When it comes to foundation, it can be difficult to find that perfect color. Using a foundation that is too pale or too dark will not look right. The purpose of foundation is that it blends into your skin to make your look flawless. Here are some tips that you can follow to try and find that perfect foundation for your skin.

Visit a Store

Although technology makes shopping much easier, you need to visit a store when buying a new foundation. Unless you know exactly what product/color you need to purchase, it will be a lot easier to test it first.

Where to Test

There are rumors out there that you should test on your neck, but that is not true. When testing the color of a foundation, you want to test it on the side of your face on the jawline. The reason you shouldn’t test on your neck is because it is always shadowed and doesn’t receive as much sunlight as your other skin. But since you’ll be applying the foundation to your face, you want to make sure it matches that area!

Picking Colors

To avoid testing hundreds of colors, pick which one you think would best match your skin color, then grab one shade lighter and one shade darker. Looking at just one won’t give you the best idea of what fits your skin color. So, by seeing the same color varied slightly lighter and darker, you will be able to get a better idea of whether that color is best for you or not. If you are unsure, always go for the darker color. If it’s too dark it’ll make you look tan, but if it’s too light you’ll look washed out.

Lighting Matters

The lighting in stores is not the best for testing makeup. So, the best thing to do is to test the three colors you have chosen on your skin and take a walk outside. The natural light is going to give you the best idea of whether or not it is the right color. Choose the one that disappears the most. If you aren’t confident with any of the ones you tested, don’t settle. Go back in and try on a couple different colors, perhaps with varying tones of yellow or pink. You don’t want to settle when it comes to foundation because that is going to be all over your face all day every day.

Timing

Test how the foundation looks after it dries. There are some foundations that change color as they dry. As they absorb the air and dry out, they oxidize and turn an orange color. So, the best thing to do is test the foundations on your skin and walk around the store for a few minutes before making a final decision. This will give you a better idea of what the color will be during the daytime.

Seasons

Another aspect to take into account is the changing of seasons. When it is wintertime, your skin isn’t seeing as much sun and will be a lighter shade than it will be during the summer when you get a tan. It’s a good idea to have two foundations–one for summer and one for winter. If you’re in a pinch, you can use the lighter shade in the summer and simply add bronzer.

Once you find the correct foundation for your skin, it’s a breeze the next time you have to replenish. When it comes to applying the foundation, be sure to visit the Richard Francis Salon, located in Ashland, MA, to get a consultation with our great staff. We are well-versed in applying makeup and are happy to help show you the best techniques for flawless skin.