Do you find yourself endlessly searching for the perfect foundation shade, only to end up frustrated and confused? If so, you're not alone. 

If no foundation shade matches your skin, it is most probably because you haven't yet found the right colour, are unsure of your skin tone or suffering from discoloration. And what so say if the foundation shade doesn't match your neck colour? Foundation plays a pivotal role in our makeup look and routine since it uplifts the overall look and that other makeup products depend on it. 

In this article, we aim to demystify the process of selecting the ideal foundation shade that matches your unique skin tone.

What is Skin Tone?

Before delving into the world of foundation shades, it's essential to understand what constitutes your skin tone. Skin tone refers to the surface colour of your skin, determined by the level of melanin present in the outermost layer.

Skin tones can generally be classified into six categories:

1. Extremely fair skin
2. Fair skin
3. Medium skin
4. Olive skin
5. Brown skin
6. Black skin

Here is a quick way to find your skin tone:

• If you have a fair skin tone, you might be described as having porcelain skin.
• If your skin tone is light, you might be described as pale.
• For those with a medium skin tone, your complexion falls between dark and light shades.
• If you possess a deep skin tone, then your skin tone will be described as darkish.

Identify Undertone

Beyond surface colour, undertone plays a crucial role in selecting the right foundation shade. Undertones are subtle hues beneath the skin's surface that influence how colours appear. 

As your skin tone can vary across different parts of your body, such as your legs, arms, and neck, it can be challenging to pinpoint your exact skin colour. In such cases, identifying your skin undertone becomes crucial to determine your overall skin tone.

To determine your undertone, consider simple tests like the vein test or the sun test.

Vein Test - It will depends on the colour of your veins. If they are purple or blue then your undertone will be cold, while if they're green or olive in shade, you will have a warm undertone. In case you are not able to decide on the dominant colour, then you probably have a neutral undertone.
Sun Test - Here’s another very simple way to find out your undertone. If you get sunburns effortlessly when you are out in the sun, then you have got a cool undertone. On the other hand, if you get tanned easily under the sun then you have a warm undertone. And if you experience both, then your undertone is neutral.

Finding the Right Foundation for Your Skin Tone

Just like skin types and skin tones vary, so do foundation formulations. If skincare is chosen upon your skin type, foundation is selected on your skin tone.

Understanding which type of foundation works best for your skin tone is essential for achieving a flawless finish. Let's discover which type of foundation is suitable for which skin tone.

Liquid Foundations - This is the most common and widespread type of foundation used. You will see liquid foundations almost everywhere. Now, this type of foundation is best for a warm skin tone because it gives great coverage and it blends very well.
Powder foundation - Powder foundations are more popular than liquid foundations because this type of foundation is a two-in-one product that can be used either in a wet or dry form. Lighter skin tones benefit from the versatility of powder foundations, which provide buildable coverage.
Foundation Sticks - Foundation sticks come in a stick tube form. Designed for darker skin tones, foundation sticks offer superior coverage than liquid base foundations and a flawless complexion.

Time to Choose Your Foundation Colour

Selecting the perfect foundation shade requires patience and precision. 

Foundations generally oxidise after a few minutes because of physical heat which makes your face orange. The trick to find the best foundation shade for your skin tone is to wait at least 5-10 minutes and see how the foundation will look after being oxidised. Observe any colour changes.

Know What Coverage Level You Need

Once you've found your shade, consider the coverage level that best suits your needs:

Light coverage - If you are not suffering from any discoloration or hyper-pigmentation then light foundation coverage will work best for you. For a natural look and finish, opt for light coverage foundations that enhance your skin's natural radiance.
Medium coverage - Achieve a satin-like finish with medium coverage foundations since it has a higher degree of opacity, ideal for concealing minor imperfections.
Full coverage - If you have dark spots, discoloration or blemishes and want to completely hide them then full coverage foundation is for you. It will cover all your skin imperfections and will give you a flawless, airbrushed look. 

What is Your Skin Type?

In addition to shade and coverage, it's essential to consider your skin type when selecting foundation

Similar to every other product in your skincare routine, makeup products should be picked based on skin type. And foundation is not an exception as considering your skin type i s an essential step.

Skin types are usually divided into 5 major classes:

1. Oily skin
2. Dry skin
3. Combination skin
4. Normal skin
5. Sensitive skin

If you wonder what your skin type is, read more here.

Flawless Foundation

Choosing the right foundation shade is a journey, but it doesn't have to be a daunting one. At MaGéAu Naturel, we understand the struggle and offer skincare that is for all skin tones and individuals.

Whether you are going for a natural makeup look or for a glam finish, choosing the right foundation is crucial as it can make and break your overall look. With our expert guidance, identifying your skin tone and the right foundation shade has never been easier.

Head to our website and discover your perfect foundation shade, for a complexion perfection!