Hourglass Immaculate Foundation…Swatches of EVERY Shade!

Hourglass immaculate foundation swatches
Above: In the midst of the swatch session.
Above: Sample jars galore!
As my mentioned in my most recent post, I received a cache of samples of all 16 shades of the Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation.  I adore this formula (reviewed HERE) for its beautiful matte finish and long-lasting performance. I turn, I am so thrilled to be able to share my series of swatches (in various lighting situations) as well as shade descriptions, the latest scientific research on this formula and a little video depicting this foundation’s resistance to water!  This formula is currently available at SephoraNet-a-PorterSpace NK and Barney’s NY.

Scroll on for all things Immaculate…

Hourglass immaculate foundation swatches
Above: Immaculate swatches in direct sunlight.

Hourglass immaculate foundation swatches
Above: In direct sunlight.

Hourglass immaculate foundation swatches
Above: In direct sunlight.

Hourglass immaculate foundation swatches
Above: In direct sunlight.

Shade Descriptions (* denotes new shades added 3/2012)

  • *Pearl is for very fair skin with neutral to yellow undertones (NC 10-15)
  • *Vanilla is for very fair skin with pink undertones (NW 10-15)
  • Porcelain is for fair skin with very yellow undertones (NC 15)
  • Shell is for fair skin with neutral undertones (NC 20-23)
  • *Natural is for fair to light skin with neutral undertones (NW 20)
  • Ivory is for fair to light skin with yellow undertones (NC 23)
  • Nude is for light skin with neutral undertones (NW 23-25)
  • *Golden is for light skin with neutral to warm undertones (N/NC 25)
  • Light Beige is for light to light-medium skin with warm undertones (NC 27-30)
  • Sand is for medium skin with warm undertones (NC 30)
  • *Tan is for medium-medium tan skin with neutral to rosy undertones (NW 35)
  • *Honey is for tan skin with neutral to rosy undertones (NW 40)
  • Beige is for medium to medium tan skin with warm yellow undertones (NC 35)
  • Warm Beige is for tan skin with warm undertones (NC 40-42)
  • *Sable is for dark tan skin with neutral to warm undertones (NC/NW 42-45)
  • *Chesnut is for dark skin with neutral undertones (NC/NW 45-50)

Hourglass immaculate foundation swatches
Above: Jethro helping with swatching.
Hourglass immaculate foundation swatches
Above: Yes, that is Jethro’s coat ; ) 
Hourglass immaculate foundation swatches
Above: Swatching outdoors.

IMMACULATE LIQUID POWDER
FOUNDATION (Press Release)

THE MIRACLE FOUNDATION
FOR OILY SKIN
NO SHINE. NO
POWDER. NO BLOTTING. JUST IMMACULATE.

A
BREAKTHROUGH LIQUID TO POWDER FORMULA THAT ABSORBS OIL, CAMOUFLAGES
IMPERFECTIONS, AND DELIVERS A LONG-LASTING VELVET MATTE FINISH—WITHOUT
THE NEED FOR TOUCHUPS
.
IN A
CONSUMER STUDY, IMMACULATE’S ADVANCED FORMULA HAS BEEN SHOWN TO ACTUALLY
IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE OF OILY, ACNEIC SKIN.

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $55
 AVAILABLE
AT:
  Sephora, Sephora.com, Barneys New York,
Bergdorf Goodman, Space NK

PRODUCT CLAIMS and RESEARCH FINDINGS:
·      
The
high-tech foundation absorbs oil and camouflages imperfections, while its
unparalleled velvet matte finish eliminates the need for powder, blotting
tissues or constant touch-ups throughout the day.
·      
The
ingredient Cashmere Kaolinite Clay plays an integral role. The advanced new
clay offers exceptional oil absorption—absorbing 75% of its weight in sebum
while retaining moisture in the skin.
·      
The oil-free, humidity-proof, water-resistant
formula transforms from liquid to powder and dries down instantly to a
long-wearing, velvet matte finish that never looks dull or flat. 
·      
Unlike matte foundations of old, Immaculate’s
superfine treated pigments provide unsurpassed coverage without looking cakey
or mask-like.
·      
Ideal
for oily or blemish-prone complexions or those seeking a buildable medium to
full coverage foundation with a velvet matte finish.
·      
In spring 2013, Hourglass commissioned an independent
study to document the foundation’s astonishing short- and long-term skin
benefits. Based on a 4-week consumer study of 30 women with oily, acne-prone
skin, Immaculate demonstrated dramatic visible improvements:
o  
100% reported an improvement in overall skin appearance
and skin smoothness
o  
100% reported that the product worked without drying skin
out
o  
83% reported a decrease in oil production and the need
for touch-ups
o  
80%
reported a visible improvement in acne scars 
o  
70%
reported a visible improvement in pore size
o  
63% reported a reduction in the severity of breakouts
·       Contains
clinical levels of two advanced, anti-aging ingredients: Phytostem Edelweiss
and Lavandox.
·       Phytostem
Edelweiss, an active derived from a rare Alpine plant, slows collagen
degradation and reduces wrinkle depth by 15% after 20 days of use.
·       Lavandox,
an ingredient extracted from Spanish lavender, reduces the appearance of
wrinkles by 11% after 24 hours of application. Also
inhibits
muscle contractions which lead to fine lines and wrinkles.
·       Free
of oil,
parabens,
phthalates, synthetic dyes, gluten and fragrance. Vegan. No animal testing.
·       For best results, apply with an
Hourglass Foundation brush. Work in sections of the face, apply and immediately
blend.

Hourglass immaculate foundation swatches
Above: In indoor fluorescent lighting.

Hourglass immaculate foundation swatches
Above: In indoor fluorescent lighting.

Hourglass immaculate foundation swatches
Above: In outdoor shade.

Above: Right before the sun goes down…

   


This extremely brief video above demonstrates the Hourglass Immaculate Foundation’s formidable resistance to water and rubbing…seeing is believing! 


Hourglass immaculate foundation swatches
Above: In outdoor shade.

Hourglass immaculate foundation swatches
Above: In outdoor shade.
Above: That was fun!
–Shop the Post–



Bottom Line: I hope these swatches were abundantly helpful in your search for the perfect foundation match!  If you are looking for a long-wearing foundation with skin care benefits and a radiantly matte finish, I wholeheartedly recommend the Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation, which is currently available at SephoraNet-a-PorterSpace NK and Barney’s NY!

**PR sample provided for
review, however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally
my own.
This post contains affiliate
links; my disclosure policy contains additional details on how these work.

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Comments (75)

  • Unknown Reply

    Thank you, dear Rachel! I am still on a "waiting list" for Immaculate in Pearl. Interestingly, on my PC and mobile phone screens Shell appears lighter than Pearl in your lineup of swatches, which must be purely an illusion because Pearl is supposed to be the lightest neutral-ish shade. How strange… On a different subject, have you tried D&G Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation? I would love to know how it compares to Immaculate in terms of coverage and lightest neutral shades. Lots of love. xxxx

    June 13, 2013 at 8:12 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      My pleasure, Julia!! That is indeed odd about shell seeming lighter in your computer because Pearl is definitely the lightest shade! Hope you way it soon ; ) I have not yet tried the D & G Matte but intend to sample and swatch it the next time I'm at Saks!

      Have a lovely weekend…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 14, 2013 at 11:38 pm
  • Jessica Reply

    This is an amazing reference guide, thank you! I think I know what color I am, but wanted to get your opinion. I'm a perfect match to Armani Maestro #3…what do you think is comparable in this line?

    June 13, 2013 at 8:31 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Jessica,

      Thanks so much…that's what I was going for!! To be able to see a full spectrum of shades really helps with perspective and the selection process. In terms of a match close to Maestro #3, I think Pearl (on the light side) or Shell (just a smidge darker) could work for you!

      Hope that helps and xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 14, 2013 at 11:48 pm
  • Roses and Rockets Reply

    I think Pearl may be the first shade to match my very pale complexion! I hope I get to try this foundation out soon, it sounds great.

    June 13, 2013 at 12:17 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Fantastic, Roses and Rockets!! I know I have many other readers who feel the same way…this is an exciting shade for the alabaster beauties ; )

      Hope you get it soon!

      Xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 14, 2013 at 11:50 pm
  • WQ Reply

    Thanks for the amazing swatches, BP! I am sure your readers greatly appreciate your hard work and meticulous precision in swatching! You are making the arduous task of selecting the right foundation shade effortless!

    -WQ

    PS
    Loving the Kanebo foundation;)

    June 13, 2013 at 11:25 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thanks for your sweet comment, WQ! What can I say…I love to swatch ; ) Always happy to be a resource! So glad you're loving the Kanebo…what shade did you end up selecting?

      Xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 14, 2013 at 11:53 pm
  • LipstickBoulevards Reply

    love it !
    I think pearl will be a perfect match for me
    xoxo

    June 14, 2013 at 12:44 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      That's marvelous news…do please let me know what you think when you try it!!

      Xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 14, 2013 at 11:51 pm
  • strongestrose Reply

    What a spectacular review!!!! I purchased this foundation based on your original, and LOVE it! I have combo/dry skin so I was worried it might look dry but it gives such a pretty soft-focus and long-lasting finish. I ended up getting Golden and Light Beige which make the perfect in-between season color for my skin currently. You are so right, the Golden has no pink undertones at all! Love all the pics and Jethro is adorable!

    June 14, 2013 at 9:22 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you so much, Shoshanna! I am beyond happy to hear that you are enjoying Golden…I think I may need to embrace your Golden/Light Beige (which is not so light!) combination as soon as I get a bit of sun. My next four days at a pool in Tucson will definitely send me to the next shade in the spectrum ; )

      Much love to you and Jethro says "thanks for the sweet compliment!"

      xoxo and talk soon,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 15, 2013 at 7:35 am
  • Twanica Reply

    Thank you so much!!!! I have hunted high and low for swatches for darker skin tones. I truly appreciate your efforts to provide swatches of all of the shades. 🙂

    June 23, 2013 at 9:50 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      My pleasure, Twanica! I am always so thrilled when I am able to showcase every possible shade in a formula…so glad that these are helpful to you ; )

      Have a wonderful rest of the weekend…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 23, 2013 at 10:39 pm
  • Ally Reply

    What an unbelievable resource, thank you so much for the time and effort you put into making this. I found this blog by scouring the internet high and low for swatches of this foundation before purchasing it – ironically, a week or so before this post – and never could find any for the newer shades. I took the plunge anyway and the one I bought turned out to be much too light, but thanks to this post, I know exactly what I need to order now after I return this. The only sephora locations within 2 hours of me are JCPenny ones (which don't carry Hourglass) and this foundation is just way too expensive to purchase based on the swatches on the websites for Sephora/Hourglass. I honestly don't see why they even bother to have them, they're that unhelpful. I'm officially a fan, thanks again!!!!

    June 25, 2013 at 1:52 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thanks so much, Ally…I was really happy to be able to do this and am so glad you found your way to my blog! Thrilled that you will be able to order your perfect shade now and I look forward to interacting with you in the future!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 25, 2013 at 8:38 pm
  • Anonymous Reply

    Just to add, for anyone trying to decide whether or not to get this foundation.. despite having purchased the wrong shade the first go around, I can still say that the formulation itself is the only thing I've found that controls my oil in all the many years that I've been trying EVERYTHING, including Accutane, which only controlled it for the months I was on the drug. So my definition of "oily skin" is far more extreme than most people who fit the category, and this foundation is truly a miracle worker for me. If it were $200 a pop, I'd still find a way to continue purchasing it- it's honestly made my life that much easier. So if oily skin is the reason you're looking into this foundation, don't hesitate! Buy it, you won't be sorry.

    June 25, 2013 at 2:00 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you for your fabulous testimonial! It is always a joy to hear how a certain product that I already love meets the unique needs of one of my readers! Glad it is a miracle for oily skin…I know it has definitely helped to keep my oil at bay.

      Once again, thanks for sharing!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 25, 2013 at 8:40 pm
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hi! Thank you so much for posting the swatches. I'd love to try this foundation but I'm still doubting about the perfect shade since my complexion is somehow mix of yellow and beige tint. From your swatches, I think beige can look good on me, however I'm wondering… does it oxidize? And does it turn out to be ashy-greyish like? Does the 'sand' ones give enough beige tint without too yellow-ish?

    July 3, 2013 at 8:19 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      My pleasure! In my experience, this foundation does not oxidize or turn ashy etc. Beige is definitely darker and more tan than Sand, which is closer to a light to medium golden beige.

      I hope that helps you as you make your decision!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 3, 2013 at 11:10 pm
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hi and thank you for the swatches! I am in Australia and we only have a limited range of shades available. I am stuck on whether to purchase nude, golden or light beige. Nude and light beige are available in Australia however golden is available online. I was wondering if golden was a better choice for my By Terry Cover Expert 9 and yellow complexion. Your help will be greatly appreciated!

    July 7, 2013 at 7:05 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello…my pleasure! In terms of finding your perfect shade, Golden is close to By Terry #8 and Light Beige is closer to By Terry #9, although both have slightly more peachy (rather than yellow) undertones, which can translate differently on each wearer's skin. None of the Hourglass shades have what I would call a "pure yellow" undertone…all the warm shades lean more peach/golden instead, but I can definitely make them work!

      I hope that helps…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 9, 2013 at 12:33 am
  • Jeanie Wohn Duarte Reply

    Thank you for this AWESOME and very thorough review!! It definitely helped me to decide I want this foundation for sure but I'm still not sure about what color I would be. All the swatches online look different depending on the lighting. I'm between 118 and 120 in MUFE HD foundation. It seems like I would maybe be between Shell or Ivory??? I'm more of a yellow undertone but I don't want to look sickly!

    July 11, 2013 at 10:08 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Jeanie,

      My pleasure! So happy you found your way here! I would suggest the Ivory…I, too, can wear the #118 in MUFE and that would be my choice.

      I hope that helps!

      xoxo and do keep me posted on how it turns out for you,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 11, 2013 at 11:59 pm
    • Jeanie Wohn Duarte Reply

      Thank you so much for your help!! I went ahead and ordered it i the Ivory and will let you know how it turns out as soon as I get it! =)

      July 15, 2013 at 10:47 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Happy to help, Jeanie! Can't wait to hear what happens!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 16, 2013 at 8:40 pm
    • Jeanie Wohn Duarte Reply

      Yay! I finally got the foundation! Good news, I love the finish on it. It really and truly does turn into a powder within seconds and looks very natural. Bad news, the ivory looks a tad orange on me. You can see the difference between my face and my neck (which is a little bit lighter and more yellow than my face, which has more red in it). I was shocked when I did a swatch on my jaw and it looked so orange against my yellow skin. Do you know if it gets any lighter or blends in more after time??

      I think i may have to exchange it for the porcelain or shell and just pray that the color isn't too light!! 🙂

      August 9, 2013 at 6:42 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Jeanie!

      Thank you for the update! I am so glad you like the finish and overall formula but am sorry your color match feels a bit off. In my experience, oxidation is different for everyone so I cannot say for certain if it will lighten with time. My gut tells me that you want to start with the right color match from the beginning! If you are yearning for more yellow, then I think you'll find the right undertone in Porcelain…I hope it is not too light for you as well! Perhaps you could mix the two?

      Please keep me posted, take care and have a wonderful week…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 13, 2013 at 6:36 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hi,
    I have really enjoyed your blog and found it helpful. Thanks for making me aware of Revlon's Color Stay Whipped. I usually do not buy drug store foundations, but, this has become a favorite for coverage for my hyper pigmentation, oil control, not settling into pores/lines and not oxidizing. I just wish the packaging was different-pump would be great. I got 200 Sand Beige and it is the closet match I have found in a long time!
    I was told I was NC30, but, I think they were off-all those colors are too dark and often too yellow.
    I look like I have a lot of yellow in my skin, but, when I use yellow undertone foundations they make me look jaundiced! I think I do better more neutral colors, but, no pink/peach undertones.
    I have liked the Hourglass Immaculate foundation for it's coverage and staying power, but, cannot seem to find the right color-the staff at Sephora have been useless in their recommendations.
    They first suggested Nude, which was too dark and then Ivory, which, although lighter, also seems too dark and too
    yellow.
    One of my problems is that the skin on my neck is lighter and more neutral than my face.
    I was wondering if you thought either Natural or Shell would work. I am getting tired driving back and forth to Sephora!
    Thanks again for all your great work and any guidance you could give me.
    Karen

    October 4, 2013 at 6:12 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Karen,

      Thanks for the sweet comment…so glad you enjoy my blog! Happy you have found joy in the Revlon Colorstay Whipped…it is my favorite drugstore foundation without a doubt! I think that Natural is a good option for you, based on your experiences thus far. I would be concerned that Shell would be much too light, however, if you think you are going to lighten up as winter approaches, it might be worth getting samples of both (Sephora is great about that) before you make your final decision ; )

      Hope that helps!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      October 6, 2013 at 10:22 pm
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hi Karen, I have really enjoyed your blog and found it helpful too. I was looking for the best shade so long time. I use the hourglass veil fluid since 2 weeks and I love it! But shade "beige" is now a little bit to dark for winter. Can you suggest me the perfect shade with yellow undertone one shade ligther as beige? Thank you so much!

    October 15, 2013 at 1:03 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello,

      Thanks for your kind words about my blog! I think that your best bet would be Sand or Light Beige…Light Beige is a touch lighter than Sand, but both have the same undertones as Beige and are just one or two steps lighter!

      I hope that helps…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      October 18, 2013 at 5:33 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    This post is honestly so helpful! Might be even more helpful then those who have assisted me in Sephora lol! I originally bought this in Natural. It looked decent in those terribly bright lights at the counter, and mind you I did have self tan on. When I tried to use it afterwards at home it was way too pink/orange on my skin. I went back and one of the makeup artists suggested Shell because I do have more neutral undertones (my face has just a little redness due to sensitivity). I think the undertone works very well, however, it is a tad too light. I prefer to try and match my foundation with my chest and body; due to exfoliating my face is one or two shades lighter. I am thinking golden would probably be perfect for me, what do you think?? Usually I don't mind a foundation being a bit lighter, but due to the powder finish of this I am worried adding too much powdered bronzer would just make it look cakey and unnatural. Thank you so much!

    November 21, 2013 at 3:12 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Anon,

      Thanks for the kind words…I am so happy this is helpful for you! In light of your journey in finding your match in this brand, it sounds like Golden is definitely worth trying. It is darker than Shell but lighter than Natural!

      Hope that helps…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      November 24, 2013 at 2:39 am
  • Unknown Reply

    I am really interested in trying this foundation. I currently wear Kat Von D shade 48. Could you give me an estimate on what would be the best shade I live 2 hours from the closest Sephora, although we are getting one very soon and need the closest match possible! I have pink undertones and a lot of redness to cover up!
    Thanks!

    January 17, 2014 at 10:11 pm
  • Unknown Reply

    I love your reviews! I am currently wearing Kat Von D shade 48 and I am looking for a close match. My closest Sephora is 2 hours away so traveling there really isn't an option right now! We're getting one soon but I am needing a new foundation and everyone raves about this one!
    Thanks

    January 17, 2014 at 10:14 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Hannah,

      Thanks for your question! I am guessing that Ivory or Golden would be your best match options…both are light beiges with yellow to neutral undertones.

      I hope that helps…xo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      January 21, 2014 at 1:35 am
  • jamsusa Reply

    Hi Beauty Professor,
    I discovered your blog while searching LMdB and By Terry. Your blog is very informative and very helpful.

    I recently used this foundation in shade Nude. I like the finish of the foundation but I noticed an issue. It showed orange on my jaw under outdoor lighting and I also looked very dull… however, the T zone had no oil shine as yet after 4 hours. For references, I use Dior Totale foundation in 010 ( the SA suggested) mixed with a tiny drop of 030 bcoz I like to have exactly color match with my neck.GA Lasting Silk in #5.5, my jaw shows orange as well….YSL BD40 looked very ashy on my face.

    Foundation matching is tricky on my skin and I have been matched up with wide range of skin tones… Warm, cool and neutral.

    I tired to figure out my skin tone but…. I am not sure. My wrist vein shows sort of blue/purple and up to the elbow is some sort of greenish blue…..

    Do you think Golden or Shell is a better match for me? I would greatly appreciate for your help.

    Have a great day,

    Rochie

    March 14, 2014 at 7:30 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Rochie,

      Thanks for your kind comment. I am guessing that you will find a match in Golden…it doesn't show up orange on me and is a nice neutral shade. Shell would be your next best shade but it is much lighter, so you will have to decide how deep you want the tone to be! Perhaps Shell at your lightest and Golden as you head into summer?

      I hope that helps…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 15, 2014 at 5:03 am
    • jamsusa Reply

      Hi Beauty Professor,
      Thank you for the suggestion!
      I will go with Golden since spring is around the corner in Canada. Hooray, no more snow!

      Have a wonderful day!

      Rochie

      March 17, 2014 at 1:09 pm
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hi!
    This is so helpfull! I've been wanting this foundation for so long but i dont know wich colour to get and i dont got a sephora in Holland so I've to order this online. I'm a nc 20 in mac wich colour is going to suit me??

    March 21, 2014 at 5:51 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello…glad to hear it!

      I would recommend Shell or Ivory…hope that helps!

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 22, 2014 at 9:24 pm
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hello Beauty Professor,

    i'm so happy to find this review, it's so helpful! But i don't use MAC foundations anymore because i'm always a shade in between and end up buying 2 colors and mix. I live in a country where sephora won't ship so i'm only asking my sister in the states to pick something up for me. For reference, in other foundations like MUFE i'm in the shade N123. What do you think color suits me?

    Thanks so much!

    March 25, 2014 at 10:30 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Glad you found your way here!

      I would suggest Nude (on the lighter side) or Light Beige (which is probably spot on).

      I hope that helps!

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 28, 2014 at 2:35 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    I'm Asian with yellow (with pinkish) undertone skin, and currently using Bourjois healthy serum foundation no. 52 (vanilla), and YSL youth liberator foundation in B20. Please recommend what shade of this hourglass foundation I should go for.

    Thanks in advance.

    March 28, 2014 at 2:51 am
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    Hello,

    I would recommend Porcelain (if you lean very yellow) or Shell (more neutral beige); both share the same depth as YSL B20.

    Hope that helps…xx,

    –The Beauty Professor

    March 28, 2014 at 3:05 am
  • Colleen, but I also go by "Col" Reply

    Hi. What color would you recommend to match MUFE 115?

    March 30, 2014 at 8:51 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      I would suggest Shell, Colleen ; )

      Take care,

      –The Beauty Professor

      April 3, 2014 at 5:35 am
  • ahhhsoNeo Reply

    Thank you so much for posting the darker shades. It can be so difficult for us women of colour to find swatches of popular foundations. Thank you.

    April 16, 2014 at 4:02 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      My pleasure…every shade in the spectrum is equally vital in my book!! Glad you stopped by!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      April 16, 2014 at 10:25 pm
  • Anonymous Reply

    I just discovered this foundation, but was having a hard time finding my match. This post was really helpful! Thank you!

    June 2, 2014 at 12:05 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      So happy to hear it!!

      Thanks for letting me know…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 4, 2014 at 6:42 pm
  • Unknown Reply

    This was a great review and the best one I have seen on any product thus far. The fact that you took the detailed time to show all the swatches in the light of day and other scenarios was really helpful. BTW you look great in the color you chose and your skin is FLAWLESS! :o) I wear Bare Skin Bare Escentuals in the Bare Linen or Bare Ivory (can wear either just fine) what color do you think I would 'fall' into? I am neutral toned. Thanks again so much and have been enjoying all your other reviews as well!

    June 13, 2014 at 11:16 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thanks for your kind words, Stephanie! With regards to your question, I think you could get away with Shell (on the lighter side) or Ivory (if you want to go a bit darker).

      I hope that helps…have a beautiful weekend and keep in touch!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      June 19, 2014 at 9:36 pm
  • Miasara Reply

    Hello, I'm NC30 and desperately searching for a concealer. Should I pick the Sand shade in the Hourglass hidden corrective concealer?
    Thanks.

    June 28, 2014 at 4:46 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Miasara,

      I would say that would be your best match!

      Warm regards,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 2, 2014 at 9:08 pm
  • Reika H Reply

    Hi, love your blog and YouTube channel! Thank you for your amazing swatches and reviews.
    I know you must be tired of being asked, but I could really use some help with color matching.
    I tried a sample of this foundation in Nude, but it is a bit dark and orange on my skin. I regularly wear YSL touche eclat foundation in B30 or Armani maestro in 4.0. Sadly there are no stores with Hourglass in my country so I can only rely on swatches, and from what I have seen I am guessing I would be Shell, Natural or Ivory… what color would you recommend?
    Thank you and have a nice day!

    July 10, 2014 at 12:08 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Reika,

      Thanks for the kind words!! In light of your current situation, I would recommend Ivory on the darker side and Shell on the lighter side. I think that Natural will be just as dark and orange as Nude was for you. I hope that helps!!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 13, 2014 at 1:22 am
  • Unknown Reply

    Hi,

    Thank you very much for all the information! I am using by Terry cover expert #4 Ivory Beige. What colour would you recommend to me for hourglass? Many, many thanks.

    August 3, 2014 at 10:13 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Amanda,

      My pleasure! I would recommend Shell.

      I hope that helps…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 5, 2014 at 4:18 am
    • Unknown Reply

      Thank you for your suggestion. Shell suits me! Sorry that I forgot to ask for which colour to choose for lightning powder. I am currently using By Terry powder #4 Ivory Peach.

      August 17, 2014 at 4:22 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Amanda…glad to hear that Shell is a match! With regards to powder, do you mean the Koh Gen Do Triple Lightning Powder? I would suggest OC-1.

      Hope that helps!

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 20, 2014 at 3:28 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hi! I just happened to stumble across your blog and this information is great! I have tried a couple of samples of the HG Immaculate foundation in Warm Beige and Sable, and both were a bit off – too light and too neutral/pinkish, respectively. But I absolutely loved the coverage, finish and duration of oil-control on my skin! I was curious if you are familiar with working with color adjusters and if you think those might work with the product to get a good color match. I have corresponded with an Hourglass rep regarding the limited color range for darker skin tones, and I was asked to provide more details about my complexion. So I'm hopeful that some color extensions will be in the works soon, but in the meantime, I'm missing out on a great product! 🙁

    August 22, 2014 at 9:29 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Anon,

      Thanks so much! I have used a yellow color corrector from Koh Gen Do and have experienced great success with it adjusting the tone of foundations that pull to pink or neutral for me.

      I hope that helps…do keep me posted on what you discover…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      September 2, 2014 at 11:14 pm
  • beansontoast Reply

    Hi! Was wondering if you could suggest what would be a shade lighter than Ivory? I bought the Immaculate foundation in Ivory (love the texture and how it wears!) but find the shade a bit orange on me so was hoping to go a shade lighter (or just less orange. For reference, I'm Asian with quite fair skin (yellow undertones but not v strong) and wear GA Maestro in 4.5 which is a perfect match for me.

    Love your blog btw…. the swatches are a great idea and so helpful!

    November 11, 2014 at 3:12 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello!

      Thanks for your kind words! I would suggest Shell if Ivory is too dark/orange!

      I hope that helps…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      November 12, 2014 at 2:26 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hello! After months of watching youtube videos i decided to buy this foundation. It is actually not sold where i leave but i had a trip to england planned and i could get it there. I was matched the colour "sand" but after days trying it out i realized that it was definitely too dark and pink-undertoned for me. I've got light to medium skin with neutral to yellow undertones (definitely more yellow in my neck and chest area). Which one so you think would suit me best.. I was thinking between nude, golden or maybe light beige.. My current foundation is a perfect match for my skin tone i feel, and its the Miracle Air de Teint (or Nude Miracle) in number 04 beige nature. Thank you so much for this review!

    December 23, 2014 at 7:24 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello!

      I would suggest golden, which is more neutral to yellow!

      I hope that helps…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      December 30, 2014 at 4:31 am
  • Unknown Reply

    Hiii Rachel ! I adore your blog, reviews are very detailed and accompanied with swatches ! I'm a french fan aha
    I d like to know the color which could suit in one nc10-15 with yellow undertones because I'm very fair. The color ''Shell'' seems to be more lighter on the photo than Pearl.
    Thnk for your time, xx 🙂

    July 5, 2015 at 3:37 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Alexis,

      Thanks for the kind words! I would recommend Pearl (on the lighter side) or Porcelain (just a touch darker, but with more pronounced yellow tones).

      I hope that helps…xx

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 6, 2015 at 3:53 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hi! Wondering what color I would be in this if By Terry cover expert #7 is a perfect match for me? Thanks!!!

    July 7, 2015 at 12:29 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Anon,

      I suggest Ivory!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 7, 2015 at 8:36 pm
  • Unknown Reply

    Very accurate breakdown…..i'm NW43+NC45 mix (like 2 parts NW43 to 1 part NC45) and the shade of Sable is perfect for me.

    February 21, 2016 at 9:22 pm
  • stacy Reply

    Hello <3

    This is my first time here and I can't believe all the resources there are! I am a Sand in Hourglass Immaculate, and I am trying to find a match for Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. Would you have any suggestions? Thank you in advance!

    Stacy

    February 27, 2016 at 7:11 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Stacy,

      Thanks for the kind comment! I would suggest 6.5 in the GA Luminous Silk!

      Hope that helps…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 31, 2016 at 7:11 am

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