Adjusting foundation shade: Tips from makeup professionals for dealing with light or dark shades
In the world of makeup, finding the perfect foundation and bronzer can be a daunting task. But fear not, as we've gathered some expert advice to help you achieve a flawless, natural-looking base.
According to Saffron Hughes, the secret to warming up a light base is knowing how to apply bronzer. Five shades of the best bronzer are available, and Hughes suggests blending the product into the ears and hairline to create a more natural and polished look. For a more balanced base, Hughes also recommends using a warmer setting powder, which is available in 10 shades.
If your foundation is too light, Hughes suggests mixing it with a few drops of a darker foundation or liquid bronzer before applying. Start with small amounts to build up the depth gradually. On the other hand, if your foundation is too dark, you can lighten it by mixing in a lighter foundation or applying a lighter concealer or primer underneath.
Ariane Young did not provide specific adjustment tips, but she did mention that mixing your foundation with face moisturiser can help sheer it out for a more natural, glowy finish.
Using a cream bronzer applied around the edges of the face, across the cheeks, and the bridge of the nose can also warm up a light base. The stick formula of a certain cream bronzer makes it quick and easy to apply, and its buttery texture blends like a dream.
For a more dramatic effect, adding a few drops of a liquid bronzer can add an instant warmth and radiance to any foundation. Rare Beauty's highlighters provide a mega-watt glow in just one dab.
Many makeup artists use two foundations—one matching shade and one lighter or darker for contour/highlight—to make the overall look seamless and natural. This two-shade technique helps create dimension and a natural look.
For precision in shade adjustment, pigment drops tailored to undertones (warm, cool, neutral) can also be used to customize foundation color, though these require some color knowledge and are less common for casual users.
Overall, gradual mixing and layering paired with strategic bronzing or highlighting yield the best natural results for adjusting foundation that is too light or dark. The RRP of the setting powder is £34, while the foundation lightening product is priced at £16.95.
- To enrich the warmth of a light base, consider blending hair near the hairline with a bronzer, as suggested by Saffron Hughes.
- For a more natural-looking base, makeup artists often employed a two-shade technique, using foundations with different shades for contouring and highlighting.
- To create a more balanced base, Hughes advises using a warmer setting powder in 10 shades, while Young suggests mixing foundation with face moisturiser for a natural, glowy finish.
- Cream bronzer, when applied across the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, and the edges of the face, can effectively warm up any light base.
- To add an instant warmth and radiance to any foundation, adding a few drops of a liquid bronzer could be a simple yet effective strategy for a more dramatic effect. Additionally, for those searching home-and-garden solutions, skincare, beauty, lifestyle, wellness, baking, and home products can also be found to improve overall health and appeal.
