How to find the right foundation shade?
Foundation is the cosmetic base that you use to conceal flaws and even out your complexion so that you can apply the rest of your makeup on a consistent surface. Because the wrong foundation might look evident and unnatural and it won’t produce the proper canvas for the rest of your cosmetics, it’s critical to apply the right shade. When choosing a foundation shade, you should consider your skin type, skin tone and complexion. There is no one-size-fits-all foundation. It is just as vital to know how to apply foundation as it is to know How to find the right foundation shade. Here’s our go-to guideline for picking the best foundation colour for you.
Finding your skin tone
Skin tones are classified into three types: light, medium and deep. In the global context, Indians, regardless of area, have mostly medium skin tones. Light skin tones are often associated with Caucasians, whilst dark skin tones are associated with Africans. Medium skin tones are further subdivided into beige, tan, honey and other similar hues.
Recognize your undertone
Before attempting to select a foundation, it is best to ascertain a few details about your skin, such as your undertone. While the surface of your skin can change colour due to a variety of factors such as exposure to the elements or acne, your undertone will always remain consistent. As a result, understanding your undertone will assist you in selecting the appropriate foundation colour. People generally fall into one of three undertones:
- Cool indicates that your skin is more blue, red, or pink.
- Warm suggests your skin tone is golden, yellow, or peach.
- Your skin will be neutral, which means it will have a mix of cool and warm colors.
Swatch Examination
Swatching on your forearms looks great on social media, but the skin on your body may not be the same colour as your face. Swatch right onto your cheek down to your neck once you’ve selected a few colours that might work for you. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to acclimate to your skin. The combination of elements and oils on your skin might cause foundation to oxidise and become somewhat darker with wear.
Find out which foundation is best for your skin type
While understanding whether you have dry or oily skin will not help you choose a foundation colour, it will assist you in selecting the proper type of foundation. You can have oily, dry, or mixed skin, as well as normal or sensitive skin.
- If you have oily skin, go for a matte finish or an oil-free liquid or powder foundation.
- If you have dry skin, use a moisturising or hydrating lotion or a stick foundation.
- If you have sensitive skin, look for a foundation that is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
- If you have mixed skin, use a powder foundation.
- If you have an uneven complexion and want to cover the majority of your skin, choose a foundation with full or medium coverage. If you have a reasonably even complexion and prefer a more natural look, search for a foundation with partial or sheer coverage.
- It’s usually a good idea to buy foundation with an SPF, as this will provide some protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Use your skin to help you make a decision
You now know what to look for in a foundation based on your skin type, and it’s time to apply what you’ve learned about your undertone to narrow down some feasible colour options. Consider what foundation bases and tints will look best on you based on your undertone before going to the pharmacy or makeup store.
- For cool undertones, use a foundation with a rose, crimson, or blue base and hues like chocolate, rose, sable, and porcelain.
- Choose a foundation with a gold or yellow basis and hues like caramel, golden, tan, chestnut and beige for warm undertones.
- Consider buff, nude, ivory or praline for neutral undertones.
Select a cosmetics store, chemist or shopping mall
When purchasing foundation, look for a store that has beauty experts to assist you in selecting the proper shade and foundation. If that isn’t an option, seek for a retailer that has in-store testers so you can choose the correct shade for you before you buy. As a last option, find a store with a cosmetics return policy in case you purchase the wrong one.
Making a Foundation Your Own
Lighten an overly dark foundation
You may change the hue of your foundation to produce a better fit for your complexion, whether you bought the wrong one and can’t return it or you’re currently completing an older bottle. Applying foundation using a moist sponge rather than your fingers is one technique to make it lighter. You can also lighten foundation by combining it with:
- Moisturiser
- Primer
- Using a lighter foundation
- Finishing powder or concealer
The light foundation should be darkened
Just as you may lighten foundation that is too dark, you can also darken foundation that is too light for your skin. To make the foundation darker, follow these steps:
- Putting on blush or concealer
- Using it in conjunction with bronzer
- Using it in conjunction with a darker foundation or tinted moisturizer
Make your foundation a different shade
The foundation that does not match your undertone can also be modified. Add turmeric to your foundation to make it match a yellow undertone. To match a more pink or blue undertone, apply a pinkish-brown blush. Cocoa powder can be used to darken a foundation.
How to Make Your Foundation Seasonally Resistant
Summers and winters are two seasons that require distinct makeup foundations. Our skin tone is slightly darker in the summer and paler in the winter. So, if you notice that your current foundation isn’t doing as well as it should, it’s time to switch. It also helps to know the types of foundations that will work for you while preparing your vanity for the seasons. For example, if your skin dries out a lot during the winter, you should use oil or cream-based foundations rather than mousse or water-based ones.
Tips
- The simplest technique to identify your shade is to draw three different-colored stripes on your jawline.
- Matching Your Foundation Prior to Purchasing It
- Don’t apply too much foundation and avoid using expired foundation.
- Create Your Own Color Blend
- Makeup should not be worn to bed.