Understanding Undertones: How to Choose the Right Foundation Shade
The perfect shade of foundation is the one that effectively masks blemishes and gives you a flawless finish. Choosing the right foundation shade, however, can be an arduous task, especially when considering the undertone. Understanding what your undertone is and how to choose the right foundation shade can make all the difference in achieving a flawless look. In this article, we will explore what undertones are and guide you on how you can choose the right foundation shade.
What are Undertones?
Before we dwell on choosing the right foundation shade, let us first understand what undertones are. Undertones are the colors that can be seen beneath the skin’s surface. They are typically classified into three types, including cool, warm, and neutral.
How to Determine Your Undertone
Determining your undertone is a crucial step in finding the right foundation shade. Here are a few ways to identify your undertone:
Check Your Veins
Take a close look at your veins under your wrist in natural lighting. If your veins appear blue, you have a cool undertone, if they appear green, you have a warm undertone. If you can barely see your veins, you most likely have a neutral undertone.
Consider Your Skin’s Reaction to the Sun
If you tend to burn quickly in the sun, then you most likely have a cool undertone. Those with a warm undertone have a tendency to tan easily.
Examine Your Jewelry Preference
Do you prefer wearing silver or gold jewelry? Those with a cool undertone tend to gravitate toward silver, while those with a warm undertone usually prefer gold.
How to Choose the Right Foundation Shade
Now that you know your undertone, let us discuss how you can choose the right foundation shade.
Choose Three Shades
Choose three shades that you feel closest match your skin tone. Apply them side-by-side from your cheek down to your neck and observe how it blends onto your skin. The right foundation shade should be invisible when you blend it onto your skin.
Test in Natural Light
Natural light is the best way to test your foundation shade. The best time to test is in the morning or early afternoon when there’s plenty of natural light.
Determine the Best Coverage
The type of coverage you decide to go for is also crucial in achieving the perfect finish. If you have blemished skin, you may want to opt for medium or full coverage. However, for those with clear skin, lighter coverage is enough.
Check the Shade in Different Lighting
Check your foundation shade in different lighting to ensure that it matches. Sometimes, lighting can give a false impression, and a shade that looked perfect in the store can look too light or dark in a different light.
FAQs
Q: What happens if I choose the wrong undertone, and how can I fix it?
If you choose the wrong undertone, your foundation can look too pink or too yellow, making it appear unnatural. You can correct it by using color correctors or finding a shade that matches your undertone.
Q: What is the difference between warm and cool undertones?
Warm undertones have yellow, sallow, peachy, or golden hues. On the other hand, cool undertones have pink, red, or bluish hues.
Q: Can I mix shades to achieve the right foundation shade?
Yes, you can mix foundation shades to achieve the perfect match.
Q: Should I match my foundation shade to my neck or my face?
It is recommended to match your foundation shade to your neck to avoid an obvious line between your face and neck, especially when you are wearing a low-cut top.
Q: Can I test foundation on my hand?
No, it is not recommended to test foundation on your hand as it is a different shade to your face and neck.
Conclusion
Understanding your undertone is fundamental to choosing the right foundation shade. Always test your foundation shade in natural light to ensure that it matches your skin tone. We hope this article has been helpful, and you are now equipped with knowledge to select the perfect foundation shade for your undertone.
