This video dives into a surprising comparison between a high-end Chanel foundation and an incredibly affordable $5 drugstore option. Get ready to see if a budget-friendly find can truly rival a luxury product, with results that might just blow you away.
Key Takeaways
- A $5 foundation from CVS delivered unexpectedly impressive results.
- The comparison pits a $5 foundation against a $150 Chanel foundation.
- The video focuses on demonstrating the application and finish of both products.
- The creator emphasizes finding quality products at all price points.
A Personal Note and A New Direction
First off, I wanted to give a huge thank you for all the support on my last video. I was feeling pretty overwhelmed and even considered taking it down, but your responses, advice, and shared experiences meant the world to me. It’s amazing how connecting with you all helps me navigate these feelings. I’ve taken a lot of your advice, like trying out the Franklin Planner, and I’m really embracing the idea of slowing down. It’s okay to not be on that constant hamster wheel, and your support truly helps me keep going and stay authentic.
The Foundation Face-Off: $5 vs. $150
Today, we're tackling foundations! I’ve tried so many over the years – drugstore, high-end, CC creams, BB creams – you name it. But I had something on my radar that seemed almost impossible: finding an incredibly inexpensive foundation that actually works. And guess what? I found one at CVS for just five dollars! I was genuinely shocked by how much I liked it.
So, we’re going to do a side-by-side comparison. On one half of my face, we’ll use my most expensive foundation from Chanel, which retails for $150. On the other half, we’ll use this $5 gem. I’m not about pushing cheap products just because they’re cheap; I take my job seriously and want to show you options so you can make your own informed decisions.
Preparing The Canvas
Before we get into the foundations, let’s prep the skin. I’m starting with the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads. I like these because they don’t tingle like some other exfoliating pads, making them great for sensitive skin. They leave my skin feeling refined and bright.
For moisturizer, hydration is key for a good foundation application. I’ve been using a richer cream lately, and it makes my foundation look amazing. This one is clean beauty, feels velvety, and absorbs beautifully without being greasy. It gives the skin a lovely glow without looking shiny.
Next, eye primer. This is important for making sure your eyeshadow colors pop and last all day. I have some discoloration on my lids, and this primer neutralizes it, so the eyeshadows look true to color.
Everyday Eye Makeup
For the eyes, I’m using a beautiful, versatile palette. I’ll start with a mid-tone shade all over the lid, sweep it outwards, and then use a lighter shade just under the brow bone. For a little dimension, I’ll add a darker shade to the outer corner. I like to keep it simple for an everyday look, just adding a touch of shadowing under the eyes with what’s left on the brush.
To define the lashes, I’m using a waterproof eyeliner right along the lash line. If it’s not perfectly straight, a small smudge brush can help blend it out for a softer look. Then, for mascara, I’m trying out a drugstore primer first. This L’Oréal primer helps separate and build up the lashes, making them appear longer and fuller. You apply it white, then go over with your regular mascara. It really makes a difference!
Finally, a quick sweep through the brows with a brow fix product to groom them into place.
The Foundation Application: Chanel vs. Wet n Wild
Now for the main event! I’m priming my face with a blurring primer. This helps smooth out texture, especially in the T-zone and on the cheeks.
Let’s talk about the $5 foundation. It’s the Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation in the shade ‘Dewy’. It comes in a glass bottle with a twist-up applicator, which is great for controlling the amount of product. They claim it’s lightweight, nourishing, buildable, and ideal for normal to dry skin. It also has a lovely, subtle fragrance.
On the right side of my face, I’m applying the Wet n Wild foundation with a clean buffing brush. The application is incredibly smooth, almost like a serum. It blends beautifully and gives a lovely dewy finish. I’m doing one full application to start.
On the left side, we have the Chanel foundation. This is shade BR 12, a rosy ivory. It also has a beautiful, classic Chanel scent and feels luxurious on the skin. They describe it as having a serum-like texture that creates a smoother, more radiant complexion. It’s infused with ingredients like vanilla oil and light-reflecting mica.
I’m applying the Chanel foundation with a separate clean brush. It also glides on smoothly and feels very lightweight. The key question is: can you tell the difference between a $5 foundation and a $150 one?
After the first coat, I actually feel the Wet n Wild side looks a bit dewier and more like my skin. The Chanel is lovely, but this particular shade is a little lighter than my current skin tone, which I’ve noticed before.
Building Coverage and The Verdict
Let’s go in for a second coat on both sides to see how they build coverage. It’s important to remember that while foundations can mimic texture, they can’t change the actual texture of a blemish. The Wet n Wild foundation feels very forgiving and doesn’t settle into any texture.
After the second application, both foundations look very similar. The Wet n Wild side still feels a bit dewier to me, which I personally prefer. The color match on the Wet n Wild side is also better because I mixed two shades to get my perfect match. The Chanel is beautiful, but the shade match isn't quite right for me on its own.
Can I tell a $150 foundation from a $5 one? Honestly, after this comparison, I personally can’t see a significant difference in the finish and feel. The Wet n Wild foundation has a beautiful, feminine scent and feels silky and lightweight. It buffs into the skin beautifully without feeling heavy. I would set it with a little translucent powder to ensure it lasts.
The Chanel foundation also looks beautiful and provides an elevated experience. However, the Wet n Wild foundation feels like a true winner, especially considering the price. It’s vegan, talc-free, and cruelty-free, ticking all the boxes.
Finishing Touches
To finish the look, I’ll lightly dust my T-zone with translucent powder. For blush, I’m using a beautiful palette, and I notice the Chanel side seems to grab the blush color a bit more intensely than the Wet n Wild side. I’ll also add a little eye brightener under the eyes.
For lips, I’m lining them with a Vitamin E liner, filling them in slightly, and then applying a pretty lipstick. I’ll top it off with a touch of lip gloss in the center for a little extra dimension.
Finally, a spritz of setting spray to lock everything in place. And for my hair, I’m using a volumizing spray and some velcro curlers for added lift.
The Final Comparison
So, here we have it: the $150 Chanel foundation and the $5.79 Wet n Wild foundation. Both look beautiful, but the Wet n Wild foundation provides an incredible experience for a fraction of the price. It feels amazing, looks dewy and natural, and delivers quality that rivals luxury brands. If you’re looking for a similar sensory experience and finish to Chanel without the high price tag, this Wet n Wild foundation is a definite winner. I’m so thrilled to share this find with you all!
