This Water-Based Tint Changed My Summer Makeup Routine
Conçetta Ciarlo·2026-06-17·via Vogue
In the same way you wouldn’t wear a thick sweater in 90-degree heat, slathering on heavy makeup in balmy weather is equally oppressive. Believe it or not, there is a world where barely there feel and decent coverage converge. Case in point: Chanel’s Les Beiges Water-Fresh collection. Because the formulas are composed of a majority of water, whipped into a gel, serumlike texture, the formulas feel lightweight and breathable, per Chanel makeup artist Pati Dubroff.
“In hot weather, I generally avoid anything that feels dense, heavy, or overly powdery, as those products can become uncomfortable and less natural-looking throughout the day,” Dubroff tells Vogue. She would know, of course, with more than 30 years of acclaimed industry experience and a star-studded clientele (Margot Robbie and Dakota Johnson, to name just a few). “Water-based products are especially beautiful in the summer when you want your makeup to feel effortless and breathable,” she adds.
While you would get full-coverage, full-beat makeup, Dubroff explains that water-based products create healthy, radiant looks where skin remains the focus. “Think of water-based products almost like watercolors for the face,” she says. “They create fresh, skin-forward looks that enhance rather than cover.”
That said, I’ve never been particularly blessed with effortlessly clear skin. Prone to acne, hyperpigmentation, and a little bit of rosacea, there’s always something I’m covering up. Which is why I was particularly surprised by just how much coverage my personal favorite, Water-Fresh Complexion Touch, imparts—two pumps (one for each side of my face) do the trick, and suddenly unwanted spots blend away, while it simultaneously looks like I’m wearing nothing at all.
Dubroff, on the other hand, uses a combination of Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch and Water-Fresh Tint, applying the former across the center of the face to even out skin tone and the latter around the perimeter of the face for added luminosity. The result is a “very complexion subtle perfecter,” which she says refines skin without ever looking like makeup. Ahead, an overview of the collection for your reading and shopping pleasure.
The Lightweight Foundation: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch
Chanel
Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch
Vogue’s Concetta Ciarlo tests the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch.
Why We Love It: Chanel’s Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch is one of the most light-as-air foundations you’ll ever wear—suited for a natural finish and barely there feel. “Its gel-like texture melts into the skin and doesn’t look or feel like foundation,” fellow Chanel makeup artist Tyron Machhausenpreviously told Vogue. Dubroff agrees, noting that while it definitely has a bit more pigment than the other Water-Fresh products, it still maintains a skinlike finish. That’s because the pigment is contained in micro-bubbles, which burst when blending it to impart just enough coverage. Plus the formula is 60% water based and infused with glycerin and jasmine stem extract for hydration and antioxidant benefits.
Editor’s Experience: My intro into Chanel’s complexion products, Water-Fresh Complexion Touch is my summer go-to for faking perfect skin. Initially, the sensorial experience of pigment bubbles was the draw for me. What I didn’t expect, however, was how its lightweight gel-serum feel doesn’t sacrifice its coverage. Barring full-on, angry zits that require a bit of extra attention, Complexion Touch manages to even out my skin tone—and it feels like absolutely nothing on the skin. —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
The Water Blush: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush Tint
Vogue’s Concetta Ciarlo tests the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush.
Why We Love It: An equally airy option comes from Chanel’s Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush, comprised of 75% water. Similar to Complexion Touch, the blush uses micro-droplet pigments (a.k.a. those little bubbles you see in the bottle), which burst when blended to impart a natural-looking flush. “I like to dispense a small amount onto the back of my hand first,” says Dubroff. “Then I use a stippling brush to work through the formula and gently break up the micro-droplets before applying it to the skin.” Next, she focuses application on the apples of the cheeks and blends outward for a controlled yet seamless finish. Plus just one or two pumps is plenty, and you can build color intensity as you go.
Editor’s Experience: This is arguably the most natural-looking blush you can get. The color payoff is semisheer and reads as naturally flushed cheeks rather than obviously applied blush. That said, the texture is very serumlike, so I find that one drop actually yields a lot of product. I typically build upon the blush pigment, using the back of my hand as a palette, with two to three layers. Otherwise, it’s so natural that it’s almost undetectable. —C.C.
Why We Love It: For an instant glow, look no further than Chanel’s Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint. “I think of this as as a wash of radiance for the skin,” says Dubroff. “It’s not really about coverage, it’s about enhancing your natural complexion and adding a fresh, healthy glow.” That said, it’s far from shimmery or overly luminous. In fact, this pick is so undetectable that London-based groomer Emma Day named it an excellent option in our men’s makeup guide. Alongside a blend of glycerin, orange extract, and hyaluronic acid, the formula is comprised of 75% water for something that wears like skin care.
Editor’s Experience: The ultimate barely there skin tint: I recommend this again and again for daily wear. For the no-makeup makeup girlies, the micro-beads burst upon application for light, buildable coverage that instantly awakens the complexion. Even more, the finish is fresh and natural for a glow that doesn’t border on shine. —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
