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Foundation Stick 201 dupes and alternatives Essence

Medium tan · Neutral undertone

Closest shade match is the equivalent shade, scored on colour, depth and undertone only. Closest overall alternative is the most similar foundation overall, scored on shade match (55%), finish and visual result (25%), wear and performance (15%) and skin suitability (5%).

Closest shade match: Dior Backstage Glow-Up Skin Tint Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 5.5N

The equivalent shade: scored on colour, depth and undertone only.

Your shade
Essence
201Change shade
Depth and undertone: Medium tan · Neutral
Finish and coverage: Matte · Medium coverage
The match
Dior
5.5N
Depth and undertone: Medium tan · Neutral
Finish and coverage: Radiant · Medium coverage
Shade match
98out of 100
Colour
96
Depth
100
Undertone
100
Medium confidence· Digital matchWhy it matches
Best price
$55SephoraSephora
Costs $48.01 more

Your shade $6.99 at Ulta Beauty

Closest overall alternative: LORAC PRO Soft Focus Longwear Foundation 18

The most similar foundation overall: shade match 55%, finish and visual result 25%, wear and performance 15%, skin suitability 5%.

Your shade
Essence
201Change shade
Depth and undertone: Medium tan · Neutral
Finish and coverage: Matte · Medium coverage
The match
LORAC
18
Depth and undertone: Medium tan · Neutral
Finish and coverage: Matte · Full coverage
Overall match
83out of 100
Shade (Shade match)
95
Finish (Finish & visual result)
81
Wear (Wear & performance)
40
Skin (Skin suitability)
100
Best price
$38Ulta BeautyUlta Beauty
Costs $31.01 more

Your shade $6.99 at Ulta Beauty

Ulta BeautyView at Ulta Beauty

More matches

Show
Overall alternativesShade matchesRanked by the overall match: the most similar foundation on shade, finish, wear and skin suitability together. Each row leads with its overall match; the shade match is beneath it.

Ranked by the overall match: the most similar foundation on shade, finish, wear and skin suitability together. Each row leads with its overall match; the shade match is beneath it.

  1. #3 · PÜR

    4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup SPF 15

    Medium Tan TP4
    Shade match 96
    $34Ulta BeautyUlta Beauty(product price)Costs $27.01 more

    Matches: Near-identical swatch colourSame neutral undertoneSame medium coverage

    Differences: Natural rather than matte finish

    Score details
    Shade match
    96
    Finish & visual result
    76
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    100

    Looks identical · Natural · Medium coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 5% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Natural rather than matte finish

    Retailer shade note: tan skin w/neutral or pink undertones

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  2. Shade match 95
    $45Ulta BeautyUlta BeautyCosts $38.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame neutral undertoneSame matte finish

    Differences: Full rather than medium coverageContains drying alcohol

    Score details
    Shade match
    95
    Finish & visual result
    79
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    100

    Very close colour · Matte · Full coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 5% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Full rather than medium coverage · Contains drying alcohol

    Retailer shade note: for medium deep neutral skin with a peach hue

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  3. Shade match 86
    $5.60$8Ulta BeautyUlta Beauty$1.39 less (20%)

    Matches: Very close colourSame matte finish

    Differences: Slightly warmer undertoneFull rather than medium coverage

    Score details
    Shade match
    86
    Finish & visual result
    91
    Wear & performance
    50
    Skin suitability
    100

    Very close colour · Matte · Full coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 8% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Slightly warmer undertone · Full rather than medium coverage

    Retailer shade note: medium or tan skin tones with a yellow undertone

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  4. Shade match 92
    $12.99Ulta BeautyUlta BeautyCosts $6 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame neutral undertoneSame matte finish

    Differences: Full rather than medium coverageNot marketed for sensitive skin

    Score details
    Shade match
    92
    Finish & visual result
    81
    Wear & performance
    50
    Skin suitability
    80

    Very close colour · Matte · Full coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 3% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Full rather than medium coverage · Not marketed for sensitive skin

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  5. Shade match 87
    $53Ulta BeautyUlta BeautyCosts $46.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame matte finishSame medium coverage

    Differences: Contains listed fragrance

    Score details
    Shade match
    87
    Finish & visual result
    89
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    100

    Very close colour · Matte · Medium coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 0% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Contains listed fragrance

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  6. Shade match 89
    $14.95Ulta BeautyUlta BeautyCosts $7.96 more

    Matches: Near-identical swatch colourSame matte finishAdds SPF 15

    Differences: Full rather than medium coverageNot marketed for combination/oily/sensitive skin

    Score details
    Shade match
    89
    Finish & visual result
    91
    Wear & performance
    50
    Skin suitability
    40

    Looks identical · Matte · Full coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 6% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Full rather than medium coverage · Not marketed for combination/oily/sensitive skin

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  7. Shade match 89
    $14.50Ulta BeautyUlta BeautyCosts $7.51 more

    Matches: Near-identical swatch colourSame matte finishClaims a blurring effect

    Differences: Full rather than medium coverage

    Score details
    Shade match
    89
    Finish & visual result
    81
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    100

    Looks identical · Matte · Full coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 8% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Full rather than medium coverage

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  8. #10 · Well People

    Skinforia Serum Foundation

    32 Tan Neutral
    Shade match 96
    $21$30Ulta BeautyUlta BeautyCosts $14.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame neutral undertoneClaims a skin-like finish

    Differences: Natural rather than matte finishBuildable rather than medium coverageNot marketed for sensitive skin

    Score details
    Shade match
    96
    Finish & visual result
    68
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    80

    Very close colour · Natural · Buildable coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 6% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Natural rather than matte finish · Buildable rather than medium coverage · Not marketed for sensitive skin

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  9. #11 · KimChi Chic Beauty

    A Really Good Foundation

    121MD
    Shade match 89
    $29Ulta BeautyUlta Beauty(product price)Costs $22.01 more

    Matches: Near-identical swatch colourClaims long-wearingClaims not settling into lines

    Differences: Slightly warmer undertoneNatural matte rather than matte finishFull rather than medium coverage

    Score details
    Shade match
    89
    Finish & visual result
    79
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    80

    Looks identical · Natural matte · Full coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 5% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Slightly warmer undertone · Natural matte rather than matte finish · Full rather than medium coverage · Not marketed for sensitive skin

    Retailer shade note: Medium/Tan with Warm Undertones

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  10. Shade match 95
    $46SephoraSephoraCosts $39.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame neutral undertoneSame medium coverage

    Differences: Natural rather than matte finishNot marketed for combination/sensitive skin

    Score details
    Shade match
    95
    Finish & visual result
    70
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    60

    Very close colour · Natural · Medium coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 2% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Natural rather than matte finish · Not marketed for combination/sensitive skin

    Retailer shade note: medium-deep skin with neutral/deep peachy undertones

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  11. #13 · L'Oréal Paris

    True Match Super-Blendable Foundation

    W7 Warm Medium Deep
    Shade match 87
    $13.99Ulta BeautyUlta BeautyCosts $7 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame medium coverageClaims a skin-like finish

    Differences: Slightly warmer undertoneNatural rather than matte finish

    Score details
    Shade match
    87
    Finish & visual result
    68
    Wear & performance
    50
    Skin suitability
    100

    Very close colour · Natural · Medium coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 6% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Slightly warmer undertone · Natural rather than matte finish

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  12. #14 · e.l.f. Cosmetics

    Soft Glam Satin Foundation

    44 Tan Cool
    Shade match 87
    $8Ulta BeautyUlta Beauty(product price)Costs $1.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame medium coverageClaims long-wearing

    Differences: Slightly cooler undertoneNatural rather than matte finishNot marketed for sensitive skin

    Score details
    Shade match
    87
    Finish & visual result
    76
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    80

    Very close colour · Natural · Medium coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 5% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Slightly cooler undertone · Natural rather than matte finish · Not marketed for sensitive skin

    Retailer shade note: tan with cool undertones

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  13. Shade match 87
    $54SephoraSephoraCosts $47.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame medium coverageClaims a blurring effect

    Differences: Slightly warmer undertoneNatural rather than matte finish

    Score details
    Shade match
    87
    Finish & visual result
    70
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    100

    Very close colour · Natural · Medium coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 5% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Slightly warmer undertone · Natural rather than matte finish

    Retailer shade note: medium with warm undertones

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  14. #16 · Make Up For Ever

    HD Skin Hydra Glow Hydrating Foundation

    3N40 - Praline
    Shade match 97
    $49SephoraSephoraCosts $42.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame neutral undertoneSame medium coverage

    Differences: Radiant rather than matte finishNot marketed for oily/sensitive skinContains listed fragrance

    Score details
    Shade match
    97
    Finish & visual result
    50
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    60

    Very close colour · Radiant · Medium coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 1% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Radiant rather than matte finish · Not marketed for oily/sensitive skin · Contains listed fragrance

    Retailer shade note: for medium to tan skin with neutral undertones

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match

Showing 12 of 14 matches

Looking for a concealer in your shade?

The closest shade to Essence Foundation Stick 201 (Medium tan · Neutral undertone) in each concealer range, compared on measured colour, depth and undertone. Price never changes the order.

Closest concealers

  1. Dior Forever Skin Correct Full-Coverage Concealer

    4.5 Neutral

    Dior Forever Skin Correct Full-Coverage Concealer, shade 4.5 Neutral

    • Very close colour
    • Medium tan · Neutral undertone

    $42

  2. Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Matte Buildable Coverage Waterproof Concealer

    Caramel Corn 5.1 Neutral

    Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Matte Buildable Coverage Waterproof Concealer, shade Caramel Corn 5.1 Neutral

    • Very close colour
    • Medium tan · Neutral undertone

    $31

  3. Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer

    Tone 7.8 N

    Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer, shade Tone 7.8 N

    • Very close colour
    • Medium · Neutral undertone

    $32

  4. Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Face and Under-Eye Concealer

    8

    Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Hydrating Face and Under-Eye Concealer, shade 8

    • Very close colour
    • Medium · Neutral undertone

    $42

  5. bareMinerals ORIGINAL Liquid Mineral Brightening Concealer

    Tan 4N

    bareMinerals ORIGINAL Liquid Mineral Brightening Concealer, shade Tan 4N

    • Very close colour
    • Medium · Neutral undertone

    $31

  6. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Long-Wear Blur Concealer

    11 Tan

    Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Long-Wear Blur Concealer, shade 11 Tan

    • Very close colour
    • Medium tan · Neutral undertone

    $36

Concealer shade colours are sampled from retailer swatch images, so check the shade on the retailer page before buying.

Why the closest shade match works

Dior Backstage Glow-Up Skin Tint Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in 5.5N, against Essence Foundation Stick in 201. Every attribute compared, with its share of the score.

ComparedYour shade201Closest shade match5.5NScore
Shade match55% of overall98
Colour96#c58a60#c8885bLooks identicalColour difference 1.2 (0 is identical)
Depth100Medium tanMedium tanSameDepth difference: 0.3
Retailer descriptionMedium tanMediumSome differenceRetailer descriptions one depth band apart
Undertone100NeutralNeutralSamefrom retailer shade descriptions
Finish & visual result25% of overall · 2 of 4 compared53
Finish12MatteRadiantDifferentRadiant finish rather than matte
Coverage100MediumMediumSameSame medium coverage
Skin-like finishnot comparableNot listedNot listedNot claimed by eitherNeither product lists a skin-like finish
Blurringnot comparableNot listedNot listedNot claimed by eitherNeither product lists a blurring or smoothing effect
Wear & performance15% of overall · 1 of 5 compared40
Longevitynot comparableNot listedNot listedNot claimed by eitherNeither product lists long wear
Transfer resistancenot comparableNot listedNot listedNot claimed by eitherNeither product lists transfer resistance
Settlingnot comparableNot listedNot listedNot claimed by eitherNeither product lists not settling into pores or fine lines
Colour stabilitynot comparableNot listedNot listedNot claimed by eitherNeither product lists colour stability (no oxidation)
Comfort40Not listedClaimedSome differenceThe match claims a comfortable, lightweight feel; your product does not list it
Skin suitability5% of overall60
Skin type60Combination, dry, normal, oily, sensitiveNormal, dry, oilyBoth marketed for dry/​normal/​oily skin
Overall match 76/100Shade match 98/100Medium confidence· Digital match

Weights are each part's share of the overall match and each attribute's share of its part; an attribute neither product lists is not comparable and its weight goes to the others in its part. Confidence reflects data quality, not similarity. Price and ingredients are not part of either score.

How scoring works

If you switch

To Dior Backstage Glow-Up Skin Tint Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in 5.5N.

Same or better

  • Near-identical swatch colour
  • Same neutral undertone
  • Same medium coverage
  • Claims a lightweight feel
  • Adds SPF 20

Different

  • Radiant finish instead of matte
  • Not marketed for combination/sensitive skin
  • Fragrance is listed in the formula
  • Contains alcohol

Ingredients (information only, not scored)

2 shared ingredients; weighted similarity 1%. Ingredients only affect results through the filters.

AttributeYour shadeClosest shade match
Basemoderate siliconeWater-based, low silicone
FragranceNot listedListed (fragrance)
Drying alcoholNot listedListed (alcohol)
SPFNot listedSPF 20
OverlapUnknown-based vs water-based; silicone moderate vs low

Why the closest overall alternative works

LORAC PRO Soft Focus Longwear Foundation in 18, against Essence Foundation Stick in 201. Every attribute compared, with its share of the score.

ComparedYour shade201Closest overall alternative18Score
Shade match55% of overall95
Colour92#c58a60#c28556Very close colourColour difference 2.0 (0 is identical)
Depth96Medium tanMedium tanSameDepth difference: 2.4
Retailer descriptionMedium tanMedium tanBoth described as medium tanThe retailers describe the same depth
Undertone100NeutralNeutralSamefrom retailer shade descriptions
Finish & visual result25% of overall · 3 of 4 compared81
Finish100MatteMatteSameSame matte finish
Coverage80MediumFullCloseFull coverage rather than medium (buildable: one step of tolerance)
Skin-like finishnot comparableNot listedNot listedNot claimed by eitherNeither product lists a skin-like finish
Blurring40Not listedClaimedSome differenceThe match claims a blurring or smoothing effect; your product does not list it
Wear & performance15% of overall · 2 of 5 compared40
Longevity40Not listedLong-wearingSome differenceThe match claims long wear; your product does not list it
Transfer resistancenot comparableNot listedNot listedNot claimed by eitherNeither product lists transfer resistance
Settlingnot comparableNot listedNot listedNot claimed by eitherNeither product lists not settling into pores or fine lines
Colour stabilitynot comparableNot listedNot listedNot claimed by eitherNeither product lists colour stability (no oxidation)
Comfort40Not listedClaimedSome differenceThe match claims a comfortable, lightweight feel; your product does not list it
Skin suitability5% of overall100
Skin type100Combination, dry, normal, oily, sensitiveCombination, dry, normal, oily, sensitiveBoth marketed for combination/​dry/​normal/​oily/​sensitive skin
Overall match 83/100Shade match 95/100Medium confidence· Digital match

Weights are each part's share of the overall match and each attribute's share of its part; an attribute neither product lists is not comparable and its weight goes to the others in its part. Confidence reflects data quality, not similarity. Price and ingredients are not part of either score.

How scoring works

If you switch

To LORAC PRO Soft Focus Longwear Foundation in 18.

Same or better

  • Very close colour
  • Same neutral undertone
  • Same matte finish
  • Full rather than medium coverage
  • Claims a blurring effect
  • Claims long-wearing
  • Claims a lightweight feel

Ingredients (information only, not scored)

4 shared ingredients; weighted similarity 3%. Ingredients only affect results through the filters.

AttributeYour shadeClosest overall alternative
Basemoderate siliconeSilicone-based, high silicone
FragranceNot listedNot listed
Drying alcoholNot listedNot listed
SPFNot listedNot listed
OverlapUnknown-based vs silicone-based; silicone moderate vs high

Where to buy

Closest shade match

Dior Backstage Glow-Up Skin Tint Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 5.5N

Best price
$55SephoraSephora
Costs $48.01 more

Your shade $6.99 at Ulta Beauty

Closest overall alternative

LORAC PRO Soft Focus Longwear Foundation 18

Best price
$38Ulta BeautyUlta Beauty
Costs $31.01 more

Your shade $6.99 at Ulta Beauty

Ulta BeautyView at Ulta Beauty

How these matches are scored

32 similar shades scored two ways: the shade match on colour, depth and undertone; the overall match on shade match, finish and visual result, wear and performance and skin suitability. Ingredients are shown for information and used by the filters only. Prices are shown next to every match and never change a score. How scoring and confidence work.

Shade colours are sampled from Beautler’s processing of retailer swatch images and are a digital approximation. Prices and stock were last checked when the product was imported; the retailer page is the source of truth.