Matching my foundation used to be really difficult, but the key to a great makeup look is starting with a perfect base. That means finding the foundation that truly works for you. Whatever formula you like, whether it’s full coverage or a sheer tinted moisturiser, the wrong foundation shade can completely ruin your look. Before you make the splurge on that new foundation, here are some tips and tricks for finding the perfect shade.
The key to finding the perfect foundation shade is matching it to your undertone. Sometimes, it can look like a shade is perfect but something about it just seems off — this may mean that you’ve chosen the wrong undertone. The key to matching my foundation was to find my undertones. To find out if your undertone is warm, cool, or neutral, simply look at the veins on your arms. If they’re green, you have a warm undertone; if they’re blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. If they’re somewhere in between or you have a mix, then you have a neutral undertone.
Don’t be afraid to ask beauty counters for samples in different colours to test out which foundation shade is perfect for you. This is also a great way to see which formula matches best to your skin, as this can be a big factor in how well a foundation matches to you. Matching my foundation, meant trying out many different brands and products! Plenty of makeup brands offer samples completely free, such as Clinique and even La Mer!
When you see a foundation that you think will match you, also grab the foundations that are one shade lighter and one shade darker than the one you have chosen. Often we think we are darker (or lighter) than we really are, so it’s good to test three similar shades to find the perfect fit.
This was another essential thing when matching my foundation! Once you’ve found the three shades that will suit you best, swatch three lines on your jaw line. A lot of people will swatch on the back of their hand or the back of their wrist, but this colour doesn’t necessarily match the colour of your face. The perfect shade should almost disappear onto your skin.
Don’t forget that matching your foundation to your neck is key to avoiding the mask-like effect that foundation can sometimes give! If the skin on your neck is a different colour to the skin on your face, I would recommend matching your foundation to your neck rather than your face, so that it all blends seamlessly together.
Another super important tip I learned when matching my foundation! Some foundations will oxidise and turn orange or slightly darker when worn. It’s important to ask if this happens, or test your foundation at home and check back in an hour or so. If the foundation oxidises, opt for a half or whole shade lighter than your skin tone.
Last but not least, take a photo wearing your foundation, and use flash! Flashback is a total nightmare and can make your perfect face of makeup look like a ghost-like mask, so it’s best to check first. Usually foundations containing SPF or minerals will be the worst for flashback, so keep an eye out for these ingredients.
When all else fails, walk up to your preferred makeup counter of choice and ask one of the makeup artists to help you pick a shade. It’s much better to get a second opinion on a shade as other people will be able to tell if a shade of foundation simply doesn’t suit you.
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