The Il Makiage foundation quiz helped me find the perfect shade match for my skin tone, but it's not entirely foolproof

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• Il Makiage's quiz is designed to help you find the right base liquid makeup shade for your skin tone.
• Their PowerMatch algorithm includes data from 700 different skin tone combinations. 
• You can pay $5 to try a full bottle of foundation for 14 days, then keep it for $44 or send it back. 

The first step in achieving full glam is choosing the right foundation. Your base layer will dictate the rest of your makeup routine, so it's worthwhile to make sure your foundation shade perfectly matches your skin tone. 

But this is easier said than done, as the wrong foundation can leave you with a dreaded orange or ghostly pale hue. And it's nearly impossible to get a perfect match if you shop online. That is, until Il Makiage.    

I took the algorithm-driven Il Makiage PowerMatch quiz to find out how a machine could possibly predict something as organic as skin tone.     

How the quiz works

Il Makiage wants to use technology to make it easier to buy makeup online,  CEO Oran Holtzman told Insider. "We decided to start with the hardest product to match — foundation — and launched the PowerMatch algorithm. The machine learning aspect of the algorithm is constantly improving and refining with each additional customer who takes the quiz," said Holtzman.

Il Makiage's proprietary algorithm took over a year to develop and leverages data from 700 different skin-tone combinations. The result is a quiz that's both easy for the consumer and an accurate way for the brand to determine your shade. 

The Il Makiage quiz is free and takes about 10 minutes. To begin, PowerMatch asks you questions about your skin tone, texture, moisture retention, and sun exposure. It provides photo examples of models with a wide range of skin tones to compare yourself to. 

Later on, the quiz asks more in-depth questions about your current relationship with foundation, such as how frequently you wear it, which brands you've already tried, and what products you tend to pair it with, such as concealer or applicators. These questions stuck out to me as more personal than the ones I've seen before from other beauty brands with foundation shade finders. 

First impressions

My results recommended Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation in #055. Il Makiage sent me two shades to test out: the one I'd been assigned by PowerMatch, and a lighter shade, #035. I skipped priming my skin to get a real feel for the product. To my surprise, the lighter shade was the closest match. #055 turned out to be too warm for my cool undertones, which became especially obvious around my jawline once it had oxidized. 

My PowerMatch shade may prove itself useful when summer returns and my skin takes on a more golden tan hue, but #035 is far better suited to my winter complexion and blended seamlessly against my décolletage. 

Try Before You Buy 

Il Makiage's return policy allows for user error to ensure you can find the right shade risk free. For $5 you can test a full-sized bottle for 14 days, after which you'll be charged $44 if you decide to keep the product. If you find it's not right for you, you can download a free shipping label and return it to Il Makiage. Then they'll donate the bottle to Project Beauty Share, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing cosmetics for women in need. 

Is it worth it?

It depends on how much time you have. Insider reviewer Lulu Chang had success on her first try, while I found my perfect match on the second try. Trial and error is by no means the most efficient way to get results, but worked nonetheless. If you absolutely prefer shopping online over the makeup counter or drugstore, Il Makiage has one of the most comprehensive web tools for predicting your shade.

Once you have your shade match, the quality of the formula is best for those with dry skin. Their cruelty-free formula contains Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture. But this also means that it's prone to slipping throughout the day, which is why I wouldn't recommend it to those with oily skin. 

What I learned about finding the right shade for me

Thanks to the PowerMatch quiz, I know what to take into account when shopping for makeup to compliment my skin tone. If you don't know your undertones, the quiz can help you determine this yourself by simply assessing how you look in gold versus silver jewelry. 

I learned how to detect my true undertones according to the color of my veins— mine are blue-purple, indicating cool pink undertones. If yours appear more blue-green, you likely have yellow or golden warm undertones, while a combination can indicate neutral undertones.

Cons to consider

My first issue with the quiz was that it requires your email address before issuing your results. I also found despite noting my preference for something lightweight with an even finish to blend with the natural texture of my skin, the Woke Up Like This formula clearly dries matte. This worked really well as a base layer for my bronzer, blush and highlighter, but felt too dense for my daily makeup regimen.   

The bottom line

The Il Makiage foundation matching quiz is beginner friendly. The PowerMatch algorithm is intuitive enough to gather data from a novice perspective like mine, all via the convenience of your web browser. My own takeaway is that an in-store consultation lets you decide for yourself on sight. For a 100% accurate shade match, some things are better left to the naked eye.