Foundation too dark? Here’s how to make it lighter

Foundation too dark? Here’s how to make it lighter 

Finding a foundation shade that matches your complexion can be tricky, especially with changing lighting and seasonal shifts in skin tone. If you’ve picked up a shade that looked perfect in store – but seems too dark now you’re at home in front of the mirror – don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to adjust a foundation that’s too deep, allowing you to customise your base to help achieve a more natural look.

In this guide, we’ll share our expert techniques for lightening foundation, so you can fine-tune your make-up and achieve a gorgeous look – without having to buy a new shade.

Why foundation shade matters: getting your perfect match 

It’s no secret that matching your foundation to your skin tone is crucial for a well-balanced base. However, external factors can make this trickier to master – things like lighting and oxidation, or changes in complexion as the seasons shift.

Learning how to modify your foundation shade, therefore, is a great tool to have in your make-up application armoury. Matte or dewy, barely-there or full coverage: whatever your finish of choice, adapting your foundation smooths the way to your perfect colour match,  in turn allowing you to get the most out of your product.

Top tip:  Love a luminous look? Reach for the No7 Lift & Luminate TRIPLE ACTION Foundation. Powered by our Triple Action Serum Technology, this skincare-infused foundation comes in 20 shades and instantly helps skin look firmer, brighter and more even.

How to make foundation lighter: quick fixes for instant results

When it comes to lightening your foundation shade, these methods are a good place to start.

1. Mix with moisturiser

If time is of the essence, quickly lighten foundation by blending it with a moisturiser. This will dilute the pigment, creating a softer shade that helps to match your skin tone.  As a bonus, it also adds extra hydration, which can be ideal for dry or combination skin types.

• Dab a small amount of foundation and moisturiser on the back of your hand
• Mix them together, adjusting the amount of each until you reach the desired shade
• Apply to your face as usual, blending carefully to ensure even coverage

1. Combine with a lighter foundation

If you have a lighter foundation or one that’s slightly too pale, mix it with the darker shade to create a customised match. This technique enables you to use what you already have, giving you flexibility to adapt to subtle changes in your complexion over time.

• Add a pea-sized amount of both shades to the back of your hand
• Using a make-up brush or sponge, blend together, modifying the amount of each until you have a match
• Test the shade against your skin – if it’s too dark, add a touch more of the lighter foundation to the mix (and vice versa)
• Apply the colour-matched blend to the rest of your face

Top tip:  Keep a light foundation available to mix when needed. A lightweight foundation such as the No7 HydraLuminous Moisturising Foundation, works well here: water-based formulas deliver visibly fresh, radiant-looking skin – moisturising foundation/ all day hydration – making them an ideal choice for a blend-in.

How to customise your shade: foundation lightening drops

For a simple, effective solution, consider using foundation lightening drops. These drops are designed to mix effortlessly with both cream and liquid formula, letting you adjust the tone of your foundation without altering its texture.

Fix your shade with foundation lightening drops

1. Add a small amount of foundation to the back of your hand or a palette
2. Apply a few drops of your foundation lightening product and blend thoroughly
3. Test the shade on your jawline, ensuring it matches your neck and natural tone
4. To lighten your shade further, add more foundation lightening drops to your mix – preferably drop by drop, for more precision

No7 pick:Beautifully Matte Foundation

Combining foundation with a lightweight moisturiser can give dry skin a hydration boost. Be cautious with powder application here, as overdoing it may emphasise dryness.

No7 pick:HydraLuminous Moisturising Foundation

With normal or combination skin, apply a lighter, customised blend on the cheeks, nose and chin. You may prefer to mattify your T-zone with powder but keep the drier areas moisturised for a more balanced look.

No7 pick:Stay Perfect Foundation

Whether you’re on the hunt for an oil-balancing formula or moisturising ingredients designed to keep dryness at bay, learning what works for you is key. For expert advice and top tips, check out our guide on how to find the best foundation for your skin type.

Adjusting your foundation shade with the seasons

Seasonal changes can cause your skin tone to vary, often resulting in a foundation that appears too dark or too light at different times of the year. To help your product go further, try out the following:

In warmer months, add a touch of bronzer or blend a small amount of darker foundation to your base for a sun-kissed glow.

No7 pick:Pro Artist Soft Glow Cream Bronzer

In cooler months, lighten your foundation to match paler winter skin with lightening drops, or by mixing with a moisturiser.No7 pick: Radiance+ Vitamin C Daily Brightening Moisturiser

Tips from a make-up artist: achieving a natural finish  

1. Prep your skin: begin with a cleansed, hydrated face for the best results. Our Pro Artist Base Perfecting Primer works to cushion your skin, helping foundation last longer and glide on evenly
2. Apply in layers: using a beauty sponge or make-up brush – ideally a foundation brush – gradually apply your product in thin layers, adding as needed to avoid a heavy look. This approach is especially helpful if you’re adjusting foundation shades
3. Set your base: post-application, lock in your foundation with a translucent powder or setting spray. This keeps everything in place and gives a soft-focus effect.

No7 pick: Weightless, finely milled and mattifying, the Pro Artist Set the Scene Loose Setting Powder effortlessly blurs imperfections and absorbs excess oil. The result? A soft focus, lasting finish.

Find your perfect foundation match with No7

Adjusting your foundation shade doesn't need to be complicated.   Whether adding lightening drops, mixing with moisturiser or combining shades – with these techniques on hand, you're one step closer to attaining a natural-looking base all-year round.

Ready to customise your shade? Explore No7’s foundations and tools to help you create your perfect shade at home.