If your skin is an ivory or cream color, it’s likely considered light. You probably have medium skin if your overtone is closer to a caramel or tan color. If your skin is a chocolate or mocha brown color, your skin is probably dark.
If your skin looks more yellow than the paper, you likely have warm undertones. If your skin looks pinker than the paper, you probably have cool undertones. If your skin looks peachy, or neither yellow nor pink, then you likely have neutral undertones.
If your veins look blue or purple, you probably have cool undertones. If your veins look green, you likely have warm undertones. If you have some bluish veins and some greenish ones, you probably have neutral undertones.
If you have a warmer skin tone and you use a foundation meant for cooler complexions, the makeup will look yellow on your skin. On the other hand, if you have cooler skin and you use a neutral-warm foundation or powder, it will oxidize and leave a ring around your face. [4] X Expert Source Frankie SandersonMakeup Artist & Stylist Expert Interview. April 14, 2020.
Try visiting a beauty store where you’re allowed to try out the products before you buy them. You can even ask a makeup artist to match you with a product that’s right for your skin type and color. [6] X Expert Source Frankie SandersonMakeup Artist & Stylist Expert Interview. April 14, 2020.
When you’re looking for makeup products, choose a quality product that gives you a good color payoff. [9] X Expert Source Frankie SandersonMakeup Artist & Stylist Expert Interview. April 14, 2020. If you prefer less coverage, try using a tinted moisturizer to add just a little color to your skin. You can even build it up to get a little more coverage in areas that need it. [10] X Expert Source Frankie SandersonMakeup Artist & Stylist Expert Interview. April 14, 2020.
Getting the exact color of foundation you need with this approach can take a lot of experimenting, so be patient! When in doubt, go with a foundation that’s slightly lighter than your overtone. You can easily add warmth and color with bronzer to make it a little darker, but it can be challenging to lighten a foundation that’s slightly too dark. You may need to adjust your foundation with the seasons. If you tan in the summer, make sure to use a slightly darker shade during that time of year.
Try oranges or berries if you have dark skin, mauves or pinks if you have medium skin, and plums or peaches if you have light skin.
Avoid bold eye shadow colors. If you have warm undertones, pinks and beiges will look great. Golds and tans look great if you have cool undertones.
Caramel is best for medium skin with warm undertones. Honey looks great on medium skin with cool undertones.
A burnt metallic like copper or bronze will look great on dark overtones with warm undertones. Bright berries like raspberry or grape will highlight dark overtones with cool undertones.
Mauves look best if you have warm undertones. Browns look better if you have cool undertones.
The darkest reds look best if you have warm undertones. Berries and purples will complement cool undertones.
