‘Less is more’ is a tip many of us embrace when it comes to makeup. However, when it comes to foundation and the number of shades a brand has on offer, more is certainly always more.
Lipstick and nailpolish ranges have long exceeded 30+ colours, so the concept of multiple tones is hardly unheard of. But when it comes to foundation shades, despite being formulated with the intention of mimicking our natural skin tones, we’ve not always had a wide selection to choose from.
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And just the same as we hold beauty brands accountable in regards to animal-testing and environmental impact, we should also measure the inclusivity of a brand based on the foundation shades offered within its range.
As expressed by Balanda Artis leader of L’Oréal’s Multicultural Lab, “a new skin tone is born every day”. So, it’s time to cater accordingly.
Here are the brands actioning shade inclusivity, with foundation ranges of 30 shades or more.
Maybelline
As one of our fave pharmacy buys, we’re stoked that Maybelline New York FIT me! Matte + Poreless Foundation is available in 40 different shades.
From Ivory to Espresso, the matte foundation is also suitable for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Pat McGrath
Known for its luxurious formula which moisturises and illuminates the skin, Pat McGrath’s Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation is offered in 36 buildable shades.
As one of the most influential makeup artists in the world, Pat is confident her range has something for everyone, having tested it backstage on models of both diverse skin tones and skin types.
$106, at Sephora.
Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup SPF 10 has always had an inclusive shade range, continuously expanding over the years to its current offering of 55 shades.
Cover FX
Power Play Foundation from Cover FX offers 40 diverse shades of its weightless matte formulation.
$74, at Sephora.
Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF15 is available in 43 lightweight hues from Porcelain to Cool Chestnut.
Offering 16-hour wear, the medium to full coverage foundation is created specifically to even out the complexion and correct any discoloration in one easy glide.
Fenty
Known as the brand that invigorated the shade inclusivity movement, Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty launched with 40 foundation shades in 2017.
Some of the deepest shades were the first to sell out, only further reiterating the need for more options within the market.
Since then, Fenty has continued to create new Pro Filt’r pigments whenever called for.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Shade diversity was prioritised by Anastasia Beverley Hills upon the release of its Luminous Foundation.
The range offers 50 variations and is formulated to cater to all undertones.
$70, at Mecca.
NYX
Available in 45 shades, NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Liquid Foundation is known as ‘the little over-achiever’. It offers all day coverage and shine control with a non-comedogenic formula that’s suitable for oily and acne prone skin.
Lancôme
The long-lasting formula of Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear offers up to 24 hours of coverage with no touch-ups required.
The velvety formulation is also available in 40 streak-free and anti-caking shades.
Clinique
Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15 is available in 56 sweat and humidity-resistant shades.
The stay-true pigments won’t change colour once applied to the skin providing a flawless, natural coverage.
M.A.C
M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 is a medium coverage foundation with a natural matte finish.
The long-lasting formula is available in an impressive 66 shades.
I’ve used the Clinique and the MAC. I think it’s great that they are available in such a huge variety of shades.
I had no idea that here could be so many shades!
Have used Clinique even better and received the Lancome a while ago as part of a trial team.
Have tried the Maybelline, it's quite nice 🙂
That is exactly what happened. Before Fenty came about, ranges were only 10 or so more shades
So many wonderful shades of foundation available for everyone to feel happy about definitely love the Maybelline New York Fit Me Range.
I've used a few of these and my favourite is Lancome. Pat McGrath and Fenty are two that I want to try.
I've heard such good things about Cover FX and Anastasia BH. Would love to try these brands.
I have only one foundation, perfect shade match at last, from guerlain l essentiel line. But not using it much often. My go to is spf50 cream, powdered with coverFX translucent pale beige powder.
I feel as though Fenty beauty started this and all the other brands followed
This is great that companies are coming out with more shades
It’s fantastic that more brands are offering a wide selection of shades to choose from. I usually have to mix my own to suit my skintone.
If a makeup range only comes in 2 or 3 shades, the lightest is always a good match, but when there are 40+ shades to choose from, I can never get a match!
I think it's great that makeup brands are thinking beyond Caucasian skin tones.
great to know
I've tried a few of these brands and usually have no problems finding my shade, except for the Lancome Tient Idole – I really struggled to find my shade in this foundation and was really bummed about it.
Just goes to show how many different shades of skin colour we have out there. Isnt it amazing that we are all so different?
I just keep going back to Make up Forever – the shades the look and the feel just work for me. I also blend two shades together for season change.
I love that there truly is something for everyone even though the cost can be prohibitive ! Foundations can be so expensive.
Fantastic! Finally some options for us with olive skin.
No wonder there was one to suit me with the MAC studio foundation – I have quite unusual skin tone & colour and I love the one they matched me to. I also love their waterweight foundation.
I'm using Bobbi Brown at the moment and am happy with the shade.
Love all the shades but does make it hard for online choosing
I've noticed that more and more products have bigger shade ranges now, including pharmacy brands like Maybelline and NYX, and it is very welcome. I used to have a lot of trouble matching my light yellow skin. Most of the time the lighter shades were all either pink or neutral. So thankful that this isn't the case anymore. I've managed to find matches in the EL Double Wear, Bobbi Brown Skin Long, Lancome Teint Idole, MAC studio fix, NYX can't stop won't stop as well as Maybelline FItMe. Hurray!
Loving the great photo of all the colours! ♥
So much to choose from, but it can be hard to find a good match.
I'd love to know which one to wear so a great read.