Base makeup has entered its skincare era. Today's foundations are expected to do more than simply even out the complexion. Consumers increasingly want formulas that hydrate, protect, blur, and wear comfortably throughout the day while still delivering a natural-looking finish. Dior Forever's latest launches illustrate that shift clearly by combining complexion-enhancing performance with ingredients more commonly associated with skincare.
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At the preview of the latest Dior Forever releases held in Seoul earlier this year, Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Christian Dior Makeup, spoke at length about the evolving expectations surrounding complexion products. “Before, in the old days, you wash[ed] your face, put moisturiser, and you paint[ed] your face. It literally became that—a paint job,” he said. “But your skin is not a wall.”
That philosophy informed the latest generation of Dior Forever foundations, launched in two finishes and formulated with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and floral extracts. Dior Forever Skin Glow caters to those seeking a luminous, hydrated finish, while Dior Forever Skin Wear offers a soft-focus matte effect that withstands heat and humidity without appearing flat or heavy. “There is something magical about these two textures that can be applied however you like—with a brush, a blender, or just your fingertips,” said Philips of his vision for the collection.
Foundation remains the cornerstone of any makeup look for him. “At the end of the day, your makeup can be amazing—eyeshadow, lipsticks, or whatever colour combination you do. But if the canvas does not give the illusion of perfection, it‘s not a good makeup result.”
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PRIMING THE CANVAS
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Beyond foundation, Dior Forever's latest expansion also places greater emphasis on complexion preparation. The collection introduces reformulated primers that combine multiple functions in a single step while supporting what Dior describes as a camera-ready complexion.
For glow enhancement, Dior Forever Skin Veil acts as a serum, moisturiser, makeup base, and sunscreen, offering SPF50 PA+++ protection alongside hydrating and brightening benefits. This was inspired by Philips' backstage work at runway shows where he struggled to give models a glowy (not shiny or sweaty) finish by using matte foundation with moisturiser underneath. This one product does it all: Pink-toned pigments and light-reflecting pearls help revive dullness, while hyaluronic acid supports moisture levels throughout the day.
Its counterpart, Dior Forever Velvet Veil, smooths and mattifies the skin. The balmy gel formula focuses on texture refinement, using blurring powders and hyaluronic acid to minimise the appearance of pores and control excess oil while remaining comfortable on the skin. It also incorporates SPF15 PA++ protection that is near invisible—no ugly white cast. The result is a soft-focus finish that remains natural-looking rather than overtly chalky or matte.
“From a makeup artist’s point of view, primers are the most practical and essential step in makeup application," according to Philips. “It’s the most important thing—it will help your makeup last longer. And if you can add some extra ingredients to boost the care, that's a bonus.”
Dior Forever Skin Veil, $97, DIOR.
Dior Forever Velvet Veil, $97, DIOR.
LOOSE POWDER RETURNS
Completing the lineup is the reformulated Dior Forever On Set Powder, available in five shades, including a shade created specifically for the Asian market. While setting powders rarely receive the same attention as foundations or colour cosmetics, they remain a crucial part of longwearing makeup routines.
Inspired by the needs of professional makeup artists, the talc-free formula combines ultra-fine powders with hyaluronic acid to help blur pores, control shine, and leave skin looking naturally smooth without a chalky finish. Dior describes the effect as a “filter-in-a-powder”, while Philips refers to it as a “powder-no-powder” finish due to its nearinvisible appearance on the skin. “This will seduce you into rediscovering the power of a loose powder,” he insisted.
To illustrate the importance of strategic powder placement, Philips recalled an early lesson from supermodel Linda Evangelista. “We did a glowing makeup look, and she poked me under my eye and said, ‘This has to stay matte, because I want a flat reflection.’ I will never forget that.”
Dior Forever On Set Powder in 05 Crystal Pink, $98, DIOR.
Using Dior’s redesigned powder puff, Philips demonstrated how he applies powder selectively around the under-eye area, brows, and sides of the nose to control how light interacts with the face, particularly under bright lighting and high-definition cameras. “I love this new sponge material that we managed to create. It's like a combination of a powder puff, a blender, and a brush, offering different application styles,” he explained. “You can fold it, and pat or smooth the skin, to apply powder freely in a really intuitive way.”
Taken together, Dior Forever's latest launches reflect a broader shift within the complexion category. Coverage alone is no longer enough. Consumers increasingly want makeup that’s multitasking, easy to use, and offers skin-caring benefits. Dior Forever may not be redefining base makeup overnight, but it offers a compelling glimpse of where the category is heading next.