Foundations

Foundation in Liquid, Powder and Cushion Formats

More than 130 foundations: sheer tinted fluids, buildable mediums and full-coverage bases, plus powder and cushion formats. Finishes run matte through natural to dewy, in shades for fair, medium, tan and deep skin. Stocked houses include Clinique, Shiseido, Laura Mercier, Max Factor and Clarins.

How do I match a foundation shade without testing it?

Match to your neck rather than your face — the face is usually a shade warmer, and a foundation matched to it reads as a mask in daylight. Then check undertone: if silver jewellery suits you better, look at cool or neutral shades; if gold does, go warm. Shades are fairly consistent within a brand, so one you know usually carries across the line.

Is the shade range complete, or just the leftovers?

Honestly, it varies by brand. We stock overstock and end-of-line, so a range may be listed without every shade in it — what you see is what we hold, in genuine sealed packaging. That is the trade-off for the price.

Complete the base with concealers, primer and face powders.