Chanel Water-Fresh Tint: your skin but better

Some products are good. And some are so good that other people tell you that you look better without knowing why. Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint is the second kind.

What the brand says

• Ultra-light, hydrating and refreshing formula with 75 % water.
• Patented microfluidic technology: pigments are enclosed in visible micro-droplets that melt into the skin on contact.
• A luminous bare-skin effect, an even complexion that lasts all day and a healthy glow.
• Up to 8 hours of hydration, with tamarind seed extract and a scent inspired by neroli blossom.
• Eight shades (Light, Medium Light, Medium, Medium Plus, Light Deep, Deep, Medium Deep and Deep Plus), 30 ml, with an application brush.

My experience

A gorgeous, gorgeous base. From the first application it was clear this was something special. The texture is so light it's literally as if the skin has absorbed water, not as if I've applied foundation.

The coverage is completely light. It doesn't hide the skin, it enhances it: the tone is even, the skin looks plump and hydrated, and the glow is lovely, the natural, healthy kind, never greasy. If you want the definition of your skin but better, this is it.

The best proof? People told me my skin looked better while I was wearing it. Nobody asked what foundation I had on, they just noticed my skin looked good, and for me that's the biggest compliment a base product can get.

Shade Medium

I used the shade Medium. It's fine for summer, when I have a bit of colour, but in winter it's slightly too strong for me. If you're fair and want one shade for the whole year, consider going one shade lighter.

The only downside: dryness

During the day it can cause a little dryness. That's why I think it's better in summer, when the skin is naturally more hydrated; in winter it needs a richer cream underneath.

For sensitive skin it's also worth knowing that the formula contains fragrance. I didn't react, but if your skin can't tolerate fragrance, patch test it on a small area first.

Definitely buying again. Only because of the dryness and the shade it's not a full five, but 4.5/5.

Who is it for

For anyone who wants a natural, fresh complexion with light coverage and glow, especially in summer and for 30+ skin where heavy foundations emphasise lines. If you need strong coverage or have very dry skin, this isn't the product for you, or pair it with a richer cream.

Tops and flops

Top

• A gorgeous, ultra-light base
• Skin looks plump and hydrated, as if it drank water
• Lovely, natural glow
• Light coverage: your skin but better
• People told me my skin looked better

Flop

• Can cause a little dryness during the day
• Medium is a bit too strong for winter
• Better for summer than winter

Rating

★★★★★★★★★★4.5/5

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint (Medium)

Frequently asked questions

How much coverage does Chanel Water-Fresh Tint give?

Light. It doesn't hide the skin, it enhances it: it evens out the tone and adds glow. Your skin but better.

Which shade of Chanel Water-Fresh Tint should I choose?

I use Medium. It's perfect in summer, but a bit too strong for me in winter. If you're fair and want one shade for the whole year, consider Medium Light. The brand offers eight shades, from Light to Deep Plus.

Is Chanel Water-Fresh Tint good for dry skin?

On the face it feels as if the skin has absorbed water, but during the day it can cause a little dryness for me. That's why I prefer it in summer.

Does Chanel Water-Fresh Tint have SPF?

No, so I always apply SPF underneath.

How do you apply Chanel Water-Fresh Tint?

The brand recommends putting a little product on the back of your hand and applying it to the face with the brush in circular motions, on its own or under or over foundation.