Our 5 Favourite Foundations for Pale Skin
Winter is knocking on our door and those of us who don’t wear fake tan are feeling rather ghostly when we look in the mirror. The worst part about it is that finding a foundation for pale and interesting skin can be harder than it seems. There are few brands that actually accommodate for us Irish skinned folk. This seems unfair but we (reluctantly) understand why, from a marketing point of view, considering very pale skin is in the minority to a globally dominating company.
So that means our options are slightly limited. There are however some brands out there who have taken our pink toned, pale skin into account when designing their range, and here are my Top 5.
- MAC - Studio Fix Fluid €31.50
Two years ago, MAC launched an NW10 shade. It was much needed to say the least, and is available in a few of the foundation types. So depending on if you're looking for a fuller coverage or something more lightweight, they have options for you.
Studio Fix is a full coverage foundation, and with this new(ish) colour edition, it's a staple go-to for all you pale skin types longing for a full coverage.
- Bobbi Brown - Luminous Moisture Foundation €40
Bobbi has always included the paler tones in her range, however I find if you're looking for a full coverage foundation, Bobbi doesn't really accommodate. The Luminous Moisture Foundation has a nice sheer coverage and it's lovely for those with almost flawless skin to want a bit of a lift.
- MakeUp Atelier - Waterproof Liquid Foundation €30
This is an amazing product, I use it a lot on bridal make up. It photographs so beautifully and lasts all day. The only thing about this one is that it's more of an occasion foundation rather than an every day one and it can be quite drying, due to it being waterproof. But I use this a lot in the studio for brides, and I can confirm that sometimes they get two days out of their make up wearing this.
- Nars - Sheer Glow €41.00
Nars Sheer Glow is one of my favorite foundations of all time. Designed and developed by a photographer, it photographs beautifully, with its light reflecting properties. It's a versatile foundation and depending on application can be used as a medium or full coverage.
- Kevyn Aucoin - The Sensual Skin Enhancer €36
This is a gem. It comes in a little pot, almost like a full coverage concealer but can be mixed with your favorite moisturizer to get the required coverage. Its versatility is brilliant, as it give you anything from a tinted moisturizer effect up to a full coverage effect in one tiny pot!
If you're still finding any of the above too dark - which I have come across OR if you have endless bottles full to the brim of expensive foundations sitting in your make up drawers that can't be used because they are still too dark, try this: my pro tip of the day is to get yourself a bottle of MAC mixing medium and MAC Face and Body in white. Just mix your foundation with the two products above to lighten it. The mixing medium enables the white Mac Face and Body to mix with any other product!
Now, they can only be bought from the pro store and there isn't one in Ireland, but it can be bought online, or if you're abroad - there is generally one in most big cities.
We're aware that these babies all cost over €30, so we have put together a list of our top foundations for pale skin that won't break the bank. Head on over to Beaut.ie to find out what made the cut.