
The struggle is real. I’ve spoken about it a lot, but finding a match for paler (and deeper) skin tones is really hard. However, brands are getting better and I thought I’d compile a list of the best pale skin foundations in 2019. The 2019 bit is important because brands are expanding and releasing new launches all the time, it’s hard to keep up.
I’m not just choosing this list in terms of how light the brands go either. If a brand offers pale shades but the gradient in shades is bad, or they don’t offer a variety of undertones, they aren’t making the list. Too Faced is a notable example.
The Best Pale Skin Foundations 2019
Colourpop
I think the Colourpop foundations are the palest in my collection right now. The No Filter Liquid comes in 42 shades, while the stick comes in 30, but the gradient of the shades is great for both. Priced at $12 and $10 respectively, they’re great value for money too.
Suggested Post: Colourpop No Filter Foundations Review
Fenty
We’ve all heard about the Fenty shade range, at how this launch was the one that made other brands step up their game with shade ranges. Both the Fenty foundations come in 50 shades now, the lightest being a tiny fraction of a shade deeper than Colourpop’s lightest. I’ve said before that from a brand that launched with the focus on inclusivity, I think they could still do better, but they’re still doing a lot better than most.
Suggested Post: Fenty Hydrating Foundation Review

Revolution
Going to be honest here, the Revolution shade ranges are a hot mess. Your shade in one formula will unlikely be your shade in the next, some foundations have a great shade range, some are quite poor. It’s a mess. However, the ones that do have a good shade range have a great one, which is why they make the list. Their Conceal & Hydrate and Conceal & Define lines both come in 50 shades. Like Fenty, I think for 50 shades, they could do better. However, they also offer a pure white and as it’s an affordable line to begin with, I think that makes up for it.
Suggested Posts:
Revolution Pro Foundation Drops Review
Revolution Conceal & Hydrate Concealer Review

NYX
The last couple of NYX complexion launches have come with 45 shades. They don’t offer a pure white, but the lightest shade (literally called Pale) is very light.
Illamasqua
While Colourpop is the palest I own, I think Illamasqua is the palest I’ve ever seen. Their palest shades are basically an off white, and they come in pure white too. Unfortunately, I’m not a huge fan of their formulas, but definitely one to check out if you struggle to find a match. This one only comes in 26 shades, unfortunately, I don’t think their great range extends to the deeper shades.
Nars
I almost didn’t include this one, Nars haven’t really extended their range in a long time. But, before brands were launching with 40-50 shades, Nars Siberia was just about the only foundation colour I’d ever tried that came close to matching my skin. Nars annoy me because they don’t carry the same shades in all of their formulas, but their foundations range from 20-40 shades. The cult classic Sheer Glow being the one with the best.
MUFE
Another brand that had a huge shade range before most is Make Up For Ever, they’re another one that doesn’t carry the same shades for each foundation, but their HD line and Matte Velvet both come in 40 shades, with a great mix of warm and cool undertones.
Suggested Post: Make Up For Ever Water Blend Foundation Review

Have you spotted any of your favourites on here? Or do you know of any that I’ve missed?
Until next time,
Sophie
This is so helpful! I’ve been looking for a post like this from a fellow pale gal x
I am quite pale & I struggle to find my shade in some ranges! I don’t think I’m quite as light as you describe yourself to be but it can be such a nightmare finding a shade! Thanks for sharing some great ranges. Fenty has a lot of darker shades which is fab but I agree the lighter ones could probably be a little better, but still doing good!Xxx
Jazmin
I really want to try the Fenty foundations. Love that they have such a wide range of colors!
http://www.sundaydahlias.com
I’m quite pale and I do find it easier recently with all the new releases to find matching shades! And sometimes even buy them too light as I’m so used to going for the lightest ones! Love that brands are coming out with much better shade ranges, especially for deeper skin tones. I definitely want to try Nars foundation I’ve only heard good things! Xx
Fenty is my favorite I have tried so far! <3 I love it!
http://www.fashionradi.com
I honestly couldn’t have appreciated this more! I have so much trouble finding that perfect foundation, think I’m going to give revolution a try. Have you tried the wake me up foundation by rimmel? That’s pretty good, thanks for posting!x
My face is quite pale so this is super helpful, thank you 🙂 xx
Sounds amazing!
xo Babita
http://www.travelhues.com/
Haven’t tried the new Fenty foundation yet, but I have their concealer which is really great! Also love the Nars Sheer Glow
I currently use NARS foundation as it really covers well and blends in well too x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I am sending this post to my friend asap! She finds it really hard to find the perfect shade for her pale skin. I’ve heard great things about fenty and their formula, I quite fancy trying out their foundation myself tbh but I agree, I think there is room for improvement even though they have gotten somewhat of the right idea, I think their darker shade range is pretty on point.
Jordanne || thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
This post isn’t catered to me as such because of my tanned skin but I seem to find that when brands have big shade ranges that have paler shades they’ll also have more deeper shades so I’ll definitely be looking into these brands! X
As I’m getting older, I tend to be leaning more and more away from foundations. Even though my head is dying to try them, my skin is screaming not to. I recently picked up the conceal and hydrate concealer after reading your review and I agree that it isn’t all that great. I personally much prefer the conceal and define, even with medium dry skin. I would still love to try the sheer glow as it’s one that seems to be a firm favourite everywhere!
Alice Xx
I think I look so weird with eye makeup on if I’m not wearing foundation so it’s pretty much all or nothing with me. My favourites are all lighter coverage though, I hate anything too heavy on my skin. It’s a shame you didn’t like it either! x
I really like the Fenty Soft Matte foundation! It is so good!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Oh this post is like music to my ears! I majorly struggle to find pale foundations too. My favourite is from Charlotte Tilbury because it’s very pale and also cruelty free. I can’t wait to try some on your list, particularly the one from makeup revolution!
PaleGirlRambling xo
I’ve heard amazing things about the NYX foundations, and the colourpop foundation! Personally I really love the Sephora foundation as they have an amazing shade range x
Kayleigh Zara http://www.kayleighzaraa.com
OMG, seems like finding a great foundation is hard across the board. I’m Black and thankfully more companies have started making various shades for the darker complexions. I love COVER GIRL, Maybelline, and Black Radiance. My newest suggestion is Juvia’s Place, they have a foundation for EVERY shade. I love it so far!!
Another pale vampire here! I haven’t worn liquid foundation in quite a while as I have rather oily skin and after half a day of wearing it my face just feels awful. I’ve been using Tropic mineral foundation in thier porcealin shade and love it. I do want to get a liquid one for nights out though so will definetly be giving some of these a test.
Lon x
interesting products! I really want to try it
http://www.recklessdiary.ru
Yep, I am a pale-skinned person. So much, in fact, first-time friends are worried I am about to faint . . .
That is not positive but I love these cosmetic suggestions for those of us who are not so robust in color!
I’m incredibly pale. Nars Siberia is far too dark for my skin. I’m personally in love with Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser in Calico but if I were looking for fuller coverage, would definitely pick Fenty!
That’s really interesting! It’s been years since I used the Nars one and my skin is definitely paler now than it was when I was younger so I’m not sure if it would still match but I always thought that was a fairly good match and the Laura Mercier ones run too dark for me. I feel like I need to pick up a sample and try it again now
These are all some amazing foundations for sure! I love the fenty foundation at the moment! I need to try the illamasqua foundation next!
Mel
http://www.moonlightmel.co.uk
There’s a brand called PUR and they do a 4 in 1 foundation (I think it’s called Love Your Selfie) that comes in 100 shades. I desperately want to try it but it isn’t available in the UK yet!
Louisa
There are a lot of different brands out there, which is great because at least we are not stuck with one color range. Oh man, there are a lot of different shades for NARS and NYX! Thanks for sharing your findings! I have a hard time finding my shade as well to the point where I started asking for samples at the department stores.
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
I really like the conceal and define foundation, I was so shocked when I didn’t have to get the palest shade of it! I do really want to try the Fenty one as it’s not as pricey as I thought it would be for a high-end foundation.
This is so detailed and so helpful! I’m quite pale and I always struggle with base makeup now, I just never know where to start and all brands can vary so much xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
I just couldn’t get on with the Colourpop one but I love the MUR one! x
This is such a helpful post. I’m pretty pale and find it quite hard to find the right foundation. There are just so many choices.
I am so glad that brands are coming out with wide variety of shades. I want to try the NARS and Fenty Beauty one. I mostly love using BB and CC creams for regular use. Bourjois and It Cosmetics CC creams are my fav. 🙂
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
Great post and I’m sure it’ll be super helpful for the other pale skin ladies (and gents) out there! I’m pale but not THAT pale. I’m a bit of a funny one as usually the paler shades are too pale but the next one up looks too orange. I’m yet to find my perfect foundation! x
I really want to try the water blend foundation x
I don’t really wear makeup but it’s nice to know what is out there, I’ve heard good things about Nyx, Colourpop, and Fenty though.
I love that brands are finally recognising the need to be diverse and cater to everyone. However, we definitely still have a way to go yet!
Hayley || hayleyxmartin