Finding the right foundation can feel like a chore, especially for Asian skin tones. With such a rich diversity of shades and undertones, it’s essential to get it just right to avoid wasting money and time. Here’s how you can find that perfect match:
Understanding Undertones
First things first: undertones. Knowing whether you have warm, cool, or neutral undertones is key to choosing the right foundation. As a professional makeup artist, I would say that most Asians are warm or neutral.
- Warm Undertones: Your skin has a golden, yellow, or peachy hue. Veins on your wrist look greenish.
- Cool Undertones: Your skin has pink, red, or bluish hues. Veins on your wrist appear blue or purple.
- Neutral Undertones: You’re somewhere in between, with a mix of both warm and cool tones.
Brands That Get It Right
Finding a brand that offers a wide range of shades can be a game-changer. Here are a few that cater well to Asian skin tones:
1. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
A cult favorite for a reason. Estée Lauder’s Double Wear offers an impressive range of shades with different undertones. It’s long-lasting, which is a bonus for those long days.
- Why it works: It has a shade for almost every undertone and stays put without caking.
- Try this: If you have warm undertones, look for shades with a “W” like “Tawny 3W1”. For cool undertones, go for shades marked with “C” like “Cool Bone 1C1”.
2. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
Rihanna’s line has been a game-changer for inclusivity. Fenty Beauty offers a wide range of shades, and their Pro Filt’r Foundation is perfect for those with oily or combination skin.
- Why it works: Extensive shade range with detailed undertone descriptions.
- Try this: For warm undertones, try shades like “290”. For neutral undertones, “300” could be a match.
3. MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15
MAC has been a staple in the beauty community forever. Their Studio Fix Fluid offers a natural matte finish and a wide variety of shades.
- Why it works: Versatile and buildable, perfect for everyday wear.
- Try this: Shades like “NC30” are great for warm undertones, while “NW25” suits cooler undertones.
Tips for Testing Foundation
- Swatch It Right: Test foundation on your jawline, not your wrist. Your face and neck should match seamlessly.
- Natural Light Is Key: Always check your foundation in natural light to ensure it blends perfectly with your skin tone.
- Sample Sizes: Don’t be shy about asking for samples. Test the foundation over a few days to see how it wears.
Honorable Mentions
- NARS Sheer Glow Foundation: Great for those looking for a radiant finish. Try shades like “Vanuatu” for medium tones with yellow undertones.
- Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation: Adaptable and long-lasting, suitable for various skin tones. Check out shades like “Golden 4”.
Final Thoughts
HOT TIP: I started keeping a record of my shades with comments. This will be very helpful to you if you are someone who is a serial-foundation-tester. You can keep track and by the process of elimination, find “THE” one.
TOP TIP: Try on foundation. Never buy online. Don’t believe the ads. It’s rubbish. How could you be matched to some photo on your phone? We are all individuals. Foundation looks different with each person, in artificial light and in daylight. When you look natural, radiant and “just like yourself”, you know you’ve got it right!
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Photo by Hitesh Dewasi on Unsplash