If you're a makeup enthusiast, you know how important it is to find the right foundation shade. But it's not just about picking a shade that matches your skin tone. You also need to consider your skin's undertone. A neutral undertone is one of the most common undertones, but what exactly does it mean?
Description of Neutral Undertone
A neutral undertone means that your skin has a balance of both warm and cool undertones. This means that you don't have a dominant warm or cool undertone, and your skin appears neutral. People with neutral undertones usually have skin that falls somewhere between fair and medium, but this can vary depending on your ethnicity and other factors.
How to Determine Your Undertone
Determining your undertone can be a bit tricky, but there are a few methods you can try. One way is to look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue, you likely have a cool undertone. If they appear green, you likely have a warm undertone. If they appear both blue and green, you likely have a neutral undertone.
You can also try holding up a piece of white paper to your face. If your skin appears yellowish, you likely have a warm undertone. If your skin appears pinkish, you likely have a cool undertone. If your skin appears grey or ashen, you likely have a neutral undertone.
Step by Step Guide to Choosing a Foundation with a Neutral Undertone
Now that you know what a neutral undertone is and how to determine if you have one, it's time to choose a foundation that matches. Here's a step by step guide:
Step 1: Identify Your Skin Type
Before you choose a foundation, it's important to identify your skin type. Do you have dry, oily, or combination skin? This can affect the type of foundation you choose.
Step 2: Determine Your Shade
Once you know your undertone, you can determine your shade. Look for a foundation that matches your skin tone and has a neutral undertone. You can swatch the foundation on your jawline to see if it's a good match.
Step 3: Consider the Formula
Next, consider the formula of the foundation. Do you prefer a liquid, powder, or cream formula? Do you want a sheer or full coverage foundation? These factors can affect how the foundation looks on your skin.
Step 4: Test the Foundation
Before you buy a foundation, it's important to test it out. Apply a small amount to your face and see how it looks throughout the day. Does it oxidize or change color? Does it settle into fine lines or pores?
Tips for Working with a Neutral Undertone Foundation
Once you've found a foundation with a neutral undertone, here are some tips for working with it:
- Use a color corrector: If you have any discoloration or redness, use a color corrector before applying foundation. - Blend well: Make sure to blend your foundation well, especially around the edges of your face and near your hairline. - Set with powder: To prevent your foundation from sliding around, set it with a translucent powder. - Layer for more coverage: If you want more coverage, layer your foundation instead of applying a thick layer at once. - Experiment with different finishes: Neutral undertone foundations come in different finishes, such as matte, dewy, or satin. Experiment with different finishes to see what works best for your skin.FAQ
What if I can't determine my undertone?
If you're having trouble determining your undertone, don't worry. You can always ask a makeup artist for help, or try sampling different shades and undertones to see what works best for you.
Can I wear a foundation with a different undertone?
You can, but it may not look as natural on your skin. If you have a warm undertone and wear a cool undertone foundation, it may appear ashy or grey on your skin. If you have a cool undertone and wear a warm undertone foundation, it may appear too yellow or orange on your skin.
Conclusion
Choosing a foundation with a neutral undertone is a great option for those with balanced warm and cool undertones. By following these tips and tricks, you can find a foundation that matches your skin and gives you a natural, flawless finish.
