Chanel – that most noteworthy of Parisian brands – claims to have discovered the secret of truly silky smooth skin and has incorporated it into its Luminous Touch Foundation, the latest addition to its Vitalumière Glow line. Utilising the very finest hyaluronic acid, the foundation is said to lock water naturally into the epidermis, creating the brand’s signature soft look.

Championing the cause among the non-European brands is Japan’s Clé de Peau Beauté, which has just released its apparently high-functioning Hydro-Softening Lotion, a foundation that, it says, delivers an immediate softening effect, while eliminating all signs of dryness and flakiness. A must-have for winters, we say!

While silky smoothness may traditionally have been the forte of liquid foundations, Guerlain is no respecter of such conventions, as it demonstrated with its newly available New Lingerie De Peau Compact Mat Alive. With easy purse-friendly portability, it could be just the thing you need for a quick touch-up after a long day.