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Its not unusual for a brand to launch a new foundation with only a few shades most only offer around eight options - but what if you dont fit within the narrow spectrum of colour to choose from? Thankfully for those of us with ultra pale or dark complexions, some of the biggest names in beauty are at last offering up products to suit every skin colour. Here ELLE reveals the brands that do offer foundations from alabaster through to black (and every shade in between)
All Cosmetics a la Carte’s foundations come in 12 shades that span the gap from ivory to ‘expresso’. But, if you can’t find your perfect match, no problem - you can order a bespoke foundation designed to match your skin flawlessly. Book in with a member of the team and they will look at your skin’s texture and colour. You choose the finish you prefer (matte, dewy or sheer) and they do the hard work, blending the colours for you. You can then reorder your ‘my mix’ foundation in store or online.
Custom à la Carte Foundation £47
Despite it costing the brand more than it actually makes in sales, Becca Cosmetics founder Rebecca Morrice Williams insists on having a whopping 30 shades of Stick Foundaton, £35, and 33 shades of Compact Concealer, £30, available to her customers. The shades are so diverse we defy anyone not to find their perfect shade. With SPF 30, the Stick Foundation is a great multi-purpose product that works as a foundation to even out skintone and a concealer for any small blemishes. While the Compact Concealer contains two consistencies, extra and medium cover, for camouflaging most skin problems from dark circles to scars.BECCA Boutique, 91A Pelham Road, London Enq: 020 7225 2501
Whether you prefer liquid or powder foundation Nars has a huge selection of varying shades to choose from. The brand has to have such a breadth of colour because the products are used on editorial shoots and backstage at fashion shows the world over and its artists need to be well equipped at all times. There are 18 shades for the Powder Foundation, £31, and 20 in the liquid bases (Firming, £32; Sheer Matte and Sheer Glow. £29.50). Within the shade range there is a great choice of yellow, pink, peach, caramel and red undertones to suit a host of complexions.Click here to visit the Nars website...
Supermodel Iman’s self-titled beauty brand launched in 1994 specifically aimed at ‘women with skin of colour’. This brand offers 14 shades in the Stick Foundation, £20.45, 12 in the Luminous Foundation, £24.95, 15 in the Cream to Powder, £24.45, and eight in the Liquid variety, £24.95, (although each shade appears to suit more than one skin tone). Once you have been matched to one Iman foundation shade, there is a handy tool online that tells you what shades will suit you in all the other Iman base products ¬foundations, powders and concealers . Also, if you’re looking to switch from another brand, it offers conversion tables so you know that a shade from one brand equals a particular shade in the Iman range - ideal if you’re shopping online. To find your nearest Iman stockist visit - imancosmetics.com
Another ‘backstage brand’, MAC leads the way at the International Collections averaging a mighty 220 shows per season. It has an impressive range of foundations; there are 11 finishes to choose from in varieties of cream, liquid and powder. The Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15, £19.50, has a staggering 33 shades to choose from and most others have over 20 shades, and with such a wide range you’ll find a foundation that works for you. Plus, the artists at the counter can point you in the right direction if the choice seems all too daunting!
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, £33, is a firm favourite in the ELLE office, but now we’re giving the product extra props thanks to the shade extension. There are 4 new hues, Ethnic Shades, which fill the gaps between the standard one-size-fits-all colours. The range includes quarter and half shades (5.25, 10, 11.5 and 13), shades such as warm almond, cappuccino and cocoa cater for darker complexions. You can also customise your foundations with Master Correctors. When you add a drop of shade 1 (which is pink) to your foundation it balances yellow tones, while the apricot-hued Master Corrector 2 will neutralise blue or grey under eye areas - that way you can tweak your foundation until it is perfect. Genius!
For stockists, visit the Giorgio Armani Beauty website here…
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