Revlon ColorStay Foundation Shade Guide: Finding Your Perfect Match in NZ

Revlon ColorStay Foundation is one of the best-selling drugstore foundations in the world — and it's New Zealand's favourite at Kiss & Makeup. We sell hundreds of bottles every month, so we know this product inside out. If you've been wondering which formula or shade to choose, this guide is for you.

Two formulas, two skin types

Revlon makes two main ColorStay Longwear Foundation formulas:

ColorStay Longwear for Normal to Dry Skin — This is our top seller. It gives 24-hour coverage with a natural, slightly dewy finish. Great if your skin feels tight, you struggle with flakiness, or you just want a foundation that keeps your skin looking hydrated all day.

ColorStay Longwear for Combination/Oily Skin — If your T-zone gets shiny by lunchtime, this is your match. It controls oil for up to 24 hours with a matte finish that won't budge.

How to find your shade

ColorStay comes in shades numbered 100-500, ranging from fair to deep. Here's a rough guide:

• 100s: Very fair to fair — ivory, alabaster, golden beige
• 200s: Light to light-medium — natural beige, buff, nude beige
• 300s: Medium — natural tan, warm golden, mahogany
• 400s: Medium-deep to deep — cappuccino, caramel
• 500s: Deep

Our top tip: always swatch on your jawline, not your wrist. Check it in natural light after 5-10 minutes. The right shade should disappear into your skin.

Not sure between two shades? If you're between, go lighter — it's easier to add a touch of bronzer than to fix a foundation that's too dark.

The full ColorStay range at Kiss & Makeup

Beyond foundation, we carry the complete ColorStay lineup: pressed powder (perfect for setting your base and topping up through the day), concealer, eyeliner, brow pencil, liquid liner, and lipstick. You can build an entire makeup look with just one brand.

Top Tips for Getting the Most Out of ColorStay

• Prep your skin first — ColorStay lasts longer on moisturised, primed skin. Apply your moisturiser, wait 2 minutes, then go in with foundation. If you skip moisturiser, the formula can cling to dry patches.
• Use the right tools — A damp beauty sponge gives the most natural finish. A brush gives more coverage. Fingers work in a pinch but can leave streaks. Our pick: a damp sponge, bouncing it on rather than wiping.
• Set it and forget it — A light dusting of the Revlon ColorStay Pressed Powder over your T-zone locks everything in for the full day. You shouldn't need to reapply.
• Build, don't pile — One thin layer gives medium coverage. Two layers give full coverage. But three is too many — it'll look cakey. Start light and build only where you need it (usually around the nose, chin, and any blemishes).
• Match in natural light — Store lighting lies. Always check your shade near a window or outside. The right shade should disappear into your jawline completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Normal/Dry and Combination/Oily?
The Normal/Dry formula has more moisturising ingredients and gives a natural, slightly luminous finish. The Combo/Oily formula has oil-absorbing powders for a matte finish that controls shine. If you're not sure, Normal/Dry is safer — it works well on most skin types.

How long does ColorStay really last?
In our experience and from customer feedback, you'll get a solid 12-16 hours of wear without touch-ups. The "24 hour" claim is ambitious but it does last longer than most drugstore foundations.

Can I mix two shades?
Absolutely. Lots of our customers buy two shades and mix them — one for winter, one for summer, and a blend for autumn and spring. It's actually a smart way to get a perfect match year-round.

Is ColorStay good for mature skin?
The Normal/Dry formula works well on mature skin. Apply with a damp sponge in thin layers and it won't settle into fine lines. Avoid the Combo/Oily version if you have dry or mature skin — the matte finish can emphasise texture.

Why is Kiss & Makeup cheaper than the pharmacy?
We buy smart and keep our overheads low. Same genuine Revlon product, just without the pharmacy markup. Plus free shipping on orders over $100.

Shop the full Revlon ColorStay range at kissandmakeup.co.nz — we're NZ's specialist Revlon retailer with the widest shade range online. Not sure which shade is yours? Email us at hello@kissandmakeup.co.nz and we'll help you find your match.