In a modern multicultural society, you would think choosing makeup would be a fair game but, unfortunately, we still have a long way to go in terms of beauty equality. Whether you have very fair skin or dark skin, choosing a foundation isn’t always going to be easy as some brands still only provide a limited shade range accommodating to just some of the population. Even if you are lucky enough to find a decent shade, matching up to the right undertone may still be a struggle.
Slowly, more and more brands are expanding their foundation ranges to suit all complexions, from the darkest of skin to the lightest of skin. With the success of the Fenty Beauty line, brands are finally paying attention to their shade ranges and we are seeing foundations accessible to all. Luckily, there were a few brands who were ahead of the curve and have created some gorgeous formulations with plenty of shades. Let’s take a look at some of our favorites.
1. Best for a matte finish: Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
As we just mentioned, the Fenty Beauty range by Rihanna took the beauty world by storm, unveiling an impressive 40 shades of foundation at the release. So far, we’ve just seen the one foundation from Fenty and it’s all about a matte finish. If long-lasting, high-coverage foundation is your thing then this foundation is an absolute must-have.
2. Best for full coverage: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
If one foundation has reached cult status for covering just about anything, it has to be the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. This bestselling base is all about full coverage and thankfully, it comes in more than forty shades so is accessible to all. A favorite amongst beauty experts, Double Wear piles on the coverage without looking or feeling cakey and simply delivers a flawless finish.
3. Best for medium coverage: MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
MAC has always been only of the leading brands for diversity in the beauty industry and whilst all of their base products come in a large number of shades, the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation wins the title with an amazing 53 shades. This one-step powder and foundation provides a medium and buildable coverage with a matte velvety texture.
4. Best for lightweight coverage: Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Stick Foundation
Known and loved for their coveted eyeshadow palettes and extensive brow range, Anastasia Beverly Hills also has a range of base products with extensive shade ranges. The Cream Stick Foundation is available in 30 shades and provides a gorgeous sheer but buildable coverage and with the travel-friendly packaging is ideal for touch-ups throughout the day.
5. Best affordable foundation: L’Oreal True Match
Whilst we often feel like we have to look to the high-end brands to deliver any sort of beauty diversity, L’Oreal True Match was very much ahead of the drugstore curve developing a groundbreaking 28 shades of the foundation. Catering to the masses, this is one of the only affordable foundations which actually has a broad spectrum of shades and a great long-lasting, medium-coverage formula to match.
Which foundations do you wish expanded their shade range?
Sally O'Kelly