How to Make Your Foundation Lighter

Co-authored by Frankie Sanderson

Last Updated: March 4, 2024 Approved

Your usual foundation can be made lighter by the addition of other cosmetic items. The outcome will depend on what you use to try to lighten the foundation, so it may require some trial and error before you find both the right mixing agent and the amount needed.

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If a foundation is too dark, then you need to do what any good artist would do––add lighter colors to tone down the darkness and raise the hue. This means that you'll be adding lighter colored cosmetic items that change the tint in the foundation, helping it to become lighter. ^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Hand Cream and Cream Eyeshadow

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Place it carefully in an empty tub. Check that the tub has no other product left in it.
Mix until the cream is nearly gone, but a bit is still visible. ^{[2]
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Once again, blend these together. ^{[3]
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When it's ready to go, apply it to your face with your foundation brush, as you otherwise would. If you start mixing and find the shade isn't quite right, try altering the proportions of cream, eyeshadow, face powder, and foundation until you get the right combination.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Moisturizer or Body Lotion

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Place it into a mixing container. Use only a small amount; you can always add more later.
However, do note that it is best to use an unscented version for this fix.
Each ingredient should be thoroughly combined. Check the color; add more of either the lotion/moisturizer or the foundation, according to your color need.
Spread it on evenly and see the color change.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I make my foundation look like my skin?

Frankie Sanderson
Makeup Artist & Stylist
Franklin (Frankie) Sanderson is a Makeup Artist and Stylist and the Founder of TheStudeo, a styling business based in Washington DC that specializes in hairstyling, makeup, and personal image consulting services. He specializes in hair extensions, chemical services such as highlighting, Balayage, Japanese straightening, keratin treatments, and designer cuts. He has a BFA in Fashion Design from Virginia Commonwealth University and has trained at the L'Oreal Soho Academy, TIGI, Vidal Sassoon, Redken, and Wella. His clients include Nicole Kidman, Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey, Jane Lynch, and Alicia Keys.

Frankie Sanderson

Makeup Artist & Stylist

Expert Answer

Try to determine your skin type. Skin types include cool tones and warm tones, as well as different categories within that such as neutral-cool and neutral-warm tones.

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Question

Can I mix bb cream and foundation to make my dark foundation look bright?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. But it probably won't get that much brighter. Try it out! I would recommend you mix two different colors for luster.

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Question

If I put baby powder over my foundation, will it make me look lighter the entire day?

Community Answer

It might, but it would also make you look pale and strange, so I wouldn't recommend this.

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Tips

If you make more than what you need, keep stored in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dark and dry place.

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In the first method, if you feel the need, you can use sunscreen instead of hand cream, but hand cream blends better and makes for a lighter foundation.

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Warnings

Any homemade, changed mixture may be harmful to sensitive skin, or those who have eczema or other skin conditions. Do a small test patch on your skin first.

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Things You'll Need

Hand cream and cream eyeshadow :

White hand cream
A foundation brush
A clean empty tub
Compact
A light shiny cream eyeshadow
Your foundation

Moisturizer or body lotion :

Mixing bowl, clean
Moisturizer or body lotion

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How to Make Your Foundation Lighter

Steps

Using Hand Cream and Cream Eyeshadow

Using Moisturizer or Body Lotion

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Tips

Warnings

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