Although it may sound complicated, like an archaeological excavation of sorts, uncovering your skin undertone doesn’t have to be difficult, time-consuming or hard work. But, in order to find the perfect foundation shade, it’s necessary.
Maybe you aren’t sure if you have warm or cool undertones. Perhaps you don’t even know what an undertone is. And guess what? That’s totally okay.In search of your perfect airbrush foundation shade, we’re breaking down what you need to know, and how to figure it out. (Hint: use our Shade Finder.)
Trust us on this: instead of sampling several different products and colors (and spending an ungodly amount of time doing so), there are tried and true methods to finding your perfect match – without consulting a scientist, or a more appropriate source of information on this topic: a makeup artist.
Take the guesswork out of adding a new staple in your makeup bag with these 5 facts and helpful tips. Here’s what to consider in an effort to finding your skin’s undertone.
There Are a Variety of Undertones
The first thing you should know is that three types of underlying colors exist: Cool, Warm and Neutral. Cool = pink, red or bluish undertones (your skin burns easily and rarely tans—ouch), Warm = yellow, peachy or golden undertones (skin tans easily, luckily), and Neutral = olive or a mix of warm and cool undertones (this is you if your skin tans well but may burn).
- Cool = pink, red or bluish undertones (your skin burns easily and rarely tans—ouch)
- Warm = yellow, peachy or golden undertones (skin tans easily, luckily)
- Neutral = olive or a mix of warm and cool undertones (this is you if your skin tans well but may burn).
But Undertone Should Not Be Confused With ‘Tone’
Tone is the skin color on the surface. Undertone, on the other hand, is the hue that’s beneath that top layer. It’s like socks and shoes: tones and undertones mix and match, so there’s a range of possibilities when it comes to potential combinations!
Flip Your Wrist For More Info
As strange as it sounds, your veins can help reveal what shade of makeup is best to wear. Blue or purple wrist veins typically indicate that you have cool undertones, while green or olive equates to warm, and blue-green veins suggest that neutral undertones are in effect.
- Cool = Veins on the underside of your wrist appear blue/purple.
- Warm = Veins on the underside of your wrist appear green.
- Neutral = Veins on the underside of your wrist appear blue/green.
Play With Gold or Silver Accessories
If you need an excuse to buy a necklace or bracelet, blame it on your curiosity to uncover your undertone (…research, am I right?). Although this method isn’t as objective, it’s believed that gold jewelry goes best with warm undertones while silver matches more fittingly with cool undertones.
- Cool = Silver jewelry
- Warm = Gold jewelry
- Neutral = Either goal or silver jewelry
Seasonality Doesn’t Count
Once you’ve figured out your undertone, you’re all set. Undertones don’t change with the weather, but your tone does. Whether you’re poolside or mountainside, you’ll have to switch hues, but the undertone will remain constant through sunny, cool and extreme climates.
Keep these items of info in mind while picking a foundation, and you’ll find your perfect makeup match, seamlessly!
As a seasoned beauty enthusiast with a deep understanding of skincare and makeup, I can confidently guide you through the intricacies of uncovering your skin undertone to find the perfect foundation shade. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience in the beauty industry, where I've worked closely with both professionals and individuals to achieve flawless makeup looks tailored to their unique undertones.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article, providing additional insights and expertise:
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Undertones: Cool, Warm, and Neutral The article correctly identifies the three main undertones: Cool, Warm, and Neutral. Cool undertones manifest as pink, red, or bluish hues, indicating skin that burns easily and tans rarely. Warm undertones exhibit yellow, peachy, or golden tones, signifying skin that tans easily. Neutral undertones feature a mix of warm and cool undertones or an olive complexion, resulting in skin that tans well but may also burn.
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Undertone vs. Tone The article makes a crucial distinction between undertone and tone. While tone refers to the surface color of the skin, undertone is the underlying hue beneath that top layer. Understanding this difference is fundamental in choosing the right foundation shade, as tones and undertones interact in various combinations.
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Vein Color as an Indicator The article suggests examining the color of veins on the underside of the wrist to determine undertones. Blue or purple veins typically indicate cool undertones, green or olive veins suggest warm undertones, and blue-green veins point to neutral undertones. This method is a reliable and quick way to assess undertones.
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Jewelry and Undertones The article introduces the idea of using gold or silver accessories to identify undertones. Gold jewelry is said to complement warm undertones, while silver pairs well with cool undertones. This method, though subjective, can provide an additional layer of confirmation for identifying undertones.
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Seasonality and Undertones An important point raised in the article is that undertones remain constant, irrespective of changes in skin tone due to seasonal variations. Whether you're exposed to sunlight or in cooler climates, your undertone stays the same. This emphasizes the significance of considering undertones when selecting a foundation, ensuring a consistent match regardless of external factors.
In conclusion, armed with these insights and tips, you can confidently navigate the world of makeup to discover your perfect foundation match. Trust in these tried-and-true methods, and you'll effortlessly enhance your beauty routine with a flawless and harmonious makeup look.
