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

2 weeks ago 5

Published on Feb 27, 2025 at 12:40 PM

Naomi Parris using BoldHuePS Photography | Naomi ParrisPS Photography | Naomi Parris

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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.

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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.

Bold Hue Co-Founder Rachel Wilson, Sir John, and Naomi ParrisPS Photography | Naomi Parris

About the BoldHue Foundation Device

  • It's a first-of-its-kind at-home smart device that scans your skin to generate the right foundation match for you.
  • It comes with a power adapter, beauty blender, mixing spatula, and foundation bases in six pigments: grey, white, red, yellow, blue, and black.
  • This product works with an app to walk you through the process from start to finish.
  • It generates a week's worth of foundation before you reuse the color cartridges to mix a new batch.

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

BoldHue Foundation DevicePS Photography | Naomi Parris

Although it may look complex, the BoldHue Foundation device is simple to use. After following the instructions listed in the manual for inserting each cartridge, you use the QR code in the product box and proceed to download the app. Then, create an account and pair your device via Bluetooth with BoldHue before you're brought to the home page, where you can start a new scan. Using the wand on the front, scan your chin, forehead, and neck as directed and put it back into the device. It will then make your shade and communicate it to the machine to start mixing, so you'll be prompted to load the foundation container in. After a minute or so, the bottom compartment will pop open with your personalized shade, ready for application. You can also navigate the app for maintenance tips or any other post-use needs, like sensor cleaning and cartridge replacement.

PS Photography | Naomi Parris

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.

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Naomi Parris with the BoldHue foundationPS Photography | Naomi Parris

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.

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