Q: I’m an albino and it seems nigh on impossible to find a foundation to suit me. I was using the lightest shade by Lorac but I find it’s simply too sheer and I would very much like more coverage. (I’m 37 and my skin hates me.)
A: Your skin does not hate you! Might I recommend Lancome’s Ageless Mineralé in Ivory 10 or Ivory 20? Super-light and offer full coverage! Both appear lighter than Bare Escentuals’ Fair, but Lancome does cost a bit more. This foundation even comes in a starter kit. The shade selection begins at Ivory 20 – still very fair though! I think it will help you and your face come to a consensus.
Edited to add readers’ pale foundation brand suggestions:
- Shiseido
- Manic Panic
Q: Along the same vein, I dye my hair a bright cotton candy pink (no bleaching, woo!) but even with my natural white shade, I look like I have no eyebrows. I tried drawing them on at one point but being legally blind as a result of the albinism, well… let’s just say it didn’t go according to my cunning plan.
A: You’ve got a couple of options here, the first being eyebrow stencils! The cool thing about these is the have adhesive on the back, so you can get ’em exactly where you want ’em, stick, and then get to work!
Another option is cosmetic tattooing. If you decide to go with this one, do a ton of research and be very careful, since you like to dye your hair an unnatural color. You’ll want something light and neutral enough for future colors, too.
I’m really liking these Blush Responses. I’m glad you’re so clever about these things because I’m not, so I must suck up all your knowledge…
/slurp!
Thank you for sharing.
I’ve tried various mineral foundations and they all make me look like an old lady.. What super pale foundation would you recommend for people who don’t have success with the mineral foundations?
YUH! You made the switcheroo to the Lancome! I am deeply in heart with it still.
Shiseido makes some super light foundations. That company really celebrates fair skin with their whitening line of lotions and cleansers.
shiseido doesn’t really celebrate fair skin as much as subscribe to an unfortunate japanese myth that being more western looking ie: ‘whiter’ is more attractive. but their products are quite effective.
manic panic makes some really light ‘goth’ shades of foundation. i’ve only used them for photo shoots so i’m not sure of their long-term wearability but they worked quite well!
“an unfortunate japanese myth that being more western looking ie: ‘whiter’ is more attractive”
Just want to point out that it has nothing to do with looking more “western” — pale skin has always been more attractive because it’s considered feminine and delicate, etc.
Anyway, thanks for the continued great columns, Zoe!
I agree that for permanent makeup you really have to do your homework to find the right expert, in my office 2 of my co-worker had it done … one went to Dominique Bossavy a french woman in Beverly hills who is really famous for her permanent makeup… you can’t even tell that this are tattooed eyebrows …and the other went to someone at her nail salon … and her eyebrows enter the room before her !!! :(( so really do your search before going for it … search your area and go to the best … take your time to find the right person …it is permanent …
I was thinking of having my eyebrows tattooed for years …but never could find someone with a great job :(( and have been the slave of my eyebrow pencil for years … frustrating … ! I leave in Washington DC , but wouldn’t mind traveling to Beverly hills for the right person … thank you for the recommendation Alicia … I will check Dominique Bossavy out …
For the albino lady:
MAC does a very nice face and body foundation in white.. it’s very sheer and has light coverage [won’t look like clown makeup] but it’s the whitest thing that comes to my mind right now.
another not so white option is the chanel vitalumiere foundation. i always use the lightest shade available in foundations and with this even the second one suits me. it was a shock, really =D
also, if she has any redness problems might try using make up forever foundation primer in green. sounds stupid, but the green undertone of this primer helps tone the rednesses down ^^
People could also try using colour adjusters, like Face Atelier’s Zero Minus: http://www.faceatelier.com/face/us/web.nsf/fmPublic!OpenForm&t=catalog&cat=uf.
I think other theatric makeup companies have them, too :) .
Kryolan’s D0, D61 and D70 look like they would fit the bill: http://kryolan.com/en/index.php?cid=104&mnu=32&id=140&pageid=1
Love Coilhouse and your blog, by the way =] .