Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige & #080 Ebony

Inspired by the instant illuminating and perfecting effects of a studio makeover, the new Dior Star Studio Makeup Foundation has finally hit counters nationwide, and after thorough testing of the 3 shades I received this past August, I can honestly say that I am truly impressed with this product. In a nutshell, the Star Foundation promises to provide the skin with a “brightening effect for a perfect, modern complexion and beautiful skin that is ultimately radiant, luminous and even … combining the maximum radiance and the effectiveness of skin care in a single formula“.

Available in 14 photogenic shades that contain the ideal dose of warm-toned pigments, the Star Foundation fluid feels incredibly light and weightless upon the skin and is designed to stay constant throughout the wearing, without any fading or oxidizing (where the colour literally changes and becomes somewhat yellowish). Created with ‘Light Pulsion Complex Lighting Technology‘, there is a two-pronged effect that takes place; a new generation of ‘hollow silica beads loaded with mineral pigments‘ capture and reflect light – without shine (similar to camera filters), to brighten the look of the skin and provide an immediate radiance. An intense corrective halo recreates the beautifully flawless complexions seen on professional sets. The trio of plant-based ‘light-trap‘ ingredients of this formula, act on key skin markers to erase dark areas, spots and minor redness, fulfilling Star Foundation‘s secondary skin care role. With daily use, the skin is made to look clearer and more luminous.

The Star Foundation comes in a glass bottle that has an almost mercury-glass look to it under certain lights (it’s really quite lovely), while the perfect amount of product is easily and effectively dispensed from its pump nozzle – no waste or excess to worry about.

My thoughts: The first thing I notice upon application, is … nothing. As in, no heavy, waxy, or mask-like feel upon the skin. The Star Foundation‘s fluid is so lightweight, that blending it in is actually quite effortless, and once applied and properly buffed into the skin, it appears seamless and provides a softly luminous tone – this is what’s meant when they say “beaming with health”. My skin looks even and slightly brighter, but not glowingly so – it’s a very subtle effect and one that you can’t really put your finger on, but that makes you really like what you see. The coverage is light-medium, although that’s customizable as well; using a damp sponge (Dior has released a Beauty Blender-ish black egg-shaped version to go with this foundation, which I do not have – but am planning on picking up) yields the most natural look to the skin, as the product can be easily sheered out with this method. Using a paddle shaped foundation brush provides a light yet still buildable finish, while a densely-headed bevelled foundation brush gives the fullest coverage, as well as a truly buffed-in appearance to the skin. It basically comes down to desired level of coverage, and preferred method of application – with great results no matter which you opt for (for the record, my preferred way of applying this is by starting with a paddle brush – all over the face & jaw/neck, then going over that with a barely dampened sponge to push it seamlessly into the skin). As stated earlier, this foundation feels so light (I literally forget that I’m wearing anything at all), with excellent staying power on my combination/oily skin – lasting easily about 10 hours before I need to tone down what little shine appears in my T-zone area, although the foundation itself continues to look good (no fading that I noticed) until I remove all my makeup.

Note: the foundation brushes I have been using extensively – both with the Star Foundation, as well as with other brands – have been the ones from Dior Backstage Brushes, specifically the Professional Fluid Finish Light & Full Coverage brushes (review coming soon).

Natalie Portman for Diorskin Star Foundation (photo credit: Dior)

Model wearing the new Diorskin Star Foundation from the Cruise 2015 show

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige, #080 Ebony

Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen (CAN $50.00) | My hands-down favourite and the shade I’ve been reaching for since first receiving these foundations, #021 Linen is a neutral hue that leans neither too yellow nor pink, and thus absolutely perfect for my light-medium skin tone. Now that Summer is behind us, I can wear this shade alone (without needing bronzer to warm it up), as it melds perfectly with my complexion. LOVE ♥

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen

Diorskin Star Foundation #030 Medium Beige (CAN $50.00) | A light-medium beige with pink undertones in the base, #030 Medium Beige is more suited to those without any yellow in their skin tone. On me, I am able to *just* get away with this shade (more when my face has a bit of natural tan), although it can also be made to match better with a light dusting of bronzer on top.

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #030 Medium Beige

Diorskin Star Foundation #080 Ebony (CAN $50.00) | A rich chocolate hue with a slight reddish undertone (think mahogany) to add warmth. Obviously, #080 Ebony is way too dark for me but I love using this as a ‘transformer’; mixed with any other lighter foundation hue, I wind up with a totally customized shade, perfect for when my skin is in between seasons. Another wonderful use for this particular hue, is as a contouring product – the texture melts into the skin, for a truly believable result (but don’t forget to blend, blend, blend).

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #080 Ebony

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige, #080 Ebony (ingredients list)

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige, #080 Ebony (inner arm swatches)

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige, #080 Ebony (slightly blended)

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige, #080 Ebony (blended out)

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen with a drop of #080 Ebony

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen with #080 Ebony, slightly combined

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen with #080 Ebony, combined

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen with #080 Ebony, blended out

With innovations in the world of beauty popping up almost daily, finding the right foundation still seems to elude most of us. It doesn’t need to be said that different skin types each have their own needs, but bear in mind that the changing seasons also affect how our foundation will function upon the skin. Usually once the weather starts to turn colder, I’ll switch to a product that’s more emollient and hydrating but after having used Star Foundation throughout the sweltering heat of August and now in the cooler temps of October as well – 2 very distinctive seasons, and having seen equally great results, I am positively thrilled and cannot recommend this enough. Perfect for all skin types, who wouldn’t want to look studio fabulous?

Available now through All Dior counters – for more information visit www.dior.com