The latest lifestyle, fashion and travel trends
The latest lifestyle, fashion and travel trends
How to ace your base is the holy grail of beauty regimes across the capital.
But while we may devote countless hours to sourcing the perfect Pantone-matched shade or custom-made coverage, increasingly your choice of foundation is only half the winning formula. The rest comes down to your tool kit.
Formerly the unsung hero of our make-up kits, a new breed of purpose-built brushes are being launched in
tandem with the latest cutting-edge foundations to deliver precise application — and, crucially, perfect results — every time. From the heart-shaped cheekbone-hugger to the master
mixers, here’s your new-season guide to the perfect product pairings.
1. The sheer brilliant one
For those still seeking to master no-make-up make-up, Chanel’s new Les Beiges Eau de Teint Water-Fresh Tint may hold the answer. The bi-phase formula is composed of 75 per cent water and packed with micro-droplets of pure pigments which burst on contact and deliver a flawlessly luminous bare-skin effect with eight hours of hydration. Dispense a small amount onto the back of your hand and, using the ergonomic brush — think short, strong fibres slightly angled to mirror the contours of your face — swirl gently to transform the texture. Then blend onto your face in circular motions for a perfectly even finish. (£48, chanel.com)
2. The hyper-intelligent one
Shiseido’s “intelligent” Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid foundation is pretty clever on its own, thanks to its ability to adapt to changing skin condition and boost the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid production. But, when paired with Shiseido’s Daiya Fude double-ended tool, it transitions into game-changer territory. Each one is hand-crafted by a team of artisans in Japan and features a gel tip on one end, which mimics the effect of fingertips without absorbing any product. It is compatible with creams, powders, liquids and gels alike, while the opposing diamond-shaped brush is built to be fluffy yet dense to provide an expertly blended finish. (Foundation, £34; brush, £52, johnlewis.com)
3. The lifeproof one
Givenchy’s new Teint Couture Everwear foundation promises to cope with anything you throw at it, whether that’s a Netflix sob-fest or a marathon session on the dancefloor. It harnesses radiance correcting powders, supported in a second-skin, polymer-silicone mesh, and aqueous microbubbles that slowly release hydrating agents. But perhaps its most clever addition is the heart-shaped brush. Tailored for precise application, use the rounded curves to buff onto cheeks, forehead and chin, and the narrow tip to deliver foundation into the inner corners of the eyes and the curve of your nose. (Foundation, £36.50; brush, £36, escentual.com)
4. The natural beauty
Guerlain’s L’Essentiel Natural Glow foundation is unlike any other: you’re advised to reach for the brush first. To “activate” the skin ready for application, Guerlain recommends patting the skin with the palm-sized retractable brush, starting at the corner of the eye then moving to the ear and down towards the chin to awaken your complexion. Then you apply the foundation straight onto the brush, dab onto five points of the face and blend from the centre out. This high-performance formula is also 97 per cent natural. Substituting oil, silicone and alcohol with a glut of skin-loving ingredients, it protects from pollution while letting skin breathe and promises to improve the condition of your complexion. (Foundation, £44; brush, £38, johnlewis.com)
