How to choose foundation color

An unsuccessfully chosen shade of foundation can highlight skin imperfections or make your face look like a mask. How not to make a mistake with your choice?

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Text: Makeup.ru editors April 4, 2017

How to choose the color of foundation depending on skin color?

If your skin has a grayish tint, you can make it look fresher with an orange tone.

If your skin is dull, you can give it a healthy look with a peach-toned foundation.

1. Advice! If the acquired shade differs from the color of your skin by more than two shades, unfortunately, you will have to abandon it. Such a difference in shades is almost impossible to smooth out, even by diluting the foundation with a lighter one.

If your skin periodically breaks out, then you need to use a cool shade of foundation with an olive undertone. It is not recommended to use pinkish shades of foundation.

For a special occasion, a foundation with shining microparticles is suitable. It will illuminate the skin, giving it a healthy look. This cream can be applied either to the entire face, or only to a prominent part - the cheekbones. Be careful, unless you have dark skin, you don't want to go overly bronzed.

Foundations in chocolate, coffee and caramel shades will suit you.

1. Advice! If you have pale skin, then you should not try to tan it with dark foundations. You risk looking ridiculous. For a tanning effect, use the shade of foundation that suits you, and apply a loose layer of bronzing mineral powder on top.

The choice of foundation should be approached with all responsibility. The best option would be to choose a foundation together with your familiar makeup artist. If you don’t have any, then a specialist at a cosmetics store will help you. They should help you choose not only the correct structure, but also the shade of the product.

The ideal option would be to get (or purchase) a foundation sample. After application, observe during the day whether the foundation gives you any discomfort. If not, then feel free to buy it. How do you choose the shade of foundation yourself?

1. The shade of foundation you have chosen must be checked in this way: apply a little product to the lower jaw line, as close to the neck as possible, and compare its shade with the skin on the neck. If both colors match and the transition between them is not visible, then you have chosen the right shade of foundation.

1. You need to test the foundation on the jaw, and not on the face, for one reason: its color may be reddish (due to the close proximity of the vessels) or, conversely, too dark - for example, if you have age spots or intense tanning.

1. Even if it seems to you that you have chosen the right shade (especially if a consultant helped you with this), do not make a purchase right away. Check how the product looks on the skin in daylight: go outside the store or at least go to the window with a mirror. Better yet, ask your consultant for a tester and use the product for a while - this will help you finally decide on your choice.

1. Another way to check if a given shade of foundation is right for you is to test it on your hand. Apply it on your wrist: if the product looks like a “foreign” stain, this is definitely not your option.

You can find more tips on choosing foundation here. What do you usually pay attention to when purchasing? Leave a comment.

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“Tell me, my little mirror, and tell me the whole truth, am I the sweetest, the most ruddy and whitest in the world?” - how many real modern beauties would hear an affirmative answer?

Immediately after waking up, without water procedures, a cup of invigorating coffee and applying makeup, only movie heroines glow with charm. In order for an ordinary young lady to get closer to her cherished ideal, she must at least “paint her own face.”

The key to neat makeup is uniform skin colorcreated by foundation.

How to determine facial skin tone (color type)

The cosmetics industry of the last decade has given women a lot of all kinds of products to even out their complexion. These innovative products perform many functions and meet the needs of even the most demanding girl.

However, the abundance of assortment does not help to solve the main problem: how to choose a foundation that matches your skin color.

To solve this problem, it is necessary to understand the color type, i.e. facial skin tone.

Professional makeup artists have identified three main skin types:

Pure types are defined by the following characteristics:

1. Cold - the color of the veins on the wrist is bluish or purple; skin color in natural light with a bluish tint. The preferred metal for jewelry is silver;
2. Warm — the color of the veins on the wrist is olive or khaki; skin color in natural light with a yellowish tint. The preferred metal for jewelry is gold;
3. Neutral - the color of the veins on the wrist is blue-green; skin color in natural light with a green tint in the sun. The preferred metal for jewelry is any.

In addition to the obvious types, there are mixed variants.

When choosing a foundation, the color type is not the only point you should rely on.

One of the secrets of choosing the right cream to even out the color of the skin is a clear definition of another nuance.

Depending on the reaction to the sun, the epidermis is divided into red and yellow.

If the tan goes on easily and evenly, then the woman has a yellow skin class. The red class is characterized by a sharp reaction to ultraviolet radiation, expressed by redness and a copper tint of tan.

How to choose a foundation to match your skin color: basic rules

The selection of foundation should be given special attention. Evening out the complexion and masking defects is the most important and responsible stage of makeup. If the tone is chosen correctly and the cream is applied skillfully, then minimal manipulations with the eyes and lips are most often sufficient to create a beautiful image.

Otherwise, the girl faces the problem of “aging makeup”, when the face looks much older than its actual age, or with a “mask effect”, when the foundation creates a lifeless, alien cover on the face.

To find out how to choose a foundation that matches your color, you should first determine your color type and skin type in general. And based on this, listen to the advice of makeup artists.

Key recommendations on how to choose the right foundation for any skin color:

1. With skin belonging to the red type, cream options such as pink beige, apricot or copper are in harmony - those that have scarlet notes at the base.
2. For owners of the yellow type, experts insist that they choose from foundation creams in shades such as light beige, gold, walnut, and sand.
3. When going to the store for foundation, it is optimal to choose a clear sunny day so that you can evaluate the product in natural sunlight.
4. Experts recommend that, even if the room is very light, before purchasing, go outside and check the shade of the product again.
5. Foundation must be applied to well-cleansed skin, so you should not select a toner without washing your face.
6. Cosmetologists advise on the eve of a responsible choice to carry out a home exfoliation procedure, remove dead cells, apply a moisturizer, then the skin will be maximally prepared for the selection of foundation.
7. Testing cream on the wrist is the most common mistake. The color of the skin on the face and hand is significantly different. The shade of the wrist serves only as a hint in determining the color type.
8. The test product in the store should be applied to the cheek, this is the only way to assess its suitability.
9. Professional makeup artists practice using several colors of foundation in one makeup, for example, the main tone and a lighter shade in the eye area, and a darker product on the nose and along the contour of the face.

Note! To select a foundation that matches the color of problem skin, in case of significant defects on the face (acne, pimples, scars or red streaks), testing the product in the area behind the ear is possible - there the skin most closely matches the complexion.

How to do this is the second point; it is better to resort to the help of a trusted friend.

There are no fashion trends or popular shades when choosing a foundation. This the product is selected strictly based on external data, for each specific skin type.

Color palette for fair skin

Fair skin is often called porcelain for its noble pale shade, similar to the cheeks of sophisticated dolls.

A tip to help you choose a foundation that matches your skin color is to study the names of the shades. The most suitable products are labeled “light” and “transparent”.

Pale skin is characterized by some soreness and dullness, therefore Makeup artists recommend foundations with a subtle peach tint, then your facial skin will be fresher and healthier.

The main secret on how to choose the right foundation that suits a specific shade is to test three similar tones on your face and determine the one that matches your skin color.

When there is a difficulty which of two shades to give preference to, experts advise choosing the lighter one.

Those with pale skin often plan to give their faces a tan effect with foundation - this is a serious mistake that leads to unnatural makeup. The tone should be as close to natural as possible. Other cosmetics are used to obtain a tan.

Color scheme for gray, earthy skin

Industrial cities have not had a favorable environmental situation for a long time. Smoke, smog, constant stress and rare exposure to fresh air lead to the fact that even the most enviable beauties complain about a sallow complexion. This skin looks gray, tired and aged.

With careful selection of the cream, this problem can also be solved. For a fresh face cosmetologists advise using foundations with a pinkish-brown tint.

Foundation tone if skin is prone to redness

Due to the proximity of capillary vessels, even healthy epidermis, without blackheads and acne, may have a reddish tint. More often a clear red tone of the skin stands out in the nasolabial area. A good foundation can even out this deficiency and provide uniform, long-lasting beautiful makeup.

To disguise skin prone to redness, foundations with a light green tint are used. Cool shades are most acceptable.

And here pink color scheme is a clear exception from suitable foundations for this skin type.

Foundation shades for dark skin

The most suitable colors for those with dark skin are shades of chocolate or caramel.

In general, women with dark skin are naturally lucky and require minimal amounts of toner.

If the choice is between two similar shades, then in this case You should give preference to a darker cream.

How to choose foundation for evening makeup

At a festive event, when going out into social society or a romantic dinner for two, a woman wants to look especially charming. To create a charming image, you will definitely need long-lasting, carefully executed makeup.

There are a couple of nuances when choosing a foundation for an evening event:

1. For an evening party in a room with bright lighting, experts recommend applying a foundation slightly darker than your natural complexion.
2. For a candlelit dinner, it is better to use a lighter shade that can highlight your face.

When a photo shoot is planned at an evening event and you want to look beautiful both in person and in photographs, then it is extremely foundations with reflective particles should be used with caution, which stand out as white spots on the face when cameras flash.

In general, if light foundations are suitable for daytime makeup, then for an evening out it is better to use thick creams, maximally leveling the surface of the face.

Newbie mistakes when choosing foundation to match your skin color

Despite numerous recommendations from specialists, a lot of master classes from leading makeup artists, there are girls with clearly incorrect makeup. At best, the foundation does not emphasize their beauty, but more often than not it looks comical and even scary.

In order not to be considered a novice in the art of make-up, it is important to know how to choose a foundation that matches your skin color in order to avoid mistakes.

This way, you will protect yourself in advance from mocking glances because of your stupid and inappropriate makeup.

The list of common errors includes:

1. selection of tone, based only on the indicator given on the package;
2. using the tester on the wrist or back of the hand;
3. choosing a product in dim artificial lighting;
4. applying a shade of tinting base that is obviously darker than the main complexion, in the hope of getting a tanned look;
5. using a cream that is unsuitable in its composition and density for the type of epidermis (for young, fresh skin you should not use dense, heavy tinting agents; problematic faces require more careful adjustments);
6. using one product all year round (in different seasons, the color and condition of the skin, and the level of necessary protection from the sun and bad weather change);
7. focus solely on the price of the product (when choosing a foundation, the main characteristic is the match of tones, and not the price category).

Pro tips: how to choose the right shade of foundation

Experienced makeup artists often share their secrets for choosing foundation.

Here are the most interesting and useful of them:

1. For flaky, tight skin, experts advise choosing a product with moisturizing ingredients, as well as fluids, cushions and BB creams.
2. For oily skin, foundations are selected from a range of liquid creams to create a matte effect, with the best results achieved when used together with a cream and a finishing layer of loose powder.
3. For women of decent age, only airy textures that do not emphasize facial wrinkles are suitable. When choosing a cream, pay attention to the presence of anti-aging components with a lifting effect.
4. If it is difficult to choose the appropriate foundation texture, you can choose universal water-based fluids, which, depending on the degree of application, provide either subtle or dense coverage. Such products blend well and, due to their water base, moisturize the skin.
5. In sunny weather, especially in spring and summer, the foundation must contain components that protect against ultraviolet radiation.
6. For pinpoint skin imperfections (single pimples or redness), there is no need to apply a thick product to the surface of the face. It is better to use concealers and correctors, and even out the main tone with light fluids.
7. Professionals advise not to ignore the latest development in the beauty industry - modern smart foundations that adapt to a specific skin tone.

In order to correctly choose a foundation that suits both the color and type of skin, it is worth setting aside enough time to study the store’s assortment.

This matter cannot be rushed. With the right choice of foundation, a woman can always achieve neat makeup and a spectacular, expressive appearance.

From this video you will learn how to choose a foundation that matches your skin color.

This video will tell you how to choose a foundation shade.

Did the foundation actually turn out lighter than it looked in the bottle? Or, on the contrary, did it darken after application to the skin? Such problems are probably familiar to everyone. To choose the right shade of foundation, it is important to consider several factors. We analyze all the intricacies of the process.

How to choose the right foundation for your face? 3 tips

You should approach the purchase of foundation thoroughly. We have drawn up a detailed action plan.

1. Consider multiple options

In a cosmetics store, don’t try to immediately find the perfect foundation - it’s worth considering several “candidates”. Choose several shades at once (at least three) that seem suitable to you, and give each a chance to shine.

2. Apply cream to several areas

It is customary to test foundations on the wrist (it is believed that this is where the skin is the lightest), but pay attention to other areas as well. Apply a little product to the area near the wings of the nose, on the cheeks and neck to correctly assess whether the cream looks like a foreign spot on the skin.

More information about skin care:

3. Evaluate the result under different lighting conditions

See how the foundation looks under the lights in the store, then go to a window or outside to check out the shade in natural light.

Advice! Remember that not only the shade of the foundation is important, but also its texture, ease of blending and durability. It would be ideal if you manage to get a sample of the foundation to test it for 24 hours.

How to choose a foundation to match your skin color?

Three rules that will help you easily cope with one of the most difficult makeup tasks.

Three rules that will help you easily cope with one of the most difficult makeup tasks.

1. Determine the basic tone

The first step is to determine which of these large groups your skin tone belongs to.

You have very light, almost transparent skin. Under the rays of the sun, the skin tans slightly or does not change its shade at all. The main difficulty when choosing a foundation is that most shades from any range turn out to be too dark.

Light

Those with fair skin will find it easier to choose the right color - most likely, it will be the lightest shade in the line of any foundation. In summer, such skin tans slightly, so in the warmer months you will need to change your foundation to a darker one.

Mid tone

Your skin is more golden or olive, tans very well and almost never burns.

Dark or dark

Your skin tans perfectly and never burns, has a chocolate or caramel color.

Those with fair skin will find it easier to choose the right color - most likely, it will be the lightest shade in the line of any foundation.

Having decided on this parameter, you will know which shades with which notes on the packaging should be considered as possible candidates: fair very light, light, medium, dark.

2. Determine your skin undertone

Another important parameter, without which it will be impossible to choose the ideal shade of foundation. There are several ways to determine whether your skin has a warm or cool undertone. The easiest way to do this is to do a small test with a piece of white paper. Place the sheet on your face and look at yourself in the mirror.

1. If your skin looks yellowish or peachy against the paper, it probably has warm undertones, and if it appears a little pink or blue, then you have cool undertones.
2. If you can't accurately determine the shade, most likely you have a neutral undertone.

Advice! If you understand which color type you belong to, you can easily choose the right shade of foundation, but also all other cosmetics and clothes.

3. Mix shades

If you haven't been able to find a foundation shade that suits you completely, create your own! Mix several shades to achieve the perfect result.

How to choose a foundation based on your skin type?

Even if you have decided on the shade, do not rush to immediately take the foundation to the checkout. Read the label carefully to see if a particular foundation is suitable for your skin type. By what signs can this be understood?

For oily skin

Your option is a mattifying foundation. Pay attention to the composition: it is better if there are no oils among the ingredients, but salicylic acid or zinc oxide.

For combination skin

Finding the right tone is not an easy task. Mainly pay attention to the texture: the product should not be thick and “stringy”.

For dry skin

Most likely, you already know this, but just in case, let us remind you: your foundation must moisturize your skin well. Oils and hyaluronic acid in the composition are good signs.

For problem skin

Problem skin often has a reddish tint, so don't buy a foundation with a pinkish undertone - it will make the problem even more obvious. Your option is a foundation with olive pigments. Ideally, the packaging will have the inscriptions SPF and matte. Also make sure that the product has high covering power.

For normal skin

If you have normal skin, there shouldn't be any problems at all. Choose a product with a matte or shiny finish depending on your preferences. The texture can also be any, but better consider the time of year: in winter, switch to thicker products.

L’Oréal Paris Alliance Perfect foundation: benefits

Even if you have carefully studied and memorized the above, in practice everything can be a little more complicated. To minimize difficulties, try choosing a foundation from the Alliance Perfect range from L'Oréal Paris. What are its features?

1. Firstly, it has a light texture, but at the same time effectively hides all imperfections and literally merges with the skin.
2. Secondly, among the ingredients is vitamin E, which will nourish and moisturize the skin.
3. Thirdly, the cream provides a beautiful matte effect.
4. Fourthly, thanks to the wide range of shades, the chances of finding your ideal tone are greater than ever - there are as many as 33 of them in the collection!

Plus, you don't have to look closely at a bottle of foundation to determine the undertone of a particular shade. Next to the shade number you will find a Latin letter: R, D or N. Marking R is a means of a warm shade, D is a cold shade, and N is a neutral shade. Now, taking into account your color type and skin tone, you can easily choose a foundation that will be invisible on your skin. You can apply the product using a sponge to obtain a thin and invisible layer. When creating evening makeup, use a brush to get a denser tone.