Have you ever found yourself wondering how to know your skin tone and undertone while looking for your next makeup product? There’s a good chance you’re buying a product that doesn’t quite match your complexion. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the makeup world or are a beauty junkie, you must first understand your skin tone to pick the right foundation shade for your face. Not only that, knowing your skin tone can help you choose the most flattering shades for clothing and more.
That said, finding the right skin tone and undertone can be confusing. But it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. We’re here to help you learn how to know your skin tone and undertone, so you don’t end up looking like a porcelain doll or an orange clown.
What Is The Difference Between Skin Tone And Skin Undertone?
Skin tone and skin undertone may sound similar but knowing that they are not the same can make choosing your ideal foundation shade much more effortless.
The skin tone is the surface colour of the skin, which may change when exposed to external factors like the sun. Your skin tone is also determined by your genetic makeup (the skin tone you were born with), such as fair, light, medium, and dark skin tones.
On the other hand, a skin undertone is a shade that exists beneath the skin tone (like a shadow). There are three categories of undertones that your skin might fall into, which are: cool, neutral, and warm undertones. Determining the best foundation shade also depends on matching it with your unique undertone.
What Are The Different Types Of Skin Tones?
When you look in the mirror, the first thing you notice is your skin tone. Let’s look at the most common skin tones and use this information to accentuate your natural beauty.
1. Fair Skin Tone
The lightest skin tone range is common among red-haired people. People with this skin tone burn easily when exposed to sunlight.
2. Light Skin Tone
Those with light skin tones tend to have warmer undertones compared to those with fair skin. You’re also likely to get a tan when exposed to sunlight.
3. Medium Skin Tone
Your skin tone is more medium, with some olive or warm golden undertones.
4. Dark Skin Tone
This is the deepest range of skin tones. People with this skin tone have a deep or tan complexion.
How To Know Your Skin Tone And Undertone To Avoid Buying The Wrong Foundation Shade?
Determining your exact skin tone and undertone can be tricky. Here’s an easy guide on how to know your skin tone and undertone to avoid the most offending foundation faux pas.
How To Determine Your Skin Tone?
You can determine your skin tone from the convenience of your own home. Try these skin undertone tests to find the perfect foundation match.
5. Look At Your Jawline
When talking about how to know your skin tone, your jawline is the least affected by colour changes (in comparison to the rest of your face). Examine your freshly cleansed skin and jawline in natural light to see if your skin tone is fair, light, medium, or dark.
6. Ask A Friend
Asking a friend or family member is the simplest way how to know your skin tone. Having a second opinion can be helpful, especially if you’re torn between two skin tones.
7. Get Help From A Beauty Expert
If you still need help figuring out how to know your skin tone, you can get a beauty expert to help you determine it. A beauty consultant in the store can perform matching tests for you to find out which foundation shade would look best on your complexion.
How To Determine Your Skin Undertone?
Now that we’ve shared tips on how to know your skin tone, let’s find out what skin undertone you have. These are effortless ways you can try to determine your skin undertone.
8. Vein Test
Examine the veins underneath your wrists. Green veins indicate a warm undertone, whereas blue or purple veins indicate a cool undertone. You may have a neutral undertone if your veins appear bluish green.
9. Sun Test
Does your skin tan easily in the sun? If you answered yes, you have a warm or neutral undertone. Otherwise, you are considered as having a cool undertone.
10. Jewellery Test
Silver jewellery appears best with a cool undertone, whereas gold jewellery looks best with a warm undertone. If both look good on you, you have a neutral undertone.
11. White Paper Test
Hold up a piece of bright white paper against your bare face. If your skin appears yellowish against the sheet, you have a warm undertone. If you look pinkish, you have a cool undertone; and if you appear more green or grey, that means you have a neutral undertone.
12. Colour Test
Check which colours of your clothes complement your skin. Blue will suit you if you have a cool undertone; yellow suits you best if you have a warm undertone, and if you have a neutral undertone, any colour would suit you.
Best Foundation Shades For Your Undertones
Finding the best foundation shades for your skin is a bit of trial and error. We’ve picked up a few shades that might match your undertones. Consider the below:
13. Warm Undertone
Beige, Golden, Tan, Caramel, and Chestnut
14. Cool Undertone
Porcelain, Rose, Sable, and Cocoa
15. Neutral Undertone
Ivory, Buff, Nude, and Praline
You’re Well On Your Way To Finding The Best Colour For Your Skin After Learning About How To Know Your Skin Tone And Undertone
The most obvious reason to knowing your skin tone and undertone is that you’re able to pick the perfect foundation shade for your complexion. But knowing your skin tone and undertone is also important when you’re choosing a lipstick, hair colour, or nail polish. Look for colours that complement your features without being too flashy or dull. However, if you want it to stand out, you can still wear colours of opposing tones. For example, you can wear blue-red lipstick if you have a warm undertone. It’s the best way to balance your dramatic look and your colour harmony.
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