Reader Question: Best Lightweight Foundation for Summer Events

Chanel Ultra Le Teint Velvet is lightweight and won't settle into fine lines. Perfect for summer soirees and facing down loved up exes

Hello, Gorgeous!

Yesterday I posted that I’d like to feature some of you on Hello Gorgeous! I got slammed in the best possible way. Please be patient if I haven’t responded to your email yet. I’m tackling an inbox so crowded it feels like competing memes on my social media feed last week after the Coldplay concert (sans CEO and HR sidepiece).

One reader wrote in with an urgent question, so I’ll answer this here in case it’s of use to the rest of you as well.

Amelia is going to a cocktail party this weekend. Fun! Also in attendance will be her ex and his new fiancee. Less fun. Amelia wrote in that she rarely wears makeup during the summer but needs a lightweight foundation recommendation. Her goal is to glow all night and not have to worry about sweating it off. I’m going to recommend Chanel Ultra Le Teint Velvet. Here’s why.

Chanel Ultra Le Teint Velvet for perfect summer skin

I’m going to be brutally honest about why I chose Chanel over other brands. Sure it’s a great product. It’s also Chanel. There’s a confidence boost needed when facing the man you once loved with his new love. And while there are definitely other products she can use, I feel like this is a splurge-worthy moment if ever I’ve heard one.

Also:

• It’s incredibly lightweight. I hate the feeling of makeup on my face during the summer. If I have to apply a light layer of spackle, I make sure it’s as sheer as possible. This one ticks the boxes.

• It doesn’t settle in fine lines. ‘Nuff said. You can apply your makeup like an actual artist and still find that it settles into the lines around your eyes or mouth. I’ve found that this formulation seems to glide above the surface…at least for a few hours. I’m debating recommending skipping a top layer of powder since that can make skin look dried out, especially this time of year.

• It’s the right kind of matte. While I think you should avoid matte lips during summer months, matte skin is a different beast entirely. If you think you’ll be photographed, you might not want to overdo the highlighter or try for glass skin. The photographer will be seeing you as just another guest, and certainly won’t be looking for your most flattering angles. Matte is probably a better idea than dewy which could have you looking like you’re simply sweating.

Some tips for Amelia and anyone running into their ex this summer:

• Practice in advance. While this is a fantastic product, you don’t want to use any makeup product for the first time the night of the event. Try it out in different lighting (or use a makeup mirror to highlight your best bits).

• Try on your outfit a few times as well. If you’re not completely comfortable, you’re going to grimace even if you don’t realize it. You don’t want to look pained for most of the night.

• Wear comfy shoes. Seriously. You don’t have to prove anything to him or anyone else by wearing sky-high heels.

• You’re fabulous. You’re also beautiful, smart, talented, funny, and a great dancer. Having your ex move on is no reflection on your overall fabulosity. It just means that he found someone willing to put up with his sh*t.

Chanel Ultra Le Teint Velvet is $57, on chanel.com.

Do you have any products you use when facing down an ex or frenemy? Let’s meet in the comment section to discuss!

Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋