A Complete List of Foundation Shades That Work for My Morena Skin
I've tried hundreds so you don't have to!
Welcome to Pearl, a bi-weekly newsletter dedicated to Filipinas and their beauty journeys. Read more about its mission here.
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve tried on a foundation, hopeful, only to look like an Oompa Loompa from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. While the “Fenty 40” effect has been going strong in recent years, far too many brands still miss the mark when it comes to inclusive shade ranges. I brace myself every time I swatch!
Filipina skin tones come in a wide variety: Deep, tan, fair, and everything in between. I think that’s a beautiful thing. I know my skin color won’t be identical to the next morena’s. However, I get countless DMs from Filipinas who experience the same foundation disappointment and ask for the exact shades I wear in hopes of finding a closer match. I’ve tried hundreds of complexion products as a beauty editor/content creator so let me do the guesswork for you by sharing my picks below. I hope it’s helpful to reference (and if not, you’ll still learn about my favorite foundation formulas for acne, longwear, glow, and more)!
PS – One helpful tool for finding your foundation online without trying the product first is findation.com. You plug in foundation shades you already wear from brands like Maybelline or MAC, and it’ll give you a list of corresponding shades from other brands. I’ve found it pretty spot-on!
Also, if you’re trying to figure out the best shade for you in-person, watch my IG Reel here demonstrating a fool-proof trick I learned about shade matching from makeup artists.
My foundation shades:
MAC: NC35
My pick: Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
I’ve been keeping this in my purse for touch-ups a lot lately! It’s great if you have oily skin. Use it as a foundation all over, or just a powder to set.
Dior Beauty: 3N
My pick: Forever Matte Foundation
If I’m going to an event like a wedding or will be on camera, this is my go-to foundation. It is the absolute perfect match for my skin and barely needs touching up once it’s on.
Armani Beauty: 6.5
My pick: Luminous Silk Foundation
This foundation needs no introduction, it’s the G.O.A.T. It has a beautiful, glowy finish, and I like to apply sparingly since a little goes a long way! See it used in my bridal makeup tutorial here.
Bobbi Brown: Natural Tan
My pick: Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation
I wore this all throughout my two-month trip to Sydney for long summer days out and about, and I still reach for it when I want full coverage without the weight. Check out my full review here.
Make Up For Ever: Y315
My pick: HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation
The hype is well deserved for this product (I first got influenced by Filipino MUA @jellyeugenio who works with celebs like Nadine Lustre and Catriona Grey). It buffs over redness, dark spots, and other skin imperfections with the thinnest, comfortable layer.
Maybelline: Buff Beige
My pick: SuperStay Full Coverage Powder Foundation
If I could have a lifetime supply of one powder foundation, this would be it. I have been a loyal fan for years – skin looks airbrushed IRL.
Covergirl: Natural Beige
My pick: Outlast Extreme Full Coverage
Another drugstore winner! This one has major long-wear power and is transfer-proof (I’ve worn it under masks with barely a smudge).
IT Cosmetics: Neutral Medium
My pick: Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream
Before I became a beauty editor, this was my go-to everyday product for complexion. Skin looks plump and healthy – not covered up. I’ve got a full review here!
Fenty Beauty: 280
My pick: Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Powder Foundation
Fenty foundation is really elite. While most people like the liquid formulas, I’m a major fan of the powder for its soft focus finish and feathery feel. Application is so easy I’ve done it in the back of cabs, on the subway, and beyond.
Chanel Beauty: B40
My pick: Les Beiges Touche de Teint
If you’re someone who hates wearing foundation, try this unique formula. The pigment is suspended in a clear liquid that blends together seamlessly when you apply with a brush. It’s ultra hydrating and barely detectable.
NARS: Medium 2.5
My pick: Soft Matte Complete Foundation
This foundation achieves velvety-looking skin we all dream of. Matte foundations get a bad rep for flattening out your features, but this one has a natural-looking finish that maintains dimension.
Dermablend: 40N
My foundation pick: CC Cream SPF 50
My fellow folks on the acne struggle bus, behold your new favorite everyday foundation. I was first introduced to this through a dermatologist so you know it’s trustworthy. It has never once made me break out!
Lancome: 320 C
My pick: Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation
Here’s an ultra moisturizing, skincare-forward formula that makes skin look like skin. You get all the luminosity without the grease! Check out my full review here.
Kosas: Medium Neutral 220
My pick: Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation
If you’re looking for a foundation from a “clean” makeup brand, Kosas has one of the best. It creates a blurred finish over the skin (watch me demonstrate here).
Laura Mercier: 3W1 Bisque
My pick: Tinted Moisturizer
While I’m a full-coverage girl, there are some days I want something lighter. This iconic tinted moisturizer stands the test of time for a reason!
Pat McGrath: Medium 15
My pick: Sublime Perfection Foundation
If it’s good enough for the entire cast of Bridgerton season 2 (did you see Kate Sharma’s SKIN!?), it’s good enough for me. It’s lightweight, blends beautifully, and feels more like a serum than makeup.
WHEW! I could keep going but you can always email or DM me if you have a specific brand request not seen here.
Are you in NYC? Hang out with me IRL!
I’m doing two events this week for FAHM. I’d love, love, love to meet some of you if you’re local! See details below:
Links I’m loving:
I’m swooning over this Visayan rendition of “So This Is Love” by Monica Joelle Ortiz (one of my fav follows on TikTok for all things Filipino culture) and Martina San Diego (a talented singer and friend of mine from college!).
Guys, I’m in Allure!!! Super excited about this series of TikTok videos we shot for Sephora and a branded article here.
I just finished Token Black Girl, a memoir by Danielle Prescod about her upbringing in a white community and career as a fashion editor. I think everyone – especially if you work in the beauty/fashion/media industries –should read it. I don’t know the author personally, but I worked at two of the same publications she did so it hit VERY close to home. It made me reflect a lot on my experiences in the overwhelmingly white world of magazines and made me more self-compassionate about my struggle with beauty standards and perfectionism.
Most folks who’ve been to a Filipino party know about the Todo Todo line dance. This video breaks it down step by step so you can send it to all your friends who look confused when a crowd of Filipinos start moving in sync at a wedding. As one comment said, this dancer is Lola’s favorite.
How can I support Pearl?
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With Love,
Kristina
thanks for this. saved!!