1. Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation SPF 10 in 2.2 (Light Golden Beige)
2. Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation SPF 10 in 2.3 (Light Warm Beige)
3. Cle de Peau Beaute Silky Cream Foundation SPF 23 in BF 20
4. Cle de Peau Beaute Silky Cream Foundation SPF 23 in O 20
5. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation in Beige 30 (Sable Beige)
6. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation in Beige 40 (Desert Beige)
7. Chanel Perfection Lumiere in Beige 30 (Sable Beige)
8. Chanel Perfection Lumiere in Beige Ambre 24 (Amber Beige)
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| From L-R: (1) Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Moisturizing Foundation in 2.2, (2) Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Moisturizing Foundation in 2.3, (3) Cle de Peau Silky Foundation in BF 20, (4) Cle de Peau Silky Foundation in O 20. |
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| From L-R: (5) Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in B 30, (6) Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in B 40, (7) Chanel Perfection Lumiere in B 30 and (8) Chanel Perfection Lumiere in Beige Amber 24. |
I have detailed reasons why these foundations have not earned a spot in my current rotation…please don’t hesitate to email me should you have a specific question on a certain product included in this post!
Comments (13)
Wow–thanks for the swatches! I range from NC20-25 and my search for foundations that are yellow enough is always ongoing. I'm happy to see there's a whole bunch here! What reasons do you have for not including the Smashbox Studio Skin in your rotation? I'm thinking about purchasing this to use for an outdoor wedding in Alhambra and this seemed like a good answer to melt-proof makeup for dry skin. Would you happen to have another recommendation? (You just seemed like the perfect person to ask–bc you live near LA and my locality has mild temperatures year-round).
My pleasure, Magstermash!
I was really excited to try the Smashbox Studio Skin when it was released last summer, but I found that the coverage was just so-so and the finish was not believable…kind of powdery and uneven. I think that, especially if you have dry skin, there are better options out there!
The Giorgio Armani Designer Lift foundation (in #5 for NC 20-25 skin or #6 if you are closer to a NC 30 in the summer) gives great coverage, has a natural finish and provides a beautiful glow that lasts all day. I also like By Terry Cover Expert in #7 which also has wonderful coverage and lasting power. Both are more pricy that the Smashbox but are totally worth it in terms of ingredients, coverage and lasting power! I also recently ordered the new Givenchy Airy-Matte Light Radiance SPF 20 foundation (from Sephora) and will be trying it this week when it arrives…feel free to check back with me about my verdict!
Let me know what you end up deciding!!
Warm regards,
–The Beauty Professor
I agree with Magstermash – these swatches are fantastic. My wish list for foundations matches yours closely: NC25, light-to-medium coverage that doesn't oxidize to orange, plus I avoid chemical sunscreens. Unfortunately, my geography doesn't match yours closely, and I'm in the market for a foundation to replace the tinted moisturizer I've used all summer as we get closer to fall here in New England. I'm torn: RBR Milk Aquarelle or Koh Gen Do Aqua? I've read and watched your reviews of both several times, so thank you for that. Ultimately, though, the KGD didn't make it into your rotation. Can you offer any direct comparisons between the two? Thanks so much for your thoughtful reviews.
Hello Suzy,
Thanks so much! I am glad to hear that you found the swatches useful!! In response to your question, the chief differences between the KGD and RBR Milk Aquarelle are as follows:
The Koh Gen Do Aqua contains sunscreen (though it is physical rather than chemical), is thinner in texture than the RBR and also has a bit less coverage (but coverage can be built by layering).
The RBR Milk Aquarelle does not contain sunscreen, has a thicker texture (though it blends beautifully with the skin) and provides more coverage overall.
If you are looking for more of a light-to-medium coverage product, than I think you will love the KGD Aqua…the RBR has more of a medium to medium-full coverage effect. I tend to prefer medium-to-full coverage which is why I find myself using the RBR or By Terry Cover Expert but I really like the KGD Aqua for certain days when my skin is in top shape. Because of my skintone, which fluctuates between a NC 25 and NC 30 (currently, my "summer skin"), I have to blend two KGD shades to get the right shade, but having two shades definitely gives me versatility all year long. I suggest ordering the KGD from Sephora (who has a very reasonable return policy)so you can can "test drive" it. I bet you will love it.
I hope that helps…thanks so much for reading and keep me posted on what you decide!
Warm regards,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks, Professor! That comparison is enormously helpful! I emailed KGD customer service after reading your reply and they generously offered to send me samples of OC1, OC2 and BE1 (although, as you correctly point out, ordering one of each from Sephora would also do the trick!). Thank you again for your insight.
How do you like your Cle de Peau Beaute Silky Cream Foundation SPF 23? 🙂
Hello Kate,
Thanks for your question! I used the Cle de Peau Silky Cream Foundation for about 6 months and I really liked the texture (smooth), finish (quite like real skin) and coverage (medium to full). The drawbacks for me (that ultimately led me to other foundation horizons) were the lasting power (about 6-8 hours, but I have long teaching days/evenings and like something that withstands melting off!) and the scent is very strong (and doesn't dissipate for quite awhile). All in all, I'd give it an 8/10 but much prefer Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Foundation and Giorgio Armani Maestro Makeup to this particular formula.
Hope that helps and thanks for reading!
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor,
I have one question to the smashbox foundation. I quiet like it, but now it's summer and I need a darker shade. I can't decide between 2.3 and 2.2. The Problem is, I have to order it on the internet and so it's a blind decision.
Can you describe the difference between them? Is 2.3 a lot darker or 2.2 a bit more yellow?
Would be great! Thanks a lot!
Cheers Patricia
Hi Trish,
Thanks for your question…which shade are you currently wearing? In my experience, 2.2 is a light yellow beige in the NC 23-25 range and 2.3 is a bit darker and a touch warmer/peachier, more of a NC 25-27.
I hope that helps…do keep me posted on what you decide upon…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, is Chanel PL 30 a clean yellow and suitable for NC27?
I wear MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC25 and NC30 (mix) since 30 alone is dark and 25 is slightly light – these combo is the perfect match for my super yellow skin (I'm Chinese). Problem is, MAC is not suitable for my sensitive skin and tends to break me out. Since then, I can't find a suitable shade for my yellow skin. I have GA Face Fabric #2 but it is a bit light and not that yellow. But the texture is super love! It's lightweight and blends into my skin well.
I only need a light coverage and I have tried:
Chanel VA B20 but it is a bit light and pink?
Chanel VA B30 is a bit dark and not that yellow for me
Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte 30 is light and not yellow enough
Diorskin Nude 21 is a bit light and not yellow enough for me
Estee Lauder – everything is a bit pink to me
Guerlain Parure Gold #3 is dark
Guerlain Parure Lumiere #32 – love the finish but is a bit light, but it's yellow 🙂
Guerlain Parure Powder Foundation #3 is light and not yellow enough
MUFE Face and Body 20 is light and pink to me
Nars Sheer Matte in Santa Fe is a bit dark and I don't like the texture, like I'm just slapping color on my face and it's a bit thick
Revlon ColorStay (For Dry Skin) 180 Sand Beige is a bit light and not that yellow
Tarte Tinted Moisturizer in Agent 10 Conceal is a bit light and have shimmers
Hello Karen,
Thanks for your question! I appreciate your comprehensive list of formulas you've tried. In response to your question, regrettably, I don't typically find any of the warmer Chanel foundations to have a "pure yellow" undertone. They all get a bit orange/peachy on me over time and I am afraid the same might be true of the Chanel PL #30.
That being said, I think you would find the following foundation formulas/shades potentially perfect for your skin!
1. Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation in #320 Warm Golden
2. Jouer Age-Repairing Skin Perfector in #4 Natural or #5 Sand
3. By Terry Sheer Expert in #9
5. Kanebo Sensai Cellular Performance Cream Foundation in Natural Beige or Almond Beige
6. Armani Maestro Foundation in 6.5
7. Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in #6 (very yellow undertone!)
I hope that helps…xoxo and keep me posted,
–The Beauty Professor
I know this is an old post but I was looking for swatches of the Smashbox foundation and came across this post. You are officially my go to person for finding foundation colors : ) since it's the Sephora VIB sale now I wanted to try some new foundations, the Smashbox one here and the Hoursglass Immaculate one, both of which you helped me order, so thanks again for all your hard swatching work!
Hello Kelli,
Thanks for your comment…honored to be your foundation resource ; ) I am so happy that my swatches helped you to choose some foundations during the VIB sale and appreciate the positive feedback.
xoxo and have a wonderful week,
–The Beauty Professor