Shopping for foundation online is always tricky for me, and it’s something I’ve never fully gotten comfortable with. Between figuring out my exact skin tone and being a bit picky about how products look and feel, I really need to try foundations in person before committing. Screens and shade descriptions just don’t compare to seeing how a product actually blends into my skin or how it sits after a few minutes. Because of that, I usually make a trip to stores like Ulta Beauty or Nordstrom when it’s time to test out a new foundation. Being able to swatch shades, check undertones, and sometimes even get help from a beauty associate makes the process a lot less stressful.
I’m also not especially loyal to any one brand, and that’s mostly because my skin isn’t the same all year round. I tend to switch things up between summer and fall, since my skin tone and texture change with the seasons. In the summer, my skin is usually a little darker and sometimes oilier, so I might look for something lighter or more matte. In the fall and cooler months, my skin can be drier and slightly lighter, which means I need something more hydrating and a better match for my changing tone.
Because of these differences, I like having a few foundation options rather than sticking to just one. Trying products in person helps me feel more confident in my choices and makes sure I end up with something that actually works for my skin at that moment.
Recently, I decided to ask my stepmom for some foundation recommendations, since she’s really into makeup and has tried a wide range of products over the years. She was happy to help and sent over a few ideas she thought might work well for me. Two of the foundations she suggested were from Fenty, which I had heard great things about and was excited to try. Because the brand is known for its wide shade range, I assumed there would be a good match for my skin.
When I went to sample them in person, though, they just didn’t work the way I hoped. Even after trying a few different shades and formulas, something still felt off. The foundations looked slightly too yellow or flat against my skin, and they didn’t blend as naturally as I wanted. I also paid attention to how they sat on my skin after a few minutes, and the finish wasn’t quite right for me.
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I ended up talking with a sales associate about it, and she agreed with my concerns. After looking closely at my skin, she pointed out that I have cool undertones and explained that Fenty foundations tend to work better for people with warm or neutral undertones. Hearing that helped everything make more sense and reassured me that it wasn’t just me being overly picky. Even though the products didn’t work out, the experience helped me better understand my skin and what I should look for in future foundation searches.
We ended up trying a couple shades from Too Faced, and I fell in love with the shade Praline. It gives medium coverage but still looks super natural! I still adore my Chanel foundation, but I’ve found I need something with a bit more coverage when I’ll be taking photos or spending the whole day out. I’ll probably repurchase the Chanel for lighter makeup days, but for now I need something that’s longer-lasting and gives me that extra coverage boost.
Too Faced Born This Way Shade Match for Medium-Dark Skin
I currently wear shade Praline, and the match is honestly one of the best I’ve tried. The shade blends seamlessly into my skin and doesn’t leave behind an ashy or gray cast — something that can happen with foundations that aren’t formulated well for deeper skin tones.
Once blended, the foundation melts into my complexion and looks incredibly skin-like rather than heavy or mask-like. I then add Milani Blush and Summer Fridays Pink Sugar lip balm for a glowy look!
Application: Sponge vs Brush Results
I apply this foundation using a makeup sponge from Ulta Beauty, and it works so well for achieving flawless coverage.
The sponge helps press the product into the skin, creating a smooth, airbrushed finish that looks natural while still evening out my complexion. I haven’t tried applying it with a brush yet, but I do own a few and plan to update this post once I test brush application to compare the results.
Too Faced Foundation, Amazon $47
I also tested one from NARS and it was amazing too! So if you’re my shade twin—or even close—I definitely recommend checking out Too Faced, NARS, and Chanel. 💖
Does Too Faced Born This Way Foundation Oxidize on Medium-Dark Skin?
One of my biggest concerns when trying a new foundation is oxidation, especially as someone with cool undertones, since products can quickly turn orange or overly warm.
So far, Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in Praline has not noticeably oxidized on my skin. The shade looks consistent from application throughout wear and maintains its true tone without becoming darker or uneven.
Who Should Try Too Faced Born This Way Foundation?
This foundation may be a great fit if you:
- Have medium-dark skin with cool or neutral undertones
- Want medium-to-full buildable coverage
- Prefer a natural, glowy finish
- Love a smooth, skin-like foundation that photographs well
- Want complexion makeup that looks flawless without feeling heavy
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