DiorSkin is My New Favorite Foundation
Friday, April 24th, 2009
Diorskin Nude ($45.00) is one of Dior’s newer foundations. It’s a liquid foundation that’s designed to be extremely lightweight–actually described as “weightless”–with a slightly dewy finish. According to Dior, it uses “[a] unique blend of 100% natural mineral pigments and Dior’s innovative Mineralized Water.” I don’t really know what that means, and I’m a skeptic and interpret most of that as marketing jargon.
Too Long, Don’t Want to Read?
Cliff Notes: MAC Studio Fix Fluid has been my holy grail foundation since SFF launched, which must have been about four or so years ago, at least. So for any foundation to displace my SFF has to be just that good.
Diorskin Nude comes in shades that range from Ivory to Light Beige to Medium Beige to Honey Beige to Dark Beige to Dark Brown. For those unfamiliar with Dior’s colors/numbering system for the Nude foundation, I thought I’d give you a little summary since I didn’t know myself. For reference, I’m currently about NC25 or so in MAC foundations (I used to be NC30, and somehow I got lighter… whole ‘nother story!). I tried about six different shades in Nude before finally settling on one, which is Linen #021.
The system of numbers starts with #010 and goesup to #070. #010 is the lightest, and it is neutral (no yellow, pink, or peach undertones). All numbers ending in a zero reflect neutral undertones. All numbers ending with a one (like #021) reflect shades with yellow undertones (warm/olive toned). All numbers ending with a two (like #022) reflect shades with pink undertones (cool toned). All numbers ending with a three (like #023) reflect shades with peach undertones (warm/not olive). Diorskin Nude has a good shade range for light to medium toned skin, with several options for deeper skintones, but only if you don’t find your skin has pink or peach undertones.
I’ve been struggling to find a foundation that matches my neck for some time now. For whatever reason, my neck is lighter than my face, and the rule of thumb is you should match your face to your neck… whether it is lighter or darker. It’s always easier to go darker than lighter! Nude feels nearly weightless as marketed, and the coverage is still there. It feels surprisingly thin and watery (but not like, ew, separated watery) while still providing me with decent coverage. I’d say it’s light-to-medium coverage, and you can definitely build it up to medium coverage on areas you need to.
Read the rest of this way-too-detailed-review!
At the counter, Dior artists always used sponges to apply the product, and I would agree it’s not a bad way to go. I do still like using brushes with it, however–especially for a heavier application. I’ve been using mostly Diorskin Nude for the past month or two, though in various shades as I’ve attempted to discover the just-right-for-me shade–so you’ve definitely see it in action. (And nobody’s gone, “OMG! Your face looks horrid, what foundation are you using? Toss it out!” — instead, I’ve had a few people comment on my skin looking better, more glowing!)
The price tag isn’t particularly high when it comes to high end foundations. Make Up For Ever’s HD Foundation is $40 for one fluid ounce, while DiorSkin Nude is $45 for one fluid ounce. I’d actually expect the Dior foundation to be priced more like $10-15 over MUFE, to be honest, so I’m pleasantly surprised. Of course, it does not compare with MAC prices (Studio Fix Fluid weighing in at $26 for one fluid ounce).
Regardless, I’m happy to pay $45 for this foundation, because I like it more than Studio Fix Fluid, which I’ve had some trouble matching to my skin lately (even NC25 seems too dark, but I swear, I am not that light-skinned!). I also think DiorSkin Nude is a fantastic choice for the warmer weather months, because it is lightweight and so thin. It’s also hydrating and doesn’t feel heavy. It gives you a glow, but it isn’t very dewy. It’s exactly what a natural glow looks like. Mind you, I dislike the majority of foundations with dewy finishes, because I just feel like my face looks an oily mess. Nude is definitely not that!
I would most heartily suggest popping by your local Dior counter for some shade samples if you’re in the market for a new foundation. Never buy a bottle of foundation without trying a sample first! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done this only to return an entire bottle because the shade just wasn’t right. Samples allow you to try it and see it in different lighting, using your own techniques, and you can try it out for at least a week (one sample lasted me daily usage for 2 weeks!) to see how your skin reacts to it, too. No sense in wasting your money or the product itself by not taking advantage of samples, right? 
You can purchase DiorSkin Nude at your local Dior counters, Nordstrom.com, and Sephora
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OMG, I am SO late in the game!!! I read your review before I bought this and saw that you LOVED it. I have to say this is now my HG foundation. I bought 2 bottles just because I'm so afraid they'll discontinue it! I wish I met this foundation when I was getting married! Perfect color match, light weight, etc, etc- basically everything you said! I'm just so glad you l-o-v-e it too! Thanks for doing this awesome review, Christine!!!
Aww! So glad you found your HG, Kate!
this is the best review so far - i have been struggling with the dior color range = and bless you = thank you for explaining it to me. and bless you, i too am NC25 in MAC!!! now i'm on the hunt for linen 021 =)
Just want to add yet another complaint about the DiorSkin Nude pump. Mine quit working with about 1/3 of the bottle left. I jimmied off the top and poured out the product into another container with a tight lid. Hope this works. It's my favorite foundation ever!! BUT wasting $15 worth of product on broken packaging is completely unacceptable!
im using shu uemura face architect illuminating moisture foundation in shade 774. i think it's ok but someone said that its a lil bit dark for me. which shade do you think is suitable for me ?
Hi ! I have this foundation and i love it, but i have a huge problem, the Pump doen't work anymore, i don't know why O.o so i can't get product, what can i do? Break the bottle carefully? Hope you can help me :D have a good night
I think you can maneuver off the pump - try using a flathead screwdriver to wedge it between the pump and bottle.
thanks a lot :D
hi cutey, I hv this foundation for 2 weeks, every time i wear it my friend alway said my face look tanner than usual. I hv 030 medium beige by advise from sephora girl. I am 118 for MUFE HD and bunjab for Nars. Should i go exchange to 020 like you. i like foundation that make my face look abit brighter. I love the finish and how i feel but the color not exactlly match :(
I might exchange it!
Hi Christine, I'm a huge fan!!! Just wondering would you recommen this one or the Nars cheer glow?????????? Any recommen for concealer? Anne
Either one - but the Dior is... glowier. It has a dewier look that Sheer Glow doesn't quite have (which is not matte, but it isn't as glowy). theBalm's Time Balm!
I just purchase this foundation. I wasn't a member here at the time you reviewed this foundation. I must say that I am really loving it so far. It is so lightweight and the color match is perfect. It gives a nice natural flawless finish. My skin also has an nice glow. I think this just might end my foundation hunt. This could be my HG!!!
Aww, yay for finding a possible HG!
Hi Christine, It has been awhile since you reviewed this.. So what is your favorite foundation at the moment? MUFE HD? Guerlain? or This? :D Do you think Dior Nude photographs as well as HD?
Guerlain is my favorite, MUFE HD photographs really well and I'm trying to get *through* the bottle. Guerlain is so $$, it's my special occasion foundation, lol! I like Dior nude when I'm having good skin days. Lately, those haven't been so common! I do think Nude photographs well, though - HD probably just a touch better since it has a more matte finish.
Oh boy, I am trying really hard to get through my Shu foundation, so I'd feel less guilty having yet another foundation.. But now I feel like I must try Gurlain foundation too!! I must resist Gurlain enabling! I want all of their new shadows though! Hehe
It's HARD to get through a bottle of foundation... well, make that ANYTHING of ANYTHING, lol.
I just got this a few weeks ago. Love the coverage--actually picked this over Giorgio Armani! I have dry sensitive skin and this does not make me flakey and covers redness well without feeling heavy. No idea how many foundations I have tried but TONS and this one is the best so far. The MUA matched me with Ivory 10 and I used it for awhile but thought I maybe looked a little masky. I just went back today and a different MUA matched me with the 021 Linen. Quite a difference! I think I may need a bit more color to perfectly match this shade but it makes me look less masky and I can always mix it with the 10:) No dreaded face/neck line with it so I think it's a keeper shade for spring/summer.
I actually don't wear foundation, but the other day the counter lady at Dior asked me if I'd like to try this new product. She applied Diorskin Nude with a brush, and my skin looked seriously flawless (it never ever does), and it sort of glowed, I was afraid that it would turn into an oily mess on my combo skin, but after a while it was still as perfect and dewy as before. What I found miraculous is that they actually had the right color for my skin tone. I live in Chile, where the majority of people have yellowish/olive skin tone, and almost every foundation I have tried has made me look like friggin' Lisa Simpson; Dior successfully matched my pink undertoned skin. =) I lurved it, and I think I just might buy it...
^oops, wrong button
Aww!! Well, if you don't need it, don't wear it, BUT if you need it... :)
I bought it, I could resist! Now I just need to learn how to apply it like the Dior lady did the other day... XD
*couldn't
Thanks for the helpful review :). Do you find that diorskin photographs well?. Would be very grateful if you could recommend any foundations which are photo friendly. Want to avoid the casper effect!. Thanks
Yes, I do find it photographs well :)
I'm hooked after reading this review. i don't use MAC foundation and not sure about my shade with MAC. Bobbi Brown warm beige (3.5) is my perfect match. I'm medium with yellow undertones. Do you think Sand 031 of this Dior Nude would be equivalent for me? Thanks a bunch!! by the way, congrats on the MAC for Temptalia collection.
I think Sand 031 would work! April Fools on the MAC for Temptalia collection :P
ahhhhhh. why didn't i thought about it? hehehe is Sand 031 an april fools too? just kidding. thanks!!!!!
Nice review! :) I'm thinking to buy this or Chanel's Mat Lumiere...What do you think? Could you possibly, write a review about it? It would really help me to decide! :) Ty!
I'll try!
Hi! I recently tried DiorSkin Nude after several Mac attempts at NC20 , NW20 , and NC25. Just can't find a perfect match. See, I think I have a neutral undertone?? Maybe you can help me. I have dark brunette, w/ brown eyes. In the Summer, I burn first in the Sun, then tan easily. I am caucasian. I think I have a combo of warm and pink undertones if that makes any sense. The Dior consultant tried me with a #31 and I took it back. Another girl sent me home with #23 and I am just feeling like that is top dark too. My neck is also light than my face. Do you think I should try the #21 like you did or possibly #20?? please help. I love this foundation and want it to be my HG foundation, just want a perfect color match. I wear bronzed usually too because my is so much lighter and I don't tan my face (purposely). Thank you!!!
I think 20 might work... it does sound like you're neutral!
Just curious do you still use this foundation? If not, Why? And if so do you have any looks on your site with the foundation on? THanks.
I do! I tend to wear tinted moisturizer most of the time, but I break out Dior for longer days or special occasions :)
has anyone has a problem with a broken or difficult pump on DIOR SKIN foundation? i struggle with this everyday
Another reader commented that there was a recall on the products -- check with your Dior counter!
Hey yea, I actually came on this site to see if anyone else had been going through pump trouble. Mine is not working and there is still liquid in there. Really annoyed cos I wanna get it out saying I paid good money for it. I've had the wee pump head off and cleaned around the area, that worked for 3/4 days but now I have nothing! haha
Hey, does the make up fit to very sensitive skin? I really have to get the nude, but im a bit afraid.. O:o
I think it would, but I can't guarantee it. My skin is acne-prone, and I had good luck with this product. You could always ask for a sample!
I bought this about half a year ago.. amazing stuff! covers up everything without looking like a "cake face". Only problem.. im not sure if the pump is broken but nothing more is coming out :( theres a bit left.. but i didnt pay all that money to throw out the last bits. any way i can open it?
Angjelica, That happened to me, too! I could tell there was stuff left in the bottle, but the pump wouldn't budge. I ended up taking the back end of a hammer (the claw-like thing) and using that to pry the pump top from the glass jar. When I looked inside- the foundation was like CHUNKY! Which is probably why the pump got clogged... There's a ton left and it still works wonderfully (this is HG foundation by far)- but I am considering writing to Dior to see if this happens all the time... what a nuisance.
I have been issues with my pump and it stopped working completely, so I thought it was out. I went to buy another bottle and the representative told me that they had to recall the bottle and redesigned the new bottles to keep this from happening in the future. Has anyone else heard of a recall?
Hi Michelle, I haven't heard that, but that sucks! I'll have to ask the Dior ladies next time I'm at Nordies!
Oh no! :( I'm not sure if you can open it. I'd just keep trying to twist off the cap portion... I am sure there is a way to bust open that sucker!
Hey Christine, I am shopping for a new foundation & I am stuck between 3 products, Fix & Select from MAC & Dior skin Nude. Have yo tried Select & Fix from MAC & which one did you like from MAC. Do you like/think the Dior Skin Nude is better then the 2 products from MAC.
I've tried both, and I am currently loving Dior Nude. I used Studio Fix Fluid for many years, but I prefer Nude over it right now. Select is OK for me, but not quite enough coverage. I don't like Studio Fix Powder (breaks me out and it's cakey).
Hey Christine, are you using the Dior Skin Nude Powder & if so how do you like it. Is it okay to mix the Dior foundation with MAC mineralize foundation/loose & select moisturecover concealer. what powder are you using after the Dior foundation?
I'm not currently using it, Suzi. I only was really interested in the liquid foundation, but the powder does feel nice (since I did swatch it). I don't see why you couldn't mix them together. I'd just say to mix them once or twice (so don't just start up your laboratory quite yet, ha!) to test and see how it goes. I use MAC's Prep & Prime Transparent Finishing Powder at the moment!
Hey Christine, you replied to every comment but mine.I was hoping you'd list the positives/negatives of the Dior over the other foundation since I'm looking to buy a new foundation and couldn't make up(pun intended,hahaha) my mind.
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