Tips & Tricks

Foundation Tips: Q&A

February 19, 2006

xbabygirl said: Hello! I was wondering (if possible) if you could do a post geared towards foundation color and foundation products aimed at Asians? I have trouble buying foundation because they’re always off and it’s not like I can walk out of the store and see if the color suits me well or not bc they would think i’m crazy lol. I tried doing samples, but not every product I want can provide me samples =(


To figure out what undertones you have, look at the underside of your arm. If you have green veins, you have warm undertones. If have you blue, you have cool undertones. For people with warm undertones, go with a foundation that is yellow-based. Those with cool undertones should choose a foundation that is pink-based.

Most Asians tend to have yellow undertones. M·A·C, Bobbi Brown and Stila all make foundations that are yellow-based. You might also want to try Prescriptives. They offer custom blending so you can definitely get the perfect shade. Another thing you can always do is to keep the receipt every time you purchase a foundation. That way, if the shade is not right, you can go back to the store for an exchange.

^-^ said: Hello, I was wondering if you could do a review on Laneige’s makeup line, especially the Moisture Lighting Foundation. I’m interested in buying one, but I can’t seem to find a nearby place that sells it so I’m going to buy it online. Problem is, the colors they listed are like computer-colored, so it’s hard to tell if it’s a match for me. Can you help me please? I’ve been wanting to try this product like forever, but I didn’t want to waste time and money if it wasn’t the right color match and loaded with problems. If I’m not wrong, I’m around a c4 in MAC’s cosmestics and Maybelline’s Pure Make Up I’m a nude color. I don’t really know my undertones =/, I think I’m a yellow because the underside of my arm has green veins, not blue. Can you please help me find a color matcher with Laneige’s? thank you!

If you wear C in M·A·C, you definitely have yellow undertones. I have not tried Laneige’s makeup line so I cannot help you with the shades – sorry! You can try e-mailing the customer service asking for some samples or their advice.

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12 Comments

  • Reply Anonymous July 22, 2006 at 1:32 pm

    how do u blend foundation in your skin evenly / make it look natural?

  • Reply lindsey March 7, 2007 at 5:13 pm

    Hi Phyllis!! I soo love your blog!! I just have one question about powder foundation which i use all the time..do i have to set that my powder foundation with loose powder as well?

  • Reply Phyllis March 11, 2007 at 5:09 am

    Hey Lindsey, if you’re wearing powder foundation, you don’t have to set it with loose powder.

  • Reply Anonymous April 28, 2007 at 1:08 am

    thanks for answering my question immeadiately last time. your blog has been very helpful to me.

  • Reply Anonymous May 25, 2007 at 4:10 am

    Hey Phyllis! *bookmarks page* I LOVE your blog!! Um I have a question about foundation: I’m asian but I can’t tell if I have yellow undertones or not! I have blue veins but when I use my foundation slight pink undertones it looks so wrong! I also tan a kind of yellowy-brown, but the skin colour on my face is WAY different to my arms or legs…*confused*

    Catrina

  • Reply luvlizzy May 25, 2007 at 11:14 pm

    Hey! I soOo love your blog! It has answered SooOOo much! Thanx

  • Reply Anonymous July 12, 2007 at 6:58 pm

    hii! i have freckles and hate them…but also hate wearing a ton of makeup. any suggestionS?

  • Reply Michelle November 19, 2007 at 5:13 pm

    hi!
    i love your blog!
    i have some question about tinted moisturizer.
    how do you use it and what seasons do you use it?
    and how to apply it.

  • Reply Vasia December 7, 2007 at 10:04 pm

    Phyllis, what d’ya think about:
    Mac Studio stick foundation with SPF 15 for wedding? It’s an all day thing with lots of picture taking. The MAC sales person recommended it.

    Also, your Laura Mercier foundation, what color do you use?

  • Reply Phyllis December 7, 2007 at 10:34 pm

    Vasia, SPF do not photograph well so I would recommend staying away from it if you can.

    I use Sunny Beige for the LM foundation. It’s a *teeny* bit darker than my natural skintone but it covers well and matches my neck.

    Please also read the following entry for tips on taking pics:

    http://makeupforlife.blogspot.com/2006/03/makeup-for-taking-pictures.html

  • Reply Vasia - Berkeley, USA December 12, 2007 at 5:25 pm

    Thanks Phyllis. I did read it, that’s why I asked to reconfirm. I guess I trust you more than the Mac people.

    D’ya think Mac Eye Primer is necessary? or using foundation has the same benefit to make eye shadow stays longer.

    Was your Laura M. Silk Creme Foundation in “sand beige”? was it better than your Laura M. moisturizing foundation?

    Per ur adv, I bought 242 brush. although Mac ppl recommended 222 also (firmer).

    Thx.

  • Reply ennx February 14, 2008 at 7:35 am

    hey i love your blog.. haha im like hvaing so much fun looking at all your articles 🙂

    but i was wondering, if you could give me some advice on concealing undereye circles…

    my undercircles arnt exactly bags, so everytime i use some foundation to cover it, it looks fine, UNTIL i add some loose powder to set it so i wont like run off…

    it like goes cakey like straight away, so im left with like WRINKLES and a really CAKEY feeling.. and im only in my teens *gulp*

    and it really looks sooo hideous! 🙁 haha

    i was wondering if you have any tips on how to get that flawless look for the undereye without ending up looking like either an albino racocoon or a wrinkly old woman!

    thanks 🙂

    <3

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