We are not going to fool ourselves: choosing the correct makeup base can be a challenge. Knowing which is the correct tone and the appropriate texture for our skin type raises certain (quite a few) doubts. Doubts that are growing if that choice is made online.

There is an infallible popular rule that says that it is always better to err by default than by excess. That is when in doubt, it is preferable to buy a lighter base than a darker one since you can always raise the tone with bronzing powders. But since what we want (and we intend with this article) is to choose it like a professional, and not just to get by, here is the definitive guide to learning how to do it.

How to choose the right tone for my skin color?

It is an eternal question. And more so when makeup firms have considerably increased the supply of shades available with very extensive catalogs. The general recommendation is always to choose the shade closest to our natural skin color. Try three intermediate base tones that are similar to our skin in the jaw area. The one that best blends with our skin – there will always be one of the three that is most similar – should be the one chosen.

And although there is a general recommendation to test the foundation on the inside of the wrist or the back of the hand to check if the pre-chosen tone is correct by doing it directly on the face since it is the most reliable. It can be in the jaw or even in other areas such as the forehead.

The importance of the undertone

When choosing, it is also important to take into account the pigmentation of our skin. It’s not just a matter of whether it’s light or dark, but whether it tends to sallow, pink, or gold. Stand in front of the mirror next to a white sheet of paper and observe what color your skin shows in comparison with that folio:

• If the skin appears more yellow, it has a warm undertone and therefore a more golden or beige foundation should be chosen.

• If the skin appears pinker compared to the white on the folio, it is a cool undertone and therefore the foundation should be pink.

• If the skin does not stand out, either because of a yellowish or pink tone, we are dealing with a neutral undertone and the base should be as neutral as possible.