How to Pick Your Foundation Shade
Have you ever been in a drug store or department store and looked at all the rows of foundation and wondered how you were ever going to pick your right shade? There’s so much that goes into this difficult process and sometimes it can be especially challenging for women of color. First of all, we have to figure out what companies actually make a shade dark enough for some of us and then we have to worry about whether it’s too red, does it control oil, should you get a winter shade and a summer shade, etc. It’s a lot to think about, but don’t worry because I’m here to walk you through it. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Ask for help
If you don’t know about makeup or know very little, it’s okay to ask for help if you’re in a department store. The people behind the counter are trained to help and should be able to help find the right foundation for your skin as well as the correct shade.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for samples of the foundation you’re looking to buy at a department store. Foundation can be very expensive and you should be able to try it before you buy it.
If you’re buying drugstore makeup, make sure you keep your receipt until you’re fully satisfied. If you don’t like it for any reason, most stores will let you return it, no questions asked, as long as you have the receipt.
Test the right spot
Most women have been trained to test out foundation on their hand or wrist. However, this is simply wrong and can often result in your face being darker than your neck. The correct place to test foundation is on your jawline. The right shade should disappear into your skin seamlessly.
Some women need two foundation shades. I found this out last summer when I looked in the mirror and realized that my face was much lighter than the rest of my body. Some people tend to be darker in the summer and much paler during the winter.
If you have the tendency to get darker during the summer, you need a summer and a winter shade. All you have to do is pick your foundation shade for whatever season you’re in and maybe go one shade darker or lighter depending on what season you started with.
See the (natural) light
Harsh overhead lighting can cast unflattering shadows over your face. Stand near a window or head outside to check your color. This is very important because sometimes a foundation shade may look great indoors, but look horrible in natural lighting.
This is why it’s important to get samples and try the foundation out before you commit to it.
