I recently did a FOTD featuring the Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation in Medium 52. I must admit, up to this point in time, I haven’t used a single product from the Kat Von D and have never even been compelled to peruse the aisle at Sephora…the whole aesthetic of the line just wasn’t calling to me. However, upon receiving a sample of this newly released foundation in the mail, I was driven to find my perfect match (because my sample was definitely too light!).
**UPDATE…all shades of this foundation are swatched HERE!
Retailing for a very reasonable $32, the Lock-It Tattoo Foundation is oil, fragrance and SPF-free and boasts opaque coverage, a long lasting matte finish and transfer resistance.
I selected Medium 52, which is suitable for light to medium skin with warm (yellow) undertones. I could probably have worn Medium 54, which is a hair darker, but am happy with my choice overall (especially since summer is almost over).
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| In direct sunlight…I don’t recommend ever wearing it as thickly as the heavy swatch…blending it provides just as much coverage and it is more natural-looking to the naked eye! |
The key to this foundation is a light hand…one pump is sufficient to cover the entire face…any more and the coverage could run the risk of becoming cakey. I prefer to apply this foundation over primer (Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge) and sunscreen (Sunday Riley Cashmere or Koh Gen Do UV Milk) with my Sephora Air Brush. It does require a strong hand for blending, but once it has been fully blended, the finish is velvety matte perfection!
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| Above: Some other foundations in my rotation for shade comparison…the Lock-It Tattoo foundation is a hair lighter than its Ellis Faas and Givenchy contemporaries. |
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| Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation in Medium 52 in the shade. |
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a fragrance-free foundation with extremely full coverage and a long wearing finish, look no further! Despite the fact that its opacity is unprecedented, I was very pleased with how natural it looked as long as it was applied sparingly and blended carefully. It is a bit on the dryer side, and, after a few days of continuous wear, my I felt like I wanted to give my skin a different formula (By Terry and Le Metier de Beaute were ready on deck) just to change things up. Overall, I am pleasantly surprised with the quality and finish of the Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation and am thrilled to add it to my collection.
Comments (94)
I've been hearing good things about the Kat Von D foundation, I'll have to get a sample to try.
Absolutely…it is definitely worth sampling, Lulubelle! Do let me know your thoughts after you've tried it!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Same thing happened with me, I received a sample of the lock it foundation in the mail, and honestly wasn't interested in the kat von d line, but I loved the sample so much I just went a few days ago and bought the full size. Love it!
Interesting, Stephanie…I guess that we're both good testaments for the power of samples ; ) Which shade did you select? Are you finding that you need less powder later on in the day with this formula?
Enjoy the weekend!
–The Beauty Professor
You look gorgeous! I'm going to give this foundation a try. So far, I like Kat Von D's eye primer and eye makeup palettes
Kath…you are too kind!! Thank you! How does the Kat Von D eye primer compare with the likes of Urban Decay? Let me know what you think of the foundation if you end up trying it!
XOXO,
–The Beauty Professor
Your skin is looking awesome in all the pics taken at different weather conditions. Sure to try Kat Von D foundation.I'm glad to know that its a bit on the drier side as my skin is oily.
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Do you know if this shade is a match for mac's studio fix NC42?
Hello Anonymous,
I would say that this shade ("Medium 52") is closer to a NC 27 or so. An equivalent to NC 42 in this formula would probably be "Medium 62."
Hope that helps!
–The Beauty Professor
Do you think medium 52 will match NC30 in MAC ?
Hello!
I think that Medium 52 is between a NC25 and NC30…when I was closer to a NC30 in the dead of summer, I was able to wear M52 with some bronzer and the match was perfect. Now, that I am back down to a NC25, I can still wear M52 without any matching issues. I have heard that Medium 54 is a tinge darker, but in person, I noticed that it was more rosy beige than I preferred. Undertone is important to me, so I prefer the yellow leanings of the Medium 52, even if it needs a bit of bronzer at certain points in the year ; )
Hope that helps you…don't hesitate to comment should you have other questions!
–The Beauty Professor
Hi,
What shade will match MUFE hd foundation in 117? I become interested after reading your blog.
Hello Anonymous,
I am guessing that you could be good in a Medium 48 or the Medium 52 (which is a tinge darker and more yellow/golden than Medium 48).
Hope that helps and let me know if you have other questions along the way!
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi I'm a nc20-25, what shat do you suggest I would be? Xxx
Hello Anon,
I think that you could be the Medium 48…hope that is helpful!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you =) xxxxxxxxxxx
You are welcome ; )
Warm regards,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, so during the winter I am a nc30-25 but when summer hits I am a nc35. I am thinking about getting the Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation but I need help knowing what shade to get. Any ideas?:)
Hello Anon,
Thanks for your question! I am a NC25-30 for most of the year and the Medium 52 matches perfectly. I would be that when you are a NC 25 and 30, this shade would work for you as well. However, when you reach a NC35, then the Medium 54 or Medium 56 would be a better match!
Hope that helps!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi
I really really want to buy kat vond foundation but i have to buy it online and i don't know wich shade i should buy. I use now estee lauder tawny 3w1. Wich shade would match with that ? please help me !! xoxo
Hi Anon,
Thanks for the question! Without seeing your a picture of your face, my best guess is that you would be a Medium 54 or Medium 62 (both have yellow undertones). Perhaps Medium 54 would be good for you in the fall/winter (now) and Medium 62 would be more appropriate in the summer!
If you can, I suggest ordering from Sephora because they have an amazing return policy if the match is not what you hoped for!
Take care and keep me posted!!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello! Im a mac nc42 all year what do you think would be the best match for me in kat von d lock it foundation? Thanks
Hello Anon,
Thanks for the question. Without seeing a picture of you, my best guess is that you would be a Medium 62 (medium to golden skin with warm undertones). If that ends up being too light (and I don't think it will), than Deep 66 (medium to deep skin with warm beige undertones) would be your next option.
I hope that helps!!
Take care…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi,
I just stumbled on your blog and I love your review! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I just bought the Light 48 shade of this foundation today, but I'm not positive if it's the best match for me. I have neutral to faint golden undertones, but probably am around an NC20.
Any suggestions?
Thank you~
Hi Anon,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am glad that you found your way here ; ) Are you are feeling like Light 48 is too dark? If so, then the next best shade for your undertones would be Light 44. I find that this foundation line runs a little light overall, so I am guessing that Light 48 right, as is close to NC 20; that being said, it is impossible for me to say for sure without seeing a picture of you wearing it! Feel free to send one my way via email (beautyprofessor[at]gmail.com) if you want the feedback.
Take care and have a wonderful weekend!
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks for responding so quickly:) You were completely right. The Light 48 turned out to be a great color match for me now that I've been using it a couple of weeks. What threw me off a little bit in the beginning was the foundation's consistency and coverage. I'm used to using BB creams and concealer only so having something so opaque on my face was something to get used to. I'm enjoying it now and this foundation really is great for times when I have any blemishes.
Thanks again for your guidance!
My pleasure, Anon! I am thrilled to hear that Light 48 was the right match for you…thanks for the update! You are right, the opacity of this foundation takes some getting used to but the coverage is unprecedented (second only, in my opinion, to the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer).
Have a wonderful weekend and do keep in touch!
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, thank you for such a great info on this foundation. I am also having issue with colours. I am currently using Dior Sculp in 030 medium beige. Not sure which colour will be suitable for my face. Any advice ?
Hello Anon,
Thanks for the question! I am guessing that you could get away with Medium 52 (as featured in this post) or Medium 54, which is hair darker, but still a true medium beige.
Hope that helps!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello. Ive always wore foundation but never bought a high end foundation. Im more than willing to pay for this foundation cause of the rave reviews! My question is… In Covergirl foundation, Im around Cremy Natural or Buff Beige. What color would you suggest in the Kat Von D foundation???? Thanks!
Hi Kandy,
Thanks for the question. In light of your match in Covergirl foundation, I think you could be Light 44 or Light 48 in the Kat Von D foundation…I suggest buying this from Sephora, strictly because of its reasonable exchange/return policy. You definitely want to ensure that you have the perfect match in this foundation so it seamlessly works with your skin!
I hope this helps…take care and enjoy the rest of the weekend–xo!
–The Beauty Professor
Hello
i have heard a lot about Kat Von D lock-it tattoo foundation and seeing how amazing you look i want one, but i want to try a sample first, as i have really oily and sensitive skin with acne.
Do you know where i can get a sample from?
you see i can only purchase it from online as i cant go out too get it cause i live in Bradford (UK).
Hello Anon,
Thanks for your comment! Unfortunately, I don't know where you can get a sample in the UK; I just checked and it seems like you can only order this online. I wish I had better news for you…: )
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
I fell in love with this product a few months ago. It covers all my spots and doesnt look all caked on.. after the winter months I need a shade lighter (52) and cant seem to find it anywhere. Sephora is out of it even online all the way up to 66. Any idea where we can purchase this at?? Thank you so much for your time.
Hi Anon,
Thanks for your comment…I, too, noticed that many of the lighter shades of this foundation appeared to be sold out on the Sephora website. So strange! As far as I know, that is the only place to purchase this…I even did a search on Amazon and, while some of the Kat Von D cosmetics are available, I couldn't find the foundation. I suggest calling Sephora and finding out what is going on!
I hope you get some answers (do let me know!)…take care and enjoy the weekend…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi! You look absolutely gorgeous! I've been dying to try Kat Von Ds Lock It Foundation for the longest time, but I don't know what shade I am. If you would please write back and help me I would appreciate it so much. I currently use Revlons Colorstay foundation in 330 Natural Tan. I would really appreciate if you took time to help me because I've been wanting to get the Lock it Foundation but I want to make sure what shade I am before I make a purchase. Have a good day! Take care!
Hello Anon,
Wow…thank you so much for your sweet compliment! Without seeing you in person, of course, I am guessing that you would be Medium 62 (a medium shade for golden complexions with yellow undertones). It appears that every shade is sold out online at Sephora right now (inexplicable!), so I wish you the best in locating it!!
Take care and have a wonderful weekend…xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hey! I think i have a yellow undertone, and i use a nc20 pro longwear foundation. What do ya think is the best match to my skin? I'm going to buy on sephora.com and i don't have anyway to try it on… So help me please!! 😀
Hi Nana,
Thanks for your question! I am guessing that you would be Light 44 or Light 48 (both are for light beige skin with neutral to yellow undertones), with Light 48 also working for light to medium skin tones (in case you get a little darker when summer arrives).
I hope this helps and wish you the best in getting this from Sephora…it has been out of stock for quite a while!
Take care and xo,
–The Beauty Professor
I really want to try this foundation. I wear the Rimmel lasting finish in ivory but it's a little to orange for me. What color would you suggest for light skin?
Hi Allison,
Thanks for the question…it is impossible for me to say without seeing your skin, of course, but I would say that Light 44 or Light 48 (for light neutral skin tones) could potentially work!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
I use Chanel #40 Beige, Estee Lauder #19 Dusk or #65 Warm Cream..i have abit pink & yellow undertone..
Which Kat Von D shade can u recommend for me?
I want it to look natural..as closest to my skin tone as possible..
Hello RikaaLika,
Thanks for your question…based on your current matches, I think that you could get away with Medium 58 (on the lighter side) or Medium 62, which is a very close to Chanel #40 Beige!
I hope that helps,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi!
After looking all over for this in the Sephoras in my area, it looks like they should have the lighter colors Light 44, Light 46, Light 48, Medium 52 by May. Apparently the line had to reformulate since one of their ingredients was no longer available. Hope the new formula works just as well!
Quick question though, I feel like I am right in between Light 44 and Light 48 (and Light 46 is too pink) would you suggest going paler with some bronzer or a slightly darker color?
Thanks for your post; love your blog!
Hi Trieuorfalse,
Thanks for the question…I find this foundation runs a bit on the light side and doesn't oxidize in a major way (at least on my skin!), so I would go with Light 48.
So glad you like my blog…thank you for reading ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hey beauty professor! Do you know what color medium 58 in the kat von d makeup will be in l'oreal true match?
Hello Anon…I wish I could help you but I haven't tried the L'Oreal True Match at all.
So very sorry…I hope you get the answer you need…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello, I've been reading your blogs for awhile now and I really find them helpful. Thank you for providing us with such helpful information. Do you have a youtube channel?
Hello Lora,
Thanks for your comment! I am so glad that you've been enjoying my blog and really appreciate the positive feedback. Yes, I do have a YouTube channel…it is: http://www.youtube.com/beautyprofessor.
Take care and keep in touch!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi i need to pic the right shade and have no idea what a undertone is lol ! I'm usually a craft natural or ivory I'm def between light and medium…what do you think i should purchase for a color? If you need a pic lmk where to send it id be more then happy to ! Just to insure i get the very best match from purchasing online! Thanks so much <3 Stacy
Hi Stacy,
Thanks for the question…based on what you've told me, the shades that might work for you in this line are Light 48 or Medium 52. For reference, I have all of the shades swatched here: http://www.beautyprofessor.net/2013/04/kat-von-d-lock-it-tattoo.html, however, if you'd like to email me a picture (beautyprofessor[at]gmail.com), I can see what I can do to help ; )
Take care and xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello! I live in the UK and I can only find this foundation on ebay for like £40! which I thought was a bit much because it's a lot cheaper in the U.S, do you know anywhere else I could buy it from? or even get testers as wouldn't want to get it and it be the wrong colour!, thank you xxx
Hello Anon,
Thanks for your question…I wish I could give you many options here, but there is only one stockist for this foundation in the States, and that is Sephora! If you have access to Sephora, then I highly suggest trying that route!
I wish you the best in your search…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I wear Estee lauder creamy vanilla in double wear makeup in tube
Any suggestions as to shade
I have no stores near me to try on
Thanks
Linda
Hi Linda,
My best suggestion would be Light 46 or Light 48…I hope that helps!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I would really love it if you have any information or could do a review with swatches for the new shades of foundation and powders in the Kat Von D lock it line. Your reviews are so helpful. Thank you!
Hello…I will see what I can do about the new shades and powders when I get the chance!! I am so glad you enjoy my reviews ; )
xoxo and take care,
–The Beauty Professor
Im a classic tan in loreal, is natural tan ib kvd foundation a match
Hello…I don't know what shade natural tan is in the KVD foundation because it goes by numbers, not names here in the US.
So sorry…take care,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello. i read your review and i want to try this foundation but i can't find it in my country(Romania) and i've decided to order it online but i don't know which color and i was wondering if you could (PLEASE) help me. i use mac NW15 (yes i have a very light complexion) and i don't know which one to pick. Thank you very much!
Hello,
Thanks for your question. I would suggest Light 42 or Light 44 for your fair skin with rosy undertones.
I truly hope that helps…xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you for your answer! It really helps because now I know what to order. It really sucks not to have the opportunity to try it in a store but I got used to it. There are many brands that I order online cause I can't find them in stores. I owe you big time! I promise I'll tell you how it feels after trying it. Thanks again for your help!
Happy to help, Ruxandra!
Do keep me posted and have a marvelous weekend…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Wow at the fact that I have the exact same shade as you in MAC foundation and have been wondering the same question! Lol. I feel like Light 44 would be slightly too light and yellow undertoned. I was thinking Light 46. Please let me know how well either of the shades worked for you!
Hi Amy,
I would suggest Light 48 which is a little darker than Light 46 and a great match for my skin right now!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
What brush do you recommend in palce of Sephora Airbrush? Love your attention to detail–I don't buy foundation without seeing your swatches first!!!
I highly recommend the Beauty Blender…I concede that it is not a brush, but it has replaced the use of most of my brushes entirely…love it! Thanks for your kind and encouraging words…happy to have you as a reader!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi! I found this extremely useful but since I cant find sephora where I am at the moment I'll need to order it online, but im not sure which shade I should get 🙁 so far I used MUFE HD Foundation – 130 and Bobbi Brown – 3 Beige.
I hope this helps and thank you again! xx
Glad to hear it…I would suggest Light #48 as a similar match to your Bobbi Brown Beige.
Hope that helps!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello! I find this extremely useful and I hope you would help me out with this 🙁
But how come Light 48 looks darker than Medium 52? I'll probably need to order my foundation so I want to make sure which would fit me, I feel like they would both suit me but im not 100% sure if they would end up looking too dark or too light!
Thank you xx
Hello Fatima,
I don't know why…it just appears to be in my swatches ; )
–The Beauty Professor
Hello!!! OMG I just put this foundation into my wishlist. I have read you review so many times and I just cant hold on the temptation XD But it's hard for me to find the right shade since I never wear MAC so I'm not sure about my shade. Also I dont wear foundation. The only foundation I have ever tried is Kryolan Supracolor in 3w. It matches perfectly with my skin. but the shade 4w is good also on me. I am asian, Indonesian. I think I'm not that yellow and more beige because I never buy any powder in yellow undertone. I always take something with "beige" name. A online seller suggest me to mix L42 and M54 to get the right tone but it will be so bothering buying two different shades and always mix it everytime 🙁 could you suggest me the right or the nearest shade for me, please? I only can buy this online so I cannot try the shades by myself 🙁 do you think L48 or M52 will match for me?
Thank a bunch 🙂
Hello Selvia,
Thanks for the question…I would suggest Medium 54 or Medium 56…both are neutral beige tones. I wish I could say for certain but I am not familiar with Kryolan Supracolor ; )
Hope that helps!
–The Beauty Professor
Hiya BP! Once again u have been my foundation saviour!! I could only get this by online.. Thanks to u & your fab swatches/post, I got my correct colour 1st time:) I luv it when u do a MAC measurement comparison, it's extremely helpful!! I also finally managed to get hold of your fave, the Sephora Airbrush #55…thankyou:D
Happy to hear it…thanks for sharing, Andrea!!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, I would love to try this foundation to cover a birthmark, I currently use Estée Lauder double wear maximum cover (01 creamy ivory) which has now been discontinued .. As I live in the uk I thought it would be best to order a few different shades to try, could you please advise on suitable shades?
Many thanks
J x
Hi Janet,
Thanks for your question; I suggest the Light 44 and Light 46
Hope that helps!
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks for your reply, I have ordered both and I'll let you know how I get on ..
Can I also ask for advice on a setting powder to go with it? A pressed powder not loose ..
Thanks again
Happy to help!
As pressed powders go, I really like the Guerlain Les Violettes Pressed Powder…matte yet glowing and very effective!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks again, foundation and powder ordered ..
I'll let you know how I get on x
I am a Clinique Perfectly Real shade #4. What shade would match my skin with a Kat Von D foundation? It would be a great help if I knew. Thanks 🙂
Perhaps Light 48?
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, how does kat von d foundation compare to EL doublewear? Which has better coverage & lasts longer? Thanks 🙂
Hi Mary,
The KVD is similar to the EL Doublewear in terms of coverage but feels a bit thicker, more matte and lasts longer overall!
Hope that helps!
–The Beauty Professor
Hello!
I need some serious help picking out the right color for this foundation. I'm a MAC NC20, and I use Estee Lauder's double wear foundation in Sand. I think I've narrowed my possibilities down to either Light 48 and Medium 52? I've got warm/yellow undertones, and after doing my research, I really don't know which one to pick!
Help!
Hello,
I would suggest Medium 52 for the summer months and Light 48 for the winter months!
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi There!!
I came across this Foundation, when you tubing great Foundations to Try.
I'm big on Full coverage so this sounds amazing.
Unfortunately, I'm in Australia, and we don't have Sephora here, so I have decided to purchase online. But I'm in the biggest Pickle, I have no idea what shade to get, and I do t want to order the wrong one. I'm quite light skin, wearing an inbetweeners shade of ivory and natural beige in most foundation colors, and I've recently been using Mac NW15 – What Kat Von D Shade do you think would be best for me?
P.S Loved reading your Blig on this Foundation 🙂
Hello!
I would suggest Light 44 (more neutral) or Light 46 (more pink), depending on your preferences. I have all shades swatched here: http://www.beautyprofessor.net/2013/04/kat-von-d-lock-it-tattoo.html
Thanks for your kind words and hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello there,
I bought this in M53 (more yellow toned version of M52), and it later became somehow a little too yellow toned for me and so was duly passed on to my sister – who loves it. I have a unrelated question, I absolutely love your necklace cross, can I ask where you got it? I have just discovered your blog and youtube channel… better late than never 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Ntis and so glad you found your way to my blog and channel! In response to your question, I found my cross at an antique store; they are rose-cut sapphires and it was made in the 1890's! I love antiques!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi there apologies as I know this is an extremely old post I hope you can still see this
I live in the uk and am desperate to try kat von d lock it foundation but I am unsure of what shade to order. I currently use macs match master in shade 1.5 and Mac Pro longwear in nc25.
Any ideas what shade I should order??
Kind regards, victoria
Hello,
I would recommend Medium 52 as it is very close to NC 25!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi 🙂 PLEASE HELP! I am a NC25 in winter, NC35 in summer, yellow warm olive skin tone, what shade do you suggest. From South Africa, never hears of this foundation here.
Hi Jessica,
M52 is great in the winter and M54 or M56 in the summer!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor