How to choose your foundation shade (and undertone)

The right foundation shade is the one that disappears into your skin: try it on your jawline, not your wrist, in the daylight, and choose the shade that blends into your neck. First, however, it is best to understand your undertone: warm, cool, or neutral.

Understanding your undertone

• Warm: your skin has golden or peach undertones, the veins in your wrist look green, and gold suits you better than silver.
• Cool: pink undertones, bluish veins, silver suits you better.
• Neutral: a little bit of both.

Where and how to try it

1. Apply two or three shades to your jawline, one next to the other.
2. Look at them in the daylight, near a window.
3. Wait a few minutes: some foundations darken slightly as they dry.
4. Choose the one you can no longer see.

The right texture

• Mineral powder, such as Amazing Base: lightweight and buildable. We talk about it in Jane Iredale mineral makeup.
• Liquid, such as Skintuition SPF30, available in many shades.
• Tinted cream, such as Dream Tint, for those who only want to even out their skin tone.
• Lightweight foundation, such as Il Velo Etereo by Insium.

Our advice

In summer and winter, your skin tone changes: many people use two shades, or mix them during the transitional months. And in the boutique, you can try the shades with us, in the right light.

Frequently asked questions

How do I tell if my undertone is warm or cool?

Look at the veins in your wrist: green indicates a warm undertone, bluish means cool, and somewhere in between means neutral. The color of the jewelry that suits you best, gold or silver, also helps.

Is it better to choose a lighter or darker foundation?

Neither: choose the one that matches the skin on your neck. One that is too light makes your face look grey, while one that is too dark creates a line on your jawline.

What foundation is best for sensitive skin?

Simple and lightweight formulas, such as mineral makeup. Always try it on a small area first.