On Trial: Does Using High-End Foundations Really Pay Off?

by Virginia Ta

The beauty masses can all agree that a beautiful face starts at flawless skin, but less defined is the answer on how to achieve it. Unfortunately, most women are not blessed with the perfectly smooth and supple, even-toned, blemish-free complexions that we see gracing the pages and covers of most major magazines. Thankfully, that hasn’t stopped the beauty-conscious from putting their best faces forward thanks to the magic of foundation. But, how does one go about finding the perfect formula?

MAC, Chanel, Cargo, NARS, Vincent Longo, Smashbox— the list of foundation brands go on and on, and all of them claim to be the latest and greatest in creating tone, texture, and youth. But which ones are really worth their more-often-than-not hefty price tags?

Equipped with a large wad of cash and a bare face, I set out to put two of the most disputably popular high-end foundations to the Powder Room test, and to discover whether shelling out top dollar for your cosmetics can really buy you beautiful skin.

1. Chanel Vitalumière Satin Smoothing Fluid

As of one Chanel’s best selling foundations, Vitalumière has garnered a reputation as one of the best and most natural looking foundations available, earning the brand legions of firm believers in this revitalizing formula. Available in 14 different shades ranging from a very light toned ivory to a deep chestnut shade, Vitalumière is packaged in a glass bottle with a hygienic pump top, allowing for optimal dispensing control— which comes in handy since this precious fluid is priced at $52 for a fluid oz.

As for the formula, which is only slightly thicker than water consistency, it applies incredibly smooth, easily blending into a soft, glowing result. It is because of the lightness of the formula that the foundation is able to glide so easily, appearing almost like a second skin. The light formula also has another advantage, as it allows buildable coverage, making it versatile for both sheer and full-coverage foundation wearers. The only major cons of this foundation are that although it applies light, it seems to leave a slightly tacky feel to the skin, as if it never completely dries.

Also, although the foundation fancies itself a Satin finish, which is considered a middle ground between dewy and matte, it definitely imparts a not entirely unwelcome sheen that borders on being a completely dewy formula. This may not be a problem for dry and normal skin types, which this foundation is best suited for, but oily skinned ladies— proceed with caution as it does tend to appear sweat-like by midday.

Final Verdict: Does a good job at blurring blemishes and fine lines with its light formula, contains SPF 15, and is packed with nut extracts that guard against skin-damaging free radicals, but at $52, this tacky-to-the-touch foundation should also feel as real as it looks.

2. Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Foundation

As a part of Make Up For Ever’s HD range, made specifically “for the new needs of high definition image,” this ultra light, ultra natural looking, oil-free foundation is said to create a complexion that looks flawless, even in bright or harsh lighting, and has become a fast celebrity favorite. Packaged in a plastic cylinder bottle, it also features a convenient pump top, and is impressively available in 25 different shades that are sure to suit almost any skin tone. Slightly thicker in consistency than Vitalumière, the success of the foundation’s overall look strongly relies on its method of application. The secret to getting the most even and natural looking result with the HD formula is to apply it with a kabuki brush. Though the short, dense kabuki brush is most commonly associated with applying powders, it seems to be made for this foundation as it amazingly mimics real skin when lightly dipped into a small amount of the foundation, stippled and then buffed into the face. What you have afterwards is skin that looks like your own but way better. The use of the kabuki brush also allows for less formula to be used, as a little goes a long way with this product. This, in short, means saving cash in the long run, which is a huge perk since a fluid oz. bottle costs $40.

But I dare say that this foundation is worth every penny as it provides the advantages of a medium to full coverage formula but somehow has the feel of wearing almost nothing at all, and even better, looks just as natural. That said, its finish is neither completely matte nor full-on dewy, but exactly as advertised: it looks like healthy, natural glowing skin. But like natural skin, this foundation may require a midday touchup as it won’t keep your skin matte all day. A possible explanation for its midday sheen may be due to one of the formula’s ingredients, Relipidium, which helps moisturize the skin.

Final Verdict: As true beauty connoisseurs might say, this is almost “Holy Grail” material. Sure, it may not contain any UV protection like Vitalumière, and yes, it still costs more than most foundations at $40 a pop, but with a formula that creates skin that looks as naturally flawless as this, you can afford to sacrifice a little for a whole lot.