One of the best thing’s you can do while shopping for new colors; be it foundation, blush or eyeshadow, is to remove yourself from the harsh lights of the store, and go out and inspect the color in the natural sunlight. (Striking a dramatic pose like the model above is optional.)
I learnt this tip the hard way. One day before class I stopped over at Bobbi Brown counter (the joys of having your uni next to a shopping mall!) to look for a neutral, taupe eyeshadow. I asked to try one on and immediately bought it, ’cause it looked so good. However, while in the bathroom mid-class, I noticed the true color: it looked like someone flicked mud across my eyelids, and then punched me for that extra purple hue. All the while my friends didn’t say one word in class, probably enjoying my mishap like some kind of sick joke!
Luckily I was able to go back and change the horrendous color, but still – moral of the story? Go in the daylight and check out your color first. (Oh, and a hand held mirror in your bag at all times is probably a good idea, too!) Colors look great in the store (I guess that’s the point), but in real life? Not always.
Do you do this while shopping for new makeup colors? If not, I highly recommend it, you wouldn’t believe how different colors can look in the sunlight.
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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I find that problem happens with foundations. I lucked out, that the color in store looks right in natural light, but it almost makes it seem too dark in my bathroom light. I always think it’s the wrong shade when I put it on, and then when I go outside it ends up being perfect.
Of course a lot of things are a matter of opinion?
You see people all the time whose make up is orange, and they have to know it looks orange, but they still wear it…
Oh gosh, don’t get me started on orange foundation!
Or what about foundation that is too light, so there’s a huge contrast of their face to their neck? Oops!
That’s true though, this seems to be best for foundations – it’s quite hard finding that perfect fit.
I don’t do this for blush or eyeshadow colors. But I do this for foundations. I even drill it into my mum’s and sister’s brain that they MUST do this for foundation-shopping. Nothing beats a mis-matched foundation. =P
Haha, there are tons of foundation horror stories! Too orange, too light, too dark, to pink.
That’s great you drilled it into your family’s head, I try with my friends but sometimes they don’t listen!
Hi Renee, love your blog’s header! Thanks so much for your kind words x
Thanks so much! You’re very welcome, TBS!
I Agree! Once I blought blusher, which was chosen by the girl working there, whom I asked to choose a proper color that match me. Yeah it did look awfully good under the yellowish lights and all but after using it the next day I thought it was a little too artificial for me. XD
Haha, I know exactly what you are talking about. In the shop it looks subtle and nice and in real life it’s like WHOA!!! It has happened to me many times! Lesson learnt, huh?
syeah! lesson learned. no more!
Hey Renee, what Liquid Eye Liner Pen would you recomment? Normal Liquid Eye liners arent so easy to use, and pencil smudges and after many hours leave a dark rings underneath the eye. Thought of trying Liquid Eye Liner pen coz its easier to use. =)
Hey V, Hm… let me think. I don’t personally use liner pens (they do seem easier to use, but I did try it out once and I failed miserably.) I know that Ettusais (spelling!?) has one my friend raves about, and I believe Maybelline and L’Oreal has those felt-tip like pens. For a great liquid liner though, I’d recommend Chanel’s Duo Eyeliner. It’s VERY expensive but I’ve bought it ages ago and there’s probably 97% still there, even though I use it almost everyday. My review on it is here:
http://beautyfool.com/chanel-la-ligne-professional-duo-eyeliner-review/
I don’t do that, but I should ^^
Try it, Krib. It helps tremendously!
Ughh, foundation shopping. I have ultra-pale skin, so sometimes even the lightest shades are too dark for me. And never, but NEVER trust the sales assistant. I once got one of those free make-overs from a store counter (not my choice, I was just too polite to say “look, lady, all I want is to pay for the damn lipstick and leave”) and the assistant smothered my face in powder that I knew to be too dark, despite my telling her that I knew it would be too dark. When I got home my sister told me I looked like a runaway from The Black and White Minstrel Show. NOT the effect I was after.
Looking at colours in natural light is definitely best, but I always worry that going too close to the windows will set off the security alarm.
Oh gosh I feel your pain! Well, my best friend does.
I seem to be the very lightest color in foundation makeup, but my best friend is paler than me so she has some trouble too. (Try Laura Mercier, that’s what she uses and it’s VERY light.)
About your last comment, you can leave the store! Just put down whatever you’re using, tell the sales lady BRB (or really the best is to say ‘just looking’; I totally understand what you mean, I always feel so bad too and give in to the most crazy stuff). Anyway, tell the lady seeya and then go outside and take a peak.
I couldnt agree more, I bought a MAC lipstick and would just never wear it! also because it a lippy theres no chancce of a return
I’m someone who only goes for a natural look, hate gloss and so could see how annoyed I was
yeah when i do my makeup i face the window or where the light is to get the most light…..oh and i totally know how cool it is to have your school next to a mall…. my high school is close to a popular mall so it’s so awesome!
Perfect! Will check it out. =) Thanks a bunch!