Foundation is an outstanding product that changes the game when it comes to makeup! Because of all the options there are when it comes to shades it can be difficult to find the right one for you. In this blog post, you will learn different techniques to help correctly determine your perfect foundation shade!
First up, Undertone
Knowing your undertone is necessary in order to find your perfect foundation shade! Your undertone will help you narrow a range of selections when it comes to makeup as well as clothing.
- Cool undertones consist of a mix of blue, pink, or red complexion.
- Warm undertones consist of the opposite, with yellow, golden, and peachier hues.
- A neutral undertone means that your undertones look quite similar to your actual skin tone!
How to determine your undertone
Below are 2 ways that will easily help you determine your undertone✨
Wrist Veins
The most uncomplicated way is examining your wrist veins. Make sure you’re in natural lighting when you do this.
- Cool undertones: Blue or green wrist veins indicate a cool undertone.
- Warm undertones: Green or olive wrist veins indicate a warmer undertone.
- Neutral undertones: Blue/purple veins indicate a neutral undertone.
Tanning
This is actually quite fascinating, but the way you tan is somewhat connected to what your undertone is!
- Burn easily: Cool undertone
- Tan easily: Warm undertone
- Nothing happens: Olive undertone
- Burn then tan: Neutral undertone
Find this helpful and want to learn more about determining your undertone. Check out our guide!
Go in-store and ASK for samples!
When the tests and all else fail go to your nearest Ulta, Sephora, Etc. and have them shade match for you. Don’t go into this expecting the most though.
Sometimes employees mess this up or the lighting is bad and it ends up not matching. Never let an employee pressure you into purchasing some super-expensive foundation that’s not necessary!
INSTEAD, pick the top 3-4 shades you feel will look the best and ask for some samples. Once you’re home you can try them on, go in different lighting, and will be able to determine if it really is your shade.
Three shades… time to apply!
While you’re in the store, choose three shades that look the best on you and apply one straight line of each on either your jawline or neck. The reason you want to apply there is that this is where your skin tone is most “consistent” and you have the best shot of getting a correct shade.
Once you’ve applied go in natural lighting to see which one looks matches you the best.
1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone (If you use bronzer and contour)
Are you someone that heavily bronzers or contours? The answer for you is to purchase 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone! This way, when you add all the bronzer on the foundation will even out and look much brighter as well.
Don’t depend on names
Names can be tricky and never depend on a name when selecting a shade. Something like “cocoa” tells you nothing about the shade and how it will look on you! If you are going to select based on a shade name watch a video on YouTube of that on someone to get a vibe for how it’ll look on you.
The seasons🍁
If you find that you are *almost* there to finding the correct shade the answer might be because of the season it is. This is especially helpful to keep in mind as you go through the year! Your winter shade most likely won’t be your summer shade.
I’d recommend purchasing 2: One for the fall/winter months and the other for the summer/spring months when it’s sunnier.
Then when it gets to that time of the year, you already have a foundation you know will work.
That’s how you find your perfect foundation shade! It can be a difficult process, but with these tips, you’ll be prepared to find your ideal shade. Be sure to subscribe to The Beginners Guide To Makeup to keep up with the latest on makeup for beginners. 💗
