I’ve Tested All of the Best-Selling Luxury Foundations, But This Is the Only One That’s Actually Worth Its $100+ Price Tag

I’ll get right to it, folks. The new Chantecaille foundation, Future Skin Cushion Skincare Foundation ($130), is the best foundation I’ve ever tried in my life, full stop. It’s like a beautiful second skin that one million percent warrants the $130 price tag (don’t @ me—it comes with a refill!)

Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Foundation — $130.00

I was recently introduced to Chantecaille’s makeup line, and got the chance to try this blessed compact which comes with not one but two foundation cushions. And while I anticipated some great things—both my best friends swear by the brand’s Future Skin Gel Foundation ($82)—I couldn’t have prepared for the immaculate results this product delivered.

From the first dab, I was in awe. The water-based formula felt like a serum when I applied it (a big deal for my dry winter skin), and my face looked as if I wasn’t wearing makeup at all. IDEAL. The formula is buildable and a little bit goes a long way—which means it should last you a while (another thing that makes the $130 price tag fee worth it). It’s also featherlight, and I was genuinely surprised that such a lightweight foundation could provide such impressive coverage. I didn’t need any additional tools or blenders to apply it, just the round pouf that came in the compact.

As for the ingredients, the stars of the show are bionymph peptides (for anti-aging benefits) and botanical sugars (which smooth and protect the skin). The peptides are delivered via stem cell extract, and purportedly boost collagen production while decreasing the appearance of fine lines. The sugars defend against pollution by preventing dirt and grime in the air from sticking to your skin, and—bonus—also smooth out lines and wrinkles.

All’s to say, there’s a whole lot of skin smoothing happening, which explains why the brand’s co-founder, Olivia Chatecaille, calls the foundation “the perfect balance between skin care and makeup.” It’s also fragrance-free, which is a huge win for those on the more sensitive side, and ticks the vegan, gluten-free, paraben/phthalate-free, and cruelty-free boxes as well. It’s water-based, meaning it won’t leave oily skin slick or congested, but is still hydrating enough for bone-dry complexions like mine.

Also of note? The shade range. Chantecaille reports that each of the eight shades, which span from very fair to deep, has the versatility to work with multiple skin tones. These flexible shades should allow you to pick a single foundation that works for your complexion through all the seasons, even if you fluctuate based on how much sun exposure you’re getting (another thing that makes the $130 price point feel slightly more justifiable).

With all that in mind, if you’ve got $130 in your budget for two rounds of face makeup, I cannot recommend this more strongly.

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