Chanel CC Cream vs Vitalumiere Aqua

When it comes to naming favorite products, hyperbole seems to be the name of the game. You hear terms like “must-haves”, “holy grail”, “obsessed”, and “need it in your life” thrown around by every influencer and wannabe YouTuber. Such rampant exaggeration leaves some viewers skeptical, wondering whether the product gets thrown in a drawer after being featured, never to see the light of day again.

If we’re really trying to determine which products are actually worthy of all-time favorite status, is there a better test than the repurchase factor? For those of us with large collections, you know just how rare it is to actually finish a product, and even more uncommon, to seek it out again. So if there’s a product that I’ve not only finished off but deemed necessary to repurchase, I know it deserves the title of favorite. 

I remember when I finished my first bottle of Chanel Vitalumiere foundation. Despite having probably 15+ foundations to choose from, all it took was a few weeks before I ordered another bottle. It definitely holds the title of “most loved of all time” and is truly a unique foundation to my collection. 

  • Chanel Vitalumiere Foundation Overview
  • Chanel Vitalumiere Review
    • Claims
    • Consistency
    • Coverage
    • Scent
    • Shade Range
  • How to Apply Chanel Vitalumiere
  • Chanel Vitalumiere vs. Vitalumiere Aqua
  • Cruelty-Free and Vegan Status
  • Where To Buy Chanel Vitalumiere Foundation
  • Final Thoughts

Chanel Vitalumiere Foundation Overview

Chanel Vitalumiere Liquid Foundation retails for $60 and is available in eight shades. 

The foundation comes housed in a glass bottle with a built-in pump and contains 1 fl oz of product. Chanel Vitalumiere contains chemical sunscreen (the active ingredient is Octinoxate) with broad-spectrum SPF 15. 

Chanel CC Cream vs Vitalumiere Aqua

Chanel Vitalumiere Foundation Review

Chanel’s Claims

The official name of the foundation is Vitalumiere Moisture Rich Radiance Sunscreen Fluid Makeup and the brand describes it as a medium-coverage formula that instantly revitalizes and hydrates the complexion for the look of perfectly smooth, radiant skin. It claims to target dry, dull and uneven skin and create a soft-focus effect.

As you”ll see further, I found the brand’s description to be pretty spot on (which is interesting because so many claims made by cosmetic brands are ridiculously over-exaggerated.)

Consistency

The texture of the foundation is pretty thin but it’s not runny. The pump is easy to control and as you start to blend the foundation out, you can really feel hydration in the products which helps it to seamlessly melt into the skin. While it is a decidedly moisturizing formula, it”s not greasy feeling and it doesn’t have that slip to it that you get from a lot of products which contain silicone.

To compare the consistency to that of foundations with a similar finish, it’s much thinner than the Cover FX Natural Finish foundation, and maybe slightly thicker than the Dior Forever Skin Glow but it offers more coverage than the Dior. 

The hydrating texture makes Vitalumiere ideally suited to those with normal to dry skin and I think very dry skin types in particular, will really appreciate it because of the coverage level it can provide without emphasizing dry patches. On the contrary the finish it leaves really helps to revitalize dehydrated skin. 

Coverage

Vitalumiere provides a medium level of coverage which can be built up to a certain degree. It also sheers out nicely if you apply a really thin layer and buff it in really well, so you can adjust the level of coverage if you want. 

Finish

What makes Chanel Vitalumiere so unique is the finish it leaves on the skin. It’s got an intensely glowy finish that leaves the skin radiant and supple. For reference, 85% of my foundations are a dewy finish and I’d say Vitalumiere is the glowiest foundation that I’ve ever used.  

What’s so beautiful about the finish is that while the glow is super pronounced it’s not coming from any shimmer particles, it’s just the way the product sets. When I wear Vitalumiere, my skin looks like it’s radiating from inside, as if there are thousands of tiny points of light shining from it. I agree with the brand’s claim of a “soft-focus effect” because the glow really really works to diffuse the look of fine lines so even though it’s not the fullest coverage foundation it manages to disguise texture issues on the skin. 

 I’ve tried my fair share dewy and radiant foundations and bb creams but I haven’t found anything that combines the coverage level that Vitalumiere provides with the intensely radiant finish and soft-focus effect. Nars All Day Luminous foundation is somewhat comparable but it’s definitely a runnier consistency, less glowy, and I found it sat on top of the skin rather than melting in the way Vitalumiere does. 

Scent

Vitalumiere does contain fragrance, which I don’t find to be overwhelming or offensive. It’s a pleasant, mild scent that reminds me of the way classic luxury skincare products smell, that may be masking the scent of 

Shade Range

The most glaring disadvantage of Chanel Vitalumiere is its abysmal shade range with only eight shades available to choose from. Limited shade ranges are not uncommon to luxury foundation lines and unfortunately, Chanel’s Vitalumiere is no exception. While the range does offer some variety in terms of undertone, with both cool and warm options, the deepest shade available is at most a medium depth leaving both deeper skin tones as well as the very fair unrepresented. I’m somewhere between the second and third shade in the line but I opted for the darker shade 30 Cendre which seems to work fine on my light-medium, slightly olive skin once blended out. 

Chanel CC Cream vs Vitalumiere Aqua
Chanel Vitalumiere Moisture Rich Foundation – 30 Cendre

How To Apply Chanel Vitalumiere

The best way to apply Vitalumiere is by using a dense brush like the Sephora Pro #56 to really buff the product into the skin. Dot the foundation on your face or pump a small amount onto the back of your hand or a palette, and apply in circular motions.

Though my preferred foundation tool is usually a damp beauty blender, Vitalumiere is hydrating enough to fully meld into the skin without the added moisture from a beauty blender. The product does blend well with a beauty blender but using one will give you a sheerer application. 

I’m almost never a fan of using fingers to apply foundation, however, I actually think it’s not so much the case with Vitalumiere. Even though it’s a thinner consistency than most bb and cc creams that I apply with fingers like the IT Cosmetics CC Cream, it will blend in fine with just fingers. 

I apply a light layer of powder to set my foundation and I make sure to use a very diffused and fluffy brush rather than a dense one so as not to move any of the foundation because it does remain somewhat dewy on the skin. I also found it helps to let the foundation set for a few minutes before applying powder, just to give it some time to work its way into the skin and dry down a bit. Using a really light layer of powder doesn’t affect the finish of the foundation too much, especially if you use a setting spray on top which will help meld the powder with the foundation. 

Chanel Vitalumiere vs. Vitalumiere Aqua

Chanel CC Cream vs Vitalumiere Aqua

I’ve tried and used up full bottles of both Vitalumiere and Vitalumiere Aqua. While I enjoyed Vitalumiere Aqua I haven’t repurchased it and I think it’s a less unique formula and easier to dupe than the original Vitalumiere.

Vitalumiere Aqua provides much less coverage than Vitalumiere. The bottle describes it as “Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup” and the “ultra-light” part is completely accurate. It’s a super lightweight formula that provides a sheer tint to the skin. Even when layered it really doesn’t offer more than a light level of coverage. While I love using Vitalumiere for nights out and special occasions, Vitalumiere Aqua is really better suited to natural, day time looks. 

Vitalumiere Aqua is also a much lighter formula than Vitalumiere. It comes in a compact squeeze bottle which you’re supposed to shake before using to give the water-based formula a chance to mix. The bottle also contains a metal ball that helps mix the product. Where Vitalumiere has a hydrating, liquidy texture, Vitalumiere Aqua has a whipped, airy texture, that feels very light. The consistency breaks down really quickly as you start to blend it. Vitalumiere Aqua doesn’t seem to offer any additional moisture to your face. When applied, it quickly dries down to a demi-matte finish that feels like nothing on the skin. 

Both foundations contain an SPF of 15 and both are mildly fragranced. I have to say, however, that I really enjoy the scent of Vitalumiere Aqua. 

Shade Differences

One thing that really confuses me is the difference in the shade ranges between the two foundations. I remember there being only ten shades of Vitalumiere to choose from when I first purchased it, but there are now seventeen shades available. It’s odd to me that Chanel offers more options of their light coverage foundation and only a handful of shades for the fuller coverage. Generally speaking, sheer foundations are more forgiving of mismatched shades than high coverage ones. I suspect it may be because Vitalumiere Aqua appears to be a more popular product than Vitalumiere and they’re trying to appeal to a broader audience. 

Conclusion

Overall Vitalumiere Aqua is what I’d recommend if you’re looking for a lightweight product that’s not too dewy and offers a sheer amount of coverage. Additionally, I found the compact and lightweight packaging very convenient for travel. If you want a fuller coverage foundation that offers lots of hydration and glow then I think you’d prefer Vitalumiere. 

Chanel Vitalumiere Moisture RichChanel Vitalumiere AquaCoverage LevelMedium coverage that can be built up or sheered out.Light coverageFinishIntensely glowy, radiant coverageSatin, demi-matte finishConsistencyThin, moisturising texture that offers added hydration to the skinThin mousse like texture that breaks down as it blends and remains very light on the skinComposition Emollient rich formulaWater based, oil free formulaSPF SPF 15SPF 15Shades Available 817Price$60$50PackagingGlass bottle with pumpPlastic squeeze bottleChanel Vitalumiere Moisture Rich Foundation vs. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation

Cruelty-Free and Vegan Status

While Chanel don’t test their products on animals, they source some ingredients from suppliers who conduct animal testing. Their products are sold in China where animal testing is required by law. 

Chanel cosmetics are not Vegan as they use ingredients that contain several animal by-products. Vitalumiere contains beeswax and may contain other animal derivatives. 

Where To Buy Chanel Vitalumiere Moisture Rich Foundation

Chanel Vitalumiere retails for $60 and can be purchased at the following retailers. 

  • Macys – Free shipping and free returns on all beauty purchases. Note that while Macy’s frequently offers 15% off all beauty, Chanel cosmetics are usually not eligible for the promotion.
  • Nordstrom – Free shipping and free returns. International shipping available, restrictions may apply. 
  • Chanel – Free shipping, free returns, two free samples with every order
  • Bloomingdales – Free shipping on orders over $150. Free returns.
  • Neiman Marcus – Free shipping and free returns. International shipping available

Regardless of where you choose to buy from, make sure to check if Rakuten (ebates) is offering cash back. If you haven’t signed up for Rakuten yet, you can do so here. It only takes a minute and you’ll earn cash-back on eligible purchases every time you shop through their link. They also have an extension which I recommend installing, that activates cash-back on all eligible websites with one click. It also scans for coupons. 

Final Thoughts

As someone who’s all about dewy skin, I appreciate Vitalumiere and feel confidant naming it as my all-time favorite foundation. This would be good for anyone who’es skin ranges anywhere from normal to extra dry. If you want a thinner formula that provides coverage, radiance, and hydration I think you’ll really enjoy Vitalumiere. Provided of course, that you can find a shade that matches your skin. 

How do you use Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation?

Shake well before use. Apply VITALUMIERE AQUA with the fingertips, blending from the center of the face outwards. Its weightless formula provides buildable, light-to-medium coverage. For fuller coverage, reapply where needed.

Is Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua water based?

It comes in a compact squeeze bottle which you're supposed to shake before using to give the water-based formula a chance to mix. The bottle also contains a metal ball that helps mix the product. Where Vitalumiere has a hydrating, liquidy texture, Vitalumiere Aqua has a whipped, airy texture, that feels very light.

Is Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua non comedogenic?

While this foundation has moisturizing benefits, it's oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog your pores and is a solid choice for blemish-prone skin.

Which Chanel foundation is best for oily skin?

Chanel Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Foundation. For those with oily skin, Machhausen recommends this oil-free and long-wear formula. “Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear has a gorgeous satin-like finish,” he says of this full coverage foundation that maintains a weightless feel.