To find the best foundation color shade for you, figure out the undertones of your skin. To do this, look at the veins on your wrist. If they look blue, your skin is cool toned, and if they look green, your skin is warm toned. If your skin is warm toned, look for a gold or yellow based foundation.
Find three foundation shades that look like a good match and apply them in parallel lines on your jawline, extending the product from your cheek and onto your neck slightly. The perfect foundation shade is the one that blends seamlessly into your skin in both areas. Avoid swatching shades on your arm.
If you're not sure, checking the color of your veins is a quick way to find out. Take a look at the veins in and around your face and neck. If you see blue veins, you have cool undertones. If your veins appear green on the skin (olive), you're warm.
To find the best foundation color shade for you, figure out the undertones of your skin. To do this, look at the veins on your wrist. If they look blue, your skin is cool toned, and if they look green, your skin is warm toned. If your skin is warm toned, look for a gold or yellow based foundation.
The experts have spoken, and the answer is, foundation should be one or two shades lighter than your skin tone. This is because when you use bronzer or contour then the foundation should be able to blend and give the perfect look to your face.
Blend The Foundation Lighter Than You
When in doubt, always pick a shade that is slightly lighter than your complexion rather than darker. This can prevent your complexion from looking darker than the rest of your body. It is the safest way to go when unsure about two shades that may look too light or too dark.
When In Doubt, Always Go Lighter and Use Bronzer. If you're stuck between the lighter and the darker shade, it's much easier to create a darker-looking complexion with the help of bronzer than it is to lighten up a darker hue.
People with warm undertones look great wearing foundation with orange and gold hues. If you have cool undertones, then your skin has more blue or pink in it. In this case, you'll want to look for a foundation that has more of a bluer-base in shades of red and pink. Neutral undertones have a mix of both.
If your makeup is too light, you will look ashy or as if you have a gray cast on your skin. If the formula is too dark, it can make your complexion look muddy. Look for the shade that disappears into your skin most is your right match.
“Your foundation should match your neck. If the neck is darker than the face you can compensate with a bronzer.” “It is important to match the undertone of the foundation to the undertone of the skin so that the skin looks most natural.
Look at your wrist veins under natural light.
If your veins appear to be green, you probably have warm undertones. If they're blue or purple, you probably have cool undertones. If they are a mix of both, you may have neutral undertones.
Celebrity makeup artist Frederick Sanders recommends starting with two or three shades that look closest to your complexion and blending them all in fully. "The foundation should match the side of your face and your neck to prevent you from looking like you're wearing a mask," he says.
Do I apply concealer before or after foundation? Always apply your foundation first, unless you are using a powder foundation. Applying foundation first creates an even base to reduce overall redness, discoloration and minor blemishes.
Nailing the perfect foundation shade can be tricky, but it all comes down to determining your undertone. The goal of a foundation is to match your natural skin tone and even out the overall appearance of your skin. Using the correct foundation shade will allow your natural skin tone to shine through.
Best colors to wear with cool undertones
Think: sky blues, cobalt, frosty purples, emerald greens, light grassy tones and anything pastel. If you like to wear warmer colors, try lipstick reds or super-pale yellows. Avoid palettes that are too orange or bright yellow—they'll overpower you.
The general rule of thumb is that skin with cool undertones look best with greys, browns, blues, greens and purples. Skin with warm undertones look best with either bright or light colors. And skin with neutral undertones looks great in bold, bright colors.
The most attractive skin tone is a healthy complexion i.e one that is not damaged by the sun, does not have unsightly acne lesions and is reasonably firm and wrinkle-free. These are the markers of youthfulness, vigour and good genes regardless of where you are in the world.
Fingers are best for a quick and natural application; sponges are good for achieving a flawless finish; and brushes are ideal for full coverage. And sometimes, a little mixing and matching can go a long way.
Remember, there's no “best way” to apply your foundation, as both application techniques have their perks and unique touch. Applying foundation with a brush achieves flawless coverage and a precise, even finish. When you apply foundation with fingers, you tend to get a more natural effect that mimics your skin.
Dab the foundation onto your face.
Using your fingers or the brush, dab the foundation all over your T-zone—your forehead, nose, and chin. Then, dab the foundation onto your cheeks. You can also apply foundation to other parts of your face that might need extra coverage, such as under your eyes or around your lips. 3.
If you've picked the wrong undertone:
If you are COOL and pick a WARM or NEUTRAL foundation, it will look yellow on you. If you are WARM and pick a COOL foundation, it will make your skin look pale and icy. If you pick a NEUTRAL foundation, it will look grey.
Swatch the foundation on your chest because usually, it's a closer match to the color of your face. However, if you feel like your chest is very different in color, use an area of your body that is a closer match. If you can test the foundation on your face, swatch it in multiple areas of your face.