Finding a foundation shade that perfectly matches your skin tone is crucial. I have already heralded the praises of By Terry’s Cover Expert; it, along with the Rouge Bunny Rouge Milk Aquarelle foundation (reviewed HERE) and Koh Gen Do Aqua foundation (reviewed HERE) constitutes my foundation rotation trio. I recently swatched the entire Cover Expert spectrum…it seems that the odd numbers in the line tend to be more yellow-based while the even numbers have more neutral to rosy undertones. This formula is currently available at Space NK, Barney’s NY, Bloomingdales, B-Glowing, Beauty.com and Harrod’s.
Kindly scroll on for shade descriptions…I wish you the best in your color match quest!
1. Fair Beige–very pale alabaster ivory
2. Neutral Beige–very pale ivory with neutral undertones
3. Cream Beige–light yellow beige for fair skin
4. Rosy Beige–neutral light beige for fair skin
5. Peach Beige–as the name implies, a light peach beige; in certain lighting it seems darker than #7
6. Flush Beige-a very rosy-based beige…dries to a dark pink-based beige
7. Vanilla Beige–light beige with yellow undertones for light to light-medium skin
8. Intense Beige–a slightly deeper, more golden version of #7 (a closer side by side of #7 and #8 HERE)
9. Honey Beige–yellow-based beige for medium skin tones
10. Golden Sand–a huge jump from #9, this is a neutral dark beige for medium to medium dark skin
11. Amber Brown–dark golden beige for dark skin
12. Warm Copper–darkest golden beige for dark bronzy skin
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: Currently available at Space NK, Barney’s NY, Bloomingdales, B-Glowing, Beauty.com and Harrod’s, there truly may be nothing better for natural full coverage and velvet matte skin than the incredible By Terry Cover Expert Foundation…I hope these swatches are extraordinarily helpful in your foundation quest. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this formula if you’ve tried it!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Comments (120)
Thank you so much for doing this!! I have shade 9 and its a teeny bit too dark for me now unsure whether to go to 7 or 8.
My pleasure…thanks for reading! I really wanted to share the whole spectrum of shades since it is such a phenomenal formula!
In my opinion, if #9 is just a hair too dark, then I think that you'd be great with #8. While there is only a subtle difference between #7 and #8, #7 is is still a bit lighter in depth. I plan on moving up to #8 as soon as I get a touch of sun : )
Wow! This is really helpful! Thank you so much!
I can only buy this foundation online so finding the right shade is a tricky thing. I've got a sheer expert in #3 and it works fine for me. But I guess it's only cos it is so sheer. I'll go for #7 for Cover Expert. Thanks again:)
I am so glad that you found this post to be helpful, Olga! Thanks for reading and do let me know what you think about Cover Expert in #7 once your receive it!
Enjoy the rest of the weekend…
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you greatly for these swatches. I as well can only buy this brand on line and your professional work is much much appreciated.
Much love xx
Maha UK
Your welcome, Maha! I was glad to do it since I had wished that a post like this was online when I first ordered Cover Expert : )
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week.
Warm regards,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi beauty professor,
I am new to your site. This post is really helpful for me as byterry products aree very hard for me to get to see in a store. I am seeing that a lot of the shades are more yellow based. I wear nw20-25 in Mac foundations. Do you think any of these shades would work for me. Thanks so much for posting!!
– Jewels
Hello Jewels…thanks for reading!
You are correct that many of the By Terry shades have a yellow/golden undertone but I do think that shade #4, Rosy Beige, might be a perfect match for you. It has a neutral beige undertone that leans rosier rather than yellow.
It is probably a bit closer to NW 25 (rather than NW 20) but with summer having arrived, taking your foundation up a notch can sometimes be a good idea!
Do let me know if you end up getting it and if you have other questions…have a wonderful week,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much for this!! Can't find this foundation in store anywhere and ByTerry is favourite brand of mine…
I'm part greek so i have a darker skintone, although my face remains quite light. I opted for shade 9 and it looks beautiful. I am so pleased! although i think i'll have to upgrade to 10 once I get my summer tan!
Many thanks again xxxx
Gina
Thrilled to hear that you found this post helpful, Gina! Thanks for the kind feedback! I am so glad that you found a shade that works for you…I also have to upgrade to a darker color in the summer; no matter how much sunscreen I apply, it is inevitable!
Thanks for reading and have a fantastic rest of the week,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello!
I stumbled onto your blog looking for a perfect shade to By Terry Sheer Expert and you are amazing! Would you please help me pick a shade? I am usually very fair, and foundations tend to turn orange or yellow on my face (which I HATE by-the-way). I wear either Aveda Mineral Dual Foundation in #2 Aster or Cle De Peau Powder Foundation O10 in the summer I have tried Nars Tinted Moisturizer in Finland Light 1 which matched pretty well. I also like By Terry's Light Expert in No. 1. As far as liquid foundations, I like Cle De Peau's I10 or Kanebo's Soft Ivory.
Any feedback you can provide would be awesome!
Many Kind Regards,
Anita xo
Thank you, Love Shines!! I have had personal experiences with all of the foundations you list except for the Aveda Mineral Dual Foundation, so I am going to give this my best try!
I think that you could either go with a #1 or #3 in the By Terry foundation. To be fair, my swatches are of the By Terry Cover Expert, not Sheer Expert, but I am fairly certain that they are parallel with one another in terms of shade and depth (e.g., the level of coverage is the only difference).
Since you like Light Expert #1 (which has a very rosy undertone), #1 (which has a slight pink undertone) could be a good match. #3 is still very fair, but has a subtle yellow undertone (that, in my experience, does NOT oxidize to an unappealing orange or yellow)…it is, however, obviously more yellow than the the pinker #1 but a little closer to the NARS in Finland. I think that #2 might be too light in light of what you already are matched with–it has an almost white cast (as you can see in my images).
I hope this feedback helps…let me know what you decide! If possible, I suggest also asking for samples of 1, 2 and 3 if you end up ordering so that way, you can try them before opening the foundation (makes for easier returns with a decision as important as this!)
Take care and thanks for reading,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much for taking to time for your reply!
The pictures are deceiving as I was thinking either #3 or #4 or possibly #7! Ahhhhhh! At this rate I will never make a decision!
I will let you know what I end up with.
All my very best, Anita xx
Hello LoveShine!
If you are open to a slightly darker option, then I think #4 could be great on you since it has the rosy undertone that you like in the By Terry Light Expert #1. The swatches above are pretty true-to-life in terms of tone and depth…for reference, I wear #7 in the winter months (at my palest).
If you haven't seen my face picture with it on yet, check out this link: http://www.beautyprofessor.net/2012/02/by-terry-foundation-cover-expert.html. Even though it is up on the number scale, #7 is still pretty light (between an NC 20 and 25) with neutral undertones.
In my opinion, #1 and #4 are in the same undertone family (rosy), with #1 being significantly lighter (probably an NW 15-18) than #4 (closer to a NW 20). #3 (about an NC 15-18) and #7 (NC 20-25) are in the same color family (more neutral to warm, without being the
slightest bit orange) as well. It just depends on the route you want to go; I would say, however, with us being in the midst of summer, that #4 or #7 will probably work just fine if you feel like your skin tone is similar to mine (as based on the picture found in the link above).
Keep me posted!!
–The Beauty Professor
You are a wealth of knowledge and Thank YOU!
Ok. I have been following beauty blogs and Makeup Alley for years and you know what? I have never learned what NW or NC means. Would you please fill me in? How do I know which one I am? xx Anita
Hello Anita,
I love talking about foundation and am glad that my response was helpful : ) !!
You ask a great question…the NC and NW label comes from the way in which MAC classifies their foundations. Since it is a cosmetics brand that is fairly accessible on a world-wide level and their foundations have a consistency across the board in terms of shade, depth and tone (e.g., a NC 20 is generally the same shade in any MAC foundation formulation, whether it be Studio Fix, Mixmaster or Face and Body), many people use NC and NW to explain the shades of other foundations that may not have such consistent labeling (e.g., names like Santa Fe or numbers like #8 don't translate across the brands). The numbers that follow the NC or NW indicate the depth/darkness of the foundation. For example, in general, a NC or NW 15 would be very light for super fair skin, 20-25 for light skin, 30-40 for medium skin and 45+ for darker skin.
NC stands for "neutral cool" which MAC feels best describes skin tone that is generally golden/yellow in undertone.
NW stands for "neutral warm" which MAC feels best describes skin tone that is generally pink/rosy in undertone.
This becomes confusing because many other lines associate "warm" shades with yellow and golden undertones and "cool" shades with pink/rosy undertones.
To keep it clear in my head (and to align it with all other makeup brands I use that believe that "warm" is yellow/golden and "cool" is pink/rosy) , I like to think of "NC" as standing for "not cool" (meaning that the makeup has a yellow undertone) and NW as standing for "not warm" (meaning that the makeup has a pinker undertone).
To answer your last question, if you tend to have more yellow undertones in your skin (like I do…generally your veins are greenish), then you'd be a "NC" in MAC and a want a foundation that has yellow/golden warmer tones. If you tend to have more rosy/pink undertones in your skin (generally your veins are bluish), then you'd probably be a "NW" in MAC and want a foundation that has neutral beige to rosy beige undertones.
I hope that clears things up!!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello, I just wanted to add my thankyou to the list of comments you had on your By Terry Cover Expert review & swatches. I am Italian, have been living in UK for 6 years and I have been looking for the perfect foundation for ages, spending a considerable amount of money in the search of it. I found your excellent website almost by serendipity, and your helpful comments and especially the swatches helped me find the perfect shade for me (No 9). I know by Terry products, but I had never tried their foundations, I now have both formulations, Sheer Expert and Cover Expert, they are really excellent products, a bit pricey but truly among the best and totally worth the money. Thank you again, Carla
Hello Carla,
Thank you for your kind comment. I completely respect and understand your quest for the perfect foundation and am thrilled to hear that you have found your match due in part to this blog! Congratulations on your discovery…the By Terry foundation formulas are indeed superb and definitely worth their cost.
Thanks again for the encouragement and for reading Beauty Professor…please continue to comment and visit when you can!!
Warm regards,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, I'm really confused as to which shade to purchase. I'm a MAC C2 and 010 for DIor. Normally I'd just pick the lightest shade in the range but for this, they all look pretty light. Any advice? Much appreciated!
Hello! Thank you for your question. It sounds to me like you could be a #2 or #3 in this range! #2 is more neutral in undertone whereas #3 is a bit more golden/yellow (albeit, still quite light).
I hope that helps and look forward to hearing what you decide!
Take care and thanks for reading,
–The Beauty Professor
Dear Anonymous,
You posted a question last night about finding a By Terry Cover Expert equivalent to NC 42…I have your comment in my email, but it is not showing up on this page. Hopefully you'll check back to see my response as follows…!!
I think that the best match for NC 42 skin could be #10 but it also might be a mix of # 9 and #10. In my experience, #9 is about a NC 30-35 (see my swatches about this shade in my latest post on 8/31/12) but #10 is a big jump in terms of depth. I think that if you are definitely a solid NC 42, then #10 alone could work, but you may find it to be too dark as winter arrives and then, I would suggest mixing it with some #9…a pricier investment, but having the perfect foundation shade offers a priceless payoff!
I hope that helps…please let me know what you decide and also feel free to email me directly at beautyprofessor[at]gmail.com.
Regards,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor,
I am thinking about getting the Sheer Expert, but like many posters, I'm unsure as to what shade to pick. I'm pretty pale and my veins are definitely bluish, but I don't know whether to pick 1, 2, or 3. I usually just get tinted moisturizers in fair/light, so I'm unsure what to pick. Any advice? Thanks so much! –Jessica
Hello Jessica,
Thank you for your question! Based on what you describe, I am guessing you might be a #1 (which is very light has neutral to rosy undertones) or you could also easily be a #3 (which is quite light with yellower undertones). I think that #2 is too light so, depending on whether you want a neutral or yellow undertone, either #1 or #3 should do!
I hope that you found this helpful…let me know what you end up deciding!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
I have a creamy beige by Maybelline, their 290 liqead foundation. Is their creamy beige and the creamy beige here the same?
Thanks for the question, Sonia…I am so sorry but I am not familiar with the Maybelline shade. I don't, however, think that it is guaranteed to be exactly the same as the By Terry foundation because of their similar names. If you want to send me a picture of your foundation, I'll be happy to match it to the closest By Terry shade…let me know ; )
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi I am no Bobbi brown warm ivory or max NC 20 no darker than this number 4 is too pink and ever so slighty too dark. What colour? Thanks
Hello Julie,
Thanks for the question…I suggest #3 which is light and yellow in undertone (very close to a NC 20). #7 would be the next step up (closest to a NC 25 or so with lovely yellow undertones).
From what you describe, #3 sounds like a very good match!
Let me know what you decide and do take care…
Regards,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello
I had wanted to purchase this earlier in the year but was unsure of my shade.i am 5.5 in Armani maestro and Sante Fe in nars sheer matte. Which shade do u think would work for me -thanks !
Hello Jo,
Thanks for the question…we sound about the same in skin tone (I use 5.5 and 6.5 in Maestro and NARS foundation powder in Santa Fe) so I would say you have two options with this foundation. I wear the #9 in the warmer months when I am closer to a NC 30 and I wear #7 in the winter when I am closer to NC 25.
I think you could get away with either but, if you tend to stay the same all year, then it is likely that you will find #8 (Intense Beige) to be a perfect match. I have a side by side comparison of #7 and #8 on my blog if you search for "Cover Expert."
Hope that helps and let me know if you have other questions!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank for all your help:)
I've been quietly stalking your blog for a while now and based on your review I got the Koh Gen Do in OC-2. I just couldn't resist how amazing you made it sound!
I haven't received it yet but I was hoping for your opinion for a shade on the Sheer Expert. I know you swatched the Cover Expert but I'm hoping they match up! I'm about NC25-30, but at the moment (summer here), I'm definitely around NC30 so I'm hoping OC-2 will work well. Armani LSF in #5 is too light, RBR in Cashew is almost perfect at the moment, perhaps a tad light but not noticeable. In Ellis Faas, I'm a perfect S103 but should be wearing up to S104 by the middle of summer. Do you think #8 would work? I shouldn't go too tan though and I'm hoping that either #7 or #8 will be quite versatile… I'm probably hoping for too much!
Hello Ekirii,
Thanks for reading Beauty Professor…how lovely to hear from you! Congrats on your KGD Aqua OC-2 acquisition…it is such a lovely formula. With regards to your question, thankfully, the By Terry Sheer Expert shades are consistent with the Cover Expert shades (there is a direct correlation with the numbering system).
I am very similar in skin tone to you and (as my summer tan is fading) wear KGD OC-2 with a little BE-1 mixed in, Ellis Faas 104 (with maybe a little 103 mixed in) and By Terry in #9 (currently have that on today!). I can top it off with my NARS foundation powder in Santa Fe and it is a perfect match! Oddly enough, the differences between By Terry #7, #8 and #9 are negligible but if you are a true NC 30 (and will be stay that way all winter), then I think you will be just fine with #8 or even #9 (#7 will probably be too light as it is closer to a NC 25). If it helps, #8 is slightly more neutral beige, while #9 is slightly warmer/more golden (though they are both definitely more warm than cool).
Let me know if you'd like me to do a swatch comparison of Ellis Fass S103, S104, By Terry #9 and KGD Aqua OC-2 (all currently in my rotation) in the near future and I can try to post it/email it to you if you send me your email address!!
I wish you the best!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi! Can you help match me to this foundation? I'm currently the shade Beige #3 in Bobbi Brown Skin Finish Foundation. Thanking you in advance 🙂
Hello Rosie,
Thanks for your question. I am guessing that #7 (Vanilla Beige) would be perfect for you. It is a beautiful light neutral beige (leaning towards yellow) and is between a NC 20 and NC 25.
Hope this helps…let me know what you decide!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi there! Love your blog – it's one of my latest discoveries and instant favourites. I was hoping you could help suggest a shade for me, I'm quite fair with rosy overtones in my skin but neutral undertones. I usually wear Estee Lauder Doublewear in 1C1 Shell (now discontinued, and it was too pink for me), Makeup Forever Matte Velvet in 20 (just a hair too dark), I don't wear MAC anymore but I'm probably between a NW10-15. I was thinking that shade #2 Neutral Beige looked promising, but I wanted your take!
Hello Fhionnabhair,
So glad you found your way to Beauty Professor and are enjoying it!! I have a ball writing it and it is always fantastic to meet new readers with similar taste! With regards to your question, I think you are right in thinking you would be a #2. It is a very light neutral shade with a good balance of beige, yellow and pink. I hope that helps! Please keep me posted on what you decide and have a lovely weekend…
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
I'm so glad me and you are the same shade in makeup.. Makes buying it online a little easier! I got this foundation last week and am "in love" with the finish, the way the skin feels when I take my makeup off.. It is fantastic.. I am also a fan of Touche Eclat and I understand the lady behind By Terry helped create Touche Eclat for YSL. It's funny because both of those are my top foundations.. Thanks again for great swatches and wonderful reviews! 🙂
Hello T Richard,
Thank you for the comment…I am so glad our matching skin tones are helpful!! This foundation is really something special, isn't it? The skincare benefits really come through! You are right, Terry Deguzman is behind the foundations of both brands…she definitely knows her stuff.
Thanks so much for reading…looking forward to hearing from you soon!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor,
Great review on this one – I've been using a sample and I absolutely love it but now I'm unsure which colour to purchase in full size. The sample I've been using is shade 2 yet when I was matched up in store I was matched to a size 4. For reference I'm Mont Blanc in the Nars Sheer Glow in Winter and can go up to a Deauville in Summer.
Thank you in advance,
Hannah
http://www.cagneyandlace.com
Thanks so much, Hannah! It is a wonderful formula, indeed. Are you happy with how your sample of #2 looks on your face? How about in pictures? If so, I would stick with it for the full size.
In some ways, I think that the #2 is the lightest shade in the line (#1 has a hint more color). In turn, if you feel like #2 is translating a tiny bit "white," then perhaps you want to try the #1. #4 could also be a good option, but it is definitely a step up, depth wise since it certainly has more pigment overall. After taking a closer look at NARS Mont Blanc, it looks like it is a combination, shade-wise, of #1 and #4.
I hope the detailed shade descriptions are helpful for you!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
So happy that I found your website ! Such gorgeous products reviewed and such amazing person that wants to share advices and help everyone ! Thank you !
And if you can help me too 🙂 choosing the righ color, if I am wearing Chanel Radiance Fluid in 20 Clair which is a little darker than my skintone. Thanks in advance and all the best !
Thank you for the sweet comment, Ena! I am so happy you found your way here as well ; ) I am guessing that you would wear #4 in the By Terry Cover Expert…it is a lovely, light neutral beige!
I hope that helps…please keep me posted on how it turns out!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi! Could you tell me please, whether this foundation is very, very liquid (watery) or thick?
Have a nice day! 🙂
Hello Ewelina (what a lovely name, by the way!),
Thanks for your question…this foundation is of a medium to thick texture, but definitely not a "cream" formula. It is not the slightest bit watery!
I hope that helps…take care and have a wonderful weekend…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much!
Which shade would you recommend for me if I'm wearing Revlon Colorstay in Buff? I'm quite pale.
Hello Ewelina…you are welcome! I recommend #1…it is a lovely, very pale, neutral beige.
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you again!
xoxo
Happy to help ; )
Warm regards,
–The Beauty Professor
Hiya BP:)
Do the colours of this product run the same as the By Terry Sheer Expert?? I've just watched your new video on the mixing of Kevyn Aucoin SSE & the By Terry Sheer.
I think I must be around NW23 to NW30…sorry I don't know MAC colours very well & there's no MAC store in my town or state, so no colour match!! Others I'm matched to include Dior Forever in 200 & 202…Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Intensity 2.0..Revlon Colorstay Whipped in #240 Natural Beige. I run pink undertones but can pull off neutral beige easily – NO yellows though!! You've been helping me a lot and I thank you happily:)
Have a lovely weekend:)
Cheers,
A.
HI Andrea…I thought I answered this, and to my horror, just discovered that I didn't–so sorry! At any rate, Yes, there is direct correlation between the shades of the By Terry Cover and Sheer Expert formulas. There is just a bit more flexibility with the Sheer Expert because it is so sheer! I think that you would likely be in the #4 (the lightest…about a NW 20), #5 (probably a N 25) or #6 (NW 30…definitely the darkest) range, depending on your preferences. All three shades have neutral to rosy undertones, rather than yellow. If you can get two shades, I suggest the #4 and #6, then you can mix to your heart's content!
xoxo and hope that helps,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi BP 🙂
Thanks so much for such an in depth review of this foundation, its fantastic stuff! I have a query i was hoping you could help me with. I absolutely adore cover expert, except i have had an awful reaction to it 🙁 i broke out in loads of tiny bumps around my chin and jaw line. I persevered with the foundation hoping it wasn't the culprit because i love it so much and because no one else sounds like break outs have been a problem with it, but they aren't clearing up so i'm having to look for a new foundation. My favorite thing about by terry is the colour of shade 8 matches me perfectly, no yellow or other undertones just perfectly neutral, but not too dark either, it just makes me look healthy. Anyway i love armami's luminous silk for its texture and finish, however the shade i have is 4.5 and is way too light and makes me look ill. I don't have anywhere near me that sells it and so was hoping you could recommend a shade considering the shade 8 in by terry cover expert is ppeeerrffeectt. I'm leaning towards 5 or 5.5 in luminous silk, do either of these come close to the shade 8 in by terry? Thanks 🙂
Hello Anon,
Thanks for your comment! I am so sorry to hear that Cover Expert broke you out…it is crazy how certain ingredients inexplicably can affect us adversely! Shade #8 is lovely…very neutral, indeed! I think you will find that 5.5 in Armani Luminous Silk is closest to your beloved BT #8…it is a great light to medium neutral beige. #5 is very light and #6 is similar in depth to 5.5, but is more yellow/golden rather than neutral beige. I hope that helps!
xoxo and keep me posted,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so so much for the help BP, i'll order it and let you know 🙂
My pleasure…take care and can't wait to hear an update!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi BP!
This is a fantastic review, a lot of good info. So I was hoping that you could help out with choosing a shade. I think the Cover Expert could be a good replacement for my favorite foundation – Armani Face Fabric Shade 8(white). This shade blended right in, doesn't look like I have foundation on, makes my skin look aah-mazing, and photographs like a dream. This shade has been discontinued for a few years and I'm down to the end of the last tube that I've been hording. I was thinking of giving either shade #1 or #2 a go. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank so much!
Trish
Thank you, Trish! I know exactly what shade of Armani Face Fabric you are talking about…my mom and I owned it as well and would mix it with darker shades to achieve the perfect match. I think you would be very happy with either #1 or #1…there is marginal difference between the two (with #1 being a hair pinker).
I hope that helps…keep me posted on how it goes…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, your blog is amazing and this particular post has been so helpful in finding the best shade for my skin – thank you for sharing! Marianne
Thank you so much, Marianne!! I am so happy to hear that this post has been helpful for you…that is great news.
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor,
Thank you for your in-depth reviews, they are always interesting to read! 🙂 I would like to try the By Terry Cover Expert but I'm not sure which shade to go for. The last foundation I used was Giorgio Armani Maestro in 7 (which was a perfect match) and a sample of YSL Touche Eclat foundation in BD60 (which is also a good match). I loved the Maestro but would like to try something new! Which shade do you think would be a good match for me? Thank you in advance!
Aida
My pleasure, Aida…I am so glad you enjoy them! With regards to your question, I am guessing that you would be somewhere between #9 and #10 (there is a huge jump between the two and likely mixing them together would give you the perfect shade). On its own, I think that #9 runs the risk of being too light and #10 could potentially be too dark ; )
I hope that helps…xoxo and keep me posted!
–The Beauty Professor
According to byterry.com, #3 Cream Beige is "Ideal for fair "pinky" complexions and reduce redness", while #4 Rosy Beige is "Ideal for yellow-based fair complexions". Do you think they have the 2 mixed up?
Yes, I think that they might! #3 is definitely for light yellow-based skin and #4 is better for neutral to rosy light skin.
Hope that helps…xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello,
i would like to ask you what color is right for me in by terry cover expert(i am about nw15 with acne scars but i do not like yellow undertones in foundation) and if you know in sunday riley liquid light color correcting luminous hd foundation?
Happy new year!!
Hello,
I suggest #2 or #4…both are light neutral shades!
I hope that helps and Happy New Year to you…xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi! Firstly a huge thank you for all your reviews
I have never commented befoee but I always always refer to your blog for expert advice. I was wondering if you could suggest shades across by terry makeup line (light expert & cover expert) for my yellow undertones on my skin. I am between a NC43 to NC45. I wear bobbi brown 5.5 (warm honey) and a MUFE 170. Thank u once again for ur helpful advice for ppl like Me who has to resort to online shopping.
Hello Anon,
Thanks for the question. In the By Terry Cover and Sheer Experts, I suggest either #10 (on the lighter side) or #11 (on the darker side)!
I hope that helps…xoxo and thanks for your loyalty to my blog!
–The Beauty Professor
Hello! Thanks for a brilliant post 🙂
Was wondering if you could give me a few pointers as to which shade I'd be better off picking (I'll be buying this online and it is kind of expensive, so I really don't want to get the shade wrong).
I'm Greek (with the classic mediterranean, olive complexion) and have been wearing MAC's NC25 (in winter) for as long as I can remember. I do tend to go darker in the summer (cause I tan very easily and quite a lot – even by just walking around in the sun) but that's another issue. If it helps, Benefit's Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow in "I'm so Money Honey" (which I recently tried) is also a good match.
If I understand correctly, from the comments above, #7 seems to be the shade closest to NC25 – am I right? Would you recomment I pick that or maybe one of the other shades?
Thanks in advance for your time and feedback!
XOXO
Hello Christina,
My pleasure! In light of your skin tone, I think you'd find a great match in #8 which is very close to NC 25 (and hair darker than #7 which is NC 23 or so) and perhaps embrace #9 in the summer (that's what I do!).
I hope that helps…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello,
I'm new to your site and I really like your blog! It is very informing. But I also have a question concerning the By Terry Cover Expert. Do you know which colour would be suitable for a NW 20-25. I only find tips for an NW20. Hope you can help me!
Hello,
Thank you so much! Glad you found your way here ; ) I would suggest #4 and maybe #6 as an option to mix in for when you are closer to NW25 +
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi! Lovely post! I am trying to figure out the correct shade, I wear a 2 in Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk so I have pretty fair skin but I have a lot of redness from acne scarring so I usually like a neutral or more yellow foundation to help conceal that. If you could help with a shade that would be wonderful! Thank you!
Brittany
Thanks, Brittany!
I am guessing that you could wear shade #2 or #3, depending on how dark you want to go. Both are quite light and #3 is more yellow-toned, which might be just what you are looking for!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I have #2 and #3 and I used to have Armani LSF #2 – I think #2 is closer to LSF#2, but the yellow in #3 is great for the redness. I can wear both #2 and #3.
Hi, what do you think the best match for a NC20-25 is? 🙂
I would suggest the #7 as closet to NC20-25.
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
Do any of the by terry foundations match NC42-43 skin tone? There seems to be limited shades and much jumping around.
Hi Yuki,
I would suggest the #11 Amber Brown!
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor
Thanks for you review. I would like to try the By Terry Cover Expert but I'm not sure which shade to go for. I wear Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation in 4.5 which is a perfect match. Which shade do you think would be a good match for me? Thank you in advance!
Hi Vicky,
I am guessing that #7 Vanilla Beige would be your best match. It is a bit more neutral (yet still yellow in undertone) than the very yellow Maestro 4.5, but the very yellow By Terry #3 is likely too light for you!
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello. I know that when you by a MAC foundation that you can always take the same number because the shades are the same. But I think By Terry foundations vary. I have the By Terry Densiliss in shade 5 and now I wanted to try the Cover Expert. Do you think that I need also the shade 5 in Cover Expert?
Hi Anon,
There is not direct correlation between the By Terry Cover Expert and Densiliss in every shade but in the case of shade #5…they are practically the same in both formulas so I would recommend it!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Yes, it dit. 5 is perfect for me and really the same. So thank you!
Thanks great news! Thanks for letting me know ; )
Thank you all for these great comments, especially you Beauty Professor. I really wanted to try this foundation but was baffled about color. After reading through, and knowing that I am NW20-25, I ordered 4 Rosy Beige and it is perfect. If I had been just ordering without the information here I would probably have ordered 2 Neutral Beige, which would have been too light. Great resource!
I wear MUFE mat velvet in 15, KA SSE in SX01 and cover fx in N0. Would #1 or #2 be a good match for me? I struggle to find foundations pale enough that don't require mixing.
I suggest shade #2 for you!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi!
I have the MUFE HD in #117, Chanel Perfection Lumiere in Beige 10, NARS tinted moisturiser in Finland (light 2). Which shade would you recommend for the sheer expert foundation? I believe the sheer expert and cover expert shades are somewhat parallel too. Thanks!
I recommend #3!
Warm regards,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks for these swatches, even from long ago! They are some of the only ones on the net! I am usually a solid NC 25-30 year round (Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in Natural Radiance, MAC Face & Body in C3…) I think the 8 will be a great shade (#9 might be too much since I'm not used to fuller coverage and I don't want to be forced to mix or sheer it out). Could you recommend something in the Light Expert range if this Cover Expert is too full on for me? I still can't find a good line-up of the Light Expert…MERCI INFINIMENT!
HI LissaSioux!
My pleasure…thanks for the kind words. Ahh…the Light Expert is difficult because I find that all of the shades run quite light. If you are looking for a sheerer version of Cover Expert, I recommend the Sheer Expert…the shades are aligned with the Cover Expert so if you find a good match in 8 or 9, then you can also wear those shades in the Sheer Expert!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi,
I'm a Mac Matchmaster #1, MUFE HD 117, CHANEL Loose Powder Foundation #10, Bobbi Brown (New Formula) Stick Foundation #00 Alabaster and Shu Uemura #784 Fair Beige.
Which shade would be a perfect match for me in Cover Expert and Sheer Expert ?
I can't have too much yellow in the foundation, I'm more of a in between of NW and NC, a neutral tone.
Thanks.
Hello Anon,
I recommend Shade #1 or #2…they are both similar in terms of depth (very, very light) and should work perfectly with your fair skin. The Sheer Expert formula has the exact same shades so #1 or #2 will work in that range as well.
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello,
I am Armani Lasting Silk in 4.5, Smashbox Studio Skin 1.2, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua 20 and I cannot decide between Cover Expert in 3 and 7…would you be able to advice please? I want also to purchase Cle de Peau concealer and I am wondering whether to get Ivory or Beige? Beige looks somehow to peachy for me and I dont like it on my skin but I am scared Ivory is too light. What do you think? Thanks for advice!
Hello,
I would recommend #7…it should be just right. Also, I love the Beige CdP concealer because it has a slightly apricot undertone that really brightens up a darker eye area!
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks a lot! I went for 7 in Cover Expert and I am gonna get CdP as well!
Warm regards,
Ewelina
Glad to hear it and happy to help, Ewelina!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello Beauty Professor,
I read your blog for about a year, but never dared to post a comment.
I just wanted to thank you for your professional reviews on foundations. Your swatches and shades descriptions are the most reliable I have ever found in Internet!
Thanks to you I have found my best foundation – it's By Terry Cover Expert in no. 3. I wasn't able to test it before buying, because in Poland we don't have By Terry brand in retail stores. So I chose no. 3 on basis of your opinion and ordered online. This shade perfectly matches my skin tone.
Thank you for sharing your priceless advices with us!
Warm regards,
Justyna
Thanks so much for your kind feedback, Justyna…truly heartwarming!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
OK. I see it´s time for me to add my question!
I don´t really know what shade to chose! I´m 31 i Diorskin Forever and Star, but that´s a bit dark now, even though it works. In Clarins my match is right now nr 110 Honey in True Radiance. yellowish in my tone and from what I read here I get confused: I think it might be to pink?
I really need some help here!
Warm regards,
Sofia
I asked a webshop and they suggested nr 4 rosy beige for me. However, I know that I am a bit
Hi Sofia,
I think you could get away with #8 or #9; both are neutral to yellow beiges in the Dior 31 range (though a touch lighter). If you want to go even lighter, then #7 will be perfect (though it is closest to Dior 21 Linen).
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello, thank you for by terry reviews it's so helpful.
Can you give me an advice about which foundation is better to wear in summertime? By terry sheer expert or Tom Ford Traceless foundation? I would like to add some glow and make my skin tone looks balanced and clear. My skin is light with pink undertone and in summer its sweat and gets oily so all my foundation spot my cloths and iPhone
Thank you
Anna
Hi Anna,
My pleasure! If you prefer more coverage, then the TF Traceless Perfecting is excellent…you can always add a bit of luminizer for more glow and the formula lasts forever, even in heat!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I was wondering if shade 2 was much darker than shade 1, or if it's just the undertone that's different? I usually have to buy the palest shade, but I'm worried that 1 might be a wee bit too pink?
In my experience, Shade #2 is not darker, just slightly more yellow!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you for your swatches and reviews: the best on the Internet! I am BR20 in YSL Touche Eclat foundation: do you know which shade would be at good match in Cover Expert?
Best regards
My pleasure and thanks for the generous compliment!
I would recommend #4 in this By Terry Formula!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
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Hi Sonia,
Thanks for the question…that news has not reached me yet but I will reach out to my contacts and investigate! I sure hope that is not the case!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
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Hi!
I'm desperate to order some of this foundation after reading multiple amazing reviews! I wonder if you could point me in the right shade direction please? I wear Burberry Sheer Foundation – Luminous Fluid Foundation, Trench No.04.
Many thanks
Amy
Hi Amy,
Thanks for your question…I would recommend #7 as it is closest to Burberry Trench No. 4.
XO,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi!
I am trying to find a perfect match in foundation. I am 4.5 in bobbi brown and NC35 in MAC. Should I choose #9 or #10 in BTW cover expert? Please help!
Hi Padma,
Thanks for the question; in all likelihood, you are probably a mixture of 9 (NC30) and 10 ((NC40) but I would go with 9 to be safe and then warm it up with bronzer.
Hope that helps!
–The Beauty Professor
Hello! I'm having a hard time finding foundation, and think this one might work for me. My skin is about NC10, so I'm not sure if I should try #1 or #2. Or would you recommend something else? I'm trying to find something that photographs well and is long-wearing to wear for my wedding.
Hello!
I suggest #1, which has a slightly more flattering undertone for photography…it is longwearing and lovely!
Have a beautiful wedding,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi! I just received Sheer Expert in #8 Intense Beige and it is far too light. I have light/medium olive skin and I use Armani's Maestro fluid in #7. Which would you recommend, Sheer Expert in #9 or #10? I don't want it too dark. Thanks! Debbie in Indiana
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for your question; #9 is fairly close to #8 so perhaps you want to go with #10 and then do a bit of mixing?
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello,
Please advise which color should I choose from by Terry Cover Expert for summer if I'm worrying Tom Ford traceless fondation stick shade fawn.
Thank you in advance!
Arina
Hi Arina,
I would suggest #3 on the lighter side and #7 on the darker side.
xx
–The Beauty Professor
I love your reviews and ByTerry Cover Expert number 8 is now my favourite foundation ever! Although I haven't tried La Prairie yet:-)
Happy New Year to you!
Margaret