Avoid using your skin’s overtone to select a foundation shade. Don’t attempt to change your undertone with makeup. This will end up looking very unnatural.

For instance, someone with deep ebony skin may have cool undertones. Keep in mind that the overtone and undertone of your skin may change depending on the time of the year. You may need one foundation for summer, one for winter, and a third for autumn and spring. [3] X Expert Source Tymia YvetteMakeup & Lash Artist Expert Interview. 22 April 2020. Most foundation manufacturers divide their products into the undertone categories of warm, cool and neutral.

Blue-green veins suggest a warm undertone. Blue-purple veins suggest a cool undertone. If you can’t tell, or if you see both, you probably have a neutral undertone.

If neither looks better than the other, you probably have a neutral undertone.

The goal when choosing a foundation shade is to unify the color of your face with the rest of your body. Make sure you are using natural lighting when examining your skin color.

Once you get them all home, stand in front of a mirror under natural lighting to test them out. Make sure your skin is clean, moisturized and has no other makeup on it before you begin testing.

If you have oily skin, try a foundation that’s one shade lighter than what you were expecting. This is because oily skin creates the illusion of darker skin color. [9] X Research source If you’re having a hard time finding the right shade, consider mixing two shades together to create a customized tone. [10] X Research source

Liquid foundations with heavier textures allow for buildable coverage, so you can even out your skin tone where you need to. [12] X Research source

Check the product label to find out what kind of finish it provides. A completely matte formula on darker complexions can end up looking cakey. A semi-matte finish is the best choice.

However, some of the higher end foundation brands are beginning to vastly expand the range of shades they offer for darker complexions. If you are having trouble finding your perfect shade in the drugstore, check the higher end brands at department stores and specialty boutiques.

When choosing a concealer, opt for something one or two shades lighter than your foundation for best results.