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Foundation Stick 203 dupes and alternatives Essence

Tan · Cool 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: Estée Lauder Futurist Skin Tint Serum Foundation SPF 20 4C3 Softan

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

Your shade
Essence
203Change shade
Depth and undertone: Tan · Cool
Finish and coverage: Matte · Medium coverage
The match
Estée Lauder
4C3 Softan
Depth and undertone: Tan · Cool · rosy
Finish and coverage: Radiant · Light coverage
Shade match
96out of 100
Colour
94
Depth
97
Undertone
100
Medium confidence· Digital matchWhy it matches
Match price
$55Ulta BeautyUlta Beauty
Costs $48.01 more

Your shade $6.99 at Ulta Beauty · product price; shade not separately priced

Ulta BeautyView at Ulta Beauty

Closest overall alternative: Chanel ULTRA LE TEINT Ultrawear All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Foundation BR102

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

Your shade
Essence
203Change shade
Depth and undertone: Tan · Cool
Finish and coverage: Matte · Medium coverage
The match
Chanel
BR102
Depth and undertone: Tan · Cool · rosy
Finish and coverage: Matte · Buildable coverage
Overall match
86out of 100
Shade (Shade match)
96
Finish (Finish & visual result)
89
Wear (Wear & performance)
40
Skin (Skin suitability)
100
Best price
$69Ulta BeautyUlta Beauty
Costs $62.01 more

Your shade $6.99 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. Shade match 87
    $69SephoraSephoraCosts $62.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame matte finishClaims 24-hour wear

    Differences: Neutral rather than cool undertoneFull rather than medium coverageNot marketed for dry/sensitive skin

    Score details
    Shade match
    87
    Finish & visual result
    91
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    60

    Very close colour · Matte · Full coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 7% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Neutral rather than cool undertone · Full rather than medium coverage · Not marketed for dry/sensitive skin · Contains listed fragrance

    Retailer shade note: medium with neutral undertones

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  2. #4 · Benefit Cosmetics

    The POREfessional Blurring & Smoothing Foundation

    26C Hero
    Shade match 96
    $47SephoraSephoraCosts $40.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame cool undertoneSame medium coverage

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

    Score details
    Shade match
    96
    Finish & visual result
    70
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    60

    Very close colour · Natural · Medium coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 5% ingredient overlap

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

    Retailer shade note: medium-deep cool-peach

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  3. Shade match 84
    $69SephoraSephoraCosts $62.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame matte finishClaims 24-hour wear

    Differences: Neutral rather than cool undertoneFull rather than medium coverageNot marketed for dry/sensitive skin

    Score details
    Shade match
    84
    Finish & visual result
    91
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    60

    Very close colour · Matte · Full coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 7% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Neutral rather than cool undertone · Full rather than medium coverage · Not marketed for dry/sensitive skin · Contains listed fragrance

    Retailer shade note: medium deep with neutral undertones

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  4. #6 · KimChi Chic Beauty

    A Really Good Foundation

    119M
    Shade match 86
    $29Ulta BeautyUlta Beauty(product price)Costs $22.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourClaims long-wearingClaims not settling into lines

    Differences: Neutral rather than cool undertoneNatural matte rather than matte finishFull rather than medium coverage

    Score details
    Shade match
    86
    Finish & visual result
    79
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    80

    Very close colour · Natural matte · Full coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 5% ingredient overlap

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

    Retailer shade note: Medium/Tan with Neutral Undertones

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  5. Shade match 82
    $69SephoraSephoraCosts $62.01 more

    Matches: Near-identical swatch colourSame matte finishClaims 24-hour wear

    Differences: Olive rather than cool undertoneFull rather than medium coverageNot marketed for dry/sensitive skin

    Score details
    Shade match
    82
    Finish & visual result
    91
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    60

    Looks identical · Matte · Full coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 7% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Olive rather than cool undertone · Full rather than medium coverage · Not marketed for dry/sensitive skin · Contains listed fragrance

    Retailer shade note: medium deep with olive undertones

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  6. Shade match 81
    $40SephoraSephoraCosts $33.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame matte finishSame medium coverage

    Differences: Olive rather than cool undertoneNot marketed for dry/sensitive skinContains drying alcohol

    Score details
    Shade match
    81
    Finish & visual result
    89
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    60

    Very close colour · Matte · Medium coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 5% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Olive rather than cool undertone · Not marketed for dry/sensitive skin · Contains drying alcohol

    Retailer shade note: medium deep olive

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  7. Shade match 95
    $69Ulta BeautyUlta Beauty(product price)Costs $62.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame cool undertoneClaims long-wearing

    Differences: Radiant rather than matte finishLight rather than medium coverageContains listed fragrance

    Score details
    Shade match
    95
    Finish & visual result
    43
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    100

    Very close colour · Radiant · Light coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 7% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Radiant rather than matte finish · Light rather than medium coverage · Contains listed fragrance

    Retailer shade note: medium-deep shade, rosy undertone

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  8. Shade match 74
    $69Ulta BeautyUlta Beauty(product price)Costs $62.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame matte finishClaims a blurring effect

    Differences: Slightly warmer undertoneBuildable rather than medium coverageContains listed fragrance

    Score details
    Shade match
    74
    Finish & visual result
    89
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    100

    Very close colour · Matte · Buildable coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 7% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Slightly warmer undertone · Buildable rather than medium coverage · Contains listed fragrance

    Retailer shade note: medium-deep shade, golden undertone

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  9. Shade match 75
    $40SephoraSephoraCosts $33.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame matte finishSame medium coverage

    Differences: Slightly warmer undertoneNot marketed for dry/sensitive skinContains drying alcohol

    Score details
    Shade match
    75
    Finish & visual result
    89
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    60

    Very close colour · Matte · Medium coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 5% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Slightly warmer undertone · Not marketed for dry/sensitive skin · Contains drying alcohol

    Retailer shade note: medium deep warm peachy

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match
  10. Shade match 73
    $40SephoraSephoraCosts $33.01 more

    Matches: Very close colourSame matte finishSame medium coverage

    Differences: Slightly warmer undertoneNot marketed for dry/sensitive skinContains drying alcohol

    Score details
    Shade match
    73
    Finish & visual result
    89
    Wear & performance
    40
    Skin suitability
    60

    Very close colour · Matte · Medium coverage

    Ingredients (not scored): 5% ingredient overlap

    Differences: Slightly warmer undertone · Not marketed for dry/sensitive skin · Contains drying alcohol

    Retailer shade note: medium deep warm peachy

    Medium confidence· Digital match

    View match

Looking for a concealer in your shade?

The closest shade to Essence Foundation Stick 203 (Tan · Cool undertone) in each concealer range, compared on measured colour, depth and undertone. Price never changes the order.

Closest concealers

  1. Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer

    440C

    Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer, shade 440C

    • Very close colour
    • Tan · Neutral · neutral pink undertone

    $24

  2. L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer

    W9.5

    L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer, shade W9.5

    • Very close colour
    • Tan · Cool undertone

    $16.99

  3. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Water-Resistant Concealer

    40.5 Deep

    IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Water-Resistant Concealer, shade 40.5 Deep

    • Close colour
    • Tan · Cool undertone

    $30

  4. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

    Hazelnut

    NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, shade Hazelnut

    • Close colour
    • Tan · Cool undertone

    $36

  5. Maybelline Fit Me Natural Finish Concealer

    050 Café

    Maybelline Fit Me Natural Finish Concealer, shade 050 Café

    • Very close colour
    • Tan

    $10.99

  6. Revlon ColorStay Skin Awaken Concealer

    Cinnamon

    Revlon ColorStay Skin Awaken Concealer, shade Cinnamon

    • Very close colour
    • Tan

    $14.99

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

Estée Lauder Futurist Skin Tint Serum Foundation SPF 20 in 4C3 Softan, against Essence Foundation Stick in 203. Every attribute compared, with its share of the score.

ComparedYour shade203Closest shade match4C3 SoftanScore
Shade match55% of overall96
Colour94#af7854#ae744dVery close colourColour difference 1.6 (0 is identical)
Depth97TanTanSameDepth difference: 1.7
Retailer descriptionMediumMedium tanSome differenceRetailer descriptions one depth band apart
Undertone100CoolCool · rosyClosefrom retailer shade descriptions
Finish & visual result25% of overall · 2 of 4 compared43
Finish12MatteRadiantDifferentRadiant finish rather than matte
Coverage80MediumLightCloseLight coverage rather than medium (buildable: one step of tolerance)
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 · 3 of 5 compared40
Longevity40Not listed8-hour wearSome differenceThe match claims long wear; your product does not list it
Transfer resistancenot comparableNot listedNot listedNot claimed by eitherNeither product lists transfer resistance
Settling40Not listedClaimedSome differenceThe match claims not settling into pores or fine lines; your product does not list it
Colour stability40Not listedClaimedSome differenceThe match claims colour stability (no oxidation); your product does not list it
Comfortnot comparableNot listedNot listedNot claimed by eitherNeither product lists a comfortable, lightweight feel
Skin suitability5% of overall40
Skin type40Combination, dry, normal, oily, sensitiveNormal, combinationBoth marketed for combination/​normal skin
Overall match 72/100Shade match 96/100Medium 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 Estée Lauder Futurist Skin Tint Serum Foundation SPF 20 in 4C3 Softan.

Same or better

  • Very close colour
  • Same cool undertone
  • Light rather than medium coverage
  • Claims 8-hour wear
  • Claims not settling into lines
  • Claims colour stability
  • Adds SPF 20

Different

  • Radiant finish instead of matte
  • Not marketed for dry/oily/sensitive skin

Ingredients (information only, not scored)

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

AttributeYour shadeClosest shade match
Basemoderate siliconeOil-based, no silicone
FragranceNot listedNot listed
Drying alcoholNot listedNot listed
SPFNot listedSPF 20
OverlapUnknown-based vs oil-based; silicone moderate vs none

Why the closest overall alternative works

Chanel ULTRA LE TEINT Ultrawear All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Foundation in BR102, against Essence Foundation Stick in 203. Every attribute compared, with its share of the score.

ComparedYour shade203Closest overall alternativeBR102Score
Shade match55% of overall96
Colour94#af7854#b57a52Very close colourColour difference 1.6 (0 is identical)
Depth97TanTanSameDepth difference: 1.7
Retailer descriptionMediumMedium lightSome differenceRetailer descriptions one depth band apart
Undertone100CoolCool · rosyClosefrom retailer shade descriptions
Finish & visual result25% of overall · 3 of 4 compared89
Finish100MatteMatteSameSame matte finish
Coverage100MediumBuildableCloseBuildable 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 listed24-hour wearSome 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 86/100Shade match 96/100Medium 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 Chanel ULTRA LE TEINT Ultrawear All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Foundation in BR102.

Same or better

  • Very close colour
  • Same cool undertone
  • Same matte finish
  • Buildable rather than medium coverage
  • Claims a blurring effect
  • Claims 24-hour wear
  • Claims a lightweight feel

Different

  • Fragrance is listed in the formula

Ingredients (information only, not scored)

3 shared ingredients; weighted similarity 7%. Ingredients only affect results through the filters.

AttributeYour shadeClosest overall alternative
Basemoderate siliconeWater-based, high silicone
FragranceNot listedListed (fragrance)
Drying alcoholNot listedNot listed
SPFNot listedNot listed
OverlapUnknown-based vs water-based; silicone moderate vs high

Where to buy

Closest shade match

Estée Lauder Futurist Skin Tint Serum Foundation SPF 20 4C3 Softan

Match price
$55Ulta BeautyUlta Beauty
Costs $48.01 more

Your shade $6.99 at Ulta Beauty · product price; shade not separately priced

Ulta BeautyView at Ulta Beauty

Closest overall alternative

Chanel ULTRA LE TEINT Ultrawear All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Foundation BR102

Best price
$69Ulta BeautyUlta Beauty
Costs $62.01 more

Your shade $6.99 at Ulta Beauty

How these matches are scored

30 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.