How can a chocolate girl find fabulous foundation?

January 3, 2007 5:42 PM

Is there a line of makeup with a wide range of undertones for a chocolate girl?

I've been a MAC fan for a while but find that since they've been purchased by Estee Lauder, their makeup quality has deteriorated.

I've done the Sephora hunt and couldn't find a single line that had both the proper shade and proper undertone. I'm dark-skinned (think Serena Williams) with reddish/yellow undertones ... like a Caribbean girl... only I'm not.

I'm open to purchasing something online but prefer to stay away from things like Avon or Mary Kay where you have to deal with the solicitation of an annoying salesperson.

I've tried Becca in the past. No luck.

posted by notjustfoxybrown to clothing, beauty, & fashion (12 comments total)

I feel your pain. I'm Afro-Hispanic with the same dark skin/red undertones. The only luck I've had as far as foundation and concealer is with Iman's line of make-up. As far as color, her range of blushes and shadows and such are kind of boring. The texture is great and they aren't too expensive, though.
posted by chichimimizu at 5:50 PM on January 3, 2007

Sorry, this is her e-commerce site.
posted by chichimimizu at 5:53 PM on January 3, 2007

Bobbi Brown?
posted by B-squared at 6:31 PM on January 3, 2007

Bobbi's line goes to the other extreme ... too red. I do have some friends who find it works fine for them...just not for me.
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 6:33 PM on January 3, 2007

Have you tried Prescriptives? I've been getting my foundation custom blended there for years. It's a little on the pricier side, but the person who mixes mine gets a perfect shade every time.
posted by mamaquita at 7:02 PM on January 3, 2007

I've found that Bare Escentuals has a pretty good range of foundation colors.
posted by echo0720 at 8:19 PM on January 3, 2007

Given that a) I don't wear makeup; and b) I'm pale pale, I'm quite possibly the worst possible person to be answering this question, but--

Have you tried/are you interested in trying mineral make up? For example, Monave seem to have quite a range of shades and the mineral formulation might be easier to blend with your own skintone.
posted by sarahw at 8:25 PM on January 3, 2007

I have light skin, but I've been really impressed by L'Oreal's range of bases with different undertones. Here are the shades for darker skin tones. If you click on 'see more colors' it will show you all the other shades, and the product pages will tell you the undertone (I think this is easier at a drug store).

This stuff got me away from Clinique foundation and I think it's great. Obviously I can't vouch for the darker shades, but the yellow/red scheme seems like it might be what you're looking for.
posted by crabintheocean at 8:26 PM on January 3, 2007

Iman has a range of make-up that might work. I'm caramel colored, with yellow undertones, and it works well for me. Fashion Fair cosmetics is also another option that has yellow shades, but i find their oil free line doesn't do diddly squat for me.
posted by ramix at 11:41 PM on January 3, 2007

Absolutely not Shu Uemura. Lesson learned.

I've had success with custom-blended Prescriptives and regular Prescriptives to a lesser extent.

But, if you can't find a foundation that actually "matches" your skin, pick one that doesn't actively clash or look ashy, and is sheer enough to let your actual color show through. Use a brush (it's easier to get even coverage than with a sponge) and start off with light coverage and build (or use concealer) on areas that need more. Right now I'm using Trish McEvoy Even Skin (#7 -- I'm medium/dark with yellow/orange undertones) and it's one of the most beautiful, natural foundations I've ever used.
posted by TG_Plackenfatz at 10:58 AM on January 4, 2007

TG --
The Trish McEvoy looks great but I'd need to try it. Any idea which retail stores sell it?
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 12:39 PM on January 4, 2007

Sorry I wasn't around sooner. I believe you can get Trish McEvoy from Bloomindale's or Neiman Marcus--any slightly upscale department store. Also, I think certain Sephoras carry it. Good luck.
posted by TG_Plackenfatz at 2:47 PM on January 6, 2007