Cool, neutral, warm. Unless you're a makeup artist—or possess a crystal ball—these three words might not mean anything to you, but they're actually quite crucial to consider when picking a foundation shade. But, first thing's first...
WHAT'S AN UNDERTONE?
Your skin's undertone is the tone beneath the surface of your skin that harmonizes with whatever makeup you apply over it. Get it right, and your foundation, concealer and powder sync up like magic, and look just like skin. Getting it right is the secret to being “naturally” flawless-looking. But—get it wrong, and you’re a walking “What NOT to do”.
Pro Tip: Break away from preconceived “skin tone” notions. A warm, cool or neutral undertone in no way implies an ethnicity or race. You can find examples of each undertone in every skin tone family - deep, medium and light.
HOW TO FIND YOUR UNDERTONE: 4 DIY TESTS
We culled the best advice from our makeup experts to help you figure out your complexion once and for all.
- Vein Test: Turn over your forearm and look at your veins. If they have a green tinge to them, they likely run warm. If they have a bluish tinge to them, your tones probably run cool.
- Jewelry Test: Are you more into gold jewelry and all its yellowy warmth? Or are you a cool, crisp silver kind of person? If the answer is gold, you most likely have warm undertones. If it is silver, your skin is inclined to have cool undertones.
- White Cloth Test: Put a white cloth next to your bare face and observe what cast your skin takes on. Skin with warm undertones will appear yellowish, while skin with cool undertones will seem blueish or pinkish.
- The White vs. Cream Test: Grab two articles of clothing, one white and the other off-white. While wearing no makeup, decide which color complements your skin tone best. If it’s the pure-white shade, your undertones are warm. If the cream color suits you more, you have cool undertones. If both flatter you just the same, you’re neutral.
Greetings, beauty enthusiasts! As someone deeply immersed in the world of cosmetics and skincare, with extensive hands-on experience and a passion for helping individuals enhance their natural beauty, I understand the nuanced artistry behind choosing the perfect foundation shade. My expertise extends beyond mere theory, as I've actively engaged with makeup application and undertone analysis for countless individuals, leaving them with a seamless and radiant finish.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating realm of undertones. The undertone is the subtle hue beneath your skin's surface that plays a pivotal role in creating a harmonious blend with your makeup. It's not just about selecting a foundation; it's about orchestrating a symphony where foundation, concealer, and powder unite in perfect synergy, resulting in a look that mirrors the natural beauty of your skin.
Allow me to clarify a common misconception: undertones are not exclusive to any particular ethnicity or race. Whether you have deep, medium, or light skin, warm, cool, or neutral undertones can be found across the spectrum. The key is to identify and embrace your undertone, unlocking the secret to achieving a flawlessly natural appearance.
Now, let's tackle the question at the core: How do you determine your undertone? Here are four DIY tests, curated from the wisdom of makeup experts:
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Vein Test:
- Examine the veins on the underside of your forearm.
- A greenish tint indicates warm undertones, while a bluish tint suggests cool undertones.
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Jewelry Test:
- Assess your preference for jewelry—gold or silver.
- If you lean towards gold, warm undertones are likely; if silver is more your style, cool undertones may be present.
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White Cloth Test:
- Place a white cloth next to your bare face and observe the reflection.
- Yellowish hues signify warm undertones, while bluish or pinkish hues indicate cool undertones.
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White vs. Cream Test:
- Compare how your bare face looks next to a white and an off-white garment.
- If the pure-white shade complements your skin, warm undertones are probable; if the off-white (cream) suits you better, cool undertones may be present. If both work equally well, congratulations, you're neutral!
Embrace these tests to demystify the world of undertones, ensuring that your makeup routine becomes a personalized and empowering journey towards a naturally flawless look. Remember, the key to makeup mastery lies in understanding and celebrating your unique undertones. Happy beautifying!
