Foundation: Finding the Right Shade

Have you ever gone to the store to pick up some foundation for a special occasion, or even for everyday use, and walk out with the totally wrong color? Well don't fret, we're here to help with that. After reading this article, you should be able to walk into any store and distinguish your foundation color.

One thing you should always remember, the perfect foundation will disappear onto your skin. If you've got the right shade, it will look as if you have nothing on. A second skin is what I like to call it. There are a number of drugstore brand foundations to choose from. Such as Revlon, Maybelline, Neutrogena, Loreal, Rimmel London, Black Radiance, Black Opal, NYX, etc. They also come in different forms like foam, liquid, cream, loose powder, pressed powder, and mineral. But once you find your correct shade, you will be able to navigate between brands and types.

Before any decisions are made, you should determine whether you'd like light coverage (if so, you should look for some tinted moisturizers) or medium coverage. If you feel that you may need a heavier coverage, calm yourself, a medium coverage foundation can be built upon to create a full coverage look. 

So when trying to find your color, the inner wrist or hand aren't the best spots, contrary to popular belief. Instead, apply a stroke of up to three colors on a cheek or the jawline. Whichever disappears, is your color. Keep in mind that you might not find it on your first try. If you're in a store and there are no testers, hold a bottle up to your neck (not your face) to find your true color. 

If you happen to be one of those people with an exotic skin tone that you can't match anywhere (like myself) finding the right shade can be daunting. The solution is simple, just take the two shades that seem to be closer to your tone and mix equal parts of the two. If you still do not feel comfortable with finding your own shade, you can head down to your local Sephora or Ulta store for help.