Finding the right foundation shade for you can seem like a lifelong predicament: it’s too light, too dark, too…something not quite right. How to find your foundation shade lies in how it melts into your skin like it belonged there all along. If you need to slather your face with it to look natural, chances are it’s not your perfect shade. Your perfect foundation shade will look like you have nothing on. Too good to be true? Absolutely not. You can do it, and we’re here to help.
Shop with a Clean Face
Whether you’re perusing in-store or online, a foundation skin tone chart only works if you show up with bare skin. Chances are, if you’ve already been wearing the wrong shade, you’ll probably do it again unless you remove it completely before trying a new one. The point is to match your bare skin, not your current foundation. To avoid being off base, make your foundation hunt a no-makeup excursion. You can also try out our virtual try-on experience to help you find your foundation shade.
Don’t Go by Shade Names Alone
You know that expression “Never judge a book by its cover”? That applies to how to find the right foundation shade, too. Shade names like “Espresso” or “Beige” are not universal to all brands. They can be a helpful guide, but if you want to get it right off the get-go, we always recommend color-matching by a Consultant. Also, remember that whenever a foundation's form-be it liquid, powder, or cream-is different, the same shade name can look slightly different.
Tailor Your Coverage and Finish for Every Occasion
You may want to switch your foundation formula and shades up depending on the season or what your skin is craving. Winter may call for a lighter shade with more hydration, while summer may call for a deeper shade. Where you live plays a role as far as climate is concerned and how it affects your skin. For example, if it’s very humid, you’ll want to look for a foundation that’s sweat- and humidity-resistant.
Personal preference or occasion (day off, workday, big party) will also determine how much coverage you are looking for-sheer, moderate, or full coverage. Sheer coverage provides a light, natural finish that allows your skin to peek through. Moderate coverage evens skin tone without feeling heavy, offering a balanced look. Full coverage provides a more opaque finish.
Understanding Foundation Finishes:
- Matte: Ideal for oilier skin types.
- Natural matte: A velvety finish; works well on nearly any skin type.
- Natural: Provides a healthy-looking finish; works well on nearly any skin type.
- Radiant: Gives a glow for any skin type, perfect for a dewy, summery vibe.
How Do I Know My Skin's Undertone?
Your undertone is the color beneath your skin that stays consistent, unlike your skin tone, which can change with a tan. From Even Better Refresh Hydrating and Repairing Makeup to Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer and everything in between, Clinique's foundations are formulated and created for a variety of skin tones and undertones. It’s just about understanding the ins and outs of yours and the differences between the two.
Skin tone is the color of your skin. This can change when you have a suntan, for instance. An undertone, however, is the color that lies beneath your skin, suntan or not.
How to Find Your Skin Undertone
Identifying your undertone by checking your veins and swatching shades on your jawline ensures a flawless foundation match. To identify what type of undertone you have, examine the inside of your wrist. Looking at the veins will help determine if your skin has a cool, warm, or neutral undertone. This knowledge simplifies the foundation selection process, for a harmonious match with your natural complexion.
Decoding Your Veins for Undertone:
- Blue veins indicate neutral undertones, allowing flexibility with both cool and warm foundation shades.
- Purple-tinged veins suggest cool undertones, giving the skin a pinkish tint.
- If your veins appear green, warm undertones are present, imparting a golden tone to the skin.
The shades in Clinique's foundation collections are easy to navigate because, along with shades like “Truffle” or “Alabaster,” they are labeled with qualifiers like WN and CN, which stand for Warm Neutral and Cool Neutral to help you out.
Swatch Three Shades
While reaching for a bottle that looks like the right foundation shade is tempting, it’s essential you always try before you buy. Use Clinique’s foundation virtual try-on tool or meet with a Clinique Consultant to find your perfect match. The best technique for finding your best shade is first to choose three that appear to be a good match, then swatch them (apply a short line) next to each other on your makeup-free, clean jawline, leaving a little skin between each. Allow these swatches to dry completely before making your final selection.
Take the Winner for a Test Drive
After determining which swatch looks like the best foundation shade match, remove the other two and fill in a small section of your jawline with the leading contender. Now, sweep a cotton swab soaked in makeup remover down the middle of the patch. You've got a match if the revealed skin color is the same as your swatch. In the quest for the perfect foundation shade, aim for a seamless match that enhances your look without heaviness. Start with a clean face, decode your undertones, swatch wisely, and consider different formulas. Your flawless, natural glow awaits-find the ideal foundation that looks like a second skin.
Bonus: Choose a Formula That Helps Address Your Concerns
While shade is of the utmost importance, the formula can also significantly influence your foundation choice. You may want to choose a multitasking foundation that not only provides coverage but addresses your concerns.
Clinique Foundation Formulas:
- Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15: For individuals with dry combination to combination oily skin seeking SPF protection and assistance in fading the look of dark spots. It delivers hydration and moderate coverage with a natural finish while working to diminish the look of dark spots over time. Plus, it has SPF protection.
- Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25: Offers long-wearing coverage with the transforming power of a serum. This is a full coverage, matte finish foundation that’s great for combination oily and oily skin. Plus, it’s built with 3 serum technology and helps visibly improve skin over time.
In addition, a foundation’s finish is what will ultimately help determine the final look. It’s not breaking news that you should always check how your foundation looks in natural light before committing. Stand by a window or step outside for that final approval.
How To Find Your Perfect Foundation Shade Every Time!
Clinique Tinted Moisturizer: Key Benefits
The Clinique Tinted Moisturizer is designed for all skin types, offering sheer coverage with a natural finish. It provides powerful hydration, keeping skin plumped and dewy for up to 12 hours, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and activated aloe water. Its sweat- and humidity-resistant formula ensures a fresh, natural finish throughout the day. This product is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, non-acnegenic, and allergy tested. It is formulated without parabens, phthalates, oil, or fragrance.
How to Apply
In the AM, apply tinted moisturizer directly to clean skin or over your favorite Clinique moisturizer. A little goes a long way. Squeeze a small amount of moisturizer and warm between fingers before applying.
Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Caprylyl Methicone, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Behenyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Sucrose, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract\Extrait D'Orge, Caffeine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Isohexadecane, Lecithin, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake, Trehalose, Isostearic Acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polysorbate 80, Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Polyethylene, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Silica, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
Please be aware that ingredient lists may change or vary from time to time.
tags: #clinique #tinted #moisturizer #shades