Last updated: March 2026
What Is Shade Range?
Shade range refers to the number and variety of shades a foundation, concealer, or complexion product is available in.
A good shade range includes options across the full spectrum of skin tones, from very fair to very deep, with accurate undertone representation (warm, cool, neutral). The beauty industry historically underserved deeper skin tones, but Fenty Beauty's 2017 launch with 40 shades set a new standard that pushed many brands to expand. Today, a range of 30+ shades is considered the baseline for inclusivity, though the quality of the range (even distribution, not just clustering around medium tones) matters as much as the number. Shade range is now a major factor in purchase decisions and brand reputation.
Tips
- Always check if a brand offers shades for your undertone, not just your depth.
- Brands with 40+ shades tend to have better undertone accuracy across the spectrum.
- If a shade is between two options, go with the one closest to your undertone.