Above: Products for a Springtime FOTD, featuring the freshly-released Dior Nude Air foundation.
I hope your weekend is off to a lovely start…while you are reading this, there is a good chance that I am in the midst of hosting the Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills Project Beauty event (discussed HERE). More on that experience soon! A couple of days ago, I shared a preview of the Dior Nude Air Serum de Teint (now available at Nordstorm, Neiman Marcus, Sephora and Saks), and now am thrilled to offer more details as well as a comprehensive FOTD that also features the stunning new Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick (available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Chanel) in Jean and a gorgeous scarf from Moon Cats.
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches, images of the foundation, scarf and lip color in action as well as the Bottom Line…
Above: The freshly-debuted Dior Nude Air foundation in 021 Linen, resplendent in the sunshine.
The Dior Nude Air Serum de Teint foundation (available at Nordstorm, Neiman Marcus, Sephora and Saks), comes in eight shades (021 Linen is a perfect match for my NC 25 skin) and is distinguished by a seriously fluid texture, similar to that of the Giorgio Armani Maestro formula (reviewed HERE). Unlike the Maestro, however, the Nude Air offers immediate light-medium coverage that can be built up to full coverage with a second go around. Erstwhile, the foundation remains nearly undetectable on the skin for hours on end.
In my experience, the fluid is lighter and smoother than the new NARS foundation (swatched and reviewed HERE) and also does not get as glowy as the day grows long; in turn, my skin looks and feels fresher and more comfortable than when I wear the NARS. The Dior Nude Air blurs pores and fine lines without settling into them later in the course of wear and, while not completely budge proof, offers a respectable 6-7 hours of wear before a touch up is required. Because the foundation seems to dry down to a satin matte finish, I don’t feel the need to set it with powder, but have been experimenting with various mid-day touch up options to mitigate the unwanted shine that seems to only become apparent on days when more humidity in the air.
Although my sensitive skin thankfully hasn’t experienced any irritation from my week of experimenting with the formula, the largest caveat of this foundation is its scent. It isn’t obnoxious and dissipates rather quickly but it must be noted that it is undeniably present upon application. I can handle it becuase the formula wears so beautifully, but those with little to no fragrance tolerance might want to sample first!
All in all, this is yet another impressive formula in what I would deem to be a very strong 24 months of foundation releases. I like the soft focus, nearly undetectable coverage and decent lasting power…plus, the shade Linen is so spot on for my skin right now (and it doesn’t oxidize in the slightest bit). That being said, it is not as full coverage and long wearing as the Zelens Age Control and Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting and there is a rather prominent intial scent. In sum, I would recommend it if you desire light-as-air medium coverage and can handle the fragrance.
Additional official details, courtesy of Nordstrom:
A precursor in the art of natural, Dior innovates and broadens its nude makeup expertise with Diorskin Nude Air, a weightless, ultra-fluid serum foundation as light and beneficial as a breath of fresh air that gives you an enhanced complexion with sheer correction. It features an incredibly fine, exceptional texture and is made with oils that evaporate instantly, depositing an undetectable film of makeup on your skin. Its high-precision dropper easily delivers the exact amount you need for convenience and ease. Enriched with soft-focus agents and glazed pigments, your complexion glows with natural beauty. The foundation features Oxygen Activ technology, an innovative combination of hyper-oxygenated oil, cranberry oil, vitamins and minerals.
Above: The foundation has an extremely fluid texture and easy to control dropper applicator. Just a few drops are all that is necessary to achieve light-medium coverage.
Above: Swatches of Linen 021 in direct sunlight. Linen is absolutely apropos for NC 25 skin.
Above: The foundation line up…some of my favorite fluid formulas in my rotation.
I decided to do some comparison swatches of the Dior Nude Air along side some other favorite liquid foundations in my rotation. Consequently, I have determined that the Dior Nude Air in 021 Linen:
Skews more yellow and is thinner in texture, with slightly less initial coverage than the Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid O 20 (reviewed HERE).
Is a touch darker and more yellow than the neutral beige By Terry Densiliss Foundation #7 (reviewed HERE). The By Terry formula is also considerably thicker and offers more coverage in a single layer of application.
Is a bit lighter and more yellow than the Zelens Age Control Foundation in Beige (reviewed HERE). The Zelens also offers the most coverage of all formulas in this particular lineup.
Above: Swatches in direct sunlight.
Above: Chanel Rouge Coco in Jean.
The Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick (available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Chanel) in Jean is fast becoming a constant bold in my rotation. The new Rouge Coco formula is extremely hydrating and shiny while still yielding an impressive amount of color-saturated pigment. Jean is a medium-dark pink with cool violet leanings for a fresh spin on a classic fuchsia lip.
Above: A swatch of Jean in direct sunlight.
Above: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lipliner in Pillow Talk + Chanel Rouge Coco in Jean.
Above: Swatches of all products used in direct sunlight.
Above: My Moon Cats Checked Square scarf…gossamer softness and extra large for an effortless look.
The scarf prominently featured throughout this post is from online accessories retailer, Moon Cats. Simply entitled the “Checked Square,” this extra large wonder is ultra soft and the classic plaid’s soft tones make it a quintessential option for the seasonal transition. Just as wearable with a coat as it is draped over a bikini, I love its subtle versatility.
I am excited to extend a special coupon code for Beauty Professor readers offering 30% off ALL products on the Moon Cats site! Simply enter: RACHELANISE30OFF when prompted at checkout. With most scarves under $40 and free US shipping, this is a brilliant opportunity.
Above: My Moon Cats scarf…I draped it along our garden leaves and still couldn’t capture its massive size!
Above: Last look.
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this FOTD and foundation review and would love to hear what YOU think of this latest formula from Dior.
** PRsamples provided for review denoted by an asterik (the rest purchased by me), however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.
I know this doesn't concern the Dior foundation but you mentioned the By Terry so I am going to ask. ? what have you found the best way to apply the By Terry? I have tried a brush and a beauty blender and with each I have to use close to three pumps. I have good skin and nothing to hide I they than rosy cheeks so I am confused as to why I am having to use so much. I just feel like it doesn't spread that well. Is that just me??
I really love and appreciate your in depth reviews! I have the chanel RC in Edith & Teheran, love the formula! Also the Dior Nude Air is on my list, I'm also NC25 so it helps me to get the right shade when I watch your reviews <3
hi rachel!! i'm know on google chrome and it will not allow me to comment for whatever reason. the good thing is i'm back to read your fabulous blog everyday!! dior foundations…….i tried a sample of this formula and the lightest color was off, too dark and the fragrance stayed around longer for me. i thought it was a beautiful formula though. you look beautiful in that scarf and lip color. my favorite new rouge coco is catherine. these new formulas are extremely creamy on me compared to the older formula. i love that gucci eyeshadow on you, gorgeous!! i hope you see this post. thankyou rachel for this wonderful post, review!! xo.
Argh, I do wish Dior would ixnay the fragrance, at least on some of their foundations. I've tried (and quite liked) several, from liquid to powder, but they all eventually end up in reactions. But the Chanel Jean I'm gonna have to check out. On you: utterly ravishing.
I know, Robyn…I wish this had no fragrance as well…it can be so frustrating. If it helps, my skin hasn't sustained any adverse effects with this foundation. Jean is a must if you love fuchsia…thank you for the sweet words!!
Hi BP,
Thank you for this review ! The new dior foundation sounds great !
I'm using the Kanebo Sensai CP cream foundation in CF 13. Should I choose the #21 or #20 ?
Xoxo
Michelle
Love all your reviews especially how you correspond each shade of the foundation (e.g. Diorskin star) against the corresponding mac shades. However it wasn't done that way for the Dior Nude Air 🙂 Kindly advise, I am an NC40 in mac studio fix powder + foundation and a C4 in Mac F&B. What would you recommend for the new dior Nude Air Serum foundation? (I notice that they have a lesser shade selection than the Star foundations).
Thanks for the comment! I would recommend 040 Honey Beige as your closest match. I am hoping to be able to share swatches of the whole spectrum of shade offerings in the near future!
Hi Rachel! Ohhh this foundation looks really nice! I'm a huge fan of Dior foundations. One question. How do the shades of Air and Star in Linen correspond to Forever's Linen? I saw some swatches where Star and Air are kinda more yellow than Forever across the same shade.. Thank you!
Hello…thank you so much! I haven't done an official, across the board comparison of the shades in all three formulas but think that Linen in the Air is a touch darker than in the Star and Forever versions.
Right.. So if I usually use Linen in Forever, would you recommend me going with Dior Air in 21 as well? Or should I go with 20? I'm worried that Dior Air in 21 would be too yellow or too dark on me..
Comments (22)
I know this doesn't concern the Dior foundation but you mentioned the By Terry so I am going to ask. ? what have you found the best way to apply the By Terry? I have tried a brush and a beauty blender and with each I have to use close to three pumps. I have good skin and nothing to hide I they than rosy cheeks so I am confused as to why I am having to use so much. I just feel like it doesn't spread that well. Is that just me??
I tend to use a damp Beauty Blender and it does the job…the dampness keeps the BB from absorbing the product, which means I can use less.
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Fabulous look!
Thank you!!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Once again, Jean looks great!
Many thanks!!
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
I really love and appreciate your in depth reviews! I have the chanel RC in Edith & Teheran, love the formula! Also the Dior Nude Air is on my list, I'm also NC25 so it helps me to get the right shade when I watch your reviews <3
My pleasure…aren't the RC's incredible?
If you are NC 25, Linen should be spot on for you in this formula ; )
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
stunning look as per usual! I really love the Jean shade!
Thank you ever so much, Maeve!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
hi rachel!! i'm know on google chrome and it will not allow me to comment for whatever reason. the good thing is i'm back to read your fabulous blog everyday!! dior foundations…….i tried a sample of this formula and the lightest color was off, too dark and the fragrance stayed around longer for me. i thought it was a beautiful formula though. you look beautiful in that scarf and lip color. my favorite new rouge coco is catherine. these new formulas are extremely creamy on me compared to the older formula. i love that gucci eyeshadow on you, gorgeous!! i hope you see this post. thankyou rachel for this wonderful post, review!! xo.
Hi Wendy,
Sorry to hear about the commenting difficulties and glad you're back ; )
Thanks for sharing your most recent product adventures and kind words…XOXO,
–The Beauty Professor
Argh, I do wish Dior would ixnay the fragrance, at least on some of their foundations. I've tried (and quite liked) several, from liquid to powder, but they all eventually end up in reactions. But the Chanel Jean I'm gonna have to check out. On you: utterly ravishing.
I know, Robyn…I wish this had no fragrance as well…it can be so frustrating. If it helps, my skin hasn't sustained any adverse effects with this foundation. Jean is a must if you love fuchsia…thank you for the sweet words!!
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi BP,
Thank you for this review ! The new dior foundation sounds great !
I'm using the Kanebo Sensai CP cream foundation in CF 13. Should I choose the #21 or #20 ?
Xoxo
Michelle
My pleasure, Michelle! I would choose #20.
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Love all your reviews especially how you correspond each shade of the foundation (e.g. Diorskin star) against the corresponding mac shades. However it wasn't done that way for the Dior Nude Air 🙂 Kindly advise, I am an NC40 in mac studio fix powder + foundation and a C4 in Mac F&B. What would you recommend for the new dior Nude Air Serum foundation? (I notice that they have a lesser shade selection than the Star foundations).
Any advise would be highly appreciated!
xoxoox
Hello Xara,
Thanks for the comment! I would recommend 040 Honey Beige as your closest match. I am hoping to be able to share swatches of the whole spectrum of shade offerings in the near future!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Rachel! Ohhh this foundation looks really nice! I'm a huge fan of Dior foundations. One question. How do the shades of Air and Star in Linen correspond to Forever's Linen? I saw some swatches where Star and Air are kinda more yellow than Forever across the same shade.. Thank you!
Hello…thank you so much! I haven't done an official, across the board comparison of the shades in all three formulas but think that Linen in the Air is a touch darker than in the Star and Forever versions.
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Right.. So if I usually use Linen in Forever, would you recommend me going with Dior Air in 21 as well? Or should I go with 20? I'm worried that Dior Air in 21 would be too yellow or too dark on me..
I think you'll be OK with #21 in Dior Air as I would be concerned that #20 would be too light and neutral/pink!
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor