As a beauty editor, I don’t judge products based on price. Rather, I identify with the performance. even if i’m shopping Whether it’s drugstore heroes or high-end investment items, I will openly and happily declare a product “overhyped” if it doesn’t give me extraordinary results. Duration. This context is important for what I am here to discuss today – the first foundation of Hermes.
Now, obviously, Hermès is a luxury brand, and its aesthetic selection reflects that. (It makes sense that the brand that brought us the Birkin bag would go on to produce other investment-worthy items, beauty or otherwise.) Still, I was shocked to see that its foundation costs $145, and I have to know if it’s worth it. So I tested it. Ahead, read my truly honest review after using it for two weeks.
Hermès Plein Air Luminous Matte Skincare Foundation
Here it is – Hermès Luminous Matte Skincare Foundation. It was conceived and created by Gregoris Pirpilis, Creative Director of Hermès Beauty, to combine high-performance makeup, effective skin care and a natural-looking result (the trifecta!).
It offers medium coverage and, as the name suggests, a matte finish. Unlike the cakey, one-dimensional foundations of yesterday, this one has a modern matte formula—it has a Velvety cloud like finish. It also offers 16-hour hold with resistance to heat, humidity and sweat. Oh, and skin benefits.
It’s actually more skin care than makeup. The foundation contains an 82% skin care base with a trio of active ingredients: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and white mulberry extract. The first is a do-all ingredient that smoothes, brightens and improves the quality of the skin. The second one is our favorite hydrating hero. And the third is an antioxidant that softens the skin and protects from oxidative stress.
It all sounds pretty impressive, but does it deliver on those promises? And can it really make the complexion flawless, velvety smooth? To answer those questions, I had to test it. See my before and after photos below.
before and after
First
Beauty editor Caitlin McClintock before applying Hermès Plein Air Luminous Matte Skincare Foundation
(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)
after
Beauty editor Caitlin McClintock after applying Hermès Plein Air Luminous Matte Skincare Foundation
(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)
my review
My skin is incredibly dry, dehydrated and redness-prone. In fact, I put this foundation through the fire trial since I used it for the first time during a particularly intense period Rosacea flare-ups. Lo and behold, It hid my patchy redness without exposing my dryness and texture. It looked smooth, like second skin, blurred my pores, and made my complexion look like it had a natural, glow-from-within glow.. And it did all these things, hour by hour, day by day, for the entire two weeks of testing.
Honestly, I feel like even my “after” picture doesn’t do it justice. IRL, the foundation looked almost invisible on my skin, and it didn’t clump into fine lines, oxidize, or flake off when I applied it with a face mist throughout the day. When I added blush, bronzer, and powder on top, it looked almost flawless.
Needless to say, I’m impressed with this formula, but I strongly feel like I shouldn’t be, because it’s so expensive. I would never claim that anyone *needs* a $145 foundation, but I will say that I recommend it if your budget allows it. And I’m officially welcoming it to my list of Hall-of-Fame foundations for rosacea, which I don’t do lightly!
hermes
Plein Air Moisturizing and Unifying Perfecting Primer
It’s also worth noting that Hermès offers a primer (at a hefty price of $110 per bottle). I personally did not use it with foundation as I wanted to test the foundation without any help. As stated, it is designed to prepare the skin and enhance its results thanks to its lightweight texture and smoothing and moisturizing formula.
It is a universal primer that suits all skin tones and melts into the skin, providing a completely translucent finish and a glow from within, while blurring the pores and smoothing the skin texture. It is also heat, moisture and sweat resistant.
Buy 3 More Hermès Beauty Products
Hermes
matte lipstick in rouge cassock
I wax poetic about Hermès’ matte lipstick in Rouge Casaque Year. I know it’s expensive, as are all Hermès products, but in my opinion, it’s really worth the investment if you (even occasionally) wear red lipstick. It has a velvety-matte texture and the most brilliant color. And shadow! Rouge Cassac is the ideal fiery red. Like I said, it’s been years, and I’m still as obsessed as I was the first time I swiped it.
Hermes
Les Men’s Hermès Nail Polish in Rouge Cassac
The only thing better than wearing a stunning red lipstick is matching that lipstick to your nail polish. Hermès Rouge Cassac nail polish is another must-have.
Hermes
Rose Hermes Silky Blush in Rose Ambre
I also have an unhealthy obsession with Hermès powder blushes. They settle on the skin like a dream, requiring virtually no blending for a soft, dewy complexion.
why trust us
At Who What Wear, we know beauty isn’t one size fits all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skin care, makeup, hair care, and nails—as well as teamed up with trusted experts like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other key industry insiders. Together, this ensures that each guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver results, whether they’re affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selections are based on solid results, ingredient information, and what we would actually recommend to our closest friends and family members.
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