Shade Matching at Sephora

[faarii]

I’m curious to know what Sephora Beauty Advisors use as their guideline to determine a shade match for foundation. Are they just looking at your skin and picking what they think looks similar? 

I had a horrible experience trying to purchase the Nars Light Reflecting Foundation. I had grabbed the shade Deauville after lots of research and swatches to find the perfect shade and undertone. An advisor came along and saw it in my hand, told me it’s the wrong shade and handed me shade Cadiz. For reference, I wear 3.5 in Armani Luminous. I was stunned and told her it’s not the right shade. She swatched it on my  face and it looked like a very dark bronzer on me, to which she said no, this is your shade. I proceed to tell her that I have olive undertones and would like a neautral shade, preferably Deauville to which she tells me that all Nars foundations have olive undertones. None of them are warm or pink and then hands me shade Oslo, saying this is the better shade for me. How does one go from Cadiz because I’m apparently too dark for Deauville to Oslo? After this proceeds to tell me I can’t wear this foundation without primer then brings me 5 moisturizers and when I say they are moisturizers, she says no they are made to be used as a primer….then when I said no to that. Gives me hyaluronic acid and says it’s a makeup primer and I should use it right before foundation, after all my skincare. I’m just stunned at the lack of knowledge by this advisor. I can’t say this is always the case, I’ve had some who are wonderful, but this is usually the case.

[sister13]

Well, generally advisors will use the shade matching camera to get close (it’s not foolproof but usually close) and then swatch some options in your preferred formula and finish. Now, sometimes, the camera isn’t close or perhaps the advisor doesn’t use that system. Many advisors feel confident in their matching without the device, but it doesn’t sound like they got a good match for you.

Sorry that you had a frustrating experience! 

I usually swatch a couple of shades along the jaw and neckline and look in natural light (before blending). You can always use the survey on your receipt  to register your complaint about this visit, or contact customer service.  @faarii 

[faarii]

@sister13 Thanks for the reply! The camera was definitely not offered as an option. 

I don’t generally like to file a complaint and probably won’t. I just hope that that particular advisor improves their knowledge and isn’t so pushy with the other products. I’ve never had an advisor make me feel pressured or push so many products I deny on me.

I did however end up speaking to another advisor who was amazing and she was able to find my perfect shade, which just so happened to be Deauville. 

[sister13]

I’m glad you found someone helpful and got a great shade match. That is a great foundation formula, hope you love it! Take care! @faarii