We Tried Chantecaille’s Future Skin Oil-Free Gel Foundation – Here’s Our Report

Does Future Skin Oil-Free Gel Foundation by Chantecaille deliver the natural, real-skin-like finish that makeup artists rave about? Juliet Herd puts the beauty industry secret to the test in this installment of the C&TH Beauty Lab series.

C&TH Beauty Lab: Chantecaille’s Future Skin Oil-Free Gel Foundation 

The Product

Originally launched in 1999, Future Skin foundation is one of Chantecaille’s Big Five – up there with other cult classics, Bio Lifting Serum+, Lip Veil, Pure Rosewater and Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara. A makeup artist favourite, it was used on just about every cast member in Netflix’s popular The Crown series, including the actors who played The Queen and Princess Anne, and in the HBO drama Euphoria (starring Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney). Why? Because its lightweight, ultra silky gel texture ensures a flawless, yet natural look – both in real life and on the small screen.

Now it has been supercharged with a 58 percent water base and the addition of skin-enhancing botanicals like hydrating Spirodela polyrhiza (a species of duckweed, don’t you know!), anti-inflammatory Chaga mushroom extract (great for alleviating redness) and a plant-based retinol alternative. The award-winning formula also contains antioxidant-rich rosemary and green tea extracts in combination with healing aloe, arnica and chamomile. The relaunch offers complexion matching for a wider skin tone range with seven new shades, bringing the total to 21. It comes in a stylish, fully recyclable glass jar with an aluminium lid, in line with the luxury brand’s commitment to conscious beauty. As part of this pledge, Chantecaille has also removed any traces of environmental nasties such as silicones and microplastics. 

The Science Bit

For 97 percent of users (based on an in-use study of 33 women after 28 days), the foundation proved the perfect everyday base product, with the same number saying it immediately made their skin appear younger. All panellists agreed it refined the appearance of the skin while 97 percent found their makeup looked fresh all day. A separate clinical trial of 32 men and women revealed significantly higher skin hydration in three hours. 

The Test Drive

I’ve always been wary of foundation. Either the wrong shade or too heavy and cakey. Aargh! I’d end up wiping it off as quickly as I applied it, preferring to bare all rather than look overly made up. This oil-free gel foundation has been a revelation. I even look forward to dipping my fingertips into it, although I can recommend using Chantecaille’s new Blend and Smooth Brush (£40), an ultra-soft brush featuring vegan fibres that create an angled shape, making short work of blending. The only slight issue is the potential for spillage with a pot container as opposed to a pump dispenser. On the plus side, however, it means there is absolutely zero wastage. Just a small amount is needed for buildable coverage and you’ll be surprised by how long this seemingly bottomless pot lasts.

The Prep

The main thing is to find the right shade, and with 21 to choose from, that shouldn’t be a problem. After a bit of trial and error (it pays to do this at your nearest Chantecaille retailer with the help of trained staff), I settled on Vanilla (medium light with balanced, neutral undertones), which makes my (mature) skin look, well, skin-like. That may sound obvious but for me, that’s the point. To look natural. I’m not trying to obliterate my blemishes, freckles or fine lines, but there’s no doubt (in my mind, at least) that my skin appears fresher and more radiant.

Here’s the icing on the cake: wear with Chantecaille’s Sheer Glow Rose Face Tint (£76), a luminous gel crème that will make your cheek bones pop and give your face a confidence-boosting soft glow. Apply either underneath or on top. 

The Verdict

Future Skin Oil-Free Gel Foundation is the go-to product for a natural, second-skin finish. Buildable, long-lasting and gratifyingly hydrating, it is packed with botanical goodness that will continue to work its skincare magic even after cleansing. 

SHOP

Future Skin Oil-Free Gel Foundation, £83 (30g). chantecaille.co.uk