The Foundation Series: Get your shade right!
- Morag Steyn
- Sep 26, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 2, 2023
Choosing the right shade of foundation is crucial for achieving a natural and flawless makeup look
Below are some of my secrets to help you select the perfect foundation shade:
Determine Your Undertone
Skin undertones can be categorized as warm, cool, or neutral.
Warm undertones have hints of yellow or golden tones.
Cool undertones have hints of pink, red, or blue tones.
Neutral undertones have a balance of warm and cool tones.
Identify Your Skin Tone
Skin tones are generally categorized as fair, light, medium, tan, or deep.
Determine where your skin falls on this spectrum.
Consider Your Desired Finish
Some foundations offer a matte finish, while others provide a dewy or luminous finish. Choose a foundation based on your preference for the overall look.
Consider Seasonal Changes
Your skin tone can change slightly with the seasons due to sun exposure, so you may need different foundation shades for summer and winter.
Always!!! Test Shades in Natural Light
Natural light provides the most accurate representation of how a foundation shade will appear on your skin.
Apply swatches of foundation to your jawline or the side of your face and step outside to assess the color.
Choose a Few Shades to Test
Start with shades that you believe match your undertone and skin tone.
It's often a good idea to select a couple of shades that seem close to your skin color for comparison.
*I like to wear a few different shades and document throughout the day which one I like more and which one I feel has "settled" better into a seamless finish.
Swatch and Blend
Apply small amounts of each shade to your jawline or the side of your face.
Blend the shades into your skin and observe which one disappears seamlessly, leaving no visible line of demarcation.
*Remember to step back, and look at the rest of your body as well.. like with me, the skin tone on my face is generally 3 - 4 shades lighter than my arms and chest, I then have to go a bit darker than the skin tone on my face when choosing a foundation shade, this way my face looks like it belongs to the same body.
Ask for Professional Help
If you're unsure about your undertone or finding the right shade, visit a makeup store or counter where a makeup artist can assist you.
*MAC counters are great for this.
Avoid Testing on Your Hand or Wrist
The skin on your hand or wrist may have a different tone than your face, so it's not the best place to swatch foundations. Your jawline is where your complexion is the most even as well.
Check for Oxidation
Some foundations may oxidize or change color slightly after application. Allow the foundation to sit for a few minutes and observe if it changes.
Sample Sizes
Always ask for some samples, and take your own containers with you.
If available, opt for sample or travel-sized foundation products to try before committing to a full-sized bottle.
* Why would you spend R1500 on a foundation when you have not even tested it and worn it for at least a day?
Remember that it's perfectly normal for your skin to have subtle variations in color, so don't stress about finding an exact match.
The goal is to choose a foundation shade that closely complements your skin tone and undertone, providing a natural and harmonious look.
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