Have you struggled to find the perfect foundation that not only matches your skin tone, but provides the perfect level of coverage? Well, your search is over! FACE atelier has launched The Ultra Foundation Collection for Women of Color ($45, faceatelier.com) that features five new shades that are long-lasting, lightweight and breathable like a second skin. We caught-up with FACE atelier creator Debbie Bondar, who formulated this line to meet the very particular complexion need of women of color. Bondar gives BV the flawless face foundation facts.

What types of challenges do women of color face when selecting a foundation and how does your new line conquer these dilemmas?

The greatest challenge is skin tone variation. There are up to thirty-nine recognized variations of color for darker complexions. In contrast, there are only ten found in paler skin tones, and over 90% of them require a yellow-based foundation. Women of color have red, yellow, green and blue undertones that present a daunting color theory challenge. Additionally, richer skin tones often have two and in some cases three undertones. Our new foundation line has simplified the matching process.



The new foundation line is introducing 5 new colors. For the woman who may be in between these shades, can these colors be combined? What suggestions do you have for women of color, who struggle to find the perfect shade that matches exactly to their skin tone?

Women of color represent the largest group of women dissatisfied with their foundation choices, and for decades have mixed shades in an often futile attempt to find a match. With our new line you can easily adjust the five featured shades into the tone of your choice once you identify your skin's undertone(s) so that you can correctly adjust the shades. In a line of sixteen foundation shades, seven now cater to darker skin with all the requisite undertones: red brown (#9 toffee), yellow/red brown ( 0+), green caramel/gold (#10 cocoa), red caramel/gold l (#11 mink), yellow caramel/gold (#12 sable) and blue (0++).

FACE atelier is already know for its unique Ultra Foundation color adjusters -- Zero Minus, a pure white to lighten and Zero Plus, a complex mid-tone brown with warm undertones to darken shades. The Ultra Foundation Women of Color Collection includes two more singular color adjusters: Heat, a unique mango-orange foundation that warms up shades without producing an ashy tone, while also serving as the perfect blush for dark complexions; and Zero Plus Plus, a black/brown with blue undertones that may be the darkest shade ever offered to this demographic. Now the richest brown skin tones have a shade that serves them well, and it's simple to 'lighten' it as needed.


What's the trick to having dewy rather than cakey looking skin when applying foundation during the warm months of summer?

FACE atelier's Ultra Foundation is silicone-based formula and both water and oil resistant, making it an ideal choice for hot, hazy summer days. Thanks to the cutting-edge formula (and the fact that the silicone molecule is bigger than the human pore), Ultra Foundation literally forms a breathable second skin that also masks fine lines and wrinkles while giving you a naturally dewy glow. It stays put even in the most humid climates. No primer is needed (thanks to the silicone) and it sets without powdering.

To achieve dewy skin, it begins and ends with what product you use, and don't use. Choose a product like Ultra Foundation that's renowned for its dewy finish and powder sparingly. Remember that all foundations are not created equal. Many dry to a matte finish, which is made worse by over-powdering. Water-based foundations can evaporate in a hot, humid environment, leaving an uneven residue that settles in fine lines and cracks.

We love your tagline "because looking good is the best revenge." Can you describe what beauty look(s) you feel inspires "revenge" this spring/summer?

Looking and feeling good about oneself isn't seasonal. We hesitate to promote a trend that may not flatter most women as we believe that each woman is her own beauty icon. A woman can only look her best, and at FACE atelier, that's good enough. Thus if you're not fond of neutral lips that are invariably touted as the new 'spring look', then wear whatever color makes you feel good. Because believing that you look good equates to confidence, which is the most important part of any woman's makeup.

What 3 FACE atelier products should be in every women's makeup bag for spring/summer, and why?

BONDAR: Ultra Foundation – water, oil and heat resistant; it lasts all day (and night) long without fading and cracking while giving the skin a naturally dewy finish.

Sculpt #5 Crybaby Water-proof Mascara – whether you're swimming, sweating or having a sob-session with your girlfriends, Crybaby Mascara guarantees perfect lashes that won't smudge, flake or fade.

Lip RX – a unique, moisturizing, sheer lip balm that hydrates and repairs lips while protecting them from the elements.