Foundation Shade Help

[Maggie]

Hello everyone! I am interested in using SilkNatural's foundation but I'm not sure where to start and what to order. I've always had trouble with defining my skin tone, but I will try my best. I am an Asian with fair/light skin and yellow undertones. I don't turn red, I just tan but not easily. According to a MAC artist I am an NC20-25. I have some redness from acne scars and an old birthmark (it is quite light, in-between my eyebrows) on my forehead and cheeks I would like to cover; they're not very bumpy, but I feel they are quite noticeable. Which coverage do you think would be right for me?

A last question I have concerns the time taken to mix the foundation every time. I have seen the mixing scoop and it seems like it is very small. Wouldn't it take very long to mix the entire foundation? Or is the idea not to mix it all at once? I've never tried mixing foundations before so I am quite confused!

Thanks for reading this, and I'd appreciate any input anyone has for me!

-Maggie

[JenW]

Hello Maggie!

You have come to the right place. First of all, the small scoop is mostly used to determine your ratio of foundation color base to Ivory base. Then you can use larger spoons to mix larger batches. I usually mix mine enough to fit in a 20gram jar, and what ever is left over, I store in a baggie until I need it. For example I am usually a 1color:8 Ivory. For a full size batch I will do a dash (1/8 tsp.) of color added to a teaspoon of Ivory. You might still need the small SN scoop if you have an odd number in your ratio.
SN scoop = 1/32 tsp.
traditional 'smidgen' should equal 1/32tsp. = 1 scoop
traditional 'pinch' should equal 1/16 tsp. = 2 scoops
traditional 'dash' should equal 1/8 tsp. =4 scoops
1/4 tsp. = 8 original scoops
1/2 tsp. = 16 scoops
1 tsp. = 32 scoops

I really think you will be a Buttery Gold if you have yellow undertones. You will probably want Medium or Heavy Coverage. Heavy is pretty heavy, so I can't really recommend one over the other.
For samples you need a sample of Buttery Gold base, a Medium Coverage Ivory Sample Kit, and a Heavy Coverage Ivory Sample Kit. In Medium Coverage, you will be around a 1 color:9 or 10 Ivory. In Heavy a 1 color:7-9Ivory.

[Maggie]

Thank you so much for your quick and informative reply, Jen. I will order the Buttery Gold base and Medium Coverage Ivory Sample Kit and in a few weeks I'll let you see how that goes.

[frond]

Hi, sorry for the late reply.... just saw this.

I'm a NC30 (accdg to the MAC MA) and an asian too. My mix is 11ivory/1ebony/1warm or buttery gold in the original formulation. I'd imagine that since you are fairer than I am, you'd need to up the quantity of ivory.

as for mixing, for me I like making stuff in small batches. To me, its fresher and there's less chance of getting it contaminated and spoilt. Anyways, with the formula I have, it takes all of 5 mins to get it mixed up and I only do it about once a month. So its all good

[Maggie]

Thank you for replying, it certainly helps when I receive more opinions from fellow members.

Since I've already ordered the samples, I will try Jen's suggestion first and then if I need a closer match I'll be sure to add in a scoop of ivory and maybe some ebony I have left from another sample.

Thank you again!

[Maggie]

Hello SN! My order hasn't arrive yet, but I'm very excited and I would love to know if anybody has any blush, lippie, and e/s recs for me from what I wrote about my skin tone. Any thoughts?

[JenW]

There are so many ways to go with this. Without knowing what your personal color preferences, I can really only make suggestions based on your coloring. So much of our cosmetic color choices are a matter of what we like. These are just quick general suggestions.....the possibilities are endless!

If you like subtle:
Climax, Petal, or Maybe Baby Blush
Nectar or Tender Organic Lip Gloss
Vanilla and Danny eyeshadows, Cream and Brown Sugar, or the Elegant Brown Quad

If you like more color:
Babydoll or Blossom Blush
Breathless or Fig Leaf Organic Lip Gloss (still on the subtle side)
Swept Away and Grace Kiss Bliss Lippies up the color a little
Eyeshadows again are really tough to narrow down without knowing what you like.
Highbeam and Dolce or Plush, Fire and Brimstone

[hags101]

I saw a member on Makeupalley post that for her NC25 color she uses 5 scoops ivory to a mixture of 3/4 scoop of Warm Gold + 1/4 scoop Buttery. Good Luck