Foundation is ideal for smoothing out complexions and concealing defects in the skin. However, you must choose the proper shade or you're likely to be unhappy with the results, no matter how precisely the foundation is applied. Here are a few proven methods to help you find the proper shade without too much hassle.
You probably already know your skin tone, but do you know your skin undertone? Undertones can be warm, cool, or neutral, and there are a few ways to determine yours.Take a piece of white paper and hold it to your face. Complexions that are pink or reddish by comparison have cool undertones, while complexions that appear yellow have warm undertones. You can also look at your wrist. Greenish-looking veins mean your skin has warm undertones, while veins that have a bluish appearance mean your complexion undertone is cool.
If you have warm undertones, you want a foundation that is as light or dark as your complexion but that also has a yellowish or gold color. For cool undertones, foundations should have reddish or pink shades, while also being the appropriate lightness or darkness for your skin tone.
Dry patches of skin affect how the color of foundation you choose looks after application. As a result, it will be difficult to determine whether the shade is right for you without the proper prep. Moisturizing prior to application creates an even smoothness across your complexion, so foundation will look the same all over.
There's probably slight variation between your complexion on your neck and on your face. This is because your face tends to be a bit darker due to sun exposure, especially during the summer months.As a result, you should apply a test streak to your jaw line and extend it down to your neck. The foundation will be a close match to both areas if it's right for you. Once you choose a shade, apply as normal at home and look at your complexion under different lights as a final quality check.
Self-adjusting foundations may sound like an easy way to skip shade matching, but they still work best when you choose the closest option for your complexion range. These formulas generally rely on one of two approaches: pH-reactive ingredients that change color when they come into contact with moisture, or encapsulated pigments that start out in a pale base and release color as you blend the product into the skin.
While this technology can improve blendability and help even out the complexion, it does not mean one formula will perfectly match every skin tone. Self-adjusting foundations are still typically offered in different shade ranges, and choosing the wrong one can still lead to an unnatural result. In other words, they can be a convenient option, but they are not a substitute for checking undertone, complexion depth, and how the product looks on your jawline and neck.
Proper cleansing and moisturizing ensure your makeup has a solid base. Our skincare products at Hale Cosmeceuticals clean, moisturize, and exfoliate the skin for an unbeatable complexion. Contact us today if you want more information on our product line and our commitment to making humane beauty products. You can also call 1-800-951-7005 to place an order.