Followed by their latest skincare launch Hydra Beauty Micro Gel Creme and their renewed Le Blanc Serum, today I'm thrilled to write a review on Chanel's first ever CC cushion foundation that was been released in June in Asia. It's also now available to purchase in the States, which I think is a perfect season to launch in as well.
Honestly, I've been very intrigued over the past few years whether traditional (cough) Chanel would ever come up with a CC cushion as you all know by now that it's now one of the staple on-the-go make-up products. On top of that, their competitor Dior has been very actively engaging in CC cushions, which also made me wonder about Chanel's interpretation on the CC cushion if they were to make one. Nonetheless, this is indeed fascinating at least at my personal level that Chanel seemed to engage with younger audiences from newer generations. I would say that Chanel is one of the most resistant beauty companies when it comes to products, yet they have decided to produce boosting/ first serums, CC creams and now even a CC cushion! O_O It has certainly astonished me, but simultaneously it should happen if they want to grow profits, right? >_<
Regardless, I had to review Chanel's new Gel Touch Foundation CC Cushion simply because I go through a lot of CC cushions although I'm not much of a fan of their Les Beiges line. For the comparing measure, I would use Amore Pacific (the pioneer of CC cushions), Dior (Chanel's main competitor) and also their best selling CC Cream SPF 50 as a guideline for this post. So let's get started! :)
Scent & Consistency (Shade 30 swatches)
Of course, it's very difficult for Chanel to go on easy with fragrance, and there's no exception for their new cushion compact. It smells very much like their signature artificial peach scent, which you find a lot in their other skincare and make-up products including Hydra Beauty line and their CC cream. If you are sensitive to fragrance, then you will need to test before making a purchase or just pass instead.
The texture of Chanel Gel Touch Healthy Glow Tint Foundation Cushion Compact is nothing unusual for a CC cushion that is cooling upon touch with skin. However, there's definitely Chanel-ness to it as it has a strong alcohol smell and texture kicking through upon application.
The finish of it is neither too matte nor dewy, but I've noticed that the very natural look lasts for up to 4-5 hours without any touch up. I tested it on 27°C+ days (80°F+) and it didn't seem that it was causing more sebum production throughout the day.
Benefits
This cushion compact features a lightweight aqua-gel texture to leave skin with a subtle tint and sheer, dewy finish. An exclusive fabric mesh delivery system offers the most optimal, even application. In 10 shades, from light to deep.
Composition
Enriched with Kalanchoe Extract and Hyaluronic Acid, the refreshing formula helps to provide up to eight hours of hydration, along with optimal protection and soothing comfort.
How to apply
Using puff applicator, gently press down onto pre-soaked fabric mesh and pat evenly over entire face. Can also be applied with Retractable Foundation Brush for a more buildable result. Reapply throughout the day, as desired.
Never Judge a Book by its Cover
Frankly speaking, I was really looking forward to seeing Chanel's elegant packaging. Well, it does feel quite chic and cute from the surface, but it's only pretty outside.
The case seems fine, it's in a square container without any case sleeve unlike their other make-up products. Trust me, I don't mind not having it as long as it reduces the price tag, but I have to mention it since I find it inconsistent, which is surprising as Chanel seems to value consistency in their lines. Nevertheless, I opened the case with huge expectations, and guess what I've found!
A regular sponge puff that doesn't even reach the quality of Dior or Amore Pacific's. The puff is very bendable and there's absolutely no sturdiness. It's soft, so be aware that it does soak up lots of product. I doubt that it's even anti-bacterial, meaning I need to wash it like how I do with brushes. The general feel of the puff to me is that it wouldn't cost much to produce it. Why do I feel upset with it? I guess I had higher expectations for Chanel.
That's okay, I have better spare ones from Amore Pacific and Dior as I love their CC cushions, so I don't need to get upset, right? However, look at this, what's this business?
Unlike the outside, the inner protective cover doesn't even close! What on earth..... Seriously.. Really Chanel? This protective cover is VERY important as it prevents the foundation from drying up. Even worse, the cover feels really cheap and thin too. Chanel, have you actually checked your competitors' inner protective covers before designing your cushion compacts? They are very sturdy and they close tight.
The drama doesn't stop there, what's this all messiness even before taking off the film? Even underneath the film, it's just a mess. Chanel, none of your competitors give this degree of first impression. My goodness, I feel already kind of ripped off.
Some of you might think that I'm being harsh, but I believe that no one should ignore the fact that they are one of the leading fashion companies producing beauty products with a slogan luxury. And it's very difficult for me to find that luxury in their new CC cushion. I must add that Chanel should feel lucky as I would've already called the headquarters if La Prairie delivered this kind of product. This really makes me wonder who's the brand manager of Chanel Beauty as I've been noticing some not so Chanel quality launches. With my brain, it's indeed very hard for me to understand as it's clearly ruining the brand's image.
Verdict
As some of you might have guessed already, Chanel Gel Touch Healthy Glow Tint Foundation Cushion Compact doesn't give that much coverage due to the nature of the line (Les Beiges) other than giving literally a hint of colour. If you generally have spot free skin, you can definitely get some benefits out of the compact as it gives you that subtle natural glow skin along with its convenience to carry in the make-up bag. However, I cannot deny that I feel quite disappointed about the cushion since it doesn't even provide enough sun protection, which means that you will need to put on extra sunscreen underneath and the cushion by itself won't be enough to re-apply sunscreen throughout the day. This is very frustrating as you all know that I'm very religious about sun product re-application. If you stay in the office where you don't get much sun inside, then the Chanel cushion may work for you, but certainly not for me as I like to go out with my dogs.
To be honest, the compact is quite expensive considering it doesn't come with a refill, yet the ingredients aren't the best either. CC cushion is supposed to give some skincare benefits to a certain degree, but it's a shame that Chanel's product doesn't do much other than giving skin a bit more of an awake look. It does feel to me that it's essentially a sheer to light foundation in a cushion compact. If they were not planning on giving enough sun protection and even a tiny bit of skincare benefits, then why did they even bother launching this? I'm very confused. Just for the cooling sensation for office workers? Please note that you don't get much out of the compact either as it contains only 11g which is far less amount than other reputable CC cushion brands. You can get most Chanel foundations at similar price range and you get triple the amount. I also highly recommend you finish the product as soon as possible since it may dry up fast due to the poorly designed inner protective cover. It does have beautiful outer packaging, but I wouldn't get it again for my go-to usage. If you need a high zinc oxide SPF and full coverage, it's better to get their CC cream instead.
Where to buy
- Nordstrom (Free shipping & samples)
- Saks Fifth Avenue (Free shipping & samples)
Recommendations
- Chanel LES BEIGES Sheer Healthy Glow Moisturizing Tint SPF 30
- High-end Hydrating Serums (La Mer VS La Prairie VS Sisley VS Chanel VS Guerlain)
- Charlotte Tilbury Revolutionary Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask
- La Mer Treatment Masks (The Lifting and Firming/ The Brilliance Brightening/ The Hydrating Facial/ The Intensive Revitalizing Mask)
- Luxury Skincare Guide (La Mer VS La Prairie VS Swiss Perfection VS Sisley VS Guerlain)
- High-end Hydrating Moisturisers (Guerlain vs La Mer vs La Prairie vs Sisley)
