When it comes to make-up, your face is the canvas that will turn into a masterpiece. As much as a painter needs a high-quality, pre-primed linen canvas to create a work of art, you need a flawless base where you can perfectly blend colors like a pro.  

Achieving the perfect face canvas is possible with the help of the almighty base “paint” we all know as foundation. The key to having flawless, natural-looking skin is using the right foundation.  But how exactly do you know what foundation is “the one” when you can’t swatch the product before adding it to cart and checking out from the app or the e-com website?  

We’ve got you covered! Here are some tips for choosing the right foundation when shopping online.

Know your skin 

When it comes to choosing the right foundation, the first step is to get to know your skin up close and personal. However, understanding the uniqueness of your skin isn’t as simple as it seems. 

You’ve got to know your skin tone. Is it light, medium, medium-deep or deep? 

You’ve got to know your undertone. This is how your skin looks in natural light. Do you have a cool (peach, pink, red), warm (yellow, olive, golden) or neutral undertone?

You’ve got to know your skin type. Do you have oily or dry skin? Or combination? 

If you’re having a hard time determining your skin tone, type, and undertone, go for 

Shiseido’s Synchro Skin Self Refreshing Tint. Formulated using the Responsive Sensory Technology, this weightless skin tint adapts to the skin's condition, tone and texture. Suitable for all skin types, it provides 24H hydration, helps resist oil and facial motion for a fresh and natural finish.

Determine the final look you want to achieve

Your choice of foundation should depend on your desired look, of course.  If you know the exact look that you want, it will be easier to scout among a plethora of quality foundation products online.

Do you want a no-makeup makeup look just enough to be pretty during your once-a-month trip to the grocery or do you need long-wearing make-up for a glam pictorial?

Decide on the coverage you want. Do you want sheer or full coverage? Do you want a foundation that will provide buildable coverage?

For a weightless medium to full coverage, we recommend Laura Mercier’s Flawless Lumiere Foundation.  This foundation delivers a perfectly glowing finish that looks luminous in any light. 

You can also try Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation. This lightweight liquid foundation with medium-to-full coverage uses Light-Adjusting Technology to lift, refine, and smoothen the skin.

For sheer and buildable coverage, go for NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer.  This foundation guarantees a radiant, natural finish.  It also provides SPF30 sun protection. If you want to check more NARS foundation products that will work well on your skin, you can use the NARS Complexion finder or the NARS’ virtual Matchmaker.

You also have to select the finish. Do you want a matte finish? Do you want radiant and glowing skin? Do you want a dewy base that will give you that natural look?

If you want a long-lasting matte look, let Make Up Forever Matte Velvet Skin Compact Foundation be your base. Using the FLEXI-FIT PUZZLE complex innovation, this foundation has a flexible texture that moves with the skin for a breathable and never-chalky look.

List down your skin concerns

Have a list of your skin problems that you want to conceal or fix—uneven skin tone, texture, acne, skin redness, fine lines, wrinkles, oily skin, dry or flaky skin.  Also take note of your foundation must-haves such as skincare benefits, sun protection, as well as resistance against sweat and humidity. 

Having your list ready will make it easier for you to filter categories on the online store and find the right foundation for your specific skin concerns. 

The same is true when it comes to finding the right concealer for your skin. You need to determine the specific skin concern you want to be addressed. Do you need it to brighten the under eyes, fix an uneven skin tone or conceal acne marks?  That will make finding the right concealer easier. 

If you need to even out your skin tone, go for the award-winning liquid concealer NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Custard. It has a light-diffusing mineral powder proven to hide signs of fatigue, fine lines, dark circles, and blemishes.

Make use of online tools from luxury beauty brands

Thanks to Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality technologies, the global beauty brands you love have found a way to make online shopping for your cosmetics a lot easier.  

Utilize the virtual complexion finder of beauty brands. Find the best foundation for your skin type, complexion, and coverage goals through Shiseido’s Foundation Finder.

You can also ask for help in finding your foundation shade and finish through New Match Shade Finder on Lauramercier.com.  Simply take a picture using the online platform. When taking a photo, make sure you are barefaced and have adequate natural lighting so you get an accurate recommendation.  The site finds the right shade for you and gives other base suggestions.   Lauramercier.com also has a Virtual Try-On service for pigments.

Make Up For Ever also has a Virtual Shade Finder.  This interactive AI-based tool made by MAKE UP FOR EVER pros will help you find the perfect shade in seconds. Using your computer or phone, scan your face to find your ULTRA HD Foundation shade.  You may also consult the Virtual Personal Makeup Artist at MAKE UP FOREVER’s website daily from 1 pm-9 pm.

You can also try the NARS Complexion Finder. Whether you’re searching for the right foundation or concealer, this online beauty tool can help pick the product that’s best for your skin.