My Perception of Perfection

Right, so I've had the latest foundation on the block, Chanel's Perfection Lumiere, for a few weeks now and haven't posted about it in order to give it a proper test on both mine and other skins. It's always hard to see past the hype with a product launch such as this, so I try to put my 'blogger blinkers' on and not read anything about it so I can make up my own mind!
So, what did I think? I think that it's not a replacement for Pro Lumiere - it is an entirely different foundation and Pro lovers such as myself who were loyal to it's more luminous finish, will miss it. This does, however, do exactly what it says on the tin; it lasts, it looks flawless and it comes in extra shades which is always a good thing. I would advise using a very small amount per application as it really spreads and too much will look cakey. Also, a brush is key to apply and buff it - fingers just don't do it justice.
It is semi-matte as opposed to Pro Lumiere's more satin finish but if your skin is in any way combination/oily this foundation will sit perfectly. If you are more dry or de-hydrated, I don't think you will love this.  A lot of people found that Pro's finish didn't last all day and Chanel have obviously listened to those issues and addressed them with Perfection Lumiere. So what's my verdict? It's a very high quality foundation with a lot of thought behind it which may well fall into 'Hero Product' status but possibly just for normal/combination types. As with everything in life including makeup - you can't please all of the people all of the time!

It launches in Ireland on January 20th.

Bronzing Base

I have been intrigued by the Bronzing Base by Chanel for the longest time. It used to be called Bronze Universel before it was taken away to be tweaked and re-named by the powers that be. It is just about to hit the counters again and I was delighted to get my hands on some to try for myself (thank you Chanel!).
So here's the deal...it is a one-shade-suits-all creamy bronzer that can be used under, instead of or on top of makeup. I have tried it all three ways and I have to say that I prefer the finish when used in place of a traditional bronzing powder but used on top of wet foundation. I'm still using my trusty MAC Face & Body and the Bronzing Base sits like a dream on top of it.
Colourwise, I normally recoil from anything that only comes in one shade but bizarrely this really does work for all. It suits my pale skin and I even used it on one of my makeup clients yesterday who is of Indian extraction with quite dark skin and this lifted her complexion and added a beautiful brightness to it. Lisa Eldridge claims she has even used it on Jourdan Dunn to add a lift to her skin so there you go, from light to dark - it works.
It's a product that has to be tried on to be believed because in the tub it looks quite orange so perhaps visit a counter and ask them to apply for you so you can judge it before you buy.
It's worth mentioning that I find it best applied with a kabuki or flat headed bronzer brush..any smaller and it won't blend correctly. Take some of the product from the tub to your hand first and apply from there... going straight from the tub may look too heavy and you won't like it.
This is my current obsession but you have to learn to use it correctly before you can truly fall in love with it, but do make the effort...you will be rewarded!