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| Above: The Cle de Peau Cream Foundation offers medium to full coverage with a natural matte finish that lasts all day. |
Since finding out that my beloved Kanebo Sensai Cream Foundation will no longer be sold in the US, I have been, yet again, on a foundation quest to find the quintessential medium coverage cream foundation with a semi-matte yet skin-like finish that lasts the duration of a long work day and is readily procurable at a retailer in my area. Those who loyally read Beauty Professor know that I have not been reticent in expressing the lengths I will go to obtain a delightful foundation…I enjoy the thrill of the hunt, often the more obscure the product, the better!
During this month, I have tried a host of formulas; I am delighted to report that there are many promising options out there, with the gorgeous Cle de Peau Cream Foundation being the first formula of focus.
Kindly scroll on for more details, shade descriptions with swatches of every shade, images of the formula on my face and the Bottom Line…
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| Above: Shade O20 is a light beige suitable for my NC 23-25 skin. |
According to Neiman Marcus, the Cle de Peau Cream Foundation is:
Luxuriously smooth and enriched with skincare benefits, Cream Foundation creates medium-to-full flawless coverage for any skin type.
- Achieves a high-quality finish through the synergy of skincare and makeup ingredients.
- Maintains a long-lasting velvety feel and a just-applied beautiful, radiant finish.
- Blends perfectly into skin with an ultra-light texture.
- Revitalizing Moisture Complex moisturizes and visibly smoothes skin’s texture.
- Green Tea Extract helps to prevent skin cell damage.
- Treatment Lucent Powder EX to bring out natural radiance.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cyclomethicone, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Talc, Butylene Glycol, Nylon-12, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides (Ci 77492), Dextrin Palmitate, Barium Sulfate, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Aluminum Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Trisodium Edta, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Polymethyl Methacrylate, Mica, Polysilicone-2, Fragrance (Parfum), Tocopheryl Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract (Ginkgo Biloba), Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tocopherol, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone.
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| Above: The precision tip of the squeeze tube guarantees a controlled dispensing of the product. |
The foundation comes in a 1.1 ounce squeeze tube with a precision tip that makes dispensing the formula both convenient and sanitary. I love being able to toss the tube into my makeup bag for long work and travel days. At $120, this foundation is an investment, however, because the formula is so concentrated, a little goes a long way and I envision a single tube lasting me four to five months with daily use.
The Cle de Peau Cream Foundation provides beautiful, buildable medium-to-full matte coverage that just gets better with time; after 30 minutes to an hour of wear, this foundation morphs into the appearance of radiantly perfect skin. Although it doesn’t have a dewy finish, I mitigate this lack of initial radiance with an application of my beloved Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge #2, followed by a single pump of the By Terry Cellularose Brightening CC Lumi-Serum in Sunny Flash to add a slightly warm glow that is perfect for the bright and warmer months ahead (review soon!). A large pea-sized amount of the foundation, stippled on with a damp Beauty Blender, is all I need for flawless coverage that stays in place for an indeterminate amount of hours. Additionally, it was a pleasant surprise to discover that this foundation does not oxidize, has no added fragrance and boasts a decent amount of broad spectrum SPF protection.
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| Above: A swatch of O20 in direct sunlight. |
In comparison to other formulas…the Cle de Peau Cream Foundation:
- Has more coverage (medium to full) than the Eve Lom Radiance Lift Foundation (reviewed HERE)
- Is slightly more matte than the Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation (reviewed HERE)
- Has similar coverage but is slightly more radiant than the By Terry Cover Expert (reviewed HERE)
- Has a similar finish and coverage but slightly better lasting power than the By Terry Densiliss Foundation (reviewed HERE)
- Has more coverage and less radiance than the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation (reviewed HERE)
- Has similar coverage but is slightly less matte (and more skin-like overall) than the Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation (reviewed HERE)
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| Above: The eight shades currently available range from approximately N 10 to NW 40. |
Shade Descriptions (in my experience only):
- I10: Light neutral beige suitable for fair skin tones in the N/NW/NC 10-15 range
- B10: Light rosy beige suitable for fair skin tones in the NW 15 range
- O10: Light neutral to warm beige suitable for fair skin tones in the N/NC 15-20 range
- BF20: Light yellow beige, suitable for fair to light yellow skin tones in the NC 20-23 range
- B20: Light-medium rosy beige, suitable for light/medium skin tones in the NW 20-25 range
- O20: Light-medium neutral to warm beige suitable for light/medium skin tones in the N/NC 23-27 range **This is my perfect match right now!
- B30: Medium rosy beige suitable for medium to medium/dark skin tones in the NW 30-40 range
- O30: Medium neutral to warm beige suitable for medium skin tones in the N/NC 30-35 skin range
Clearly, there are some shades lacking on the darker side of the spectrum, but those with rosier, medium to medium-dark skin could likely find a match with the B30. Here’s to hoping that Cle de Peau expands its shade range to include richer, darker tones in this formula!
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| Above: Swatches of all shades in outdoor shade. |
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| Above: Swatches of all shades in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: A closeup of the fair to light shades in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: A closeup of the light-medium to dark shades in direct sunlight. |
The images below reflect the Cle de Peau Cream Foundation on my face in various lighting situations…
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| Above: In outdoor partial sun…taken after 8 hours of foundation wear! |
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| Above: In outdoor shade. |
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| Above: With a flash…no flashback! |
Other products worn in the images above and below:
- Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge #2 (as a moisturizer, illuminator, and primer)
- One pump of the By Terry Cellularose Brightening CC Lumi-Serum in #4 Sunny Flash (to add a subtle golden glow)
- RMS Buriti Bronzer (as a contour and bronzer…reviewed HERE)…applied with the Real Techniques Face Brush
- Le Metier de Beaute Creme Fresh Lip and Cheek Tint in Mystique (detailed HERE)…applied to the apples of my cheeks as blush
- Le Metier de Beaute Liberty of London Kaleidoscope on my eyelids (not currently available)
- Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade in Dark Brown applied with the Anastasia #15 brow brush
- Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Hi-Liner in Blacquer (along my lower waterline)
- Surratt Beauty Relevee Mascara (two coats on upper and lower lashes)
- A mixture of MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Patentpink (adore this!) + Dior Fluid Stick in #389 Kiss Me (reviewed HERE) for a long lasting, lushly-hydrating, lilac-infused pink (a favorite combination as of late)
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| Above: In intense outdoor lighting. |
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| Above: In outdoor shade. |
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| Above: Outdoors with a flash. |
Bottom Line: I am so glad that I decided to try the Cle de Peau Cream Foundation. The flawless, velvet, medium to full coverage it provides is commendable and I appreciate the skin-like finish that develops over the first hour of wear. The fact that it is kind to my sensitive skin, has formidable SPF (that doesn’t flash back!) and lasts though an inordinately long day further justifies the investment. I find it to be magnificent and, therefore, recommended it highly! The Cle de Peau Cream Foundation can be purchased at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.
For brilliant, personalized assistance from the Cle de Peau counter at Neiman Marcus Fashion Island, contact Kimmie Nguyen (949/759-1900 ext. 2121) or CdP Specialist Vivian Huynh at (949) 759-1900 ext. 2118!
I hope your weekend is off to a great start and welcome your questions and comments…much more coming up soon on Beauty Professor!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
**This post contains affiliate links; my disclosure policy contains additional details on how these work.
Comments (26)
Good morning BP,
Cle de Peau beaute products are sure higher end but the quality speaks itself. I am currently using the powder foundation in O20.
Do you find B20 darker than O20? I can see from the photo B20 is onto the rosy tone?
I enjoy your foundation reviews! I also have long work hours and always hunting for long lasting foundation.
Enjoy your weekend.
Rochie
Hello Rochie,
Glad to know you are enjoying the gorgeousness that is Cle de Peau base products! In response to your question, yes, I do think that the "B" shades run darker than the "O" shades.
Thanks for the kind words and have a beautiful week!
xoxo and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello BP!
Just wondering if you would kindly share some details regarding the blush/bronzer and lip colors that you are wearing in this awesome post? Thanks so much for your very thorough review – extremely helpful!
I would be happy to, Jacqueline…thanks for your interest! I just went back into the post and added the details!
Thanks for your readership…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Wow your hair is so beautiful!!
Thank you ever so much!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Oh wow, the foundation still look amazing even after 8 hours. Must admit that I am truly impressed!
Thanks, Shireen…it truly astounds me how well this formula holds up…I've been traveling all week (in humid weather, no less!) and have gone up to 10 hours without a need for touch ups. Insane!
xoxo…always lovely to hear from you,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi BP,
Love this review and the CDP looks wonderful on you…great match! Quick question…I use B10 powder foundation (and have for a long time) and would love to try this foundation, would I also buy the B10 in the cream foundation? Honestly, the 010 looks like a better match, since my skin is more neutral and the B10-cream looks very rosy. Thanks in advance for your reply!
Hello Sarah…thank you so much!
With regards to your question, I think you'll be happy with the O10 as the "B" range in the liquid is rosy and actually quite dark once it dries down ; )
Do keep me posted on what you decide!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi!
I can't believe how gorgeous that still looks after 8 hours! Thank you so much for swatching these shades, I've been intrigued by this foundation for a while now but buying blind at such a steep price point was a bit daunting! This will definitely help with the decision making 🙂
Bambi
http://bambikailand.blogspot.com.au/
Hi Bambi,
Thank you! The longevity of this formula is remarkable, indeed. Please keep me posted on your experience should you end up picking it up!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello! I just wanted to tell you that this post inspired to me buy the silky cream foundation for CdP. I have very dry and dehydrated skin that eats foundations no matter how amazing my skin care (and yes I use nude progenius!).
I absolutely love it. It's moisturizing, non caky, and applies beautifully with a stunning glow. It evens out my skin tone amazingly. It probably doesn't last as long as the cream formula but at least it doesn't dry me out at all.
Thanks so much
Hello Sonia,
Thank you for letting me know! I am so glad that you have found love with the CdP Silky formula…that is fantastic news!
xoxo and have a beautiful rest of the weekend,
–The Beauty Professor
Hey BP,
You inspired me to grab a bottle of the CdP in O30 yesterday. So far, I love! The staying power is fab and it is perfectly portable for those days when I get ready in my car outside of work 🙂
Thank you making the world a beautiful place – one flawless face at a time!
-Gabbi
Hello Gabbi,
So glad that you are loving your new foundation acquisition…thanks for sharing the good news!
Your kind words made me smile…thank you from my heart ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello!
Do you think if it's comparable to the Laura Mercier silk cream?
Thanks so much
Ylenia
Hi Ylenia,
It has similar coverage but a much more natural finish and superior lasting power to the Laura Mercier Silk Creme (which gets oily on me in a few hours).
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much for this valuable "library" of Cle de Peau cream foundation swatches. I needed a new foundation with spf and matte coverage, I live in the FL swamp, but something not irritaing nor drying as I'm over 40 and have dry skin. Your skin looks flawless and your swatches helped me decide. I don't have a CdeP counter close to me geographically so I ordered sight unseen, O10, and it's a perfect match. I love it! It definitely settles into a matte perfect surface so I layer with a little moisturizer with spf underneath and I don't need powder. It does not pill or fade. It is a whopping price but I felt at a loss as to what to get, foundation can be such an unpleasant experience, from testing to purchase, I have hopes and dreams, and then bang! reality sets in.
I can say this one is perfect. It works like nothing else I've tried. It's better to spend $120 once than $40 several times on trial and error products.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Hello Silvia,
Thanks so much for the wonderful feedback! I am thrilled that you have found the perfect foundation for your skin…it truly makes me happy ; )
Have a lovely week ahead…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks for the post, I just purchased this foundation after reading your review. I live in a rural area and your swatches have helped with my online shopping countless times!
Do you find the need to set this foundation with powder? It looks so great in your pictures and very natural, I'm worried powder might make it a bit to thick…
Hello and my pleasure! So glad my swatches were helpful.
I don't generally set this with powder…I just may use a bit to touch up, hours later in the day!
I hope that answers your question…enjoy your new foundation…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks for your post, but can I please get some advice on which shade to purchase. I am currently wearing Charlotte Tilbury fair 2. your help would be much appreciated. b xx
I recommend I10…that is very similar to the CT Fair 2.
Hope that helps!
–The Beauty Professor
Hello, thanks for all the swatches.
I am a MAC Matchmaster 1.0 , MUFE HD 115, Shu Uemura Lightbulb Foundation in 784.
Which shade do you think will suit me best? I am more of a neutral tone, not much of NC or NW, which is why I bought the Matchmaster.
Btw, have you tried the Cle de Peau Radiant Fluid Foundation?
Thanks.
I suggest I 10 or O 10…I hope that helps! Yes, I also have the CdP Radiant Fluid Foundationa and it's magnificent!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor