How to choose the foundation that really reveals your skin

Finding the right foundation means taming nuances, textures and gestures. An intimate encounter between light, material and comfort.

In a perfume store, you’ll always recognize the same scene: a drop placed on the jawline, a held breath, a mirror caught in daylight. Choosing the right foundation is all about finding that subtle point of balance where skin remains itself, simply more harmonious.

The right shade, the one that disappears

The perfect color is the one you can’t see. We test at jaw level, then observe in natural light.
To refine, we identify our undertone by looking at the veins on the inside of the wrist:

• Green veins → warm undertone
• Blue veins → cold undertone
• Between the two → neutral subtone

Online diagnostics (Dior, Shade Finder Sephora, Charlotte Tilbury, Findation) help… but your skin remains the best indicator.

A question of needs and desires

Here’s a selection designed as an experienced consultant would, attentive to the textures and moods of each skin type.

Combination to oily skin

They like light or mattifying textures that control shine without hardening features.

• Estée Lauder – Double Wear: exemplary hold, clean yet lively finish.
• Tom Ford – Architecture Soft Matte Foundation: modern, soft and elegant matte finish.

Dry or mature skin

They look for comfort, hydration and a soft light that visually smoothes the grain.

• Victoria Beckham Beauty – Foundation Drops: precious fluidity, very second-skin.
• NARS – Light Reflecting Foundation: delicate radiance and a texture that subtly captures light.

Blemished skin

They need a product that evens out without smothering.

• Makeup by Mario – SurrealSkin™ Foundation: a natural yet skilfully perfecting finish.
• Huda Beauty – Easy Blur: blurs contours without adding thickness.

Sensitive, reactive skin with imperfections

Shorter, more soothing formulas, but still capable of unifying.

• Jones Road – What The Foundation: balm texture, very gentle on the skin.
• Chanel – N°1 de Chanel: skincare and make-up at the same time, ideal for days when skin needs softness.

Versatile foundations

The ones that everyone agrees on, regardless of skin type.

• Chanel – Les Beiges: a healthy glow that’s easy to modulate.
• Armani Luminous Silk: a mythical fluid appreciated for its finesse and elegance.

A look at the composition

Some skins prefer purer formulas that respect the epidermis and the environment.
Among the gentlest options:

• Le Rouge Français – Akénéa Initiale: plant pigments, velvety veil.
• La Provençale – Le Teint Lumière d’Ocres: natural luminosity.
• Typology – Tinted Serum: minimalist formulation, very comfortable, perfect for a controlled bare-skin effect.

Let the material live

A foundation is at its best when it’s forgotten, when it accompanies the skin rather than covering it. The challenge is not to freeze the face, but to choose a texture that follows your movements, your expressions, your day. Some skins prefer the warmth of fingers, others the precision of a brush or the softness of a sponge. The most important thing is the final impression: that of a supple, lively complexion that reflects you.