. Nice to see sensible pricing in the world of £35.00 and up lipsticks. (Don't get me started.) I've enjoyed rediscovering a good lippie lately and have used Ruby Tuesday and Mulberry so far. Both feel good on the lip - I hate that chalky feeling you get from some lipsticks - you know when you can really 'feel' that you're wearing it? Not so with this. Smooth and soft - like it says on the box.

Bewitching Coral

Mulberry - my favourite so far

Launching at the same time is Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 Foundation + Serum.

Aimed at the woman who needs anti-ageing benefits it contains niacinamide (a big tick from me), green tea, Vitamin E and SPF15. As someone who gets her SPF from make-up only - that part is key.  As my skin is still prone to breakouts I'm waiting till the colder weather to give this one a go and so will review properly further along the Autumn. It comes in 6 shades and retails at £12.99.

Both products are on counter now.