Foundations: sometimes it can feel like you have better chances of meeting your soulmate than finding a product that suits your Asian skin tone. Not only that there isn’t too much variety, but the undertones are often off. Just like you, we’ve bought multiple products only to discover once we got home that they were too dark or too light.
How can you find the best foundation for Asian skin so that you don’t look too tanned or like a Geisha every time you leave the house?
Consider us your makeup guinea pigs. We’ve done our research and created a guide to help you find a foundation that will complement your Asian Skin.
Let’s dive in!
What You Need to Know Before Buying Foundation for Asian Skin
Here’s a list of things to consider when shopping for the best match for your Asian skin tones.
- Ace Your Base. The base color is the main factor that will determine if the foundation will suit your complexion or not. Look for products with a yellowish tone, not too bright or too dark. A lighter or darker shade will seem fake, so don’t try to change the color of your skin.
- Pay Attention to the Undertones. The easiest way to establish if you should go for a cool or warm undertone is to take a look at your veins. If they’re blue, then you should opt for a cool undertone, while green veins mean that a warmer color would fit you best. If you can’t decide, then opt for neutral undertones. Keep in mind that if you have Indian skin, your foundation should have a yellow base with peach or gold undertones instead of red, pink or blue.
- Try a Custom Blended Foundation. If you can’t find the exact shade for your skin tone, maybe is time to consider mixing up two colors. That way you can get the perfect color. You can even adjust it throughout the year to make it darker during summer and lighter during winter.
How to Find the Right Foundation for Asian Skin
It’s no secret that Asian women struggle to find the right foundation to match their skin tones. Pay attention to the tips below to make sure you’re purchasing only the best foundation for Asian skin.
- Consider Your Skin Type. One type of foundation won’t fit all Asian skins. While some women are lucky enough to have a porcelain skin, most of them struggle with dry patches, oily complexions or acne. One of the factors you need to pay attention to, besides the shade, is the formulation. Opt for a powder foundation if you have oily skin or a liquid or cream one if your skin is dry.
- Don’t Go Light. A lot of Asian women tend to believe that lighter is better than anything else; however, that’s far from being true. Look for a natural shade that will compliment your skin tone, not change it; you want people to notice you and not the foundation you are wearing.
- Don’t Rely on the Packaging Alone. We sometimes like the bottle so much, that we make ourselves believe that the product inside must be a quality one. Unfortunately, while a cute bottle might look good on your dresser, it certainly doesn’t mean that what’s inside will do wonders on your face. Always try the product.
5 Best Picks
1. Physicians Formula Talc-Free Loose Powder
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Loose Powder is the overall highest rated foundation for Asian skin.
This lightweight powder-based foundation is excellent for sensitive skin. Talc-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic it won’t irritate your skin or cause you to break out. Its mineral-rich formula will make your skin look more radiant and healthier than ever.
Not only that this foundation comes in multiple shades that complement Asian skin tones, but it also provides great coverage.
Overall, if you are looking for the best foundation for Asian skin, then Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Loose Powder is a sure bet. Unlike other powders, it will cover blemishes or dark spots while also fighting breakouts and reducing irritations.
Pros
- Lightweight powder
- Good for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
- Comes in multiple shades
- Covers blemishes and spots
Cons
- Only beige shades
Related: Best Loose Powder Foundations
2. Maybelline New York Dream Matte Mousse Foundation
Mousse foundations are in high demand due to their airsoft feel and smooth texture. If you’ve been looking for a matte foundation to match your Asian skin tone, then this is the one for you.
A lot of Asian women don’t have an even skin tone, but this mousse foundation will give you a perfect coverage in only a couple of moments. Simply blend a small quantity, and you’ll be surprised how smoothly this foundation is applied. More than that, it doesn’t feel heavy on your face, and it can last for the entire day.
The finish is matte, so feel free to enhance your look with a bold lip color or go for that smoky eye look.
All in all, Maybelline Dream Matte Mouse Foundation comes in a great variety of shades that are sure you suit your skin tone.
Pros
- Soft and smooth
- Matte finish
- Evens out skin tone
- Good for blending
- Does not feel heavy
- Lasts all-day
Cons
- Not waterproof
3. Beauty Basics Mineral Liquid Powder Foundation
Any makeup is in need of an expert finish that will give you a natural and fresh look, and this is what this foundation does.
With an innovative liquid formula, enriched with Beauty Basics’ exclusive Multi-Mineral Complex, this foundation glides on easily. The soft texture will cover imperfections without clogging your pores while the micro-diffusers will keep your skin looking flawless throughout the day.
If you’re looking for a foundation that comes in a variety of shades and is gentle on the skin, then Beauty Basics Mineral Liquid Powder is an excellent pick.
Pros
- Enriched with minerals
- Glides on easily
- Very soft texture
- Covers imperfections
- Does not clog pores
Cons
- Some harsh ingredients
Related: Best Mineral Foundation
4. L’Oréal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder Bare Skin Perfecting Makeup
This is another fantastic foundation for Asian skin because it comes in well over a dozen shades of beige, which tend to match Asian skin tones. This makeup from L’Oréal features a revolutionary liquid formula that transforms on contact with your skin.
So, while it starts out as a liquid, it turns into a very soft powder finish. This is also beneficial because it blends very easily with other products and skin tones, not to mention that it is effortless to apply. In addition, it is so lightweight that you will barely notice that it is on your skin.
L’Oréal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder Bare Skin Perfecting Makeup comes with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, with an SPF rating of 18; this means it will protect your skin from the harsh effects of the sun.
Pros
- Smooth and powdery finish
- Very lightweight
- Blends well
- Spreads well
- Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
Cons
- Contents may separate
5. Prestige Skin Loving Minerals Gentle Finish Mineral Powder Foundation
This is a product that has not been tested on animals. And moreover, it is a dermatologically approved product.
What you get is a very full and natural color, with a natural finish, so you will just look like an improved version of your old self. You may also like Prestige Skin Loving Minerals Gentle Finish Mineral Powder Foundation because it has a very gentle and lightweight formula that will not weigh you down.
On that same note, this foundation is long-lasting and should handle a good bit of moisture. So, all in all, this might just be one of the very best foundations out there, period.
Pros
- Mineral enhanced
- Gentle on the skin
- Easy to blend and spread
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- May cause acne