Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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
     

20 comments:

  1. Thank you for this review! At the moment Vitalumiere Aqua is my holy grail foundation, but I was wondering how Invisible Fluid would stack up against it. Now I definitely have to go and check it out at the counter!

    http://beautifulsmudges.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks for your comment Ewa! I really hope you love it as much as I do!

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  2. Thanks for this review hun. Chanel cosmetics are not sold around me and ordering online with out being colour matched makes me uncomfortable..but they sell Estee Lauder across the street and Im def checking this one out. Sara xx
    http://beautifulworldoflennynb.blogspot.ca/

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    1. No prob Sara! I know what you mean about ordering makeup online..have made that mistake one too many times ;) I hope the Estee Lauder foundation works out for you!

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  3. What a great and thorough review! I have the Chanel and keen on trying the Estee Lauder, especially after your review! Thanks for sharing.
    http://superficialsydney.blogspot.com.au/

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    1. Thank you for your sweet words Stacie! I would love to hear how you think the Estee Lauder foundation compares if you try it out :)

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  4. These are both great! I've always been a Bare Escentuals girl!

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    1. I love Bare Escentuals eyeshadows but for some reason have yet to try out their face makeup. I have heard good things, so might have to give it a try sometime!

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  5. Thanks so much for this review! Going to ask for a sample at my counter asap!

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    1. Oooh good! I'm so glad I swayed you to try it out! It really is a great product :)

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  6. Ohh great review have been looking at that estee foundation and wondering if I should try it! Now I know I should :)

    xo

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  7. Thanks for the review! I agree with you on the packing but even still, it's the product inside that really matters. Glad you've found your new HG!

    xo, alison*elle

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  8. I've been tossing up on which one I'd like to try first, and I definitely think you have swayed me to get the Estee Lauder foundation!

    Zoe xx
    http://toujourszweee.blogspot.com.au/

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  9. I sooooo need to try the EL one now! :D xo

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  10. really want to try the Estee Lauder foundation - look sreally good.
    also i love your blog - now following!:D
    xx

    http://alexa-bella.blogspot.co.uk/

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  11. I've been wearing vitalumiere aqua on and off for about a year now and although I do like it, I don't quite love it. Will have to give the EL one a go x

    josieowen.blogspot.com

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  12. Wow love your blog I just stumbled upon it! Is the estee lauder oil-free?
    xo,
    http://missmelissafashionandbeautyblog.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thank you Melissa! Yes, Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup is oil free

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  13. Thanks for this review - very helpful! Do you have any thoughts on how the Invisible Fluid compares to MAC Face and Body?

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  14. Thank you for this review! The Estee Lauder 1N1 is a perfect match for me but I always wondered about the Chanel foundation because so many people talk about it.

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