Powder/Foundation/Color Matching?

[MissVanessa]

I have a question that hopefull someone can answer, I don't know what made me think about it. I only wear the Studio Fix powder in NC35, but I was wondering how exactly do you match the color? I mean what is the difference between N, C, NW, and NC? I think NC35 looks perfect on me, but last time I had my make up done at MAC the guy said the NC35 looked WAY too dark and picked C3 for me. It looked fine, but as soon as I went into the sunlight it looked way too light. So, what are the meanings of the letters, and wahat's a good way to match a powder/foundation? Thanks for the help. 8) 8)

 

[MACGoddess]

Think of it in terms of pinkness and yellowness...

Pink--------------------Middle------------------Yellow/Olive
W-------NW---------N--------C#---------NC----------C##

C foundations with one number behind them are yellow based but with a hint of pink. They fit truly Golden skintones... NC has more yellow, and then C's with double digits are a more yellow-green of Olive skintones.

W foundations are the most pink of all...almost reddish. NW has a hint more yellow and are not SUPER pink, N's have a pink base but with much more yellow.

 

[MissVanessa]

Thanks! I had to read that, like, twice for it to sink in, but that make a lot more sense now.

 

[Juneplum]

moved to recs

 

[user6]

Here it is directly from the MAC website, I hope this helps!!!

GUIDE TO M·A·C SHADE NAMES FOR FOUNDATION, CONCEALER, AND POWDER M·A·C shade designations for Foundations, Concealer, and Powder are a combination of a letter and a number.

The letter represents the colour family of the product. The number denotes the lightness or darkness. The higher the number, the deeper the colour.

The first step in selecting your shade is to simply look at your skin, without makeup, in daylight.

Decide which of the following descriptions best represents your skin colour:

If your skin looks more Golden Beige, you match with Neutral Cool or NC shades.

If your skin looks more Pink Beige, you match with Neutral Warm or NW shades.

Most skin tones will fall into these two classifications. However, if you are still not certain which classification is right for you, consider the undertones in your skin.

To determine your undertone, take a look at the underside of your forearm:

If your veins look more blue, then you most likely have pinkish undertones. If your veins look more green, then you have more yellow or golden undertones.

If you have a significant undertone to your skin, you may choose to play it up or play it down by trying a shade that includes or excludes your undertones:

If your skin looks more Yellow-Golden Olive, you will find those undertones in the Cool or C shades.

If your skin looks more Beige, you will match with the Neutral or N shades.

If your skin looks more Pink, you will find those pink undertones in the Warm or W shades.

Please bear in mind, finding the "right" colour is something very subjective. Most people will wear a variety of different shades throughout the year because the colour of skin changes according to the lighting, the seasons, and physical well being. We encourage you to visit a store near you, or if you prefer, to email a M·A·C Artist for a personal consultation.

 

[MissVanessa]

Thanks so much! Where on the MAC site is that? For being as big a MAC fan as I am I guess I haven't explored that site enough. The whole color matching makes a whole lot more sense now. 8)


Quote:

Originally Posted by medicredfearn Here it is directly from the MAC website, I hope this helps!!! GUIDE TO M·A·C SHADE NAMES FOR FOUNDATION, CONCEALER, AND POWDER M·A·C shade designations for Foundations, Concealer, and Powder are a combination of a letter and a number. The letter represents the colour family of the product. The number denotes the lightness or darkness. The higher the number, the deeper the colour. The first step in selecting your shade is to simply look at your skin, without makeup, in daylight. Decide which of the following descriptions best represents your skin colour: If your skin looks more Golden Beige, you match with Neutral Cool or NC shades. If your skin looks more Pink Beige, you match with Neutral Warm or NW shades. Most skin tones will fall into these two classifications. However, if you are still not certain which classification is right for you, consider the undertones in your skin. To determine your undertone, take a look at the underside of your forearm: If your veins look more blue, then you most likely have pinkish undertones. If your veins look more green, then you have more yellow or golden undertones. If you have a significant undertone to your skin, you may choose to play it up or play it down by trying a shade that includes or excludes your undertones: If your skin looks more Yellow-Golden Olive, you will find those undertones in the Cool or C shades. If your skin looks more Beige, you will match with the Neutral or N shades. If your skin looks more Pink, you will find those pink undertones in the Warm or W shades. Please bear in mind, finding the "right" colour is something very subjective. Most people will wear a variety of different shades throughout the year because the colour of skin changes according to the lighting, the seasons, and physical well being. We encourage you to visit a store near you, or if you prefer, to email a M·A·C Artist for a personal consultation.

 

[ExquisiteImages]

http://specktra.net/foundation.php