Review: N°1 DE CHANEL Red Camellia Revitalizing Foundation

Earlier this month, CHANEL launched an entire range of beauty products under a new line called N°1 DE CHANEL. There was buzz all over social media on this collection, with almost every notable influencer in Singapore showcasing the gorgeous products on their Instagrams. You can read more about all the products here:

N°1 DE CHANEL — a new skincare collection centred around the camellia and a return to essentials

While the skincare — the serum, in particular — is the main seller, I was drawn to the liquid foundation. It’s one of two makeup products under N°1 DE CHANEL (the other is a lip and cheek balm), and like the rest of the collection, the formula is infused with extracts from the red camellia — the line’s key ingredient. This flower has revitalising powers, and this liquid foundation is enriched in red camellia oil and other moisturising agents. The product claims to soften skin and provide all-day comfort, and from my review below, that’s exactly what it did — and pretty instantly.

Above: N°1 DE CHANEL REVITALIZING FOUNDATION, $114 (30ml)

How does it feel and look?

It’s a light to medium textured cream that isn’t watery, but isn’t thick. The most striking first impression is that feels like nothing on the skin and in the best way possible. It is extremely lightweight; there’s no heavy or cakey feel on the skin — really like nothing. It’s also fragrance-free, which I like.

Above: Product swatch on the skin. Incredibly, it’s so light, it feels like nothing at all.

It swipes easily across skin, and blends in without a trace (the shade I’m using is B20). While it feels light, it’s not quite a “sheer” finish and covers skin well, minimising the appearance of pores and making the skin tone more even.

The finish is very natural — but again, not sheer, and there’s a radiance where the light hits the high points of the face, like the cheekbones and nose bridge. And with such a light, natural texture and finish, as expected, the formula is buildable; I could blend in more over areas that have pigmentation like sun spots.

Immediately after application, the product makes the skin feel very fresh and moisturised, though there’s a slight tackiness to the skin, but that goes away after a few minutes when the product settles into the skin.

On its own, the finish is radiant and I really like it. But if you prefer a slightly more matte look, you can just add a light dusting of loose powder over the top.

Final thoughts.

This is a high quality liquid foundation that gives me exactly the coverage I want — not too sheer, but still fresh and natural. And it’s not so “natural” that it doesn’t make a difference to the skin, because it made my skin instantly better looking; smoother, more even in tone, and far more radiant (but not shiny). At $114 for 30ml, the price is on the high side, but you’re paying for the skincare technology behind the product; and of course the incredible results it gives instantly and over time.