I’ve always found it tricky to purchase the perfect foundation that matches my skin tone entirely. However, nowadays, makeup products come in dozens of shades, and I sometimes feel confused about what shade to choose. This is because there are many things to consider, such as skin color, undertones, etc. That’s why I’ve decided to try color-matching alternatives, and I wrote about them in today’s best color-changing foundation guide.
These products are supposed to match your skin tone perfectly and provide good coverage while feeling lightweight and natural.
Bottom Line Up Front and Top Picks!
I confess I was slightly afraid of the results when I tested these products. But, after trying a bunch of self-adjusting foundations, I can say that I have two favorite options:
- Dermablend Correction CC Cream: because I trust the brand and have tried their products before;
- TLM Color-Changing foundation: due to all the positive reviews it received and its lightweight formula.
Coverage helps visibly reduce the look of redness, discoloration, dark spots, age spots and more.
Pro Tip!
When buying, make sure to check the foundation’s ingredients. I would personally opt for hypoallergenic alternatives because I have sensitive skin. However, if you can, and there are samples offered, you should try the foundation on the inside of your wrist to see how well it works on your skin.
Selection Criteria
I considered popularity and level of coverage (various products that suit different needs). I also included foundations offering a wide range of shades and various coverage strengths because we want something that fits our unique needs and preferences.
The Best Color Changing Foundation Guide My Top 7 Choices
Here are some of the best color-changing foundations, listed in no particular order.
1. TLM Color Changing Foundation
This TLM foundation provides a flawless finish that lasts the entire day. I like how this product conceals fine lines and hides wrinkles. What I like even more is its SPF sun protection. In addition, this moisturizing formula is alcohol-free and boosts your skin’s radiance, offering you a natural and gorgeous look.
TLM is so much more than just a simple foundation. It’s highly versatile and can be used as a BB cream and concealer. It changes its initial color to match your complexion. I enjoyed blending it since it glides effortlessly on my face.
Aliver foundation cream contain SPF 15 sun protection to shield your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Pros
- It feels smooth and silky on my skin.
- Fluid enough without being watery.
- Long-lasting.
- I was able to use it as a concealer, not only as a foundation.
- A moisturizing formula that hydrates my skin.
- Comes with SPF15.
Cons
- Not enough coverage power.
- Your face must be prepped beforehand. Otherwise, you might show some imperfections.
2. Continuous Correction CC Cream by Dermablend
I’ve used a few Dermablend products, including the brand’s setting powder, and I was pleased with the results. In addition, this Dermablend CC cream comes with SPF50, which is fantastic, especially during summer. Besides protection, it also provides skin tone correction and coverage.
It contains some of my favorite beauty product ingredients: caffeine, baicalin, and vitamin E, to conceal aging and fatigue signs. I love using long-wear makeup products, and this foundation is one of them. It can last on your skin for up to one whole day.
Coverage helps visibly reduce the look of redness, discoloration, dark spots, age spots and more.
Pros
- Boosts skin radiance.
- Long-lasting.
- Many shades to choose from.
- Full-coverage
- Non-comedogenic formula.
- Breathable.
- It’s fragrance-free, which I love.
- Great for uneven complexions.
Cons
- Expensive.
- A dewy finish which I don’t like.
- Too light for my skin tone.
3. Smart Shade Skintone Matching Foundation by Almay
I love that this Almay color-changing foundation is full of surprises. I had to blend it all in to see the final results in terms of color. Smart Shade is fragrance-free and approved by dermatologists. Moreover, it contains hypoallergenic ingredients, and that’s wonderful for my sensitive skin.
There are six available shades to choose from, several nuances of the three primary tones: light, medium, and deep. I usually apply makeup products with my fingers, and this foundation is best used like that. So, it’s an excellent option for my preferences.
Take the guesswork out of finding your foundation with this innovative formula that adjusts to match your skin tone instantly.
Pros
- Clinically-tested.
- Hypoallergenic.
- No perfume.
- Affordable.
- Great for mature skin.
- Creamy texture.
Cons
- Not enough coverage.
- It makes my skin dry.
- Not very long-lasting.
4. Physicians Formula Correction CC Cream
This CC cream is also a color-correcting foundation enriched with a hydrating serum. The serum, combined with the product’s SPF, fights aging signs.
This color-changing foundation might do the trick if your skin tone is uneven. I love its creamy and lightweight texture that’s highly blendable. I’m a fan of the versatile and 2-in-1 products, and the Physicians Formula foundation also works as a moisturizer and anti-aging treatment.
With micro color-correcting pigments & high-tech anti-aging ingredients, this CC Cream has the benefits of an anti-aging treatment, moisturizer, foundation and SPF in one product.
Pros
- A clean formula that’s paraben-free.
- Gluten-free and hypoallergenic.
- Lightweight and blendable.
- Great for sensitive skin since it’s fragrance-free.
- Tested by dermatologists.
- Conceals and smooths your skin.
- SPF 30.
Cons
- I used the light shade, but it looked darker than expected.
- I had to apply more of the product to achieve full coverage, making it a bit pasty.
5. Self-Adjusting Foundation by Culler Beauty
The Culler Beauty foundation is a self-adjusting makeup item that only comes in light and medium shades. It offers a matte finish. I like its non-greasy and lightweight texture. Another thing I like about it is its illuminating properties and moisturizing effects. The brand is a clean and cruelty-free one. I really like how easy it was for me to apply this foundation and blend it into my skin.
I applied it on top of my primer, and it looked flawless and natural. To put it to the test, I went out wearing it and returned home after several hours; my face still looked smooth and splendid. One thing that bugged me was the shade.
I bought the light shade and started to blend the product in, but I think I overdid it since, after a while, the colors became darker than expected.
Take the hassle of trying multiple foundations out and get the Culler Beauty's Self Adjusting Foundation in. 
Pros
- Paraben-free.
- Fragrance-free.
- SPF sun protection.
- Silky finish.
- Suitable for all skin types, including oily and mixed like mine.
Cons
- Only two shades are available.
- Expensive.
- Even lighter shades turn darker if you blend them too much.
6. Yanqina Color-Changing Foundation
The Yanqina foundation is a medium-priced beauty product, but I was lucky enough to find it at a discounted price. It’s made by PLJF Cosmetics, which also sells other items like primers, eyeliners, lipsticks, and more. At first, I was skeptical about trying a brand I had never heard of before. However, it’s suitable for mature skin since it covers wrinkles and red spots.
The foundation changes its color once it touches your skin because of your face’s temperature. Moreover, it has brightening effects and feels lightweight on my skin.
Pros
- Easy and quick to apply.
- Versatile and convenient.
- It can also work as a concealer.
- Control sebum and excess oil.
- Non-irritating.
- Moisturizing and hydrating.
Cons
- Unknown brand.
- I’m not sure if I trust the brand since this is the first time I’ve heard of it.
- It relies too much on my skin temperature, which makes the results hard to control.
7. Orglamix Whole Grain Foundation
The Orglamix self-adjusting foundation is formulated with minerals and whole grains. I was surprised to see the form and packaging of this color-changing beauty item. The container looks exactly like my current setting powder. However, it’s a whole new approach to the classic type of foundation I’ve been using so far.
It’s only suitable for light and medium skin tones. The soft-focus feature makes your face look brighter and fresh. They say the product offers medium coverage, but, on my face, I could only achieve a light coverage.
Pros
- Mineral-based.
- Lightweight.
- Long-wear.
- Formulated with antioxidants and vitamins.
- Made with natural ingredients such as iron oxides, rice powder, and more.
- Non-GMO.
Cons
- Very sheer coverage.
- Not great for dark skin.
- I don’t really like the powdery texture when it comes to a foundation.
- The container is very small.
Color-Changing Foundations – How Do They Work?
There are two color-changing foundation types: some products contain encapsulated pigmentation colors, while others are formulated with pH-reactive ingredients. The second type is chemically-focused and reacts to either alkaline or acid skin.
Those with encapsulated pigments are coated with oils, so when applied to your skin, they become separated from the base product or cream they’re included in.
Some self-adjusting foundations are sold in a couple of color choices, like light, medium, and deep. So, you must still pick the right tone that matches your complexion. Otherwise, the foundation might not provide your expected results.
The Best Color Changing Foundation Guide How to Choose It
Here are the things you must know when selecting the best color-changing foundation you can afford. Of course, it’s much easier to opt for a self-adjusting foundation than a classic version. You won’t have to worry about shades, tones, undertones, and other characteristics.
First, Become Aware of Your Skin Needs and Sensitivities
Your skin type is the most important aspect when choosing a color-changing foundation. Are there any concerns to keep in mind? For instance, I have sensitive skin, especially around my eyes and mouth. The skin on my cheeks gets dry quickly, especially during autumn and winter. Occasionally, I deal with mild acne breakouts.
Moreover, my skin type is mixed: oily around the nose and forehead and dry on my cheeks. These might be self-adjusting foundations, but they won’t work the same on all skin types.
Second, Choose Lightweight and Oil-Free Foundations
If you have dry skin, you could try oil-based foundations. However, I will always opt for oil-free formulas in liquid forms because they are more hydrating and moisturize my face. Also, don’t worry about achieving a matte finish. I use setting powder to obtain that. Still, powdered formulas are better suited for oily complexions.
Next Up, Think About the Coverage Power
I prefer foundations that offer excellent coverage power. But some of you might opt for light coverage instead. For optimal results, you should search for good-tinted foundations with moisturizing properties. You could buy a medium-coverage self-adjusting formula to be on the safe side and don’t risk too much.
Finally, Check the Ingredients & Apply the Product Correctly
I always read the ingredient list to see if it contains something potentially toxic, harmful, or allergic. Vegan formulas are great, although many might not offer boosted coverage. Natural foundations are ideal, but coverage might become an issue. I mostly use my fingers for the application, but you can also use a brush to cover larger face areas.
Another solution to increase hydration and moisture is to blend the foundation with a damp sponge.
FAQs
Question: How Could You Change Your Foundation’s Color at Home?
Answer: There are several ways to change your foundation’s shade:
• Mix it with a bit of moisturizing cream or primer.
• Apply a lighter setting powder on top of the foundation layer.
• Blend two foundation shades together – choose a lighter one for a brighter effect.
• Dilute your regular foundation with a self-adjusting formula.
• Add a few drops of a light shade of concealer.
Question: Should I Buy a Lighter or Daker Foundation Shade?
Answer: According to beauty specialists, everyone should use a tad lighter foundation than their skin tone. The ideal situation is applying a foundation one tone lighter than your skin. That advice is vital because we mix the foundation’s shade with other makeup products, such as contouring items, concealers, powder, and bronzers.
Picking a lighter foundation is essential when it comes to self-adjusting makeup products because their color changes (usually gets a little darker) when blended on your face.
Question: How Should I Apply Color-Changing Foundation?
Answer: You can apply a self-adjusting foundation in numerous ways. But, I’ll tell you my routine, and perhaps it’s suitable for you as well:
• I start by applying a thin layer of primer or moisturizing cream;
• After the base is dry, I use a bit of concealer under my eyes (although I’ve recently learned that concealers must be applied after the foundation);
• Next, I pour a small amount of foundation on my fingers and place it on my forehead (in between my eyebrows), under my eyes, nose, and chin. How I blend it varies based on what I want to achieve at that moment: sometimes, I only use a tiny amount of foundation to cover red spots, dark under-eye circles, and pimples. Other times, I blend it all over my face;
• You can easily use a brush to blend the foundation, although I mostly use my fingers;
• The layer I’m looking for must be enough to provide good coverage without being overwhelming to risk a cakey finish;
• I then use a large brush to apply setting powder all over my face for that matte finish I always aim to. It’s a great way to seal the foundation and avoid oily skin;
• If you want, you can go totally self-adjusting; you can buy all the other makeup products to be color-changing, just like the foundation.
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