There are 3 possible undertones – warm, cool and neutral. Foundations and concealers are usually divided into one of those 3 categories. These undertones are true for all nationalities. Those with darker skin sometimes have undertones that look somewhat ashen or gray. This is an olive skin tone, which falls under the neutral umbrella.
Blue-purple veins indicate a cool undertone. Blue-green veins indicate a warm undertone. If you can’t tell either way, this usually indicates a neutral undertone – both cool and warm undertones in equal parts.
If you aren’t sure, check your skin in the mirror against both gold and silver jewelry. If one doesn’t seem to flatter you more than the other, you probably have a neutral undertone. [4] X Research source
A blueish tint indicates a cool undertone. A yellowish tint indicate a warm undertone. A greenish tint indicates a neutral undertone. [5] X Research source
You should always do this before testing foundations. [6] X Research source
Natural light definitely needs to be one of your light sources, since it shows the shades most accurately.
Words like beige, golden, tan, caramel, and chestnut usually correspond to warm undertones. Terms like porcelain, rose, sable, and cocoa usually indicate cool undertones. Descriptions like ivory, buff, nude, and praline usually indicate neutral undertones.
Test the foundation on both your face and your neck to ensure you’ll end up with even color. Check your jawline after applying foundation. Make sure the skin above it (your face) also matches the skin below it (your neck). [10] X Research source
Use enough of each one to get a good read on it – a tiny dab is not enough. Use a streak about 2 inches (5 cm) long for testing. The right foundation shade will disappear into your skin and look natural. [11] X Research source
1 shade lighter is generally preferable to prevent the reverse raccoon eye look. [12] X Research source Concealers with yellow tones will help to diminish the look of under eye circles.
Always test and apply concealer in natural light to get an accurate read of the shade. Avoid flesh-toned concealers that have prominent pink, rose, peach, white, yellow, or copper shades in them.
Highlighting with concealer can help you sculpt your face and give it added dimension.
Highlighting and contouring are currently enjoying a surge of popularity, so you’ll probably see contouring kits and other special products made for this on the market. [16] X Research source However, all you really need to get this look are the right concealer shades.
Lavender neutralizes sallow/yellowness skin; Yellow offsets deep purple tones caused by dark circles and/or scarring; Green counteracts the redness caused by ruddiness, pimples and rosacea; Pink cancels out the blue cast on lighter skin tones; Orange/salmon counteracts blue, dark purple and/or grayish tones found in deeper skin tones. [18] X Research source
