How do you find the right foundation shade when buying off the shelf?

[MrsMeow]

I'm in desperate need of a new foundation but funds don't allow for my usual MAC stuff at the minute so I was going to try the L'oreal True Match stuff. I had a look in Boots the other day and ended up leaving without it as I just couldn't figure out which one to choose and I don't want to waste money on something that's the wrong shade.

How do you do it? Try on the back of your hand, face?! I have no idea, hence why I've stuck with MAC for so long as the woman in Selfridges chose the colour for me and its perfect!

Try it on your jaw line as you don't want an obvious difference between your face and neck and go outside the shop to make sure it looks ok in daylight.

To make it easier take your MAC stuff with you so you can get something the same colour then put both on your jawline.

Go armed with a pocket full of baby wipes to wipe off after!

Alternatively try Boot No7?

Thanks v much AuntieMaggie :) I did take my powder compact with me last time but its a slightly different colour to the foundation! I'm going back in tomorrow so will go well armed this time...!

Is the Boots No7 stuff good? I did look the other day but felt the sales assistant was giving me the hard sell really so was a bit put off.

I've not used the foundation but I like no 7 make up in general and usually find the sales assistants helpful.

Try this site - if you know your shade in one brand, it will match it to another, obviously it's not 100% but it's pretty good

Pictures, thanks i'll have another look tomorrow :)

Lexagon, what a fab site! It's suggesting Rose Beige for the L'oreal stuff, which is one of the shades I was weighing up - thanks v much, I'll save that to use again!

Lex that's a good website, thanks for sharing

I like Boots No7. The colour matching thing picked out the same shade for me as I'd already picked myself, so I think you can kind of trust your own judgement.

Wow Lexagon that site is amazing! Thanks for sharing.

I had this dilemma in boots the other day. The no7 girl held this skin matching machine thingy to my face and told me the exact shade for my skin, I was impressed!

If you know your MAC shade, it's pretty easy to do a google search and see what matches, see colour swatches etc

Great website lex thank you ! do you know/anyone else know if there is a similar site for blusher ? my favourite blush was discontinued by clinique a few years ago now and I would love to find a similar one !

No problem! I came across it randomly one day and immediately wondered where it had been all my life