Although it can be a difficult journey that certainly takes some work and self-reflection, finding your perfect match is one of life’s most rewarding experiences—and we’re not just talking about a person. We’re talking about your foundation, too! That’s right: life is too short to settle for the wrong makeup shade that doesn’t suit your natural complexion, which is why we’re bringing in some expert advice to help you find the best option for your skin.
To discover the best tips and tricks for finding the most natural-looking foundation for your skin tone, we spoke to makeup artist Mandie Brice. She gave us a full rundown on her expert-approved process, from determining your undertones to choosing the right finish. Read about it all below!
Undertones
First thing's first: if you don't already know your skin's natural undertones, it's time to investigate. Brice says this is an essential step in choosing the most natural foundation for your face. "Undertones are key in picking what color to use," she says. "Whether you're warm, cool, or neutral can make a difference on how well your foundation blends."
So, what's the best way to discover your complexion's undertones? "You can find your undertone easily by looking at the veins on the inside of your forearm," Brice explains. If your veins have more of a blue hue, you likely have a cooler undertone. If they're more green, choose a warmer option. "Or, if silver jewelry looks better on you, you’re more suited to cooler tones, but if gold is better, you have a warm undertone," Brice notes, adding that "there’s also the possibility that you’re neutral, which is if gold and silver are equally flattering." Lucky you!
Keep all of this in mind when browsing foundations; Brice explains that most brands include warm, cool, or neutral in the names of the foundations.
Shade
Once you know your undertone, it's time to pair that with the right color of makeup. Even if you choose the right tone, it's important to test different shades so that you don't end up with a face that's a shade lighter or darker than your neck. "How light or dark a foundation is can help you match perfectly," Brice emphasizes.
Makeup artists agree that you shouldn't swatch shades on your arm, as it will likely be a slightly different color than your face. Brice shares that the best spot to test different foundations is along your jawline, where she says "[your foundation] should disappear" if it's the right color. Got it!
Finish
After you've nailed the perfect foundation color down, your most important work is done. After all, the biggest key to natural-looking makeup is finding a shade that blends seamlessly into your skin. However, there's still one last thing to keep in mind: the finish and formula of the makeup itself. Brice explains that the best type of foundation "varies from person to person based on their skin type."
If you want to ensure the most natural look possible, she notes that "airbrush applied properly is most natural across the board." Aside from that, powder is generally the best option for oily skin, while cream or liquid works better on dry skin.
At the end of the day, finding the best foundation for you may take some trial and error—you'll likely have to test out at least a few options before you can make the right choice. However, if you follow all of Brice's advice, you'll find your perfect match in no time!
