Foundation matching?

[TheTonEffect]

I want to get my foundation matched properly as I'm forever over- or underestimating how pale I am! I either look very unwell or orange and streaky. Has anyone got any suggestions as to how to get this done properly? Do I just go up to a counter and ask??

Surprisingly I got a perfect match online with il makiage

www.ilmakiage.com/uk/212-66050-woke-up-like-this?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20-%20All%20-%20Brand_ap-wult-fif-uk&utm_content=11871843022_118311337834&utm_term=212-66050__m__9045294&cid=googlebrand&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8bDAgM3n-AIVg-3tCh2w5wW4EAQYASABEgI5bPD_BwE

I'm tempted to try il makiage but recently I wanted to try some of that doublewear I just walked up to the counter and asked. She matched me, gave me a tiny sample so I could try it properly a few times and wrote down the name in case I decided to buy it (I did).

I recently went to boots, enquired about a foundation and the shop assistant helped me. She got the match perfect and was really lovely!

For me, il makiage is a fantastic foundation. It’s cruelty free as well, which is important for me.

Go to a MAC counter and get tested in MAC Studio Fix Fluid as it's one of the most inclusive foundations, has been around for bloody ages, it's still one of the most used by MUA and there a million reviews about it online. Get tested in the liquid Studio Fix not the powder one as I've seen some oscillation there and it's not quite as accurate nor inclusive in terms of shades.
Every now and then I like trying new stuff and I always turn to MAC SFF to find out what shade I want, when I can't get a sample first. I don't know if it's because it's from L'Oréal but most foundation finders online will have matches for SFF so it should make your like a tad bit easier in the future.

Find a counter they will love to match you. The number 7 counter is good and then you can put the result in findation.com to find other brands. Always go outside and look in natural light before purchasing though.

*life not like!

The woman in Space NK Kingston took one look at me and told me what shade I should be using in Nars. I'd been using one shade darker and thought that was ok, as the one she was suggesting seemed too light. But damn her, she was right, and it made all the difference.

I still have no idea why she was wearing a foundation at least 6 shades too dark for her, though. I guess that's just the Way Of The Counter Ladies.

I’d avoid MAC counters. They are notorious for awful customer service.

I’ve been foundation matched at Dior, because I heard good reviews about their foundation but she did an awful job. Looked okay inside the shop but when I was outside in natural light I looked orange. The shade was far too dark for me.

Had a good experience at Estée Lauder and now have been using their Double Wear foundation for years.

Do research online about which foundation would be good for you. Age, skin type (dry, oily, combination), how much coverage (light, medium, full) what finish do you want (dewy, natural, matte).
Once you’ve found a foundation you think will meet your needs head over to their counter.

Also, some brands offer the service online. Where you upload a selfie and it can match you.

They'll help you find a foundation match in thé Bodyshop

If you’re really struggling with colour matching I recommend dcypher foundation. They personalise foundation for you based on selfies you share with them. My colour match was perfect (but you order a sample to check and if it’s not right they’ll send more samples until it’s right and you’re happy to order a bottle) and the foundation is good quality too.

I've previously found Boots really helpful. Depends on the person you speak to, but when I went in the lady was SO helpful - I explained the issues I have with foundation oxidising and going orange and the kind of look/coverage I wanted and she recommended lots of brands, gave me testers for the brand I went in for and several others and colour matched me really well. Would absolutely recommend it, especially as I ended up buying a foundation I would never even have considered otherwise.

The only issue I have with going to a specific counter is you'll always get the hard sell for their specific product. With Boots I found I got a more unbiased opinion and the chance to try lots of different brands.