The summer has been rife with new foundation releases, which couldn’t make this
foundation-phile any happier. I’ve preliminarily mentioned the newly reformulated *
MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD formula (
HERE) and am now thrilled to offer a comprehensive overview of this base, along with swatches of
ALL 40 shade offerings!
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of the foundation in action as well as the Bottom Line…
Years back, the original MUFE HD foundation was one of my first forays into foundation; shade 118 was an apropos match for my generally NC 23-25 skin and the finish was decidedly natural. Although the lasting power was not as stalwart as I would have liked, I attributed the need for touch ups to my combination skin. Fast forward seven years and this latest version has taken HD performance to another level!
Upon taking in the expansive landscape of 40 shades, I determined that the best match for my “dead of summer” NC 27-30 skin is #123/Y365 Desert, a lovely medium olive beige with neutral to yellow undertones. A few test runs with the formula (in excessively warm and humid weather, I might add) and I observed the following:
- …has better coverage than the original formula. One and a half pumps (applied with a damp Beauty Blender) is all I need for medium to full coverage that, once set, smoothes pores and banishes imperfections while looking nearly imperceptible on the skin.
- …like its precursor, has no scent or sunscreen to speak of and doesn’t cause irritation or breakouts…my sensitive skin says “thank you.”
- …has significantly better lasting power than the original version. I get 6-8 hours ofe, comfortabl touch up free wear that doesn’t pool in pores or transfer easily. I view this element as the most distinct improvement on the first installment.
- …all in all, is a brilliant base option for those seeking natural, demi-matte coverage with impressive lasting power; the fact that it comes in 40 shades of varying intensity and under tone makes it that much more marvelous. I daresay that everyone who seeks a befitting match in this formula will find one (swatches of all shades below)!
Official details, courtesy of
Sephora:
What it is:
A bestselling HD foundation that appears more invisible, comfortable, and natural-looking than ever.
What it does:
Developed specifically for the film and TV industry’s most advanced technology, Ultra HD Liquid Foundation creates a naturally flawless complexion—on and off camera. Completely invisible under the latest, super-focused 4k lens, this revolutionary foundation features uniquely-coated pigments that provide medium coverage with a lightweight texture that looks just like skin. Long-lasting with a natural-looking finish, Ultra HD Liquid Foundation is formulated with hyaluronic spheres for time-released hydration that ensures comfortable wear on all skin types. Now available in an expanded range of 40 shades to match all skintones, Ultra HD is the perfect everyday foundation for a flawless complexion—and an unretouched life.
What else you need to know:
MAKE UP FOR EVER is once again leading the beauty industry into the next era of makeup innovation and technology. As the original pioneer of the HD makeup category, it continues to redefine and elevate beauty standards with the launch of its new Ultra HD Foundation, the first and only foundation designed for 4k technology. With 4k technology, the next generation of digital devices will display images with unbelievable detail, stunning clarity, and heightened color than existing HD technology. Completely invisible under the latest, ultra-magnified resolution, these innovative foundation formulas look completely natural on camera—and to the naked eye.
“My goal was to cope with the new 4k technology while keeping the main benefits of HD Foundation. Ultra HD Foundation had to meet the perfection needs of pros as well as the everyday needs of all women.”—Dany Sanz, MAKE UP FOR EVER Founder and Creative Director
Onto the shades + swatches:
I shot each grouping of eight in outdoor light (e.g., direct sun, shade and with a flash) to provide the best possible context for shade depiction. The shades with a “Y” in their name have a warm/golden/yellow undertone and the shades with a “R” lean rosy to pink in undertone. Those shades with two sets of numbers show the direct correlation between a shade in the original formula and the new formula (e.g., 110/R220). Don’t forget to click on images to further enlarge them!
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| Above: The first eight shades are for fair skin (e.g., @N/NW/NC 10-15). |
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| Above: The next eight shades work well for light skin (e.g., @N/NW/NC 18-23) |
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| Above: The next eight shades are fantastic for light-medium to medium skin tones (e.g., @N/NW/NC 25-33) |
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| Above: The next eight shades work well with medium to medium-dark skin (e.g., @N/NW/NC 35-43) |
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| Above: The final eight shades are excellent for dark to deep ebony skin tones (e.g., @N/NW/NC 45-55) |
The following images reflect MUFE Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation in #123 in various lighting situations…
Other products worn include:
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| Above: The IT Cosmetics Smooth Fill Anti-Aging Lipstick is everything its moniker implies…smooth, blurring coverage that’s translucent yet drenched with color. |
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| Above: Swatches of all three IT Cosmetics Smooth Fill Anti-Aging Lipstick |
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| Above: In outdoor backlit shade. |
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| Above: In intense direct sunlight…note the nearly invisible HD coverage. |
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| Above: In mixed outdoor lighting. |
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| Above: In mixed outdoor lighting. |
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| Above: In outdoor shade. |
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| Above: In mixed outdoor lighting. |
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| Above: Outdoor sun with flash. |
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| Above: Last look. |
Bottom Line: I hope you found this swatch-heavy overview of the
MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Foundation immeasurably helpful in your quest for the perfect base. As aforementioned, in my experience this fresh formula is has superior coverage and lasting power to the original release and the smooth, natural finish is kind to my sensitive skin. With 40 shades to choose from,
Have YOU tried the new MUFE Ultra HD Foundation? Thoughts?
Good things ahead, including a hair-centric feature, a preview of all shades of the MAKE UP FOREVER Ultra HD Foundation Stick (launching soon), a July Favorites video and a host of new product procurements. I hope your weekend is magnificent!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
** PR samples provided for review denoted by an asterisk (the rest purchased by me), however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.
© 2012-15 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (33)
Yay thanks for much for these! I liked the HD formula but could never get a perfect match colour-wise- I'm extremely pale but neutral toned, so the 105 and 110 were always too pink and 115 too dark! Y205 looks like it might be a really good match, hopefully this is accessible soon in the UK! x
My pleasure, Luxiehoney! So glad that you may have found a match in this new formula!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I have not tried this yet. I always proceed cautiously with MUFE. I know it is a super adored brand but I'm just not too much of a fan. I'm tempted to try this but I want to decide between this one and the Too Faced Born this way which seems to be amazing according to the internet madness. Thanks for the swatch galore. I think Y245 may be my closest shade.
Your eye make up in these shots is perfect!
Hello!
Thank you for your thoughts on everything! In terms of shade options, the MUFE definitely has Too Faced beat, but it all comes down to a preference of formula. I, personally, get better lasting power from the MUFE than I do the Too Faced!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
OMG!!! That foundation is really worth trying out. It seems a good one based on its qualities. I will really check on this….
Thanks for the comment, Julie!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I have no counters anywhere near me, always wanted to try MUFE though.
Any suggestions for a MAC NW20-23, I wear shade 5 in By Terry Denisless.
Hi Anon,
With regards to your question, I would suggest R260, which, in swatches, is very similar to By Terry Densiliss #5!
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi BP, hope your summer is great. Great swatches. I purchased this and the Born this way. Love both and b /c of your review on the MUFE stick, my next purchase will be that! Xo
Hello Lynn,
So good to hear from you! I hope your summer has been fantastic. I am so glad you are working with foundations that you are loving and am confident that you will love the MUFE stick (so great for tossing into one's handbag) as well! Keep me posted!
XOXO and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello again B.P! Went to Sephora to purchase the mufe stick and they didn't have my shade! 🙁 The rep was kind enough to carve out a hefty sample for me until it comes in. Yes, i love the ease of throwing it in my handbag as you mentioned. Always reading your blog even if i don't comment. Your recommendations have never failed me!! Xo
Thanks for the update, Lynn! I am sorry to hear that they didn't have your shade but hooray for samples! It's nice to know you're still a regular on BP…always a treat to hear from you, my friend!
Hope your September is off to a great start…XOXO,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Prof ��
Just wondering what the most yellow-toned option an NC25-30 could get away with, could you please hazard a guess? I love 021 in the Dior Nude fluid, that's my perfect shade but the texture is not good for me.
Hope you can help!
-S
Hi S,
I very much recommend looking into Y375 Golden Sand as a befitting option!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello Prof.,
I just bought the shade Y375, but I'm not sure between Y365 and Y375 which one is lighter shade?
Could you please give me the advice? By the way, I'm In between 30/35
Thank you in advance!
Dew
Hello Dew,
I find Y375 to be a touch darker, though the difference is rather minute. If Y375 feels a touch dark, you should find perfection with Y365!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Dear Beauty Professor
I would love to purchase this new foundation, but I have no clue which shade to pick. I currently use the By Terry light expert click brush in 11 Amber brown and that shade is a perfect match.
Which shade would you recommend?
Absolutely love your blog!
Many thanks for your help.
/Nat
Hi Nat,
Thanks for the kind words and question…I would recommend 155 Medium Beige!
Hope that helps…XO,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks again for the 'brown girl" swatches, you've become my source for high end swatches! I know these swatch post take quite a lot of time and you're being full time employed makes us even more appreciative that you take the time from your busy schedule and do this for us! Happy Thanksgiving! Lily
Thank you, Lily!! I am honored by your comment and so appreciate the support and encouragement; working full time and pouring my heart into this blog can be exhausting but it's so worth it in the end. Always happy to provide a full spectrum of swatches as much as possible…inclusiveness is essential!
Hope your Thanksgiving was fantastic…XO,
–The Beauty Professor
thanks so much for doing this!! i have been searching for 2 hours for something like this and finally found it..perfect!
Hello,
I'm trying to find my perfect shade, but as there are too many I can't seem to find it. I am NC20 in MAC. Which shade would you recommend? Absolutely love your blog!
Thanks for the help 🙂
Hi Sirma,
Y245 or Y255 should be a good match for MAC NC20…I hope that helps and thanks for the kind words!
xx
–The Beauty Professor
Hello,
I'm trying to find my perfect shade. I am NC30 in MAC. I have tried Y365, but that was a little bit to white. Which shade would you recommend? Love your blog!
Thanks you!
I would bump up to Y375 Golden Sand!
Thanks for the kind words and hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Such a helpful blog! I'll be saving this to my home page 🙂 I'm a NW25. What shades would you recommend in both the liquid and the stick please? Rachel x
Hello Rachel,
Thanks…that's great to hear! I would recommend 145/R360…hope that helps!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor, what shade should I buy If the previous MUFE HD 120 is too dark for me? I have yellow-olive undertones. I am eye-ing the Y225 but I heard it is darker than the 117 before.
I am using Kevyn Aucoin SX06 right now which is a little dark also when compared to my neck and chest (http://s12.postimg.org/blwconmnh/face.png).
Other foundations I've tried (http://postimg.org/image/ovbicf1qx/) L-R: Bourjois healthy mix serum gel #53 (way too dark), MUFE HD 120 (too dark), NARS sheer glow in Fiji (dark and orange), NARS TM in Alaska (too dark), Smashbox bb cream in light neutral (too dark), KA SSE SX06
Thanks!
Hi Karen,
With regards to your question, how about Y235 Ivory Beige? It has the same yellow undertones but a lighter depth!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Prof, I'm currently using MUFE Y120, what's is one shade darker as I got slightly tanned. Can't decide between Y305 or Y315. Thanks
Hi Eileen,
Y315 is slightly darker than Y305!
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor,
Thanks for the swatches! Do you know what shade would match me? I'm a 5.5 in the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk and 2W2 Rattan in Estee Lauder Double Wear.
Thanks!
-Sam
Hi Sam,
My pleasure! I would recommend Y315 Soft Beige. Hope that helps!
xx
–The Beauty Professor