For someone with combination skin (normal cheeks and chin, but very, VERY oily T-zone, especially around the nose), it stinks something fierce when I can’t find the right moisturiser or foundation. A few months ago, when I started using Chanel’s Vitalumiere Aqua foundation, I thought I finally hit the jackpot because it’s incredibly light and holds very well for hours. I was happy and contented for a while there, until I realised that the Vitalumiere Aqua was starting to oxidise on me. It’s not very obvious, but I could tell that my skintone looked ever-so-slightly darker (more yellow) than usual. It’s not a major problem for me; bugger it, I paid $77 for that bottle, I will damn well use it till it’s finished!

Still…

I stumbled upon Bourjois’ Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation when I was doing my weekly patronage to the drugstore Mecca (aka Priceline). Gel foundie, you say? Squeezed some onto the back of my hand (not a good spot to decide on shades, but I just wanted to feel the texture) and it perked my interest. Into the shopping cart it went.

Description:
Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation contains lychee, goji and pomegranate, which work to erase signs of fatigue and achieve a revived and even complexion lasting 16 hours. The gel foundation comes in five different shades designed to blend with all skin tones and conceal blemishes without thick layers or visible lines. The pump action bottle delivers the right measure of foundation each time.

So, what on earth is this gel foundation? First of all, let me clear the air by saying it’s NOT a gel. It’s not the clear, gooey substance you’re used to in shower gels, facial wash gels or gel moisturisers. The foundation doesn’t feel nor look like a gel. I reckon it’s a marketing ploy to attract those with oily/combination skin to buy the product. Which I did.

The foundation pumps out like any other liquid foundation. It’s light and oil-free in texture, and smells amazingly good. There’s a subtle hint of a fruity fragrance in the foundation which I really like. It spreads well on the skin and gives me medium coverage (might be light to some, but it’s good enough for me to even out the skin tone). Whenever I have it on, I don’t feel as though I’m wearing anything on my face.

What I like about the foundation is the staying power. It stayed on my skin for over 8 hours without rubbing off and my T-zone remained oil-free for the first few hours. There wasn’t a hint of oxidation on the skin at all. It’s not very dewy, which can look greasy on oily skin, but just gives that healthy glow. I applied this with my fingers and it was oh-so-smooth.

I’ve had questions from readers on whether this would suit dry skin. To be honest, I’m not sure. Since I don’t have dry skin (trust me, having oily skin is equally, if not more, frustrating), I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for that, except to try it out yourselves. It may not be rich and hydrating enough to some, which is why those with dry skin should perhaps also check out the regular Healthy Mix foundation to compare. I would recommend this to those with normal to combination skin.

What I’m going to say next would be sacrilegious given that I’m a fan of Chanel makeup, but I prefer this to the Vitalumiere Aqua. I just think the Bourjois gel foundation looked better on me than the Chanel.

*hides behind a wall for fear of thrown rotten tomatoes from Chanel fans*

The shade I’m using is #52 in Vanilla.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation retails at AU$32 for 30ml and is available at selected Priceline stores, Kmart and Target nationwide.

What I like about it: Long staying power, lightweight, no oxidation, smells lovely

What I do not like about it: Nothing