Peter Philips reveals his vision of the perfect complexion with the new Dior Forever
Picture a glam room set up in the heart of London, make-up artists at work, and an international press corps gathered for an exclusive first look at two new foundation formulas. This is the setting Dior chose to unveil the new version of its Forever foundation, available in two finishes: Skin Wear for a modern matte effect, and Skin Glow for a luminous result. Peter Philips, the house’s Creative and Image Director for Make-up, was on hand to share his vision of complexion in 2026.
Two formulas designed to work together
Skin Wear and Skin Glow are not simply alternatives to one another. Peter Philips is clear on this point: both formulas were developed to be used in combination. Skin Wear delivers a matte finish that is more radiant than a traditional matte, close to a second-skin effect. Its slightly fluid texture makes it easy to build up, and its transfer-proof wear makes it a reliable everyday companion.
Skin Glow, meanwhile, incorporates skincare actives including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides. These additions compromise neither the staying power nor the visual result, a key constraint for the creative director. In his view, enriching a formula with active ingredients should never come at the expense of the make-up finish.
In practice, combining the two products follows a straightforward logic: apply Skin Wear to areas that need coverage or evening out, then layer Skin Glow only on targeted zones. Because glow draws light and can accentuate certain imperfections, it is best reserved for areas where a precise radiance is desired.
Peter Philips’s method for a flawless everyday complexion
Behind the formulas lies an application philosophy that Peter Philips consistently champions. His goal is to recreate in everyday life the effect achieved backstage under stage lighting. This means building up the foundation in thin layers, much like a mille-feuille, rather than applying a single heavy coat.
- Cleanse and moisturise the skin before any application
- Use a lightweight lotion, such as the Prestige range’s micro-lotion de rose, to prime the base
- Apply foundation in thin, progressive layers
- Combine Skin Wear and Skin Glow according to the zones of the face
- Add powder over Skin Wear to enhance the matte effect, or a highlighter for extra radiance
Peter Philips advises against overloading the skin with moisturising products before foundation, since the formula already contains hydrating actives. Too many layers underneath will undermine the final result. It is better to build gradually and adjust according to the skin’s needs on any given day.
The perfect complexion according to Dior in 2026
For Peter Philips, the defining trend of 2026 rests on two pillars: glowy skin and flawless skin. Nude make-up dominates current looks, yet it is in reality very carefully constructed. Contouring, highlighting, sculpting the structure of the face, everything hinges on the quality of the complexion, even when the result appears entirely natural.
This vision of a perfected yet invisible finish directly informs the development of the new Dior Forever formulas. The idea is not to mask the skin, but to enhance it or create the illusion of a perfect complexion, depending on individual needs. It is precisely this duality that the two finishes set out to address.
Innovation and timelessness, the two driving forces of the house
Peter Philips does not consider himself a follower of short-lived trends. Chasing every new thing, in his view, leads to creative burnout. He prefers to invest in quality products capable of outlasting passing fads, citing the Lip Glow Oil as an example, a product that was not launched as a hero item but went viral over time, simply because its formula was exceptional.
On the technical innovation front, transfer-proof performance is what holds his attention most. But what excites him above all is the broader progress of the industry: the fusion of skincare and make-up, the quality of formulas, and the level of knowledge among younger generations. These consumers master complex techniques and ingredients from an early age, which pushes Dior‘s teams to maintain an exceptionally high standard with every launch.
Changing a formula that already works remains a delicate exercise. Peter Philips readily admits it: when a product delivers, the temptation is strong to leave it untouched. It is therefore only when an improvement is real and measurable that the house takes the leap, as is the case with this new version of Forever.
