Foundation shopping has never been easier
We all have a foundation-shopping story that goes a little something like this… You went into a store, sat in a makeup artist’s chair for a while, fell in love with how amazing your skin looked courtesy of a new foundation—and likely bought a few other things you didn’t plan on because your face looked that good. Then, you left the store with a little extra spring in your step and immediately looked in the mirror as soon as you got in the car, only to be absolutely horrified. Your skin was a shade that you’ve never seen before, or the finish was completely different than it appeared inside. And then you debated whether you should waltz right back in and return it, or give it a chance and see how you feel later. (If you chose option B, that foundation is probably somewhere under your sink or in the back of a drawer.)
Sound familiar? I know firsthand this experience is enough to make you very, very loyal to a foundation. I’m fortunate that foundations are sent my way for review on the regular, and when they are I usually receive multiple shades to maximize the chance I’ll find a perfect fit. But when Il Makiage reached out about their new Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation, things went down a little differently. I was directed to an online quiz that was sure to pinpoint the perfect one of 50 available options, asked to email back with my result, and a package arrived on my doorstep in a matter of days. (If only we could shop for bathing suits or jeans like this.)
The quiz covers the gamut from skin type and undertones (they help you figure it out) to desired coverage and finish (i.e. matte, natural or luminous)—but that’s just the beginning. Il Makiage also wants to know if you look better in gold or silver jewelry, how you tend to apply your foundation (fingers, sponge or brush), the products you use to prep your skin for foundation (if any), if you set it with a mist or powder, your top skin concerns and more. You can also share the brand and shade of foundation you’re currently using to help ensure the best possible match. Once you get your recommended shade you can get a full-size bottle to try for two weeks (and all you have to pay for upfront is shipping), and if it’s not the foundation of your dreams, just send it back—no hard feelings.
FYI, beyond getting the ideal shade that blends seamlessly with your skin, the medium-coverage formula is buildable so you can add extra where you need it, and it features optical diffusers to blur imperfections, hyaluronic acid for extra moisture and vitamin E for anti-aging action while you wear it.
I was so excited to try my match when it arrived that I immediately stopped what I was doing, washed my face and gave it a whirl. It was indeed the perfect shade, and although I tend to prefer a dewier finish, that can easily be fixed by applying moisturizer beforehand, mixing a little luminizer into the foundation on the back of my hand, or using a face mist to set it. And honestly, I love that this foundation gives me options, because some occasions call more a more refined finish. I give it a 10 out of 10, and the fact that I didn’t have to go to a store and deal with that whole situation makes it even better.
