The foundation creates a base that serves to hide imperfections and to even out the complexion. You will thus have an even complexion that will facilitate the application of other products. It is important to choose the correct shade, as the wrong foundation can give rise to an obviously artificial result and therefore would not create the right canvas for other cosmetics. To select the most suitable product, you need to consider some factors, such as skin type, tone and undertone.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Analyzing Your Skin
Step 1. Find out what your undertone is
Before trying to choose a foundation, it is essential to identify the basic characteristics of your skin, such as the undertone. The skin can change color due to many factors, such as exposure to atmospheric agents or acne, while the undertone always remains the same. Consequently, determining this will help you choose the right foundation color. There are three types of undertones.
- Cold: the skin is tending to blue, red or pink.
- Warm: The skin is golden, yellow or peach.
- Neutral: the skin is a mix of warm and cold colors.
Step 2. Determine your undertone
There are some tests to understand if it is hot, cold or neutral. For these tests you have to evaluate the color of your hair and eyes, the colors that best enhance you, the way your skin reacts to the sun and the color of your veins.
- If you have naturally black, brown or blonde hair and green, gray or blue eyes, this means your undertone is cool. Hazel, brown or amber eyes associated with naturally black, auburn or strawberry blonde hair are typical of the warm undertone.
- If you have a cool undertone, silver jewelry will suit you better, while if it's warm, gold jewelry will suit you more. If you have a neutral undertone, both silver and gold jewelry will flatter you.
- Skin with a cool undertone tends to turn pink or burn easily in the sun, while if it is warm it will turn golden or tan.
- If your wrist veins are blue, your undertone is cool, while if you have a greenish tone, it's warm. Am I a bluish green? Then you have a neutral undertone.
Step 3. Try to choose the best foundation for your skin type
Knowing if you have dry or oily skin will not help you choose the shade, but it is essential to understand what the consistency of the foundation should be. The epidermis can be oily, dry, mixed, normal or sensitive.
- If you have oily skin, choose a liquid or powder foundation with a matte, oil-free finish.
- If you have dry skin, choose a cream or moisturizing stick foundation.
- If you have sensitive skin, choose a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free foundation.
- If you have combination skin, choose a powder foundation.
- If you have discoloration and want to hide it well, choose a foundation with maximum or medium coverage. If you don't have any particular imperfections and want a more natural result, look for one with light or partial coverage.
- It is always best to buy a foundation with SPF because it will at least partially protect you from UVA and UVB rays.
Part 2 of 3: Finding the Perfect Hue
Step 1. Experiment to find the right foundation
At this point, you know what the hue and texture of the foundation should be. The time has therefore come to concretely apply this knowledge to identify some potentially suitable products. Before rushing to the perfumery, consider the basics and shades that would suit you best in relation to your undertone.
- If you have cool undertones, choose a foundation with a pink, red or blue base. Consider shades like cocoa, pink, sand, and porcelain.
- If you have warm undertones, choose a foundation with a gold or yellow base. Consider shades like caramel, gold, camel, hazel, and beige.
- If you have a neutral undertone, consider shades like suede, nude, ivory, or praline beige.
Step 2. Choose a makeup shop, drugstore or perfumery
To buy foundation, you prefer a store where you will find experts who can guide you in choosing the right tone. If that's not possible, look for a store that has testers available so you can try out the right shade before purchasing. As a last resort, opt for a store that allows you to return the product if it is wrong.
Step 3. Try some shades
Now that you know what shades are best for your undertone, choose some foundation to try. By eye, take a few testers that seem to be right for you. Then, tap a small amount of each product on the jaw. The skin in this area is a very similar color to the natural undertone, so you can get an idea of the final result and the contrast with the neck.
- If the store doesn't offer testers, hold the bottle of foundation around your neck and jaw to compare the color.
- Whichever method you use, approach a window to do these tests in natural light so you can better examine the final result. The foundation will also have time to dry, so you can also consider any color changes.
Step 4. Choose your foundation
The perfect foundation is imperceptible on the skin. In fact, it shouldn't be obvious: its purpose is to create an even makeup base. Look at the color swatches on the jaw to figure out which one suits your skin best. This will be the tone that will effectively cover blemishes and redness while giving you a natural result.
You could also buy foundation in different shades to try them out at home and compare them, especially if the store doesn't have testers available
Part 3 of 3: Customizing a Foundation
Step 1. Lighten a foundation that is too dark
If it's the wrong shade and you can't return it or you're trying to finish an already opened bottle, you can customize the color to better suit your skin. Applying it with a damp sponge instead of your fingers is one of the most effective ways to make it clearer. You can also do this by mixing it with:
- Moisturizing cream;
- Primer;
- A lighter foundation;
- Concealer or fixing powder.
Step 2. Darken foundation that is too light
Just as you can make a foundation that is too dark lighter, you can darken a very light one for your skin. Here's how to do it:
- Add some blush or concealer;
- Mix it with a bronzer;
- Mix it with a darker foundation or tinted moisturizer.
Step 3. Change the foundation color
If it's not good for your undertone, you can still customize it. To make it suitable for a yellow undertone, add a pinch of turmeric. To make it suitable for a pink or blue undertone, mix it with some pinkish-brown blush. To make it more brown, add some cocoa powder.
Advice
- Before going to bed, always remove your make-up and apply a moisturizer.
- If you apply foundation with sponges, change them regularly as they can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
- If you spend a lot of time outdoors and tan during the summer, you will probably need a lighter foundation in the winter, and a darker one in the summer.
- If you have clean skin and an even complexion, just use a tinted moisturizer.
