I'm not a fan of foundation—this is the radiant concealer I can't do without.

      I openly admit that I have a deep dislike for foundation. Honestly, I can't stand the sensation of anything resting on my face. I'm bothered by how it transfers onto my phone, how it flattens the contours of my face, how it shifts throughout the day, and how it conceals the minor flaws that make me feel like myself. However, my ongoing struggle with dark circles, pigmentation spots, and acne scars means I can't completely forgo coverage. Throughout my career as a beauty editor, I've dedicated much time to searching for the ideal lightweight base, and I'm excited to share that, after 12 years, I've finally found it. While many appreciate the sheer and buildable qualities of skin tints and tinted moisturizers, I still find them too heavy for my skin. Instead, I prefer using a creamy, blendable concealer only on the parts of my face that need it, blending accordingly. Discovering the perfect concealer for this purpose has been challenging. I require it to be lightweight yet buildable, hydrating yet long-lasting, and brightening without being shiny.

      The goal? A concealer that covers the necessary areas without being even slightly visible on the skin. Just when I thought my expectations for such a concealer formula were too lofty, Chanel released its Les Beiges Serum Concealer, making everything feel right again.

      **The Formula**

      *Chanel Les Beiges Serum Concealer*

      - **Key ingredients:** White camellia extract, hyaluronic acid

      - **Shades available:** 15

      - **Pros:** Feels like skincare, lightweight but buildable coverage, brightening without shimmer, delivers a no-makeup-makeup effect

      - **Cons:** Won't cover prominent blemishes (but that's not my goal anyway)

      The beauty of this formulation lies in its lightweight texture. It has a nearly water-like feel that is refreshing and undeniably hydrating once applied to the skin. This is achieved with an impressive blend of ingredients, as it contains 89% skincare components, including Chanel's renowned white camellia hydro-extract that helps sustain the skin’s moisture levels over time, along with hyaluronic acid for an immediate dose of hydration and plumpness. Available in 15 shades, the coverage is sheer yet buildable, featuring an extremely fine (essentially undetectable) pearlescent effect.

      **The Application**

      To be completely honest, the way this concealer is applied isn't particularly remarkable—it's the formula and results that make it exceptional. It features a standard doe-foot applicator meant to be swiped or dotted onto the skin. The distinguishing feature is the cooling ceramic "foot," designed to provide a cooling effect under the eyes. And yes, it does feel refreshing and is generally enjoyable to use. However, I think it's not entirely necessary, especially since I also use it on other areas of my face beyond just the under-eyes.

      For daily coverage, I apply it beneath my eyes, around my nose, and on my chin—my primary areas of concern regarding dark circles, redness, and post-acne scars. Depending on how much time I have, I adjust my blending technique. For more precise coverage, I keep the formula limited to the applied areas and tap it in with my fingers. On most days, however, I use a very light buffing brush to gently blend it into my skin. The hydration-based formula allows this concealer to apply like no other I’ve encountered—it melds with the skin instead of sitting on top, blending seamlessly without creasing and resulting in a true second-skin finish.

      **The Full Look**

      Chanel Les Beiges Serum Concealer has undeniably become my favorite product this summer. I've used it daily since I first got it in May. In fact, I've maintained a similar makeup look throughout the season. Here are the natural-looking, creamy makeup products that complement the Les Beiges Serum Concealer:

      - Tom Ford Soleil Bronzing Powder

      - CHANEL Les Beiges Healthy Glow Blush

      - Victoria Beckham Beauty Featherfix Brow Gel

      - Merit Clean Volume Mascara