I love wearing foundation. Not only can it turn around a low self-esteem day, but the ritual of applying it is very precious to me. For a product to pull me away from any of that is difficult, but Chanel’s No. 1 de Chanel Skin Enhancer is so seamless and true to its name that it accomplished that near-impossible feat.

Chanel’s No. 1 de Chanel Skin Enhancer comes in three luminous, self-describing shades: Soft Pink, Medium Coral, and Intense Amber. It’s so versatile that you can’t put it in a box or specific category; you can wear it all over a bare face, mixed into moisturizer or foundation, as highlighter/bronzer (depending on the shade), or to underpaint your makeup. 

The Chanel Skin Enhancer comes from the brand’s most recent line, Chanel No. 1, which capitalizes on the brand's legacy of makeup-meets-skincare innovation. The hero skincare ingredient of the entire No. 1 line is red camellia extract, which packs a one-two punch — studies have found that it protects from aging environmental aggressors in addition to promoting collagen production. This formula also includes hyaluronic acid and, surprisingly, sea water. Hyaluronic acid is an obvious choice thanks to its all day hydration and skin-plumping properties. I’ve personally never seen sea water in a formula before, but according to one study it reduces inflammation and prevents water loss. 

Of the multitude of ways I’ve worn the product, I was surprised that my favorite was on a bare face. (Both because I love foundation and am a makeup maximalist.) The first time I used it, I applied it on my bare face with the plan to use it as a primer, but I was stopped in my tracks by my reflection. My skin was luminous, hydrated, and soft, and my pores were totally blurred. I touched up a few severe dark spots with concealer, but otherwise I was good to go. 

I tried all of the aforementioned methods, too. My second favorite way to use the Chanel Skin Enhancer is a toss up between as a highlighter and as a primer. In both cases it looks invisible (in the sense that you can’t see any makeup). But the dewy effect is there thanks to its light-catching particles that amplify the high points of the face. Overall, it makes my face look more sculpted. 

Sure, it’s a little bit of a splurge at $65, but between the skincare benefits and the multi-use factors as a makeup product, I think it’s worth it. Head to Chanel to shop Chanel’s No. 1 de Chanel Skin Enhancer to try it out yourself.