Matching Your Foundation: A Complete Makeup Guide for Beginners

Foundation helps to cover flaws, produce an even skin tone, and create a smooth blank canvas for the rest of your makeup. research shows that people have used cosmetics since ancient times, as far back as 10,000 B.C.

If you’re looking for some makeup tips about matching your foundation, we have a helpful guide to make the process easier.

With the right shade, your makeup will look flawless. Read on to discover some foundation tips that will help make finding your perfect match a breeze.

Determine Your Skin’s Undertone

When matching your foundation, finding the right shade depends on your undertone and your skin’s shade. The shade of your skin refers to how light or dark it is, while the undertone determines the hue.

An undertone is the skin’s color that comes from underneath the surface. Other than when you’ve hit the tanning salon, your undertone will always remain the same.

Most skin can be classified under three undertones: warm. cool, and neutral. If you have hints of golden or yellow colors, your skin is a warm undertone.

Skin that peeks through with subtle colors of blue and/or pink has a cool undertone. Those with a mixture of warm and cool hues have a neutral undertone. You can look at your veins or test your skin against a white piece of paper to help determine your natural undertone.

Matching Your Foundation: Choose a Finish

Once you know your shade and undertone, you’ll want to choose the foundation finish that’s right for you. This makeup comes in a range of formulas and styles like liquid, powder, and cream.

The finish is how the foundation “sets” on your skin and how it will look after application. Here are some examples of common foundation finishes.

Dewy

A dewy foundation finish gives your skin a radiant glow. Dewy foundations produce a subtle shine that looks natural, but that also gives your skin a soft, youthful glow.

Matte

If you have oily skin or if shine is a concern, consider a matte foundation. This formula has very little to no shine, and it can help to minimize the appearance of pores for a smooth, even finish. 

 

 

Satin

This foundation finish is a combination of dewy and matte that refines your pores but has a subtle hint of glowiness. Satin foundation formulas create a beautiful radiance without as much “sheen” as a dewy foundation.

 

Foundation Coverage

Finally, you’ll want to determine your preferred foundation coverage. Light or sheer coverage foundation has very little pigmentation so your natural skin color shows through.

A medium coverage foundation will help you cover flaws and minimize the look of enlarged pores while still looking natural. A full-coverage foundation tends to work best for those with acne, redness, or anyone who wants makeup with a higher level of pigmentation.

Find Your Perfect Match

From the shade and undertone to the finish and coverage, matching your foundation will ensure that you get a flawless look. Use the tips in this guide to help you find the right option for you.

When you’re ready to get a glow-up, contact us to book your appointment today!