Understand Your Skin Tone and Undertones
In today’s world, having a perfect complexion and glowing skin is the ultimate goal of many. To achieve this, it is important to understand your skin tone and undertone. This will help you identify the right products and makeup that work best for you.
Your skin tone is determined by looking at the surface of your skin; it tells you whether it’s fair, medium or dark. Your undertone refers to the color that lies beneath your surface layer of skin which can be warm, cool or neutral. It’s important to determine both when trying to find a skincare routine that works for you.
Skin tones can range from very light, almost translucent white to deep brown or black and everything in between. In order to identify what category yours falls into, observe your veins on different areas on your body such as arms and legs: if they appear blue/purple then you most likely have a cool toned complexion (pinkish undertones), if they are greenish then warm toned (yellow undertones) while if they appear bluish-green then most likely neutral toned (olive green undertones).
Consider the Finish of Foundation You Prefer
When it comes to makeup, the finish of your foundation is one of the most important things you need to consider. Depending on what look you are going for, the finish of your foundation can make or break your entire look.
Matte finish foundations are ideal for those with oily skin as they absorb oil and prevent shine throughout the day. This type of foundation also works well for those with normal skin types who want a natural-looking finish without any shine or dewiness. Matte foundations usually have a thicker consistency and will provide full coverage to give you an even complexion.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more dewy and glowing complexion, then a satin or luminous finish is what you should go for. These types of foundations offer sheer coverage but will still help blur out any imperfections while adding subtle radiance to your skin tone. They are often lighter in consistency and will give your face an overall healthy glow while still providing enough coverage that you don’t feel like its too light on your skin.
For dry skin types, cream-based foundations are ideal as they provide full coverage while being moisturizing at the same time.
Test foundation in natural light to make sure you’ve got the perfect match for your skin tone.
When it comes to foundation, finding the right shade is key. The wrong color can leave you looking more orange than bronzed-goddess, or too pale and ghostly. So when shopping for a new bottle, it’s essential that you make sure that the shade matches your skin perfectly. And one of the best ways to do this is by testing your foundation in natural light.
Natural light will give you an accurate representation of how a particular shade looks on your skin — something that artificial lighting just won’t do. When testing out a shade, stand near a window or go outside and apply some makeup onto your jawline and cheek area — this is usually where most foundations are applied anyway — and wait a few minutes before wiping it off with some makeup remover wipes or damp paper towels. If need be, apply multiple shades until you find one that looks best on your skin tone in natural light; there’s no shame in experimenting!
Check for Color Match at the Jawline
When it comes to makeup, the jawline is an area of the face that can often be overlooked. However, it can be just as important as any other area when considering how your makeup looks. The key to a flawless finish is to make sure you check for color match at the jawline.
The goal of checking for color match at the jawline is to ensure that your skin tone transitions smoothly from your face down onto your neck and chest. This means that all areas of exposed skin should look seamless and unified in color and texture. To do this, you’ll need a few tools: a light-colored foundation or concealer, a brush or sponge for application, and natural lighting with plenty of mirrors available so you can see what you’re doing from different angles.
Start by applying your foundation or concealer on the face until it matches well with your skin tone on both cheeks and around the eye area. Then use either a brush or sponge to apply product down along your jawline in gentle sweeping motions until blended seamlessly with no visible lines or creases where one shade ends and another begins (this may require more than one layer).
Choose a Shade Lighter if Necessary
If you’ve ever gone to the store to buy a new foundation, then you know that choosing the right shade can be tricky. Too light and you risk looking washed out, too dark and it can make your complexion look unnatural. The key is to find a shade that complements your skin tone without being too noticeable. One trick many makeup experts suggest is to choose a shade lighter if necessary.
The idea behind this suggestion is simple: when it comes to foundation, it’s much easier to add depth than it is to take away color. So if you’re unsure about the exact hue of your foundation, go for something that’s slightly lighter than what you think might be perfect for your skin tone — especially since most brands offer several shades within each range. That way, if need be, you can always add depth with bronzer or blush instead of trying unsuccessfully to darken up a too-light foundation with additional makeup products.
Another thing worth noting when selecting a shade lighter? Not all foundations are created equal — meaning some formulas may appear darker on your face than they do in the bottle due to their ingredients or even an SPF factor they contain (SPF 15 and higher can add some unexpected darkness).
Know When to Change Shades
We all want to look our best in every situation, and sometimes that means changing shades. Whether you’re trying to find the perfect color for a special occasion or just looking for something new, it’s important to know when and how to switch up your makeup. Here are some tips on when and how to change shades.
First, consider your skin tone. If you have a light complexion, you may want to stick with lighter colors like pinks and pastels; if you have a darker complexion, deeper colors like browns and burgundies may be more flattering. Your eye color can also help guide your choice of shade—for example, blue eyes tend to look best with blues and greens while hazel eyes can pull off any hue.
It’s also important to think about the occasion when choosing shades—a bold lip or smoky eye may be too much for an everyday look but perfect for an evening out. For special occasions like weddings or formal events, it’s usually best to opt for classic colors such as nudes or soft pinks so as not to draw too much attention away from the event itself rather than your makeup look.
