9 Best Foundations For Asian Skin Tone – 2024
The journey to find the right foundation for your undertone has never been easier!
Cha Cha is a certified professional makeup artist, airbrush makeup artist, and beauty educator with over 20 years in the beauty industry. She is also the owner of Cha Cha Beauty Bar and has done extensive work in the bridal and special event categories.
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Experience: 4 yearsJyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.
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Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
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Experience: 3 yearsAsmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.
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A foundation helps cover all imperfections, blemishes, and dark spots on your skin. However, finding the best foundation for Asian skin tones is a real task. Asian skin tones are unique and native to this continent, so the beauty industry has come up with foundations that are ideal for them. We have warmer and cooler undertones with skin tones ranging from fair to deep or neutral tone. Not only this, but you must also find one with a formula that glides effortlessly, stays on the skin for long periods without melting off, and offers a non-cakey finish.
It might be challenging to land on the perfect shade with so many things to keep in mind while finding an Asian foundation for skin tones. To help you and make things easier, we’ve curated a list of the top 9 foundations for Asian skin tones after analyzing honest reviews from users online. Check and grab them for your beauty routine before it’s too late.
In This Article
9 Best Foundations (Reviews) For Asian Skin Tone – 2024 Update
Considering how Asia is only the largest continent on this planet (Geography 101, anybody?), it goes to say then that the diversity in the various skin types found here is astounding too. Now, whether you’re just starting out in the world of makeup, or are already a pro at it, here are a few things to keep in mind before you set out to find your perfect match –
1. Undertones and complexion don’t always go hand in hand.
A rookie mistake most people do while buying a foundation is to match the foundation to the color of their skin simply. You’d think that if the foundation matches your skin, then it must complement it too, right? Wrong. Fair or dark or somewhere in between, you could carry warm or cool undertones to your skin. While people with cool undertones have a pink undertone or blue undertone to them, people with warm undertones carry yellow or olive hues to their skin. Most Asian women have a strong golden tone or yellow undertones, but remember that this is not the rule, and you might be fair with a warm complexion, or have a darker tone with cool undertones, or vice versa.
2. Checking your undertone is not nuclear physics.
An easy way to check what sort of skin undertone you have is to stand under a bright overhead light and check the color of the veins on your forearm. If your veins appear green, you have a warm undertone; if blue, then cool. If even this seems too difficult, just use a MAC NC shade chart to know. You can also check reviews online from users having similar skin tones like yours to be sure of the product.
3. Finding the right foundation may not be a cakewalk.
Sometimes even though you may identify your complexion and undertone correctly, stores may not carry your particular foundation shade in which case, do not go for a shade lighter or darker as that’ll make your face look pasty white/caked up. Instead, mix two shades to get an intermediate one that suits you better. Look for good or decent coverage and a unique powder foundation for oily skin. If you feel you aren’t accomplished enough to do it by yourself, get a friend or cosmetician to help you. Cosmetologist-approved shades are usually spot on!
How To Choose The Best Foundation For Asian Skin Tone – Important Tips
- The most important thing to remember while buying the right foundation is to test it on yourself instead of blindly buying something online. Even if you feel like you’ve found the right match on the shade chart, trying it on yourself in person will give you a better idea of just how well the radiant foundation goes on your skin and looks under different light conditions.
- Always test the color of the foundation you have picked on your jawline to check how seamlessly it blends in with the rest of your skin for an accurate shade match. Avoid testing it on your forehead or cheek. You should also not test it on your wrists like most people do.
- Blend the foundation into your skin and check under conditions of both natural light and artificial light for the best results. Once again, do not buy shades darker or lighter than your actual color unless you want to look like a ghoul/pancaked ghoul, in which case, more power to you!
That said, here’s our list of the 9 Best Foundations for the Asian skin tone –
Best Foundations For Asian Skin
1. Best Long Wear:MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation
With its broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15 protection, the MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation is a favorite foundation of modern women for its medium, buildable coverage and natural matte finish. Easy to apply and easy to blend, it’s the perfect long-wear foundation that helps minimize the appearance of pores and imperfections to give your skin a smooth, flawless base and an excellent finish. It provides mind-blowing coverage with exceptional results and keeps the skin suitably moisturized. This product is lightweight for dry or oily skin alike. Christine Despares, a beauty blogger, has tried out this foundation and has recorded her experience in her blog. She remarks, “I love its texture and how it goes on my skin when applied. … It evens out my skin tone. I’m also really happy with my choice of foundation shade. It’s perfect on my skin. Also, the foundation has a little bit of idk shimmer dust, I’m not 100% sure what it is but every time I wear this foundation, my face seems so glowing (i).”
Pros
- Absorbs oil
- Soft matte finish
- Good coverage, easy to build
- Oil-free
- Combines SPF
- No breakouts
- Easy application
Cons
- May cause dryness if used as a standalone
Pro TipMAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation Review
The MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation has been an obsession with us for years now. No, really. If we had to lock something up from this age in a time capsule for our future generations to see, this makeup-artists approved foundation would definitely make that list. As pioneers of the undertone shade chart, they carry a wide range of products for shade match that cover pretty much every woman on this planet, but if you still don’t make it to that list, BLEND!
This all-in-one liquid foundation gives you decent light coverage, allowing you to build it up quite nicely. A true boon to oily skinned women particularly, the oil-absorbing formula in this affordable foundation option does a fantastic job of absorbing every little hint of oil from our skin to give it a superb matte finish that we can’t help but touch. It offers a blurring effect and seamless blending. The only ‘con’ if we had to think of is that women with dry skin might find this formulation a little too drying for their skin. However, you can always fix that by starting off with some moisturizer before applying this liquid foundation. Yes, it really is that simple! 5 cherry-topped stars for this little ‘genie in a bottle.’
2. Best Photo Friendly:NARS Sheer Matte Foundation
Made with the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula, the NARS Sheer Matte Foundation is an oil-free, dermatologist-tested, matte-finish foundation that provides buildable sheer coverage to control oil and shine throughout the day. Use regularly for improved skin brightness, radiance, and texture. Recommended for normal to oily skin types. It is a photo-friendly foundation that helps in skin brightening and providing a silky texture. It provides improved skin radiance as well as improved textured skin.
Pros
- Minimizes discoloration
- Lasts long
- The oil-free foundation, replete with oil-absorbing formula
- Offers bright complexion
- Sheer, lightweight foundation
- Can be built up well
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Not suitable for people with dry skin
- Lacks SPF
- Lacks a pump to dispense the product
"This foundation seamlessly blends with my skin tone and offers a soft glow. Its demi-matte finish is another charm. I can apply it easily and it glides over well. It does not trigger my skin irritations or leave behind any tackiness."
Pro TipNARS Sheer Matte Foundation Review
Close on the heels of the MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, comes the NARS Sheer Matte Foundation which is appreciated by beauty lovers. Quite similar to the MAC foundation in terms of buildup and coverage, NARS is one step ahead of MAC when it comes to its oil control formula. We tested this foundation on ourselves to find that even after a full day out in the Sun (4-5 hours out and about), the foundation had great staying power and continued to keep the oiliness under control. Hello. What. Will You Marry Me Already? NARS claims that if worn regularly, it helps improve complexion and skin texture too. Now, while we haven’t used this foundation long enough to test that claim, we sure are digging how great it looks on us and makes us feel. Women with dry skin would be well advised to stay away from this, though, as the oil control can get too much in their cases, leaving the skin looking flaky. Even many reviewers online are with us on this point! Another teeny con for us was the lack of SPF. So, if you do decide to get this product, make sure to add a good sunblock to your shopping cart too for exceptional results.
3. Best Lightweight:Estee Lauder Double Wear SPF 10 Foundation
The Estee Lauder Double Wear SPF 10 Foundation feels so lightweight and comfortable to the skin that you won’t believe it’s super long wear. Specially formulated to give you a flawless base and natural look, it lasts through heat and humidity without changing color. It helps you achieve your complexion goal without coming off on your clothes! Katie Snooks, a BBC presenter and beauty blogger, loves how this foundation looks on her skin. She says, “ I originally thought this foundation would feel really cakey and thick on the skin because of its coverage but I’ve been really pleasantly surprised. Despite being a thick liquid formula, it has a gorgeous dewy finish on the skin. …I also think this has great staying power. It outlasts sweat and heat on the London underground and my base still goes strong well into the evening (ii).”
Pros
- No breakouts
- Good coverage
- Lasts long
- Combines SPF protection
- Water-resistant formula
Cons
- The glass bottle makes it difficult to carry
- Needs a strong makeup remover to be taken off
- Not recommended for women with dry skin
"I have sensitive skin and I love this foundation. It gives me smooth coverage and does not trigger the drier parts of my skin. It does not look cakey and is easy to wash off. I like how it controls excess shine and blends quite well. I can trust it for long workdays as well."
Pro TipEstee Lauder Double Wear SPF 10 Foundation Review
There seems to be a wide market out there for women with normal to oily skin. And if you’re in that category, then here is another great product for you that even celebrities like Kendall Jenner endorse. Estee Lauder has always been on our watch list for its moderately affordable products that go on our faces like a dream. Coming to the foundation itself, the Estee Lauder Double Wear SPF 10 Foundation is a super long wear decent product that beats both MAC and NARS in this category. If you’re a busy woman that doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of constant reapplication, the Estee Lauder Double Wear is your new best friend. Waterproof, transfer-proof, and with the goodness of SPF, our only complaint with this little baby is that it doesn’t work very well on dry skinned women as it has a tendency to start looking pancake-y. The glass bottle too makes for a bummer for the jet-setting woman as it isn’t very travel-friendly. However, if those are cons, you just rolled your eyes at, then, like our top pick for women with oily to combination skin, make sure you get your hands on this celebrity-endorsed foundation. It will definitely stay with you longer than your boyfriend ever will!
MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation | NARS Sheer Matte Foundation | Estee Lauder Double Wear SPF 10 Foundation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | Normal;oilyColor | AllColor |
| Weight | 4 Ounces | - | - |
| Dimensions | - | 3.54 x 1.57 x 1.57 inches | 1.3 x 1.2 x 3.8 inches |
| Weight | - | 1.06 Ounces | 2.9 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 71 | 136 | 988 |
| Price | $34.54 | $67.19 | $39.43 |
4. Best Dewy Glowy Finish:Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation
The Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation is a unique formula that boasts of light-reflecting pigments that capture your skin at its best light, day or night. The added goodness of moisturizers gives your skin a double boost of hydration all day long for that perfect dewy look. This foundation and moisturizer mix is a sleek product that hydrates and has a skin-plumping effect. It offers you a natural glow as well.
Pros
- Non-matte
- Lightweight
- Hydrating and moisturizing
- Recommended for women with dry skin
Cons
- Low coverage
- Not recommended for women with oily skin
"This foundation gives me a natural look with a luminous finish. It gives a buildable coverage and a dewy glow. I like its mousse-like texture that feels healthy and light on my skin. It is ideal for a minimalist yet glowing makeup routine."
Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation Review
Finally! A foundation created keeping the needs of the dry skinned women in mind. With an absolute lack of anything matte, which is a boon for women with dry skin, the Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation is a lightweight, sheer foundation that has provided the best dewy glowy finish we have seen in recent times. Though marketed as a medium coverage foundation, it is really more of a product with a sheer glow that needs to be built up for medium coverage if that’s what you’re looking for. Makeup artists like Mario Dedivanovic love using this foundation on themselves as well as their clients. The hydration formula present in it did a good job of keeping the skin feeling moisturized and not like it’d been trapped in the Sahara for the past century. Oily to combination skinned women, especially ones with fading scars, would be well advised to stay far, far away. But if you have normal to dry skinned and looking for that perfect dewy, glossy finish, our advice to you would be to hold on to this makeup-artist approved foundation and never let go.
5. Best Super Watery Foundation:ETUDE HOUSE Double Lasting Foundation
The Double Lasting Foundation by ETUDE HOUSE is available in three forms – cream, drop, and pencil. The product is suitable for all skin types. It layers thinly on your skin without being sticky. The super-watery foundation formula gives an enamel finish that lasts perfectly on your skin for 24 hours. The lightweight and highly-pigmented formula of the product uses double-shot technology with a magnetic fit that gives you a flawless look with a soft, semi-matte finish and a beautiful glow.
Pros
- Sulfate-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Comes with SPF 35 PA++
- Shiny semi-matte finish
Cons
- Contains parabens
- May be sensitive for some skins
Pro Tip6. Best Spf 50 Foundation:Maybelline Dream Urban Cover Foundation Makeup SPF 50
Maybelline has a range of foundations that are unique. The Maybelline Dream Urban Cover Foundation Makeup SPF 50 is a dermatologist-tested foundation makeup that provides a natural-looking finish and additional protection to the skin with a broad spectrum SPF 50. The base makeup product has a lightweight formula enriched with antioxidants for protection against pollution. It blends smoothly, giving you flawless coverage, a radiant complexion, and an even skin tone. It helps combat environmental stressors and this, in turn, helps prevent signs of aging and provides an all-day long glow.
Pros
- Variety of shades
- Suitable for all skin tones and textures
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Might not suit sensitive skin
- Contains fragrance
"This foundation has become my go-to now. It has a lightweight texture that glides smoothly without leaving any residue. It gives me full coverage and covers blemishes without feeling heavy. I like how it does not trigger the sensitive areas of my skin. Moreover, it blends seamlessly and gives me a smooth appearance."
Maybelline Dream Urban Cover Foundation Makeup SPF 50 Review
Maybelline is a trustworthy, immensely loved American brand known for its wide range of skincare and personal care products. This dream urban cover foundation from the brand is a lightweight and breathable formula that provides full coverage while looking naturally flawless on your skin. The range has got a foundation shade for every skin tone and texture, making it usable for everyone out there. The gentle formula blends effortlessly with fingertips, a makeup sponge, or a beauty sponge. We like its thin texture that allows the skin to breathe while keeping it moisturized. It doesn’t feel cakey, emphasize fine lines, or break out the skin. Overall, this dermatologist-tested product is a must-try to quench all your skin needs.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 668 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
7. Best For Anti-Aging:Miba Big Cushion SEASON 2, Korean Cushion Foundation
The Miba Big Cushion SEASON 2 foundation offers a high-coverage finish that leaves your skin with a subtle glow. The heat- and sweat-resistant K-Beauty formula lasts around 44 hours. This alcohol-free product offers intense hydration while covering your skin imperfections. This is your safest bet for any special occasion!
Pros
- Offers high coverage
- Heat-resistant
- Sweat-resistant
- Humidity-resistant
- Value for money
- Alcohol-free
- Long-lasting formula
Cons
- None
"I like its ability to cover imperfections seamlessly. It also offers full-day wear along with a nice scent. It is easy to blend in with the natural skin tone and texture. The application puff that comes with it makes it easier to apply for good coverage."
Miba Big Cushion SEASON 2, Korean Cushion Foundation Review
Popular among Korean celebrities, the Miba Big Cushion Foundation is a high-coverage foundation. Whether you have blemishes or redness, this celebrity-favorite product covers them up instantly. It offers a flawless finish to your face, making it appear naturally glowing and giving you a brighter-looking complexion. This foundation, infused with anti-aging ingredients like pearl extracts and damask rose water, keeps your skin hydrated and rejuvenated. Although this foundation is ideal for people with oily skin, unfortunately, it is available only in two shades.
8. Best For Radiant Glow:Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation
The lightweight Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation by Make Up For Ever has a revolutionary formula. It is formulated with 4K complex that makes your makeup invisible and comfortable. The skin fusion technology and the uniquely-coated pigments make the formula blend seamlessly and feel like a second skin. It creates a naturally flawless complexion. The product is infused with hyaluronic spheres for adequate moisturization. It provides 24-hour power stay and offers a brighter and radiant-looking complexion.
Pros
- 24-hour long coverage
- Lightweight
- 91% allergen-free
- Gluten-free
- Preservative-free
- Semi-matte, natural finish
- Cruelty-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Water and sweatproof
Cons
- Contains sulfate
"This foundation gives me an airy feel and a natural finish. It flawlessly matches my skin tone and does not trigger any cakey messes. It moisturizes my skin without making it oily. Overall, it is a great product to invest in."
9. Best For Deep Skin:Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
The Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation by Rihanna is a long-lasting liquid foundation with a matte finish. The all in one liquid foundation is suitable for deep skin with neutral undertones. The celebrity-endorsed foundation features climate-adaptive technology to fight heat, sweat, and shine. The product makes you look fresh each time you wear it. The neutral foundation provides a buildable medium to full coverage. The pore-minimizing foundation smooths and diffuses the look of pores instantly. The skincare ingredients like papaya and pineapple fruit extracts in the formula give you an oil-free radiant look.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-drying
- Sweat- and humidity-resistant
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Suitable for every skin type
- Silicone-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- May not be for sensitive skin
"This foundation conceals my redness and stubborn dark circles very well. It also has a great fragrance that rejuvenates my senses. I like its natural finish and matte coverage. It lasts all day long!"
*Subject to Availability
Infographic: How To Choose The Right Foundation For Asian Skin Tone
Asian skin tone is tricky, although most have warm undertones, cool and neutral undertones are not uncommon. In such cases, choosing a neutral foundation to match your skin tone and undertone is quite the challenge. Check out the infographic for some helpful tips. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
The Asian skin undertone or skin type is unique. Finding the right foundation for your skin tone can be slightly tricky. You need a foundation that will glide smoothly on the skin’s surface and will not give a cakey finish. The foundations on our list help hydrate the skin, keep your skin soft and supple, and provide great coverage and flawless glowing skin. For instance, the MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation is ideal for all skin types and delivers a matte finish. The Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation is also suitable for all skin types and provides a fresh, dewy finish. But if you have dry and acne-prone skin, try the Touch In Sol Advanced Real Moisture Liquid Foundation. These products have oil-free formulas and remain waterproof and lightweight. However, some products are not made for every skin type. So read the reviews and the buying guide well to choose the foundation that complements your skin tone and undertone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which foundation color is best for Asian skin?
Asian skin tones are unique and vary largely. Most Asian women have a warm or yellow undertone, but this is not the rule. While people with cool undertones have a pink or blue shade, people with warm undertones carry yellow or olive hues to their skin.
Asian skin tones are unique and vary largely. Most Asian women have a warm, yellow, or golden undertone, but this is not the rule. While people with cool undertones have a pink or blue tone, people with warm undertones or golden tones carry yellow or olive hues to their skin.
So, choose a foundation color keeping in mind your specific skin tone and undertone. Also, always test if the shade matches the skin on your jawline to check how seamlessly it blends in with the rest of your face.
Should the foundation be lighter or darker than your skin?
The foundation shade should be lighter than your skin tone as it will blend with your contour and bronzer to match your skin tone.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Jyotsana Rao, the author, is a skin care enthusiast. She has spent hours going through several health and beauty forums and reviewing customer feedback before curating this list of the top foundations for Asian skin tones. These products are available in matte, powder, or dewy finish to add that perfect coverage.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
(i) Poetic Isolation
https://mypoeticisolation.blogspot.com/2020/03/mac-studio-fix-liquid-foundation-in.html
(ii) Katie Snooks
https://www.katiesnooks.com/2018/07/review-estee-lauder-double-wear-foundation-before-after.html
Read full bio of Cha Cha Woska
Read full bio of Jyotsana Rao
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Read full bio of Asmita De
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