“how do I find the correct shade of foundation?”

{photo courtesy of bookgrl.}

dear apricot,

I need help picking out a foundation that suits my skin tone. I’m of Indian heritage so I have light brownish-yellow skin and I can never seem to find a foundation that matches my shade exactly – or even one that comes close. I’ve actually had to resort to mixing a dark tinted moisturizer with a light foundation, and whilst this is somewhat effective, it takes an awful long time to do – time which I don’t have in the morning before I go to work. So I guess essentially what I’m asking is, how do I find the correct shade of foundation for my skin tone without emptying my bank account?

— Wanting the Perfect Color.

______________________________

Wanting the Perfect Color,

I used to do what you do now: mix a dark tinted moisturizer with a lighter shade of foundation. I loved that because for me, I felt like I had control over how light or dark the shade was going to be. But you say doing that takes up too much time; is it because it’s a two step process? I’m assuming you’re looking for just one perfect shade to put on & go.

In my professional experience, the only way I was ever able to find the perfect shade was to go directly to a makeup counter & ask them to match one for me. & I’ll tell you why:

The problem with just buying what you see in drugstores is that you really cannot get an accurate depiction of what that shade is going to look like. Typically, drugstores have florescent lighting, which often makes most colors appear different from what they really are. It may look perfect in the bottle (or compact), but as soon as you get it home — or when you see yourself in pictures — it’s obvious that the shade was not the right match. Also, drugstore foundation’s pigments are never true to color. Some are too grey & ashy; some are too red & pink. There is usually no in-between. & unfortunately, once you’ve opened the makeup, you’re stuck with it. Most stores will not give you a refund for a faulty shade of foundation.

There are certain tricks you can do to try to match it yourself. Experts say that if you can test the product before you buy it, try dabbing the potential hue onto your jawline, or on top of your wrist. Apparently, that is where your “true” facial pigment is. But that trick has never worked for me. Not just because my wrist & jaw line seemed to be lighter than my inner face, but because I could never test the product in a drugstore without buying it first.

So, truthfully, if you want the perfect shade, let a professional do it for you. Go to a makeup counter — in a department store, or at places like MAC or Sephora — tell them you’re looking for a new shade of foundation, & they’ll give you a free color match consultation. Tell the makeup specialist exactly what you want, because that will help determine what will work for you. Do you want it to be natural looking? Do you have blemishes that need hiding, or do you only need light coverage? Is your skin oily or dry? Do you want long wear? Do you want a product that hasn’t been tested on animals? Make sure you know precisely what you want out of this product. It also helps to ask questions. If you want some tips as to how you can correctly apply your foundation, don’t hesitate to ask them! That is what they’re there for.

After they’ve applied a sample of it for you, ask yourself these questions: How does it feel on my skin? Is it heavy? Does it feel light? Does it look cakey & unnatural? Does it make my skin look oily? If you don’t specifically like the foundation they chose for your skin, have no qualms about walking away & trying something different. Don’t settle for something until you know for certain that you love it. If by chance you DO love what they have selected for you, ask them if they can give you a sample of it in your shade to take home with you. At home, you can apply it how you want to & really get a feel for what that makeup is going to do for you. You’ll also be able to see what the shade looks like in the sunlight, which is also very important.

You’d be surprised to know that not all foundations in specialty stores will empty your bank account. For how much they give in each bottle, & for what you’re paying for — a fool-proof, perfectly matched shade of color for YOUR skin — it’s quite a great deal. Ultimately, this is an investment you’re making. When you look at it that way, it makes sense for you to spend a little extra, don’t you think?

So don’t short change yourself with cheap drugstore brands. If you want the perfect shade of foundation, leave it to the professionals. & if you’re still set on finding the perfect shade at a drugstore, consider reading this article, which is rather helpful.

— apricot.

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