How to Find Your Foundation Shade: Your Complete Guide

Choosing the correct foundation shade is essential for achieving a natural, seamless look. The right foundation shade not only covers imperfections but also evens out your skin tone, creating a smooth canvas for the rest of your makeup. It should blend effortlessly into your skin, becoming virtually invisible.

Our comprehensive guide is designed to simplify this process, helping you find your flawless match with ease.

Tools You Need

• Lighting for Makeup Application: Natural daylight is the best lighting for makeup application, offering the truest representation of your skin colour and how your foundation will appear in different settings.

• Foundation Shade Swatches: Swatching is a reliable method for selecting the right foundation shade. Test the foundation along your jawline to see how well it matches both your face and neck.

• Foundation Brush: Take advantage of professional makeup consultations offered by brands like Elizabeth Arden. Our experts can help you navigate the selection process, ensuring you find your perfect match

The Process of Finding Your Foundation Shade

Step 1: Identifying Your Skin Type

Your skin type—whether oily, dry, combination, or sensitive—significantly influences how your foundation will look on your skin. For example, oil-free formulas are ideal for oily skin, while hydrating foundations are perfect for dry skin.

Step 2: Understanding Your Skin Undertone

Undertones are the colours beneath the surface of your skin and can be categorised as cool, warm, or neutral. Knowing whether your undertone is pink, yellow, or a mix of both is key to choosing a foundation that truly matches.

Step 3: Swatch Shades on the Jawline 

Applying potential shades to your jawline allows you to compare the foundation against both your face and neck, ensuring a seamless match.

Step 4: Observing Your Foundation in Different Lightings

Foundation can look different under various lighting conditions. Check your swatches in natural light, indoor lighting, and under bright artificial lights to ensure consistency.

Step 5: Waiting for the Foundation to Settle

Foundations can oxidise and change colour slightly as they dry. Allow the foundation to settle for a few minutes to observe its true colour.

Tips for Choosing Your Foundation Shade

Adjust the Shade Seasonally

Your skin tone can change with the seasons. Be prepared to adjust your foundation shade to suit your skin's changing needs throughout the year.

Do Not Rely Solely on Your Face Colour

Consider your neck and décolletage when choosing your foundation shade, ensuring an even blend.

When in Doubt, Go Lighter

If you're torn between two shades, opt for the lighter option. It's easier to deepen a shade with bronzer than to lighten a shade that's too dark.

Find Your Perfect Foundation Shade with Elizabeth Arden

In your quest for the perfect foundation shade, remember that the goal is to enhance your natural beauty, not mask it. With the right tools, knowledge, and a bit of patience, you'll discover a foundation that feels as though it was made just for you. Elizabeth Arden is committed to providing luxury, science-backed skin care products that meet your every need. 

Explore our extensive range of foundation shades designed for every skin tone and type.