How do I choose the right foundation shade?

Finding the perfect foundation shade can seem daunting and overwhelming. There are multiple components that factor in to the overall look and tone of a foundation, making it confusing when it comes to shopping for the perfect shade. Here are some tips that I find helpful when it comes to finding the perfect foundation shade for a seamless application every time.

Determining your perfect foundation shade involves understanding both your undertone and considering seasonal variations in skin tone. Undertones—whether cool, warm, or neutral—affect how colors appear on your skin. For instance, cool undertones pair well with foundations having pink or blue undertones, while warm undertones complement foundations with yellow or golden undertones. Neutral is the lottery winner - these color palettes can wear warm, cool, and neutral products.

How do you know your undertones? My favorite way of deciding what undertone someone has is by flipping over their wrist and look and their veins. Do you see green? Any blues? If you see a greenish hue when looking at your veins, you are warm toned. Blueish/purple colored veins means you are cool tone. If you have both green and blue veins - you guessed it! You are neutral and can wear any undertone of foundation.

Moreover, considering seasonal changes is crucial. In winter, skin tones tend to be paler, possibly necessitating a lighter shade or adjusting the undertone to match the temporary change. Conversely, in summer, skin tones may deepen due to sun exposure, requiring a slightly darker shade or again adjusting the undertone to suit the sun-kissed hue.

Experimenting with samples, applying foundation along the jawline, and checking in natural light are effective methods to find the right shade that matches both your undertone and seasonal variations for a seamless and natural look.