In the same way you wouldn’t wear a thick sweater in 90-degree heat, slathering on heavy makeup in balmy weather is equally oppressive. Believe it or not, there is a world where barely there feel and decent coverage converge. Case in point: Chanel’s Les Beiges Water-Fresh collection. Because the formulas are composed of a majority of water, whipped into a gel, serumlike texture, the formulas feel lightweight and breathable, per Chanel makeup artist Pati Dubroff.
“In hot weather, I generally avoid anything that feels dense, heavy, or overly powdery, as those products can become uncomfortable and less natural-looking throughout the day,” Dubroff tells Vogue. She would know, of course, with more than 30 years of acclaimed industry experience and a star-studded clientele (Margot Robbie and Dakota Johnson, to name just a few). “Water-based products are especially beautiful in the summer when you want your makeup to feel effortless and breathable,” she adds.
Shop Chanel’s Water-Fresh Collection
While you would get full-coverage, full-beat makeup, Dubroff explains that water-based products create healthy, radiant looks where skin remains the focus. “Think of water-based products almost like watercolors for the face,” she says. “They create fresh, skin-forward looks that enhance rather than cover.”
That said, I’ve never been particularly blessed with effortlessly clear skin. Prone to acne, hyperpigmentation, and a little bit of rosacea, there’s always something I’m covering up. Which is why I was particularly surprised by just how much coverage my personal favorite, Water-Fresh Complexion Touch, imparts—two pumps (one for each side of my face) do the trick, and suddenly unwanted spots blend away, while it simultaneously looks like I’m wearing nothing at all.
Dubroff, on the other hand, uses a combination of Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch and Water-Fresh Tint, applying the former across the center of the face to even out skin tone and the latter around the perimeter of the face for added luminosity. The result is a “very complexion subtle perfecter,” which she says refines skin without ever looking like makeup. Ahead, an overview of the collection for your reading and shopping pleasure.
