Foundation isn’t the singular key to flawless, luminous skin—there’s magic in the layering of textures, hues and formulas

Flawless skin is one of the hardest things to fake—and one of the first things people notice. “Perfect skin is very important,” says Terry de Gunzburg, founder of the cutting-edge By Terry cosmetics and the creator of YSL’s game-changing Touche Eclat in the ’90s. “It is all about the radiance. Radiance will come from healthy skin, the right formula of foundation and a texture adapted to the skin type.”

But for many, figuring out how to attain flawlessness is easier said than done. According to de Gunzburg, “the secret [to makeup] is to adopt a layering process. My theory of ‘less is more’ pitches on the superposition of textures… allowing a succession of transparencies for a flawless coverage.” In other words, instead of a thick slathering of super pigmented product, try delicate layers of sheer formulas. And this begins long before any color touches the skin. “Primer allows makeup to go on smoothly and evenly and stay put,” says de Gunzburg. Her special trick is lavender primer, Eclat de Teint Pinceau, “that counteracts redness and gives skin that sophisticated, calm look.” Additionally, her subtly tinted and firming Hyaluronic Face Glow Base Nude Hydra-Mat imparts a bare-skin feel that provides the perfect base for color.

Next, it’s critical to select the perfect foundation formula. “The wrong foundation and skincare will really reveal flaws and lined skin, having the opposite effect desired,” de Gunzburg says. To her, luminosity isn’t always dictated by dewiness—it can be radiant in a matte or satin finish as well. “To get a truly luminous complexion, avoid too much coverage and too many colors.” A common mistake de Gunzburg sees is women trying to darken or lighten their complexion. The ultimate shade should be as identical as possible to your actual bare skin tone. Test shades—both concealer and foundation—directly on the face, not hand, as the skin there is thinner with a totally different texture from the face.

“For a flawless complexion, I have a visible-invisible technique that works all the time,” says de Gunzburg. She begins with plenty of Hyaluronic Eye Primer or Or de Rose Elixir Extrême on any shadowy, dark areas around the eye. “This radiance corrector acts as a light trap, erasing all trace of shadows, smoothing the features, diminishing imperfections and reviving the freshness of even the most tired complexions. It works miracles!” Next, de Gunzburg applies Light-Expert Perfecting Foundation Brush on the forehead, cheekbones, nose and chin. “With the brush (always use a brush), stretch the texture towards the sides of the face.” Concealer is her must-have makeup item for everyday use and touch-ups. Her Touch-Expert Advanced Multi-Corrective Concealer does more than just cover—it fills, smoothes and reshapes the skin’s surface thanks to hyaluronic acid.

But the key to perfect skin isn’t only nude shades. “For a flawless complexion, my best advice is think pink! Rosy light is a miracle on every skin tone; it adds a freshness instantly and I have always used it as a radiance-correcting secret.” And at the end of the day, “the best way to bring luminosity to your complexion is to adopt and apply a bright lipstick. The color will enliven your day and your features!”