Getty ImagesFoundation is one of those makeup products that is best bought in person.
But, sometimes, you just want to be able to shop from the comfort of your own home (as you should). That does, however, make finding your perfect foundation match a bit trickier.
Although beauty brands have greatly expanded the shade range of their foundation offerings, selecting the right one isn't always easy.
No need to worry, though, since I'm here to provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to pick out the right foundation shade for you. Because everyone deserves to find their perfect match.
How to Find the Perfect Foundation Shade Online
The easiest way to get started is by analyzing your current foundation. Since this shade is already a match, it's a great starting point.
You'll notice that many foundation shades are marked by the letters including N, W, or C. These stand for neutral, warm, and cool and refer to the undertone of a foundation. Here's a quick guide to determining your undertone:
Cool: skin has pink, blue, or red
Warm: skin has gold, yellow or peach hues
Neutral: a combination or absence of the above hues
The second decision you'll have to make is whether your skin tone is fair, light, medium, tan, or deep. These are broad categories, but important in finding the right foundation shade.
Ultimately, your perfect foundation shade is a combination of your skin tone and your undertone.
Another great way to determine your foundation shade when shopping online is to use one of the many available virtual shade match services, like those offered by Sephora and Ulta.
Once your foundation arrives in the mail, be sure to swatch it on your jawline instead of your hands or wrists for greater accuracy.
Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation
TikTok is still raving about how good this foundation is, especially for those with dry skin. With an impressive shade range for every undertone, this foundation is made with calming ingredients to reduce redness and inflammation for a blurring effect that delivers medium coverage.
Available shades: 51
Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Oily girlies rejoice! This ultra-affordable drugstore foundation is oil-free, delivering a matte finish that provides plenty of coverage without ever feeling heavy. It won't clog pores, either, making it ideal for those with acne-prone skin.
Available shades: 40
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Natural Glow Foundation
Is this foundation pricey? Yes. Does it have an extremely loyal fan base? Also yes. Basically, if you're willing to splurge on a foundation, this one won't disappoint. It delivers a natural finish, medium coverage, and smooths pores but won't dry out skin.
Available shades: 40
e.l.f. Soft Glam Foundation
With its soft satin finish, this foundation has buildable coverage, so you can go for a barely there look or full-glam with just one product. The long-wear foundation maintains a fresh complexion, no caking or pore clogging here.
Available shades: 36
Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Luminous Hydrating Foundation
This popular foundation provides medium coverage while still maintaining a dewy, radiant finish. It contains squalane and grapeseed oil which keep skin feeling hydrated and looking luminous.
Available shades: 32
L'Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation
This drugstore foundation proves that you don't have to spend a lot to find a good foundation. This one claims to have a 32-hour wear time as its oil-absorbing formula fights against sweat and water.
Available shades: 39
MAC Studio Radiance Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation
If you struggle with dry skin and prefer a foundation with light coverage, this one from MAC was made for you. It has a liquidy texture that feels like you aren't wearing anything on your skin and creates a dewy finish.
Available shades: 28
Milani Conceal + Perfect Blur Out Skin Tint Stick
This skin tint stick is truly unique. Boasting light to medium buildable coverage, it blurs fine lines and pores. If you have dry skin but have always wanted to test out a foundation stick, this one won't flake or patch.
Available shades: 23