Beauty

Is Your Foundation Too Light Or Dark? Expert Shares A Simple Fix For The Perfect Match

May 8, 2026 by Mariam Qayum
shefinds | Beauty
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Finding the perfect foundation match can feel nearly impossible—especially when your skin tone changes throughout the year. One week your foundation matches perfectly, and the next it suddenly looks too dark, too light, too orange, or completely off in natural lighting.

But according to beauty creator Prunela, you may not need to buy an entirely new foundation bottle every time your shade changes. Instead, she shared a simple makeup hack that lets you custom-match your foundation using products you likely already own.

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If Your Foundation Is Too Dark…

Prunela recommends mixing your lightest concealer directly into your foundation to soften and brighten the shade.

The key, she explains, is making sure both products share the same undertone. If your foundation has warm undertones, your concealer should also lean warm. The same goes for cool or neutral tones.

This trick helps maintain a natural-looking finish rather than creating a foundation shade that appears gray or overly pink on the skin.

If Your Foundation Is Too Light…

The hack also works in reverse. If your foundation is too pale, Prunela suggests mixing in either bronzer or a slightly darker concealer to deepen the color.

Instead of tossing out a foundation that no longer matches, you can gradually adjust the depth depending on the season, your tan, or changes in your complexion.

Why Makeup Artists Love This Trick

Custom mixing foundation shades is actually a technique many makeup artists use regularly, especially on editorial shoots and red carpets where lighting and skin tones can shift throughout the day.

Rather than relying on one exact bottle shade year-round, mixing products allows for a more personalized match while also helping you get more use out of products you already own.

The biggest takeaway from Prunela’s tip? You don’t necessarily need a whole new foundation—sometimes you just need to tweak the one already sitting in your makeup bag.

Author:

Editorial Assistant

Mariam is an Editorial Assistant and writer at SheFinds, covering everything from style and beauty to health and wellness. Splitting her time between New York and Philadelphia, she brings a sharp eye for trends and a passion for storytelling to the digital space. With a strong editorial background, she’s always exploring the latest in fashion, skincare, and wellness. When she’s not writing or pitching, you’ll find her in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes or planning her next travel adventure. You can reach Mariam at mariam@shefinds.com.