Loreal’s True Match Foundation has been a cult favorite drugstore foundation for years. Known for its extensive shade range and skin-like finish, True Match earned a reputation as an affordable foundation that works for many different skin tones and types. However, in recent years, fans of True Match have noticed some changes to the formula and shade range that have them wondering – what happened to the original True Match Foundation we all loved?
The Origins of Loreal True Match Foundation
True Match Foundation first launched in the early 2000s and was revolutionary at the time for its focus on undertones. Most drugstore foundations at the time had a limited range of shades, usually only in warm, neutral and cool undertones.
True Match expanded that to include warm, neutral, cool AND golden undertones across around 30 shades. This was an innovative approach at an accessible price point that resonated with consumers. The signature square glass bottle with a pump dispenser also stood out on drugstore shelves.
Here are some key facts about the origins of Loreal True Match Foundation:
| Launch Year | Early 2000s |
|---|---|
| Original Shade Range | Around 30 shades across warm, neutral, cool and golden undertones |
| Key Features | Focus on undertones, airbrush finish, affordable price point |
| Original Packaging | Signature square glass bottle with pump |
The original True Match formula was lightweight, blendable, and provided light to medium coverage with a semi-matte finish that blurred imperfections. It became known as an easy-to-match foundation that looked smooth and natural on the skin.
The Changes to the Formula
Over the years, Loreal has reformulated True Match Foundation a few times. Many fans of the original formula noticed the changes and raised concerns that the new versions were not the same.
Here’s a summary of some of the key formula changes over the years:
| Early 2010s | Formula made lighter, more watery and sheer |
|---|---|
| Mid 2010s | New formula focused on hydration, glowy finish |
| Late 2010s | Formula improved but not back to original |
The first reformulation made the foundation thinner and more watery, sacrificing coverage. It sheered out easily but didn’t last as long on the skin.
The next iteration amped up hydration and gave True Match a dewier, glowier look. But it was still quite sheer and not as smoothing as the original.
Recent formulas have improved, with medium buildable coverage and a more natural satin finish. But most original True Match fans agree it still doesn’t compare to the first formula.
Changes to the Shade Range
In addition to formula changes, Loreal has expanded and shifted the True Match shade range over the years. Here are some of the key changes:
| Early 2010s | Shade range expanded to around 40 shades |
|---|---|
| Mid 2010s | New shades added, some original shades discontinued |
| Late 2010s | Total 50+ shades but further shades discontinued |
The shade range now includes over 50 shades, incorporating more fair, deep and neutral options lacking in the original launch. However, some original shades have been cut along the way.
Longtime fans have complained that their tried-and-true shade match has been discontinued, forcing them to hunt for a new option or switch brands entirely.
The range now leans neutral and warm, with fewer options for those with cool or golden undertones. The shade names and categorization by undertone also changed and became more confusing.
Customer Reactions and Feedback
On beauty forums, Reddit, YouTube and Amazon reviews, dissatisfied customers have documented the changes to True Match over the years. Here are some of the most common complaints and feedback:
| Complaints | – Formula is too watery, sheer and dewy now – Misses the original medium coverage and semi-matte finish – OG shades discontinued, hard to find match – New shades pull too pink, orange or dark |
|---|---|
| Praise | – Expanded shade range with more options – Current formula hydrating for dry skin – Still accessible price point |
While some love the current hydrating formula and expanded range, most negative feedback centers around the formula changes compared to the original. Customers report the foundation doesn’t wear as long, settle into lines or provide enough coverage.
The altered shade range also makes it difficult for longtime users to find their color match. Many shades pulled too warm or dark compared to the OG options.
The Hunt for a Dupe
With so many unhappy with the changes, True Match fans have been on the hunt for a foundation dupe that delivers a similar look and feel to the original. Here are some potential dupes that users suggest provide a comparable medium coverage and smooth, semi-matte finish:
| Potential Dupes | – L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation – Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation – Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint |
|---|
While no drugstore foundation is an exact match, these provide medium buildable coverage with a matte or natural matte finish that users report reminds them of the old True Match.
However, the shade range is not as expansive. Users still struggle to find the exact match they had with the original True Match range.
Has Loreal Discontinued True Match?
Despite changes over the years, Loreal does not appear to be discontinuing True Match Foundation fully. It continues to be sold at drugstores and on the Loreal website.
However, there are rumors that True Match may eventually be phased out or replaced with a new franchise. Loreal currently has its signature L’Oreal Paris branding along with True Match and Infallible foundations. Consolidating into one core line could streamline its portfolio.
But for now, True Match still has a home both in stores and Loreal’s range. Fans of the OG formula just wish it could return to its original glory days.
The Future of Loreal True Match
What does the future hold for Loreal’s iconic drugstore foundation? Here are some possibilities:
| Scenario 1 | Loreal listens to customer feedback and re-launches True Match with the original formula and expanded shade range. |
|---|---|
| Scenario 2 | True Match slowly phased out and replaced with a new Loreal foundation line. |
| Scenario 3 | Formula stays the same but shade range continues expanding. |
Many makeup lovers would love to see Scenario 1 and have the original True Match reborn. But Loreal may prefer to move forward with something new.
Expanded shade ranges point toward Scenario 3 being likely, even if the formula remains unchanged. But time will tell if True Match’s devotees get their OG foundation back.
The Quest for the Perfect Foundation
The saga of Loreal True Match Foundation highlights the ongoing quest to create the perfect foundation. For drugstore buyers, True Match initially checked many boxes:
– Affordable price point
– Smooth, skin-like finish
– Easy shade matching
– Medium buildable coverage
– Matte yet natural look
– Extensive undertone range
Altering a cult favorite formula is always risky with beauty consumers who become attached to specific products. While no foundation is universally perfect for all, True Match came close for many.
The changes demonstrate the difficulty of innovating and expanding a popular product line while keeping fans of the original happy. Striking that balance continues to be a challenge for makeup brands at any price point.
Perhaps with enough customer feedback, Loreal may consider bringing back the original True Match. But brand evolution continues, for better or worse.
Beauty lovers will keep searching for that magical, just-right foundation – whether it be a reborn True Match or a new formula that captures lighting in a bottle. The quest continues.
Conclusion
Loreal True Match Foundation has undergone significant changes to its formula and shade range since its original launch in the early 2000s. While the current foundation has its fans, many makeup lovers mourn the discontinuation of the original medium coverage, demi-matte formula and struggle to find their old shade match.
Dismayed True Match devotees have tried dupes like Maybelline Fit Me and Covergirl Clean Matte with mixed results. Some hold out hopes the OG formula will make a comeback. But only time will tell if Loreal will re-launch True Match to appease its passionate fanbase, or continue evolving the line.
For now, the quest continues for the perfect drugstore foundation. While newer ranges offer more shades and finishes, the grassroots demand remains strong for Loreal to bring back the magic in a bottle that was their original True Match Foundation.
