A Chanel foundation is only half of the routine, and the supporting cast is good. Les Beiges Serum Concealer in B10 is the first serum concealer by Chanel, made to brighten the eye area without creasing. Ultra Le Teint Le Correcteur in BD31 is the medium-to-full coverage, waterproof option for up to 12 hours.

Under the base, there are two primers. La Base Illuminatrice gives instant radiance, and La Base Matifiante is a gel that mattifies and moisturizes. I would pair the matte primer with Ultra Le Teint and the radiant one with Les Beiges.

On top, Poudre Universelle Libre in 10 is a loose powder with a soft matte finish that sets makeup. For warmth, Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sun-Kissed Powder in Light Coral is a trio that holds a bronzer, a blush and a pearlescent highlighter. Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Highlighting Fluid in Sunkissed is a water-light liquid, and you can mix it into foundation or tap it on afterward.

The Les Pinceaux de Chanel Foundation-Blending Brush N°102 blends fluid, cream and powder formulas.

What I would skip: powder over the whole face when you are wearing Les Beiges. It is made for glow, so set only the center and leave the cheeks alone.

Other houses make excellent foundations too, and comparing them helps you know what you like. Dior Forever Skin Glow in 9N Neutral is a hydrating glow foundation with medium coverage and a radiant finish. Armani Beauty Luminous Silk in 2 is a fair shade with neutral golden tones, made with niacinamide, for a natural glow finish. YSL Skin Affair Soft Glow Cushion in MW4 gives you a cushion format with squalane, niacinamide and polyglutamic acid.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care and Glow in 540C is a serum foundation with hyaluronic and mandelic acids, made with SPF. Prada Reveal Skin-Optimizing Soft Matte Foundation in LC5 is refillable with a soft matte finish, and Prada lists SPF 17 on it. Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection in Medium Deep 25 is a serum-like foundation with a soft-focus finish.

For a matte base, Estée Lauder Double Wear Lightweight Matte in 5W2 Rich Caramel is the new matte version of the classic, with up to 36-hour wear. Natasha Denona Hy-Glam in N2 is a radiant serum foundation with self-setting wear, and the brand says it lasts up to 18 hours.

What I would skip: a full coverage matte formula when you want your skin to show through. Pick one of the glow foundations here and build it up only where you need it.

To choose, start with the finish you want to see in the mirror. Les Beiges or a tint if you want real skin to show. Ultra Le Teint if you want a base that stays put. Sublimage or N°1 de Chanel when you want your skincare and makeup to overlap. Then check undertone in daylight: B40 reads neutral and BR22 reads rosy, so use those as your two reference points. Apply with fingers for a fresh look, or use the N°102 brush for a smooth layer. Finish with one concealer and a little powder where you shine, and stop there. A foundation should look best at noon, not just the moment you leave the house.