Picking The Right Shade For Your Skin

Choosing the right foundation and concealer may seem like a simple task right? You just go the store pick one that looks about the same color as your skin and buy it. Just that easy, right? Not quite. There are a few different things you should look for in choosing the right shade for our skin. Here are some tips to help you pick the right shade for your skin.



1. Know What You Want.

There are many different shades, brands, and types of foundations. Before you start choosing, find a brand that works for your skin. Some can be oil based, and can cause skin to breakout. Also decide if you like powder, cream/mousse or liquid foundation. Powder tends to be better for a bronzer or a blush. Liquid and cream/mousse blend into your skin to leave a flawless look. Do you like a matte or shiny finish? Matte finish is usually better for younger ages because they have more oil production in there skin, as you age your skin does not produce the natural oils that it used to which tends to dull your skin out. 

2. Compare Each Product. 
Find three shades that are close to your skin tone, and compare them side by side. You can compare different brands with there similar shades and find out which one brand goes on the smoothest. Then switch to 3 shades that fits you like against your skin and apply them next to each other. At this point you will notice the flaws of the other colors. Do this a few times to be sure that the color you picked is perfect for you.

3. Test on the jaw.
Testing colors along your jawline, allows you to find a color that blends into your face and neck. Because your neck maybe lighter or darker than your face, it is important that foundation blends nicely so there are no harsh lines and it doesn't look like your face and neck are different colors. If the color of your neck and face have a noticeable difference in shade, select one that matches your face, and blend it down into your neck. Make sure you blend it really well.

Good

BAD

3. Test in natural light.

Natural lighting is when you will best see how the foundations you have chosen look on you. The lighting in stores can distort the way it looks. So if you are in a store and cannot find natural lighting, buy 2 or 3 and take them home to test them out and return the ones that do not work. Most places will take the returns as long as you have a receipt.

4. Oxidation.

Some products will change colors when the skins oils mix with them. Apply a color on the inside of your arm and watch the color for an hour or so. If it begins to changes colors, then it is not the right shade for you. Instead go a shade lighter so if it darkens slightly it still blends in.

I hope these tips help you find the perfect shade of foundation for your skin. Be sure to test out a few different options, because there can always be something that looks even better than what you currently love. 

~aphrodite