The best shade for your skin depends on your undertone, which is the color that appears beneath your skin's surface.
Understanding Undertones
Your skin tone might change due to sun exposure or other factors, but your undertone remains the same. It's crucial to match your foundation to your undertone, not just your surface skin tone. According to Lancôme:
Your foundation colour should match your undertone. Undertone is the colour that appears underneath your skin which is categorised as warm, cool, or neutral. Even though your skin tone might differ, the undertone remains the same.
Identifying Your Undertone
You need to determine if you have warm, cool, or neutral undertones to select the right shade:
-
Warm Undertones: These undertones have hints of yellow, peach, or gold.
- Veins appear greenish
- Gold jewelry looks flattering.
-
Cool Undertones: These undertones have hints of pink, red, or blue.
- Veins appear bluish or purple.
- Silver jewelry looks flattering.
-
Neutral Undertones: These undertones have a balance of warm and cool tones.
- Veins may appear a mix of blue/green
- Both gold and silver jewelry look good.
Selecting the Right Shade
Once you’ve identified your undertone, you can start choosing a foundation shade:
- For Warm Undertones: Look for foundations with yellow or golden bases.
- For Cool Undertones: Opt for foundations with pink or blue bases.
- For Neutral Undertones: Choose foundations that balance warm and cool tones, often described as beige or olive.
Practical Tips
- Test in Natural Light: Always test foundation swatches in natural daylight.
- Match Your Neck: Apply a small amount of foundation on your jawline to ensure it blends seamlessly with your neck.
- Consider Different Seasons: Your skin tone might change slightly depending on the season, so you may need to adjust your shade.
- Consult a Professional: If you're unsure, seek help from a beauty professional or makeup artist.
Summary
| Undertone | Vein Color | Jewelry | Foundation Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm | Greenish | Gold | Yellow/Golden |
| Cool | Blue/Purple | Silver | Pink/Blue |
| Neutral | Mix of Blue/Green | Both Gold & Silver | Balance Warm/Cool |
By understanding your undertone and following the guidelines, you can confidently choose the best shade for your skin.
