Thoughts & Comparisons: Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup vs. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

Hello Lovelies! I never thought I would be able to say this, but I think the hunt for my ideal foundation is finally over! Meet my new love, Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup. 

 Before this, I had been using Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua for the past year or so. Because these two foundations are fairly comparable, I thought people might be interested to know how I think the two stack up against each other!

Formula

Both Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup & Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua are liquid in texture. They both  come in plastic bottles that have to be shaken vigorously before dispensing the product to mix up the ingredients. I find that Vitalumiere Aqua seperates more in the bottle, despite shaking before hand, and sometimes comes out with what looks like water seperated from the foundation. The Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup on the other hand comes out of the bottle in a fluffier texture, almost semi-mouse like. It seems that the shaker in the bottle does a better job of infusing the foundation with air when shaken.

Both foundations feel lovely & lightweight on the face and are formulated to act almost as a "second skin." Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid does seem to have a thinner consistency & just sinks into the skin with minimal blending. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua feels slightly thicker in my opinion. With a brush like the Real Techniques Buffing Brush, both foundations blend in very well. Estee Lauder just feels absolutely weightless on the skin, almost as if you are wearing no makeup.

Coverage

Both foundations are light coverage initially but can easily be built up. I find however, that I have to be careful not to apply too much of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, especially around my nose, otherwise it can start to look cakey. With Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid, I have never had that problem, even when I add an extra layer to the center of my face. 

Color Range

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Estee Lauder offers a much wider range of colors for this foundation than Chanel. Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup is offered in warm, cool and neutral shades, whereas Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua is only offered in warm or cool tones. B10, the shade I was matched to in Vitalumiere Aqua is slightly too yellow for my neutral skin tone. The shade I wear in Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup, 1N1, is a perfect match for me. When the SA initially was color matching me, I was shocked when this shade literally disappeared on my face. You could not tell where the foundation ended & my bare skin started.  

Longevity
One of my main complaints with Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua was the longevity. Despite using powder & a setting spray, my foundation would always disappear around my oily nose & t-zone by the afternoon. Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup is much longer wearing & only slightly fades from the oilier places on my face throughout the day. 

Although Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua worked well for me in Fall & Winter, once Spring hit, I noticed the foundation would break down more in the heat & go patchy throughout the day. With Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup, I find that I am having to blot my face & touch up with powder much less during the day. I believe Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid is much better suited for those with combo to oily skin because it is oil-free & non acnegenic. 

Price 

The Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation retails for $45 for 1ml, while the Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup is $35 for the same amount of product. 

Packaging

I can't lie and say that I am not swayed by beautiful packaging, because I am. This is the one category where I feel Chanel wins hands down. There is something so luxurious about Chanel packaging. Any time I use one of their products, I can't help but feel like I am treating myself.

 Although I love the product inside, I find the Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid packaging quite boring & actually a bit unattractive. I feel that Estee Lauder could have done a much better job with the design of the bottle.

Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup in 1N1 (Left) & Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in B10 (Left)

Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup in 1N1 (Left) & Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in B10 (Right)

Overall, Estee Lauder was the absolute winner for me. This foundation is by far the best I have found for my combination skin type to date!


Have you tried one or both of these foundations? I would love to know what your experiences with either was!

Lots of Love,

Louise