Ever feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of trial and error when buying makeup that matches your skin tone? You find a gorgeous foundation shade online, rush to the store (or click “Add to Cart” in an online shopping spree), only to realize once you try it on at home that it doesn’t come close to matching your skin tone or undertone.
Maybe the foundation is too pink or orange, or perhaps it makes you look washed out or ashy after application. Unfortunately, you might have chosen the wrong shade for your skin tone or undertone—and trust me, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there!
Many people think “skin tone” is just about how light or dark their skin is, but it’s actually a bit more complex. Your undertone plays a crucial role too.
When you find your perfect foundation match—both in skin tone and undertone—your makeup blends seamlessly, looks natural, and enhances your features. And it’s not just about foundation; your blush, lipstick, and even eyeshadow choices will look infinitely better once you figure out the right base.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to determine your skin tone and undertone so you can effortlessly pick the best foundation. We’ll also cover easy at-home tests, explain why undertones matter so much, and share some of our top product recommendations.
By the end of this article, you’ll be a pro at choosing makeup shades that complement your skin tone and undertone.
Why Understanding Skin Tone and Undertone Matters
Understanding your skin tone and undertone can save you time, money, and frustration when shopping for makeup. No more makeup regrets or piles of products gathering dust on your vanity!
The benefits of knowing your skin tone and undertone:
- Your foundation matches will be flawless. Say goodbye to the dreaded makeup mask effect.
- Your blush and bronzer will look more natural. Achieve the perfect flush or sun-kissed glow that actually enhances your skin.
- Choosing lipstick will be easier. Some lip colors make you look vibrant, while others wash you out—your undertone is the key to picking the right shades.
- Your wardrobe will benefit too! Your undertone helps determine which clothing colors flatter you most.
Now, let’s get to the fun part: figuring out your skin tone and undertone!
Skin Tone vs. Undertone: What’s the Difference?
Let’s define two important terms before we dive in:
- Skin Tone: This refers to the overall color of your skin—fair, light, medium, tan, deep, etc. Think of this as your skin’s “surface” shade.
- Undertone: This is the subtle hue beneath your skin’s surface. Undertones can be:
- Cool: Pink, red, or bluish hues
- Warm: Yellow, peachy, or golden tones
- Neutral: A mix of both warm and cool tones
- Olive: A slightly greenish or grayish cast
One key point: Your skin tone can change (like when you tan in the summer or lighten in the winter), but your undertone remains consistent year-round.
Quick and Fun Ways to Identify Your Undertone
1. The Vein Test
Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist:
- Greenish veins? You likely have a warm undertone.
- Bluish or purple veins? You likely have a cool undertone.
- A mix of both? You may have a neutral undertone.
2. The Jewelry Test
- Gold jewelry looks better on you? You’re probably warm-toned.
- Silver jewelry is more flattering? You’re likely cool-toned.
- Both look great? You might have a neutral undertone.
3. The White vs. Off-White Test
Hold up a pure white and an off-white (cream) fabric near your face:
- Bright white makes you glow? You’re likely cool-toned.
- Off-white looks better? You’re probably warm-toned.
- Both look fine? You have a neutral undertone.
4. How Do You Tan or Burn?
- Tan easily and rarely burn? You likely have a warm undertone.
- Burn easily and struggle to tan? You’re probably cool-toned.
- Sometimes burn, sometimes tan? You might be neutral or somewhere in between.
Identifying Your Skin Tone (Fair, Light, Medium, Tan, Deep, etc.)
Now that you know your undertone, it’s time to determine your skin tone. Here are the general categories:
- Fair: Very light skin that burns easily.
- Light: Slightly deeper than fair; may burn but can tan slightly.
- Medium: Tans easily but can still burn in strong sun.
- Tan: Rarely burns and tans quickly.
- Deep: Rich, deeper skin tone that almost never burns.
While these are general guidelines, your main focus should be on identifying your undertone first and then selecting the right foundation shade within that range.
Matching Foundation to Your Skin Tone: Pro Tips
Swatch, Swatch, Swatch!
When testing foundation, swatch three shades on your jawline:
- One slightly lighter than you think.
- One slightly darker.
- One that seems just right.
The shade that disappears into your skin is your match!
Check It in Natural Light
Store lighting can be deceiving. Step outside or near a window to see how the shade looks in daylight.
Match to Your Neck and Chest
Your face may be lighter or darker than your body due to sun exposure or skincare products. For the most natural look, choose a foundation that harmonizes with your neck and chest.
Makeup Recommendations by Undertone
Warm Undertones
- Foundation: Look for shades labeled “golden,” “warm,” “honey,” or “beige.”
- Blush: Peachy, coral, or warm pink shades.
- Lipstick: Orange-based reds, corals, warm pinks, and caramel-toned browns.
- Eyeshadow: Warm browns, golds, copper, and bronze tones.
Cool Undertones
- Foundation: Look for shades labeled “cool,” “porcelain,” or “rosy.”
- Blush: Soft pink, mauve, or berry tones.
- Lipstick: Blue-based reds, cool pinks, and berry shades.
- Eyeshadow: Taupes, grays, jewel tones like emerald or navy.
Neutral Undertones
- Foundation: Look for shades labeled “neutral,” “ivory,” “buff,” or “sand.”
- Blush: Soft pinks, peachy pinks, or neutral rose shades.
- Lipstick: Most shades work—experiment with both warm and cool colors.
- Eyeshadow: Browns, taupes, champagne, and muted colors.
Olive Undertones
- Foundation: Look for shades specifically made for olive skin.
- Blush: Muted peach, terracotta, or mauve.
- Lipstick: Earthy nudes, deep reds, and browns.
- Eyeshadow: Warm neutrals, mossy greens, and bronze shades.
Now that you’re equipped with all the knowledge you need, you’ll never struggle to find the perfect makeup match again. Happy swatching!
