Chanel Les Beiges: My Honest Review (B30 Medium Neutral)
Chanel. The name itself evokes a sense of luxury, sophistication, and timeless elegance. I’ve always been intrigued by their makeup line, and the Les Beiges collection, with its promise of a “healthy glow,” particularly caught my eye. After much deliberation, I finally decided to take the plunge and purchase the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation in B30 Medium Neutral. Now, after several weeks of testing, I’m ready to share my honest review with you.
First Impressions: Packaging and Texture
Let’s be honest, the packaging is gorgeous. The signature Chanel compact, with its sleek, minimalist design, feels luxurious in your hands. It’s weighty and substantial, adding to the overall feeling of quality. I greatly appreciate the magnetic closure, which makes it easy to open and close without any fuss.
The foundation itself has a lightweight, fluid texture. It’s not too thick or creamy, but rather a thin, almost serum-like consistency. It feels incredibly smooth and silky to the touch, promising effortless application. It definitely feels like a premium product from the initial contact.
Shade Matching: Finding My Perfect Match (B30)
Finding the right shade online can be tricky, especially with luxury brands. I carefully researched swatches and reviews before settling on B30, described as a medium neutral. I’m typically a light-medium with neutral undertones, so this seemed like a safe bet. When the foundation arrived, I was relieved to find that it was a pretty good match for my skin tone.
B30 is definitely a true medium, perhaps leaning slightly warm. It blended seamlessly into my skin without looking too yellow or orange. However, if you have very cool undertones, you might want to consider a different shade.
Here’s a helpful comparison table of similar shades in other popular foundations:
| Foundation | Shade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NARS Light Reflecting Foundation | Deauville | Similar depth, slightly more yellow undertones. |
| Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation | 5.5 | Slightly lighter, more neutral undertones. |
| Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation | 2N2 Buff | Similar depth and undertone. |
| Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation | 220 | Very close match in depth and undertone. |
Application: How to Achieve the Best Results
I’ve tried applying the Les Beiges foundation in a variety of ways – with a brush, a sponge, and my fingers. I found that a damp beauty sponge provides the most natural, seamless finish. It sheers out the foundation beautifully, allowing my skin to peek through while still providing a noticeable boost in radiance. A brush can also work well, but it tends to give slightly more coverage. As for fingers, I’d say they work best for spot concealing, rather than full-face application.
Here are my top tips for applying this foundation:
- Prep your skin properly: Hydration is key! Make sure your skin is well-moisturized before applying the foundation.
- Use a primer: A good primer will help to create a smooth canvas and extend the wear time of the foundation. I personally love using a hydrating primer with this foundation.
- Start with a small amount: This foundation is buildable, so start with a thin layer and add more as needed.
- Blend, blend, blend: Take your time and blend the foundation thoroughly into your skin for a seamless finish.
- Set with powder (optional): If you have oily skin, you may want to set the foundation with a light dusting of powder in your T-zone.
Coverage and Finish: The “Healthy Glow” Effect
The Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation offers light to medium coverage. It’s not designed to completely cover imperfections, but rather to even out the skin tone and create a natural, radiant finish. It does a good job of blurring minor blemishes and redness, but you’ll likely need to use a concealer for more significant imperfections.
Collagen Remedy Supplement
The “healthy glow” effect is definitely noticeable. The foundation contains light-reflecting pigments that give the skin a subtle luminosity. It’s not a shimmery or glittery effect, but rather a natural, healthy-looking radiance that makes the skin look more youthful and vibrant. It looks like your skin but better.
Wear Time and Performance: Does It Last?
I’ve worn this foundation for up to 8 hours, and I’ve been generally pleased with its wear time and performance. It doesn’t completely disappear by the end of the day, but it does tend to fade slightly, particularly in my T-zone. I have combination skin, so I tend to get oily in my forehead and nose area.
The foundation also doesn’t claim to be long-wearing or oil-controlling, so this is not unexpected. However, even with some fading, the foundation still looks pretty good after several hours of wear. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or pores, and it doesn’t oxidize (turn orange) on my skin.
Who is This Foundation For?
I would recommend the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation to anyone who:
- Prefers a natural, radiant finish
- Has normal to dry skin
- Is looking for light to medium coverage
- Wants a foundation that feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin
- Doesn’t mind touching up throughout the day
This foundation may not be the best choice for those with very oily skin or those who need full coverage.
Pros and Cons: A Quick Summary
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful, natural finish | Expensive |
| Lightweight and comfortable to wear | Light to medium coverage may not be enough for some |
| Evens out skin tone and provides a healthy glow | Not long-wearing, may require touch-ups |
| Doesn’t settle into fine lines or pores | Limited shade range |
| Luxurious packaging | May not be suitable for very oily skin |
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth the Splurge?
So, is the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation worth the splurge? It depends. If you’re looking for a natural-looking foundation that provides a healthy glow and feels comfortable on the skin, then this foundation is definitely worth considering. However, if you need full coverage or have very oily skin, you might want to explore other options.
I personally enjoy using this foundation for everyday wear. It gives my skin a beautiful, radiant finish without feeling heavy or cakey. While it’s not the most long-wearing foundation I’ve tried, I don’t mind touching it up throughout the day. The luxurious packaging and the overall experience of using a Chanel product also add to the appeal. It is a luxury product, after all, and part of the experience is the feeling of indulgence.
Alternatives to Chanel Les Beiges
If the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation isn’t quite right for you, or if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, here are a few other foundations to consider:
- NARS Light Reflecting Foundation: Offers similar coverage and a radiant finish.
- Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation: Another cult-favorite foundation that provides a beautiful, natural glow.
- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: A great option for those who want very sheer coverage and a dewy finish.
- Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation: A budget-friendly option that provides a similar healthy glow effect.
Tips for Extending the Wear of Your Foundation
Even if a foundation isn’t marketed as long-wearing, there are several things you can do to extend its wear time:
- Start with a good skincare routine: Cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin before applying any makeup.
- Use a primer: A primer will help to create a smooth canvas and prevent your foundation from sinking into pores.
- Apply a setting spray: A setting spray will help to lock your makeup in place and prevent it from fading or smudging.
- Blot away excess oil: If you have oily skin, blot away excess oil throughout the day with blotting papers.
- Avoid touching your face: Touching your face can transfer oil and dirt onto your skin, which can cause your foundation to break down.
Final Thoughts
The Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation in B30 Medium Neutral is a lovely foundation that provides a natural, radiant finish. It’s perfect for those who want a lightweight, comfortable foundation that evens out the skin tone and provides a healthy glow. While it’s not the most long-wearing foundation on the market, it’s still a great option for everyday wear. If you’re willing to splurge on a luxury foundation, the Les Beiges is definitely worth considering. Just remember to find the right shade for your skin tone and to prep your skin properly for the best results.
I hope this review was helpful! Let me know in the comments below if you’ve tried the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation and what your thoughts are.