This At-Home Device Matches You with Your Ideal Foundation Shade in Minutes

Finding the perfect foundation shade can be a challenge. Over the past few years, brands have made improvements in their foundation ranges to accommodate a broader spectrum of skin tones, yet many still have significant work to do. Although brands such as Fenty Beauty and NARS are leading the way, many Black women, including myself, often face difficulties when seeking the ideal match for our richly hued skin.

For several years, I have resorted to mixing foundations to achieve a flawless match for my complexion. I had resigned myself to this tedious process—that is until I discovered the BoldHue Foundation Starter Kit ($295). Naturally, I was skeptical about trying it out—wondering how a machine could managed to create the perfect match so quickly and how it would hold up for normal to oily skin. But, to my surprise, the results were genuinely outstanding.

I had the opportunity to try out the cutting-edge device ahead of its official launch while meeting the company’s co-founder, Rachel Wilson, along with celebrity makeup artist Sir John, the artistic director for the brand. During my visit, I gathered insights about the innovative “Keurig for makeup,” which utilizes color theory to formulate custom foundations on-demand in just one minute—no exaggeration. Wilson, alongside co-founder Karin Layton, a former aerospace engineer and artist, developed this revolutionary tool five years ago to tackle the longstanding issue of limited shade availability, and trust me, they succeeded and beyond.

After witnessing its functionality and experiencing the application firsthand by Sir John, whose impressive resume includes working with Beyoncé, I was immediately captivated. Continue reading for my detailed review of BoldHue’s groundbreaking beauty technology and learn why I won’t be purchasing foundations anytime soon.

I’ve owned this device for nearly a month, and it’s genuinely the first beauty gadget I’ve enjoyed using. While it appears a bit complex, and yes, it requires a small investment of time (just a few minutes), it enhances the makeup application experience significantly. Here’s what I admire about it:

The app: The BoldHue app simplifies the use of the device with just ten easy steps, making the process very straightforward. It features different users illustrating each step in an engaging visual manner, creating a fun experience.

Its stylish design: Some gadgets can be quite eye-catching in an unappealing way. Thankfully, BoldHue offers a sleek cylindrical design that looks great on your vanity or can be easily tucked away when not in use. It’s a beautiful blend of technology and aesthetics.

Includes everything necessary: The BoldHue kit comes equipped with everything you need, from foundational pigment colors to a mixing spatula and a clear instruction manual. The inclusion of a beauty blender (a must-have tool) is a nice added bonus.

The shade results: A product that truly delivers on its promises is always a winner in my book, and this device certainly excels in that area. It analyzes three areas of your face (chin, forehead, and neck) to accurately determine your shade, and after application, I was amazed at how well it blended. The custom foundation felt lightweight throughout the day and didn’t become oily.

The formula: Formulated with beneficial ingredients like rosemary and sunflower extract, the foundation improves skin texture and minimizes inflammation, leaving your complexion with a lovely dewy finish.

Despite its seemingly complex nature, the BoldHue Foundation device is user-friendly. Start by following the manual for inserting each cartridge, then scan the QR code found in the product box to download the app. Create an account and connect your device via Bluetooth to the BoldHue app. Once on the homepage, initiate a new scan. Using the wand, scan your chin, forehead, and neck as instructed and return it to the device. It will then determine your shade and begin mixing, prompting you to load the foundation container. After approximately a minute, the lower compartment will open, and you’ll have your personalized shade ready to apply. The app also provides maintenance tips and other post-use functions, such as cleaning the sensor and replacing cartridges.

One major aspect to consider before purchasing is that regular maintenance is essential. For optimal functionality, additional foundation-based colors must be purchased because the included colors will deplete after about a month with regular use. The brand does sell replacement cartridges individually on their website, like the Red Cartridge ($20), so you won’t have to repurchase an entire kit for replacements. This foundation tool is a worthwhile investment if you’re fed up with blending shades and need a solution that caters perfectly to your unique skin tone.

Red Cartridge

From

$20

$20 at boldhue.com