4 Steps to Match Makeup to Your Skin Tone

Having the perfect makeup look starts with finding the right shade for your skin tone. This is vital in helping you achieve a natural-looki...

Having the perfect makeup look starts with finding the right shade for your skin tone. This is vital in helping you achieve a natural-looking finish and avoid common mistakes like looking washed out or too cakey. You should perfectly match your foundation, lipstick and eyeshadow shades to your unique complexion, but it's not just about knowing which color suits you, it's also about taking into account factors such as the weather and the type of finish you're aiming for.

1. Determine Your Skin Tone

To get started on finding the best makeup for you, it’s important to understand your skin tone. Generally speaking, there are three main tones, neutral, cool, and warm, but within each of those categories, there can be a lot of variation. Usually, people have either a cool, warm, or neutral undertone.

You can usually determine your skin tone by looking at the veins on your wrists. If they appear blue or purple, you’re likely cool-toned; if they look greenish, you’re probably warm-toned; and if they seem a bit of both, it’s likely that your undertone is neutral.

2. Choose Your Shades

Once you’ve determined your skin tone, the next step is to find products that will help bring out your best features. Generally speaking, cool-toned people look great in shades of blue, purple and gray while warm-toned folks should opt for orange, red and yellow hues. Neutral tones can go with a bit of both, but you’ll want to avoid stark contrasts as that can make your complexion appear washed out or pasty.

The key to finding the right shades of makeup is to experiment and see what works best with your skin tone. Don’t be afraid to try out new colors, you may just discover a shade that complements your complexion perfectly.

3. Select Your Products

Now that you know what shades will flatter your complexion, it’s time to select the products that will help you achieve your desired look. For example, if you’re looking for a foundation, opt for one that has a yellow base, this will help balance out any redness or sallowness in your complexion. If you have darker skin, look for a foundation with an orange-based tint to give you a natural glow.

Blush should be chosen to match your skin tone as closely as possible, if you’re cool-toned, try a pink or mauve hue; for warm tones, opt for peach or coral shades; and neutrals are best with something in between. Honest beauty extreme length mascara is a great choice for all skin tones. The unique formula creates long, full lashes without clumping or smudging.

4. Perfect Your Look

The right products can only take you so far, proper application is just as important. When applying makeup, start with a light base and gradually build up the coverage until you’re happy with the look. Use a concealer to cover any blemishes or discoloration, then blend it out with a damp sponge. You can also use a setting powder to help your makeup stay put, but be sure to choose a translucent formula to avoid looking cakey.

For an extra boost of color, add a pop of blush or bronzer on the apples of your cheeks and finish off with some highlighter on the high points of your face (think: under eyes, cheekbones, brow bones), and don’t forget the lips, tinted lip balms or glosses are a great way to enhance your natural beauty.

Makeup can be a great way to enhance your features and express yourself, but only if you choose the right colors and products. By following these tips, you can find makeup that perfectly complements your skin tone and create looks that will make you feel confident, beautiful and ready to take on the world.