Foundation is the most important part of makeup. The right shade of foundation can enhance your makeup look, while the wrong shade can spoil your entire look. Choosing the right shade can be challenging when buying foundation online, as it is not possible to try it on like in a physical store. But not to worry! Here we are telling you some easy and useful tips, which will help you in choosing the right shade while buying foundation online.
1. Identify your undertones
To choose the right shade of foundation, it is important to know the undertone. There are three types of undertones:
- Warm: If your veins look green, your undertone is warm.
- Cool: If the veins are blue or purple, your undertone is cool.
- Neutral: If your veins look both green and blue, your undertone is neutral.
Tip:
- Choose a foundation with a yellow base for warm undertones.
- Pink based foundations are best for cool undertones.
- For those with neutral undertones, a balanced foundation between yellow and pink will be suitable.
2. Understand your skin type
The finish of the foundation (e.g. matte, dewy, satin) depends on your skin type.
- Oily Skin: Choose a matte finish foundation. It controls extra oil on the skin.
- Dry Skin: Use dewy finish or satin foundation. It makes the skin hydrated and glowing.
- Combination skin: After priming and prepping the skin, choose between a matte or dewy finish.
3. Choose foundation coverage
The coverage of foundation depends on your makeup look.
- Sheer Coverage: Suitable for daily wear or light makeup.
- Medium Coverage: Best for beginners and normal makeup looks.
- Full Coverage: Perfect choice for parties and heavy makeup looks.
Tip:
Choose sheer coverage for daily wear and medium or full coverage foundation for special occasions.
4. Know your skin tone
To choose the right shade of foundation, it is important to know your skin tone. There are three types of skin tones:
- Fair: Very light skin.
- Medium: Wheat color.
- Dark: Dark complexion.
How to choose the right shade?
- Know your skin tone.
- Select foundation shades of that tone.
- Keep undertones in mind to further narrow down the shades.
5. Use online swatches and reviews
Swatches and reviews can help you while buying foundation online.
- Search for that foundation shade on Google or YouTube.
- Estimate your shade by looking at the models’ skin tone and swatches.
- Use the virtual try-on tools available on the brand’s website.
6. Use the brand’s shade guide
Many makeup brands provide shade guides on their websites.
- If you already have a shade of foundation, use it to select a similar shade.
- Matching tools: Some brands offer tools to help you find products that match your current shade.
7. Test foundation before buying
If possible, first test the shade of that brand at a local store and then order online.