How to Make the Wrong Foundation Shade Work for You
Finding the perfect foundation shade sometimes feels like a never-ending journey, right? You walk into a store, swatch a color on your hand, think it matches, then later realize it is either way too light or way too dark. Been there, done that! So today, I’m bringing you along with me as I try out a new foundation, the Hanskin Code On Double D Cream Foundation.
Here’s the situation: the brand sent me two of their darkest shades, 32NW Deep Beige (which is too light for me) and 52NC Deep Cocoa (which is a bit too dark). Neither is a perfect match. But I enjoy a challenge, so instead of giving up, I decided to try blending both shades to see if I could make them work.
Grab your brush, sponge, or just get comfortable, this will be a fun review to try together. Let us see if we can turn the wrong shade into the right one!
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First Impressions: What’s Special About Hanskin Code On Double D Cream Foundation?
Before I start mixing and blending, let us talk about what makes this foundation so interesting. The Hanskin Code On Double D Cream Foundation is not your regular base makeup. It is actually a full coverage Korean liquid skin tint foundation with a semi-matte finish. That means you get the best of both worlds, a natural skin-like glow but without looking too shiny.
Here is what really caught my attention:
- Pore-blurring and skin-smoothing: This foundation glides on like a cream but gives that soft-focus effect that makes your skin look filtered in real life.
- Full coverage but lightweight: No cakey mask vibes here. It layers beautifully without feeling heavy.
- Long-lasting wear: It promises to stay put through sweat and humidity (perfect for me because… hello, everyday life).
- Skincare-infused: It has 66% skincare actives inside! That means it’s not just makeup; it actually hydrates, soothes, and helps improve skin texture over time.
- Pro-approved: It was awarded #1 in Olive Young’s foundation category at launch and is loved by Korean makeup artists and celebs.
- Customizable shades: There are 6 shades in total, and they are designed so you can mix and match to get your perfect match.
I love that last point because clearly… I am about to test that feature right now.
Trying Shade 32NW Deep Beige
Okay, first up, the 32NW Deep Beige. When I first applied it, I instantly saw that it was way too light for me. It looked like I was trying on my winter shade in the middle of summer. Not cute.
But here is what I did notice: the texture is super creamy and smooth. It glided on without dragging or patchiness. My pores looked blurred right away, and the finish was this soft, semi-matte look that still had a bit of life. If this shade had matched me, it would have been stunning.
Unfortunately, it made me look washed out, like I borrowed someone else’s makeup. But that is okay because this is just step one.
Trying Shade 52NC Deep Cocoa
Next, I tested the 52NC Deep Cocoa shade. Now this one was a totally different story. It was much darker than my actual skin tone, but I have to say… the richness of the color is beautiful. If you have deeper skin, this shade could be a dream.
The coverage again was flawless, even, smooth, and pore-blurring. The semi-matte finish made it look natural instead of heavy, which I loved. But on me? It was just too dark. I looked like I got an unblended spray tan.
Still, I was not disappointed because I had my little hack up my sleeve.
The Foundation Hack: Blending Two Shades Together
Here’s where the fun begins. Since 32NW Deep Beige was too light and 52NC Deep Cocoa was too dark, I decided to mix the two together.
I scooped a little bit of each onto the back of my hand and blended them with a foundation brush. The mixture instantly created a shade that looked much closer to my actual skin tone. Not perfect yet, but definitely workable.
Curious about the application method, I also tried using a makeup sponge to apply the blend. While the brush gave a fuller coverage and a more polished look, the sponge offered a softer, more natural finish. It’s really about preference; if you’re looking for coverage, the brush is your friend. But if you want a lighter look, the sponge might be the way to go.
Once I applied it, I was pleasantly surprised. The combination gave me the coverage I needed, blurred my pores beautifully, and matched my undertones better than I expected. I blended everything (because you know blending is everything) and suddenly, one of the shades looked like I had chosen the right foundation all along, but sadly, they both are not my shade.
How to Fix the Wrong Foundation Shade (Tips You Can Use Too!)
If you ever buy or receive the wrong shade, do not panic. Here are a few tricks that can help:
- Mix two shades together: Just like I did with the Hanskin foundation. This works especially well with cream or liquid formulas.
- Use concealer to balance: If your foundation is too light, add a darker concealer in the areas you contour (like the cheekbones, forehead, and jawline).
- Use bronzer: A good bronzer can save a foundation that’s too light by warming up the face.
- Mix with moisturizer: If your foundation is too dark, blend it with a little moisturizer or primer to lighten it up.
- Blend, blend, blend: Always blend into your neck and hairline to avoid harsh lines.
The key is not to give up on a product right away. Sometimes the wrong shade can actually turn into the right one with a little creativity.
Performance Check: Does It Last All Day?
After wearing my custom-blended Hanskin foundation shade for several hours, here is what I noticed:
- Longevity: It held up against sweat and did not break apart, which is huge for me.
- Finish: The semi-matte look stayed consistent throughout the day. No excessive shine, no dry patches.
- Comfort: It felt lightweight, almost like I was not wearing anything.
- Skin benefits: My skin did not feel tight or irritated, which makes sense because of those 66% skincare actives.
Honestly, the formula itself is a winner. It is just about finding that right shade, or making your own by blending. To engage you in a bit of fun, here is a challenge: which two products in your drawer could you mix tonight to create your perfect shade? Share your mixes and thoughts with us!
Final Thoughts: Should You Try the Hanskin Code On Double D Cream Foundation?
If you are into Korean beauty, or if you are just looking for a foundation that blurs pores, feels lightweight, and actually stays put, then yes, I’d recommend trying it. Especially since it is blendable and customizable, you are not stuck if one shade does not work for you.
The Hanskin Code On Double D Cream Foundation really does live up to the hype. I wish my shades matched better, but they gave me a chance to try a fun hack.
Sometimes makeup is about experimenting, playing, and making it work. And that is exactly what I did today.
So if you have ever been frustrated with buying the wrong shade, remember: you can always tweak it. And who knows? You might just discover your new favorite foundation in the process.
Disclaimer
I am not a professional makeup artist or skincare specialist. I am simply a beauty lover and content creator who enjoys testing and reviewing products. Everything I share is based on my personal experience and research. Always patch test and choose products that work best for your own skin.
Thank you for joining me on this makeup journey. I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences with foundation shades, so feel free to share them in the comments. Let us build a community where we can all learn, experiment, and find beauty solutions together. Stay fabulous, and happy experimenting!
