Anyone who accidentally bought a too-light or dark foundation will know the importance of finding the right shade. A perfect foundation should look like skin; if it’s the wrong color, it can make you appear ashy or grey.
The proper foundation is a color that closely matches your natural skin tone, which can be fair, light, medium, or dark. Here are some tips to help you find that perfect match:
Know Your Skin Tone
Understanding your skin tone is crucial when selecting the appropriate foundation. Although your complexion’s surface color may alter due to sun exposure and tanning, your skin tone is determined by its undertone. You likely have yellow, peachy, or golden undertones if your skin tone is warm. On the other hand, if you have a calm skin tone, you may display red, pink, or bluish undertones. Finally, you will likely have olive or brown undertones if you have a neutral skin tone.
When you try out different bases, start by placing short lines of each shade on the jawline. The best match will seamlessly blend with your natural skin color without leaving a whitish mark or looking too bright on your face.
Testing the powder on the neck and chest area is also essential, as the complexion often differs from the face. Foundation shades that match the face but not the neck can look like a mask. Fortunately, some significant makeup innovations, such as Sephora online shade finder assessment, can help you find the perfect match for your skin.
Determine Your Undertones
Determining your undertones will help you narrow the shade options even further if you know your skin tone. Typically, people have warm, cool, or neutral undertones. Cool undertones look best with pinkish or reddish shades, while warm undertones look better with yellow and golden tones. Neutral undertones can work with most colors, so finding a powder that matches perfectly is easier.
If your undertones could be more precise, you can try a few quick tests at home. One of the most common is to examine your wrist under natural lighting. To determine your undertones, observe the color of your veins. If they appear blue-purple or reddish-pink, you likely have cool undertones. On the other hand, if they appear green, you have warm undertones.
Once you determine your undertones, try a few shades at a beauty counter in a well-lit area. An excellent way to test the powder on your jawline is to hold it up to your teeth, which will be more accurate than looking at it in a mirror.
Know Your Skin Type
When choosing your perfect base, your skin type plays a role. For those with oily skin, a matte finish can help to maintain a fresh and healthy appearance for your face. If you have dry skin, opt for a moisturizing formula that will keep it looking soft and supple. If you have combination skin, try to find something to balance it.
It is also essential to consider whether your complexion is sensitive or reactive. If it is, look for an organic or natural cream that will not cause irritation and work with your complexion.
Finally, always test the powder shade on your neck or jawline. You want to ensure that it matches your face and neck and doesn’t make you look ashy or too dark. Once you have found the correct shade, remember that foundations oxidize over time, so it’s better to start with a lighter option – if necessary, you can always add bronzer or blush to darken the tone.
Know Your Skin’s Texture
Finding a makeup shade that matches your skin’s surface can be tricky because no one’s complexion is precisely the same. The difference is often in your skin’s undertones. Luckily, there are some easy ways to figure this out!
An excellent place to start is by looking at the veins inside your wrist. If they are purple and blue, you have cool undertones, while green veins indicate warm undertones. Then you can find a foundation with those same undertones.
Most brands will break down their shades into neutral, warm, and cool categories on their packaging or online. In addition, they will sometimes include a letter to signify the undertone, so you can look for something that fits your specific needs.
Regardless of how you choose your perfect shade, testing it on your jawline or neck is vital to see if it looks good. It can also be helpful to compare it in different lighting. Lastly, don’t be afraid to mix shades if necessary — nobody wants a bright orange face!
Know Your Lighting
The foundation is one of the most crucial makeup products. When achieving a flawless look, choosing the correct shade is crucial. Whether aiming for a subtle everyday look or getting ready for a fancy event, your chosen foundation can make or break your appearance. However, finding the perfect cosmetics can take time and effort, with many shades, finishes, and formulas available.
To simplify the process, identify your skin tone and undertones and find the foundation that best suits you. But remember that most foundations oxidize when they sit on the skin, so it’s essential to test your color in different lighting before making your final decision.
If you’re unsure of your undertone, try swiping a foundation on the apples of your cheeks and chin. You likely have a neutral undertone if you see the same color. And if you see a slight difference, you have a warm undertone. Most foundations also come with labels that indicate the undertone, such as N (neutral) or W (warm). It will help you narrow down your options even further.
