OT: Question About Foundation Shades

tarzy

I need foundation, and I'd like to try the Maybelline Dream Mousse Foundation, but I'm confused about which shade to get.

Is there some secret method for figuring this out? I know I should be able to tell by looking at the package, but I get confused as to which shades are cool or warm, and how light or dark I should go. How do you pick your foundation color? (Do I just buy the three that seem closest and return the ones that don't work? I really wish drugstores had samples!)

http://www.maybelline.com/prod.....ector.aspx

15 years ago

General

11 replies

Latest reply was from Kristen

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

I think this is one of those occasions where there is no way of knowing unless you try them. The colours on screen don't really give you the whole picture anyway.

Ooooohhhhh I've just read your post properly. In the UK they do have samples... Do they really not where you are? Tester pots?

If you want fab foundation I'd be tempted to try a make-over from one of those counters that do it for free in the hopes that you'll pay lots of money on their product. I have come to the conclusion that it really is worth paying for good foundation and worth getting someone else to do the hard work of working out which one is for you...

15 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Some of those drugstore displays have those little tinted cards you can hold over your skintone and the one that disappears is the match. I don't remember if it's Maybelline or Cover Girl - sorry. As for buying 2 shades I have done that and actually combined them for a perfect match (in mineral powder form). I think CVS will let you return cosmetics but I'm not sure if other chains will once you open it.

15 years ago

Kristine

Veteran

It's hard! I use color matching foundation (Almay) so I don't have to worry about it. Believe it or not, Walgreens seems to be pretty helpful about assisting with make-up. I think they allow refunds also.

15 years ago

sinead

Active Member

Tara, I had so much trouble finding a good match in drugstore foundation (along with something that worked with my sensitive skin) that I finally just broke down and ended up at Sephora. My Clinique foundation costs about 3 times more, but with my temperamental skin I just figure that's what I'm stuck with.

But- I do know people who have found good drugstore foundation. Have you checked out Essential Day Spa (I think it's eds.com)? Lots of makeup advice there.

15 years ago

shana

Veteran

I don't buy drugstore for this very reason so I have no advice other than to definitely check the return policy. I'm pretty sure Target also accepts cosmetics no questions asked. Have you tried Ulta? I think they offer a little bit more service than the average drug store and they do carry Maybelline.

15 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Just go to one of the drugstores that let's you return opened make up (CVS I think and maybe Walgreens?)

15 years ago

Kari

Veteran

Rite-Aid supposedly also lets you return opened cosmetics.

15 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

Thanks. I guess "try and test" is the only way to go with drugstore brands.

I was just curious if there was any sort of "code" to tell which shades are cool or warm. "Classic Ivory," "Natural Ivory," "Nude" - I find the names confusing, and I can't always tell the color from the package!

15 years ago

Marley

Veteran

Loreal identifies their foundation as warm based, cool based or neutral based. Their foundation is also supposedly really great for a drugstore brand. I have such a terrible time figuring out what color that I should get that I always end up going to a department store and letting the experts figure it out for me!

15 years ago

Late Bloomer

(website)

Active Member

The best match I've ever had was from MAC.

15 years ago

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Tara, if you figure it out, share with the rest of the class! I have no luck with matching foundations even at Sephora. I think I buy the ones that are too light, but when I try even one darker shade I look like I put it on with a trowel.

15 years ago

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