This At-Home Device Creates My Perfect Foundation Match in Minutes

It can be hard to find your exact shade of foundation. In recent years, brands have expanded their complexion ranges to cater to a wider variety of skin tones, but let's face it: many still have a long way to go. While companies like Fenty Beauty and NARS have made significant strides in this feat, many Black women like myself still struggle to find the perfect match for our beautifully pigmented skin.

For the past few years, I've been mixing foundations to get a shade that blends seamlessly into my skin. I had accepted the fact that I would have to do this forever — until I came across the BoldHue Foundation Starter Kit ($295). Of course, I was skeptical about trying it — asking myself questions like how a machine could create the perfect match for me within minutes and what the staying power is like for normal to oily skin. — but I won't lie, the results really were perfect.

I was privileged enough to test the high-tech device ahead of its launch in person while meeting the brand's co-founder, Rachel Wilson, and celebrity makeup artist Sir John, who also serves as the artistic director. During my time with them, I learned everything there is to know about the new "Keurig for makeup," including its mastery of color theory that formulates personalized foundation on demand in just one minute — no joke. Wilson, along with her co-founder Karin Layton, an ex-aerospace engineer and artist, birthed this groundbreaking tool five years ago to address the age-old exclusivity issue for foundations once and for all. And trust me, the pair did just that and more.

After seeing it in action and having it applied to my skin by Sir John, Beyoncé's long-time makeup artist (legendary, I know), I was obsessed. Keep scrolling to read my full review of BoldHue's innovation in beauty tech and find out why I won't be buying foundations for a long time.

About the BoldHue Foundation Device

What I Like About the BoldHue Foundation Device

I've had this machine for almost a month, and it's the first beauty gadget I've genuinely enjoyed using. It may look a bit complicated, and sure, it requires a little work (only a few minutes), but it makes putting on your makeup so much more fun. Here's a few things I love about it:

The app: The BoldHue app walks you through less than ten steps on how to use the lightweight device, which makes the process so easy. It features different users illustrating each step in a captivating, visual way, making it feel fun and engaging.

Its chic design: Some gadgets can be a bit obnoxious-looking and bulky. Fortunately, you get the best of both worlds with BoldHue — the cylindric silhouette can sit on your vanity or easily be stored away when not in use. It's beauty meets tech, literally.

It comes with everything you need: BoldHue comes with a box of everything you need, from the foundation base colors and containers to a custom mixing spatula and clear manual. The brand gets extra points for including a beauty blender (you can never have too many).

The shade results: A product that lives up to what it claims to do will forever be a winner in my book, and this tool does just that. It uses three different parts of your face (chin, forehead, and neck) to determine your shade, and when I applied it to my skin, the blend was immaculate. The custom foundation maintained a lightweight feel throughout the day and didn't get oily over time.

The formula: The foundation formula is made with ingredients like rosemary and sunflower extract, which enhances your skin's texture and reduces inflammation — making it a product that gives your skin a dewy finish.

How to Use the BoldHue Foundation Device

What to Consider Before Trying the BoldHue Foundation Device

One thing to consider before buying this product is that monthly maintenance is required. To get the best use out of it, you have to buy more foundation-based colors since the ones it originally comes with will eventually run out after one month of regular/weekly use. The brand does offer cartridge refills sold individually on the site, like its Red Cartridge ($20), so you don't have to worry about buying a new kit every time you need a replacement. This foundation device is a good investment if you're tired of mixing shades and want an option that caters to your skin tone most accurately.

Where Is the BoldHue Foundation Device Available?

You can purchase the BoldHue Foundation Device directly on the brand's website.

Rating: ★★★★★

Naomi Parris is a New York-based fashion and beauty writer with over seven years of experience. She served as an editorial operations associate at PS, specializing in all things fashion. Her work has also been seen in Elle, Essence Girls United, Bustle, and Elite Daily. Obsessed with telling stories that merge fashion and culture, her areas of expertise include Fashion Week coverage, high-profile interviews, shopping roundups, op-eds, and beauty stories.