Need foundation rec from former MAC W20 users...rop

[Arabella98]

MAC W20 foundation is a perfect match for me but it was dc'ed several years ago. If you were a W20, please post what foundation you are using now. I have spent a small fortune trying to find a match and I have yet to find anything satisfactory. Thanks for you help!

 

[kathyp]

I'd probably be a W is they still made them. (Unfortunately, Mac had mostly switched to the NW/NC by the time it made it to my market.) Prescriptives Red (R) or Blue/Red (B/R) shades have some serious, though still natural looking pink undertones, comparable to Mac's W. I'm guessing NW20 is too yellow/peach for you? I have that probably, too. I have really pink/blue undertones and even the NWs look yellow on my skin. Actually, I play them down with a straight N shade (only in studiofix, though. boo).

Sorry to veer OT. On the drugstore end, L'Oreal makes some pinky/beige shades in true match. Someone at MUA made a foundation equivalencies chart. A nice addition would have been some long-discontinued shades.

 

[Arabella98]

The MAC NWs are too peach. I am in between Level 1 and Level 2 of Px and the L'Oreal has too many silicones. The search goes on. Thanks for replying.

 

[kathyp]

I tried.

I have the same problem, though I'm pale enough to get away with NW15 or N3 in the winter, but the newer foundations are especially peachy. (The NW15 and NW20 in Studio Sculpt is really orange on my skin.)

I've noticed most lines' foundations leaning more toward the yellow/golden-toned lately. It's pretty hard to find a neutral or pink-toned foundation that isn't too pale or doesn't look like pepto bismol.

 

[Arabella98]

I really appreciate you answering. I have come to realize how rare my skin tone must be. Most cosmetic companies cater to the majority and I just don't fall into that group. It's very frustrating.

 

[kathyp]

I don't think your skintone is rare at all. I think a lot of it has to do with the trend toward warmer-toned makeup that started in the 90s (lord, I remember that flat, sallow look accessorized with matte brown lipstick) and continues still. Or all the self tanning is screwing up our natural undertones.