05/03/2014

50 shades of beige

Forgive the mid-week rant, but this is a topic that's been bugging me for a long time!

Finding the perfect foundation is a hit like finding the perfect partner - you have to hunt hard to find one that's exactly right for you. I often find that trying to find my perfect shade is a bit like navigating a large, beige wall. It seems like some companies are very much focused on a certain colour range and if you fall out of the bracket it's pretty much tough luck.



For those happy to spend £20 and up, the shade range is a bit better, but if you've ever tried to source a pink tinged, porcelain foundation on the high street, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Looking like an oompa loompa is not my desired look no matter how much I'm told that the bronzed look is in, and don't even get me started on the finding a formula that agrees with my skin type. 

It's not just the pale end of the spectrum that seems to have been forgotten about - the darker end seems to suffer just as much. Why is it that large brands can come up with 50 shades of beige and yet they can't expand things a little? I know the shelf space isn't never ending but it would be nice to have a little more choice! 

Trial and error (seriously orange errors in some cases) has led me to always abide by these tips:

1. Know your brands - GOSH make some good paler shades in their bases and won't break the bank. Illamasqua also make a white foundation, so if you're really struggling to make one match, mix a little in and create a custom shade.

2. Avoid any counter assistant who looks like they've been tangoed or has an obvious foundation line. If they can't match themselves properly, they aren't going to do any better on you.

3. Take your time - you wouldn't expect to create a life long relationship with your boyfriend in seconds so don't expect the same from your foundation. Research, test and try lots on before making a purchase. It will save you money in the long run. 

Mini rant over... But brands, if you're reading this, please widen your shade range a little, we promise to buy them! 
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26 comments

  1. Hi Kat, I'm really pale and struggle to find a shade that works for me. Have you come across this website http://findation.com ? It's quite helpful, it was recommended to me by Samantha Johnston at Allthebuzz.com xx

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  2. o I agree with this so much! im basically your colouring, naturally a bright redhead, with deathly pale skin!

    gosh is a great brand for pale pink undertoned foundations, rimmel when they do there light porcelain is too! illamasqua too :) its such a nightmare!

    Catherine x

    http://www.beautyisintheeyeofthebeholder.co.uk

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    1. I will have to check the Rimmel ones out x

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  3. I can totally relate! Over the years I've come to the realisation that Clinique is the only brand that comes anywhere near my deathly pale skin tone, so I never deviate now.
    Jo x
    www.woobered.com

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    1. ooh, I've never tried Clinique foundations, will have to get colour matched x

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  4. I'd agree that Clinique have a shade that's a pretty good match, mine's 01 Alabaster... Could do with even paler, ideally, but it's a close enough match for now :)

    http://vanillamoonbeauty.blogspot.co.uk

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  5. I love this post, as a fellow pale-skinned person I understand completely! I'm glad you mentioned GOSH, they're the only high street brand that make foundations light enough for me :) xx

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    1. Definitely! GOSH are great for pale foundations x

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  6. This is a great post Kat! Love a good rant!! I always have trouble finding a light biscuit shade - it's always either too light, or too beige, booo.

    Love Zoe x
    www.facevaluebeautyblog.co.uk

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    1. So annoying! I wish there were more shades to choose from x

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  7. As I was reading this I just wanted to shout YES! I am pink toned pale too and it is a nightmare, so many of the brands don't stock my colour- big brands like Estee Lauder don't even have a light enough shade- so frustrating! My latest discovery is Revlon Colourstay in Ivory- its actually the right shade for me.

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    1. I'll have to give that Revlon one a try, not tested it out before x

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  8. Great post! I know exactly how you feel - so many foundations or concealers just aren't pale enough! xx

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    1. I think they need to make a 'super light' shade ;) x

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  9. I think it probably comes down to cost. Smaller / cheaper brands which don't make much margin on the product need to ensure maximum outreach and target the most common or popular shades. The more expensive brands can probably afford to make more shades because they make more profit.
    I know you've shown liquid foundations but have you tried mineral foundation? People like Bare Minerals / Pur Minerals etc seem to do paler shades?
    Andy
    x

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    1. Very true Andy, I know they have to make sure they turn a profit. I use Bare Minerals at the moment - the lightest shade is a good match for me, it's just a shame there's nothing a bit cheaper! x

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  10. One of my best friends is very pale so I'll have to recommend GOSH to her after seeing you mention it. I know she really struggles with finding budget friendly foundations because so many brand's shade ranges are so poor :( x

    Evelyn @ We Were Raised By Wolves

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    1. GOSH is definitely a good high st brand for pale skin x

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  11. OMG i totally agree with you trying to find a pink pale base is almost impossible and it bloody annoys me because im more pink than yellow but its really hard to find

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    1. Try tarte amozonian clay full coverage in fair, at qvc comes with an amazing brush too

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    2. If I can find it I'll swatch it for you..

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  12. I'm also pale skinned and tend to look orange in lots of foundations. I had a sample of Max Factor Whipped Creme foundation a while ago, I think it was Light Ivory - I only had enough to wear it once or twice but I think it worked quite nicely...I'm hesitant to buy it yet but I'm definitely going to try to get another sample to make my mind up. At the moment I only use BB cream - Missha No 13 - which works really well!

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  13. Ok, Tarte Amazonian clay in fair, nice pinkish whiteI use Mac NC15 since I'm in Arizona. But the lightest I can find is the tarte for pale faces like me with a beautiful finish

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