Foundation Swatch Central!

I never tire of the eternal quest for the quintessential foundation. As a NC 20-25, I gravitate towards a medium to full coverage light foundation with yellow or golden undertones. The foundation needs to be sensitive skin friendly, last most of the day, not oxidize greatly and appear perfecting yet natural. Yes these expectations are lofty, however, in the past year, I have discovered many newer foundations that meet my criteria thereby earning a place in the rotation. The image below (taken in natural daylight) reflects some of my discoveries and if you share my skin tone and foundation, you may find these swatches to be of use, especially because the Edward Bess, D and G, Giorgio Armani and Koh Gen Do foundations are hard to locate unless you live in a major city. I wish you the best on your foundation quest.


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Comments (13)

  • Yogi Reply

    Please could you tell me which shade of the Armani Designer Lift foundations is for very fair skin with very pink untertones???

    (I can´t wear yellow undertones) I need to order and can´t find swatches anywhere..

    September 21, 2012 at 1:43 pm
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    Hello Yogi…my best suggestion would be shade #2! It is for very fair skin with rosy/pinkish undertones.

    Hope that helps!

    Take care,

    –The Beauty Professor

    September 22, 2012 at 5:09 am
  • Yogi Reply

    Yes Thank you!!

    October 11, 2012 at 7:50 pm
  • Lynn127 Reply

    could you please tell me what shade of dolce &gabana I would be? im close to u and in chanel lift liquid im a 30. im def. yellow like u but light I"m thinking nat.glow or the next 1 up

    March 3, 2013 at 9:20 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Lynn,

      Thanks for the question! If you are a 30 or so in Chanel, then I am guessing you'd be good with the D&G Natural Glow #100…it is for light to light-medium skin with a yellow undertone. If that is too light, then Caramel would be your next best choice!!

      Take care and xo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 4, 2013 at 5:06 am
    • Lynn127 Reply

      Thanku soo much. Ordered the caramel and was a bit to yellow. I'm anxiously awaiting the natural glow. You were spot on with that recommendation. I'm obsessed with your blog in a good way. I too am on a quest for the best foundation. Working as a hairstylist long days, I need a long lasting base too. I enjoy all your reviews and will be trying some r.b.r as well as by terry. Thanks and keep up the great reviews.

      March 13, 2013 at 4:56 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      My pleasure! I hope that Natural Glow is everything and more for you!! Thank you for the update. I so appreciate your love of my blog…it is always a joy to hear good things about my efforts ; ) Here's to finding the quintessential foundation!!

      xoxo and talk soon,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 15, 2013 at 3:23 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hello, I just came across your blog and I wanted to say that I think your reviews are great and all your swatches are very helpful, especially for those of us who don't have many make up stores in our local area!

    Also, I was hoping you could help me in choosing the right shade in Giorgio Armani's Designer Lift foundation? I'm currently using Chanel Perfection Lumiere in B30 and its a pretty good colour match although I'm not loving the foundation (not enough coverage for me)and overall just not a patch on Pro Lumiere.

    September 18, 2013 at 3:13 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Anon,

      Thank you so much…so happy you found your way here! In the designer lift, I would suggest the #5! It is perfect neutral to warm beige for light skin.

      I hope that helps…xoxo and keep me posted,

      –The Beauty Professor

      September 20, 2013 at 2:05 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hi Beauty Professor,

    Thank you so much for your reply! I ordered the Designer Lift in #5 and unfortunately it was a bit too light for me – but a perfect neutral to yellow undertone like you said. I really like this foundation so do you suggest I go with the #5.5 or 6 – the 5.5 looks a bit pink, am I right? I definitely have more of a neutral -yellow undertone which is similar to the undertone of #5.

    Thanks in advance!

    October 8, 2013 at 11:34 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Happy to help!

      I suggest the #6…it has yellow undertones while the #5.5 leans more neutral to pink. If you end up keeping #5 too, you could mix both #5 and #6 to your heart's content ; )

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      October 13, 2013 at 4:52 am
  • Glendia.Grace Reply

    Hiii!! I need help finding the right shade foundation. I've heard great things about Lorac Natural Performance Foundation but I don't know what shade is right for me. I wear between a 5 (honey) and 6(golden) in Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

    January 3, 2014 at 10:11 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Glendia,

      Thanks for your question. I wish I could help you but I don't have swatches for or experience with the Lorac foundation…so sorry!

      I wish you the best in your search…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 4, 2014 at 7:12 am

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