Foundation base - how to choose for oily, combination and dry skin, 3 long-lasting makeup techniques

Updated: 03/07/2021 15:18:53

Expert: Ekaterina Alekseevna Savitskaya

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Makeup foundation used to be not as popular as it is now, and many girls believed that it was only used as professional makeup during filming. But gradually it was appreciated and began to be used, first when creating evening makeup, and then for everyday appearances. The base can hide skin imperfections, even out skin tone, and make the complexion more fresh and healthy. In addition, other cosmetics fit better on it, their consumption is significantly reduced, and the makeup lasts much longer.

Makeup bases are divided into four main types:

1. Liquid
   . Transparent bases smooth the skin, eliminate shine, and mattify. They are most often used when creating daytime makeup, since they cannot 100% hide serious defects.
2. Solid
   . The foundations have a thick pasty texture. It is applied pointwise to acne, moles, age spots and shaded. Solid products are intended for very problematic skin and are mainly presented in professional lines.
3. Cream
   . Such bases can be used independently as a foundation without additional powder coating. They smooth out wrinkles, help hide signs of fatigue or insomnia, refresh the complexion, and are intended for sensitive and dry skin.
4. Gel-like.
   The delicate texture does not clog pores, so it is ideal for oily skin. It hides imperfections well and smoothes out the texture. After the base, foundation must be applied to give ideal smoothness to the skin.

In addition to the main ones, there are several more subtypes of primers:

1. matting;
2. moisturizing;
3. shimmering;
4. leveling.

As an example of a smart choice, today we will present 15 makeup bases that will make even the most problematic skin look healthy and well-groomed. Experts have selected products from different price categories for the rating, which both ordinary shoppers and professional makeup artists recommend paying attention to.

How to choose the right makeup base

If the foundation applies unevenly, emphasizing flaking, wrinkles and pores, you need to look for a suitable primer.

For those with oily epidermis with enlarged pores, foundations with a mattifying effect and “grout” products are suitable. Typically, such products have a light, non-comedogenic texture, so they do not worsen the condition of problematic skin.

For women with dry or mature skin, makeup bases with a radiant effect and caring properties are recommended. But such products are contraindicated for oily skin, because they only increase unwanted shine on the face and reduce the durability of makeup.

You can hide serious problems using color-correcting primers:

• Green bases will help disguise redness and rosacea;
• Yellow ones will hide dark circles under the eyes and an unhealthy grayish complexion;
• For strong yellowness or pigmentation, use a foundation that is lilac or blue.

The claim that primers prolong the durability of makeup is wrong. They only help to distribute the foundation evenly and hide some skin imperfections.

The manufacturer's promises of 24-hour makeup durability thanks to primer alone are greatly exaggerated.

You can verify this by reading the test drives of beauty bloggers comparing the behavior of foundations with and without foundations - there is not much difference. Therefore, do not look for super durability in makeup bases.

The main thing is that they cope well with their tasks and simply make your face well-groomed and beautiful.

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conclusions

1. The foundation extends the durability of makeup.
2. Choosing a special foundation for an oily type is not easy, but it is doable.
3. Primer comes in different types and colors.
4. You need to buy only a high-quality and certified product.
5. The best foundation for oily types is a gel foundation.
6. A good base should moisturize and nourish the skin, and even better, treat acne.
7. Popular manufacturers of foundations for oily skin are Rimmel, Giorgio Armani, Vishy, ​​Avon.
8. The price category of the foundations is different and it differs due to the properties of the product.
9. A properly selected foundation is the key to success and long-lasting makeup.

The best makeup bases with a radiant effect

The smallest reflective particles in such products give the skin a fresh, sleek and youthful appearance. Typically, radiant primers contain moisturizing ingredients and also mask flaking and dryness.

They can be used as a base for matte or translucent foundations to create a natural makeup look.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Skin Booster – instant and prolonged effect

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

96%

buyers recommend this product

Multifunctional prime serum will prepare the skin for makeup and give it a healthy glow. The liquid texture of the product has a white pearlescent tint and an unobtrusive aroma.

The booster formula contains panthenol, argan oil and vitamin E, which eliminate irritations, nourish and moisturize the skin, and also protect it from the negative effects of free radicals.

Ultra HD Skin Booster evens out the relief of the face, masks wrinkles and peeling, and delicately illuminates the skin. And just a couple of drops of this primer will help tame the most stubborn foundation.

Advantages:

• Complex caring effect;
• Gives the skin a pleasant glow;
• Smoothes wrinkles and peeling;
• Compatible with any foundation;
• Unobtrusive aroma.

Flaws:

• Small volume (12 ml), but consumption is also small.

Make Up For Ever makeup serum is suitable for normal to dry skin with enlarged pores or the first signs of aging.

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SISLEY Instant Eclat – healthy skin glow

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

72%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

A multifunctional primer with decorative and caring properties will appeal to those with normal, dry and aging skin. The liquid texture spreads easily over the face, adjusting its tone and giving it that same spectacular shine that has nothing to do with an unkempt oily sheen.

Extracts of kiwi, broom and algae in the product tone, moisturize and increase skin elasticity.

The lightweight base actually smooths out pores and fine lines, creating the perfect surface for subsequent foundation application. In addition to caring for and preparing the skin for makeup, this foundation is also suitable for strobing and highlighting.

Advantages:

• Non-greasy texture;
• Gives the face a delicate glow;
• Smoothes the relief;
• Intensive caring effect;
• Ensures even distribution of foundation.

Flaws:

• Costs about 6 thousand.

Sisley's radiant primer will be appreciated by women over 40 years of age with pronounced signs of aging and dehydrated skin.

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SENSAI Glowing Base – liquid pearl for the perfect complexion

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

Moisturizing primer with pearl pollen will transform the skin texture and visually even out its tone. The moderately liquid texture of a natural beige shade spreads easily over the face, filling it with radiance.

Silk proteins mask flaking and dryness, and the SPF10 present protects the skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. The product is compatible with foundations of various densities and has an unobtrusive cosmetic aroma.

Advantages:

• Gently illuminates the skin without leaving an oily sheen;
• Evens out tone and relief;
• Masks peeling;
• Well moisturizes;
• Contains SPF filters.

Flaws:

• The price is a bit high - 3500 rubles.

Glowing Base is a godsend for those with sensitive and dehydrated skin with age-related changes.

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L'OREAL Infaillible Luminizing Primer - inexpensive base with mother of pearl

4.6

★★★★★

editorial assessment

86%

buyers recommend this product

An affordable pearl foundation fills the skin with an inner glow and disguises enlarged pores. The product has a uniform texture that shimmers in the light, but the shimmer is almost invisible, and the base itself is easily distributed over the face.

If you want to get the effect of inner skin glow, use this product in combination with light foundation creams.

Shea butter and silicones in the primer will mask signs of dehydration, nourish and smooth the skin. And pearlescent pollen will hide signs of fatigue and give your face a sleek look.

Advantages:

• Beautiful pearl finish without large sparkles;
• Masks pores and peeling;
• Easily spreads over the face;
• Affordable price – 600 rubles.

Flaws:

• Under a thick foundation, the radiance will simply not be visible.

L'Oreal Pearl Primer is suitable for those with normal to dry skin on a budget. Only translucent foundations need to be applied on top of it.

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comparison table

The table below contains brief characteristics of the funds discussed above.

The Best Pore-Covering Foundations

Owners of all skin types face the problem of enlarged pores. Liquid and matte foundations simply sink into them and only highlight imperfections. Grout primers for filling enlarged pores will help you get the perfect relief.

URBAN DECAY Optical Illusion Primer – photoshop in a tube against any imperfections

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

The product for retouching enlarged pores and wrinkles has a thick texture and a light beige tint, so it can be used either alone or in combination with foundations.

Just a drop of the product will disguise pores, fine wrinkles, peeling and dry skin, creating the effect of a doll's face.

The primer prepares the face for makeup and goes well with any foundation – even the most difficult to apply.

Rosehip extract and argan oil in its composition tone, nourish, soften the epidermis and protect sensitive skin from aggressive chemical components of decorative cosmetics.

Advantages:

• Masks pores, wrinkles and peeling;
• Suitable for all skin types;
• Caring effect;
• Economical consumption;
• Can be used simply under powder - without foundation.

Flaws:

• The cost of 3 thousand rubles is not affordable for everyone.

This makeup base will be especially appreciated by those with oily and combination skin with pronounced texture, as well as redness or flaky areas.

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BENEFIT THE POREFESSIONAL Pearl Primer – eraser for imperfections and dull complexion

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

The sister of the legendary POREfessional grout will disguise pores and fill the skin with a well-groomed glow. The thick texture of the product with a soft pink undertone spreads over the face in a few seconds, smoothing out all the unevenness. And vitamin E in the product formula acts as a powerful antioxidant.

The primer prevents the appearance of oily shine during the day and prevents foundation from flowing into pores and wrinkles. But in order not to worsen the condition of porous skin, makeup will have to be carefully removed every evening using hydrophilic oil.

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Advantages:

• Masks pores and wrinkles;
• Prevents the appearance of oily shine;
• Refreshes the complexion;
• Economically used;
• Compatible with any foundation.

Flaws:

• May accentuate flaking.

Pearl Primer is recommended for those with oily and porous skin. Girls with dehydrated epidermis should skip this base.

PIXI Flawless&Poreless – hypoallergenic product for flawless makeup

4.6

★★★★★

editorial assessment

84%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The updated version of the primer-grout from Pixi is suitable for every woman with enlarged pores. A hypoallergenic product with a thick texture smoothes the dermis, preparing it for the application of foundation, fills pores, wrinkles and evens out the complexion.

The non-comedogenic formula of the product does not contain oils, but is rich in plant extracts. The primer mattifies the skin for a long time, masks imperfections and protects against the negative effects of the environment.

Advantages:

• Safe composition with an abundance of plant components;
• Perfectly masks enlarged pores and texture;
• Cares for oily and combination skin;
• Mattifies the T-zone;
• Doesn't clog pores.

Flaws:

• If there are peelings, the product will highlight them.

Pore ​​grout from Pixi will be appreciated by those with problematic skin suffering from a pronounced greasy sheen and bumpy texture.

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Homemade base at home

For women and girls who are distrustful of cosmetics, you can prepare your own foundation. For perfect makeup, moisturizing, eliminating oily shine, evening out tone. More suitable for oily, combination skin.

Prepare 2 bases separately, then mix.

1. In a steam bath, melt 0.5 teaspoon of shea butter, 1/3 teaspoon of emulsion wax, 1 teaspoon of peach oil.
2. After dissolving the first base, add the second - 2 teaspoons of mineral water, 1 ml of aloe juice in ampoules, 10 drops of coltsfoot extract.

To stir thoroughly. After cooling, add a vitamin E capsule. You can store the product in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. According to women's reviews, it increases the durability of makeup. The face does not “float” even at the end of the day.

Foundation for foundation is as important a cosmetic product as other cosmetics. Without it, it is impossible to create perfect makeup, no matter how expensive the products are used.

The Best Color Correcting Makeup Foundations

The main task of such products is to neutralize skin tone imperfections. Colored primers can be applied locally or all over the face to even out the shade.

Additionally, color-correcting bases can have mattifying, moisturizing or smoothing properties.

GIVENCHY Prisme Primer 01 – say no to signs of fatigue and oily shine

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

96%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

A blue makeup base will erase pigment spots from your face and give it a well-groomed look. It glides easily over the skin, evening out tone and texture, and at the same time eliminates painful yellowness, leaving a pleasant matte finish.

The complex of minerals in the primer protects the dermis from the harmful effects of external factors and early aging.

The product does not focus attention on the pores, tones the skin, and for those with oily epidermis it will be an excellent alternative to day care.

Advantages:

• Eliminates yellowness and signs of fatigue;
• Smoothes the relief;
• Mattifies the skin;
• Does not sink into pores and does not clog them.

Flaws:

• Emphasizes peeling.

Givenchy blue primer is suitable for those with oily or combination skin with yellow undertones and age spots.

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CLARINS SOS-Primer Rose - returns a fresh and rested look to the skin

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

A base with peach and pink pigments will help mask the signs of fatigue and lack of sleep for every resident of the metropolis. The product is medium density and has a light pearl sheen.

Once absorbed, SOS-Primer neutralizes dark blue under the eyes and revitalizes dull skin, giving it an inner glow.

At the same time, the product moisturizes and softens the epidermis, guarantees uniform distribution of the foundation, and also smoothes the facial texture.

Thanks to its neutral formula, the new Clarins product is suitable for all skin types, but don't expect intensive care or camouflage of flaking.

Advantages:

• Refreshes the face, giving it a fresh and radiant look;
• Conceals dark circles;
• Suitable for all skin types;
• Smoothes the relief;
• Improves the properties of foundations.

Flaws:

• Does not mask peeling and other serious imperfections;
• Costs about 3000 rubles.

A pink makeup base will help erase traces of fatigue for busy girls who always lack sleep and spend little time outdoors.

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LANCOME Miracle CC Cushion 02 – cushion primer for correcting any imperfections

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

A universal makeup base in cushion format will eliminate dark circles under the eyes, redness and dull skin tone.

The product has a liquid, highly pigmented consistency and is easily distributed over the face using the included sponge.

The primer perfectly evens out the tone of the face, hides small tonal imperfections, and smoothes out the skin texture. It leaves a natural matte finish on the face and helps to find an approach to even the most capricious foundation.

Advantages:

• Caring effect;
• Evens out facial tone;
• Mattifies the skin;
• Convenient format.

Flaws:

• Will not cope with pronounced redness.

Lancome cushion foundation is recommended for owners of any skin type with a grayish complexion or slight rosacea.

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L'OREAL Infaillible Anti-Redness Primer - perfect tone without signs of rosacea

4.6

★★★★★

editorial assessment

86%

buyers recommend this product

A color-correcting foundation will mask rosacea and redness on reactive skin. The liquid, highly pigmented texture spreads easily over the face and gives a matte finish.

The product hides spider veins and redness, creating a doll-like even complexion. The base does not clog pores and seamlessly blends with the natural skin tone, so it can be applied locally - only to problem areas.

Alas, with its high toning ability, it perfectly emphasizes peeling. Therefore, the Anti-Redness primer is not suitable for those with dry skin with such problems.

Advantages:

• Non-comedogenic formula;
• High pigmentation – hides redness well;
• Mattifying effect;
• Affordable price – 600 rubles.

Flaws:

• Emphasizes peeling;
• Small volume (20 ml).

This base should be in the cosmetic bag of every owner of normal, oily or sensitive skin prone to redness and severe rosacea.

The best mattifying primers

Mattifying foundations are a must-have for girls with oily and combination skin. Such products remove greasy shine in the T-zone and eliminate the need to correct makeup with napkins and powder.

The composition of such products is usually non-comedogenic, so you don’t have to worry about worsening your skin condition even with regular use.

URBAN DECAY De-Slick Complexion Primer – weightless matte veil

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

96%

buyers recommend this product

Urban Decay's versatile makeup base transforms oily skin. The optimal translucent texture is distributed over the face in a few seconds, smoothing out the texture and enlarged pores. Despite the intense matting, the product lays down like a weightless veil and does not clog into pores and folds.

De-Slick Complexion effectively absorbs skin secretions throughout the day and provides perfect makeup with any foundation. The highlight of this product is the ability to apply it over finished makeup for quick correction and elimination of greasy shine.

Advantages:

• Can be reapplied over makeup;
• Low consumption;
• Long lasting matting effect;
• Invisible on the face;
• Smoothes out the texture well without sinking into the pores.

Flaws:

• Costs three thousand.

Urban Decay base with a mattifying effect is recommended for girls with oily and combination skin who have to be in public all day. With such a universal product, correcting makeup and removing oily shine is a matter of one minute

SMASHBOX Photo Finish Mattify Primer Stick – a magic wand for removing oily shine

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

A mattifying base in a stick will prepare your face for makeup application in just a few seconds. The compressed transparent product is convenient for local treatment of the T-zone, which will be appreciated by those with combo skin. The product fills the pores, evening out the overall relief, and does not dry out the dermis at all.

When using this primer, oily shine does not appear for up to 10 hours, even in hot weather. After distribution, the primer becomes completely invisible on the face, which allows it to be used as a stand-alone product or in combination with foundation and/or powder.

Advantages:

• Compact format;
• Long lasting matting effect;
• Well masks pores;
• Does not dry out the skin.

Flaws:

• Quite a price.

The mattifying base in the Smashbox stick will appeal to girls with oily and porous skin who prefer compact and functional products that can be carried everywhere in their cosmetic bag.

NYX Professional Can't Stop Won't Stop Matte Primer – perfect matte finish from 6 hours

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

The new product from NYX will maintain perfect makeup even in the heat and with increased activity. This base has a dense consistency that smoothes out the texture and hides enlarged pores.

The foundation formula also includes absorbent particles that absorb skin secretions and prevent foundation from spreading.

The primer gives a matte finish even to foundations with a glow effect. And its only drawback is its slight stickiness and thickness.

Because of this, the product is difficult to distribute over the skin, but after shrinking it provides absolute matteness for 6 hours or longer.

Advantages:

• Mattifies the skin;
• Smoothes large pores and relief;
• Compatible with any foundation;
• Affordable price: about 800 rubles.

Flaws:

• Difficult to spread over the face;
• It dries out the skin a little, although this is not a problem for oily dermis.

Mattifying makeup base Can't Stop Won't Stop is suitable for creating evening makeup, and it will also be good for the hot season if you have oily skin. But this product is intended for young girls - it is absolutely not suitable for mature dermis.

Cooking tool

To prepare the cream, you do not need complex equipment; as a rule, any housewife has everything she needs.

• Small metal saucepan (for steam bath)
• Syringe or measuring cup
• Plastic/glass spatula
• Kitchen scales
• Mini mixer (you can beat the mass with a regular mixer or fork, but this is less convenient)
• Plastic containers for storing mixture
• Thermometer

To prevent the cream from spoiling itself and ruining your mood, make sure that your utensils and tools are sterile!

The Best Anti-Aging Makeup Foundations

Primers for mature skin contain restorative components and silicones, which provide a lifting effect and fill wrinkles on the face well.

Caring additives nourish, moisturize and soften the dermis throughout the day, and at the same time protect it from negative external factors.

RETINOL Radiance Booster – anti-aging cocktail

5.0

★★★★★

editorial assessment

96%

buyers recommend this product

A luxurious, multi-tasking serum that infuses skin with beneficial elements and prepares it for makeup application.

The weightless nourishing base is easily distributed over the face, filling wrinkles and tightening tired skin.

The product does not emphasize peeling, and the reflective particles present in it erase signs of fatigue from the face.

The product formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin, peptides, as well as vitamins A and E.

An intense anti-aging elixir moisturizes, nourishes and brightens the skin, over time increasing its elasticity and reducing the depth of wrinkles.

Advantages:

• Rich caring composition with complex action;
• Prolonged anti-aging effect;
• Does not reduce the durability of foundations;
• Does not highlight flaky areas on the face.

Flaws:

• Not on sale everywhere.

Radiance Booster foundation can be used every day by women aged 45 years and older - regardless of skin type.

NYX Honey Dew Me Up Primer – a pot of honey with a rejuvenating effect

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

92%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

The updated NYX honey primer has a gel consistency, but upon contact with the skin it instantly transforms into a light emulsion. The product spreads easily over the face, but it will take a few minutes to set.

The presence of collagen, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, honey extract and phytoextracts moisturize, nourish and soften the skin, and also increase its elasticity and tone. The foundation contains shining particles that give the face a slight glow.

Advantages:

• Comprehensive care;
• A large number of plant components in the composition;
• Smoothes relief and wrinkles;
• Blur effect;
• Low consumption;
• An appetizing but unobtrusive smell of honey.

Flaws:

• It takes a long time to absorb.

Honey Dew Me Up base is recommended for those with aging skin prone to dryness.

Why make your own face cream?

In recent years, more and more women are abandoning ready-made cosmetic products in favor of homemade products. The main reasons for refusing store-bought products:

• this is the only option for those who are afraid of harmful components and want to be sure that their daily cream is safe;
• not a single cream, even the best one, will suit your skin 100%, because it is designed for the “arithmetic average”;
• making a quality product with your own hands is cheaper than paying for a finished product;
• We are all sorceresses and love to create, right?

The Best Makeup Foundations With SPF

Primers with SPF filters protect the skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation, which provokes photoaging and the appearance of age spots.

It is necessary to purchase such products if your daily care and foundation do not have such protection.

GIORGIO ARMANI Maestro UV – powerful protection for the summer

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

The lightweight Maestro veil is suitable for any skin type (including sensitive) and contains a powerful filter complex with SPF50. The weightless composition glides easily over the face and is instantly absorbed, leaving no residue or sticky feeling.

The product evens out skin tone, retouches minor imperfections and can be used either alone or in combination with foundation. The hypoallergenic product, free of fragrances and fragrances, does not irritate the skin and guarantees reliable protection against UVA and UVB rays of the sun.

Advantages:

• High sun protection factor;
• Light texture absorbs quickly;
• Suitable for use as a stand-alone product;
• Hypoallergenic formula;
• Evens out facial tone.

Flaws:

• Costs 6 thousand rubles.

Sunscreen primer from Giorgio Armani is suitable for women with fair and sensitive skin prone to sunburn and hyperpigmentation. For summer and holidays in hot countries, this product is simply irreplaceable.

Rating of popular brands

AuthorVoting

• 1 L'Oréal is a company producing perfumes, cosmetics for face, body, hair, and decorative cosmetics. Founded at the beginning of the 20th century in France. A distinctive feature is a wide, high-quality range of products. The company has factories in many countries of the world, including Russia.
• 2 Clinique is a subsidiary (from Estee Lauder Companies) of an American company created in the 60s of the 20th century. Leader in the production of anti-age cosmetics. The brand's products do not contain perfumery aromatic components. The products are hypoallergenic, which allows us to add the produced cosmetics to the list of safe products.
• 3 Mary Kay is an American manufacturer that occupies a leading position in the field of network marketing. On the market since the first half of the 60s of the 20th century. Specializes in the production of top quality products distributed using a system of sales consultants. A wide range of skin care products for different age categories.
• 4 Promakeup is the first Russian brand of high-quality professional decorative cosmetics. A wide range of products meets all safety standards required for goods for the specified purpose and is regularly updated. Cosmetics from Russian manufacturers compete with foreign brands.
• 5 Revlon is an American company producing cosmetics, which was created in the 30s of the 20th century. Good customer reviews and decent quality of cosmetic products are a pleasant tandem that characterizes the manufacturer.

Also trustworthy: Maybelline, NYX, Lancaster, Clarins, Levrana, Givenchy, Lumene.