Understanding your undertones skin is the key to unlocking a world of personalized beauty. When it comes to makeup, foundation, blush, lipstick and even skincare products, knowing your skin’s undertone can make a world of difference in achieving that natural, glowing look. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about identifying your undertone and selecting the perfect makeup to match. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently choose makeup products that enhance your natural beauty and make you feel amazing.
What Are Undertones?
Undertones refer to the subtle hues that lie beneath the surface of your skin, giving it it’s overall tone. While your skin’s surface color can change with sun exposure or skincare products, your undertone remains consistent throughout your life. Understanding your undertone is crucial when selecting makeup products such as foundation, blush, lipstick and even skincare treatments.
There are three main types of undertones skin: warm, cool and neutral. The difference between these undertones might seem subtle, but they play a big role in determining which makeup shades will look the best on you.
Warm Undertones
If you have warm undertones, your skin will typically have a golden, yellow or peachy hue. People with warm undertones usually look great in makeup with warm tones like golden, yellow or orange. When choosing foundation, look for shades with a yellow or golden base and when choosing lipstick, go for warm reds, oranges and browns.
Cool Undertones
On the other hand, cool undertones will appear more pink, blue or purple in hue. Those with cool undertones typically find that silver jewelry looks better on them than gold and their veins appear bluish under their skin. For makeup, cool undertones work best with pinks, purples and cool shades of red. For foundation, opt for shades that have a pink or neutral base.
Neutral Undertones
Neutral undertones are a mix of both warm and cool undertones, meaning your skin doesn’t lean strongly toward either side. People with neutral undertones can wear both warm and cool makeup shades. For foundation, you might find that both yellow and pink undertones work for you. Neutral shades of blush and lipstick will also complement your skin beautifully.
How to Determine Your Undertone
Now that we know what undertones are, the next step is figuring out your own undertone. There are several methods you can use to find out whether your skin has a warm, cool or neutral undertone.
Check Your Veins
One of the easiest ways to identify your undertone is by looking at the veins on your wrist. Stand under natural light and examine the veins on the underside of your wrist.
- Warm undertones: If your veins appear greenish, it’s a sign that you have warm undertones.
- Cool undertones: If your veins appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones.
- Neutral undertones: If your veins look neither green nor blue but somewhere in between, you have neutral undertones.
Jewelry Test
Another simple test involves checking which type of jewelry complements your skin tone best. If you look better in gold jewelry, you likely have warm undertones. If silver looks best on you, you likely have cool undertones. If both gold and silver look good on your skin, you may have neutral undertones.
The White Paper Test
Hold a plain white piece of paper up to your face and compare the two. If your skin appears more yellow or golden against the white paper, you have warm undertones. If your skin looks more pink or red, you have cool undertones. If your skin looks balanced and neutral, you likely have neutral undertones.
Choosing the Right Makeup for Your Undertones
Once you’ve determined your undertone, choosing the right makeup products becomes much easier. Here’s a guide on how to pick the best foundation, blush, lipstick and even skincare based on your undertones skin.
Foundation
Finding the perfect foundation is one of the most important steps in your makeup routine. Here’s a breakdown of the best foundations based on your undertones:
- Warm Undertones: Look for foundations with yellow or golden undertones. These shades will help create a natural, sun-kissed look. Popular foundations with warm undertones include Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation in 330 and MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC35.
- Cool Undertones: Choose foundations with pink or neutral bases. Cool-toned foundations will balance out your skin and give you a flawless finish. Some great options include Estée Lauder Double Wear in Cool Bone and Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 120 Classic Ivory.
- Neutral Undertones: You can wear a variety of shades, so opt for foundations that offer a blend of warm and cool undertones. A few recommendations are Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in Warm Beige and NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe.
Blush
When choosing a blush, you’ll want to select a shade that complements your undertones. Here’s what works best:
- Warm Undertones: Warm-toned blushes like peach, coral or golden bronze will give you a natural flush of color. Some great options include NARS Orgasm Blush and Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso.
- Cool Undertones: For cool undertones, opt for blushes in shades of pink, berry or mauve. These colors will enhance your skin’s natural flush. Try Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed or Bobbi Brown Blush in Pale Pink.
- Neutral Undertones: Neutral undertones can wear both warm and cool blushes, so you’re free to experiment with peach, pink or even neutral tones. Some favorites are Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Luminous Flush and Benefit Cosmetics Dallas Blush.
Lipstick
Your lipstick color is one of the most personal choices when it comes to makeup and matching it to your undertone can elevate your overall look.
- Warm Undertones: Lipstick shades in orange, red and brown are your best bet. Think warm reds, terracotta and peachy shades. Try MAC’s Lady Danger or Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored.
- Cool Undertones: Cool-toned lipsticks like berry, cool pinks and classic red will complement your undertones. Some popular picks include NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl and MAC Ruby Woo.
- Neutral Undertones: Neutral-toned lipsticks can go both ways, with a variety of colors that suit your skin. You can rock nude shades, soft pinks and warm reds. Try Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in 1993 or Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Loyalist.
Best Skincare for Your Undertones
In addition to makeup, choosing skincare products suited to your undertones can help enhance your natural beauty.
Hydrating Moisturizers
Regardless of your undertone, using a hydrating moisturizer is essential for maintaining healthy skin. However, some moisturizers can be more tailored to your undertones. For warm undertones, look for moisturizers with a golden or yellow base to boost your skin’s natural warmth. For cool undertones, choose a hydrating moisturizer with a pink or blue tint to balance out your complexion.
Brightening Serums
For those with cool undertones, brightening serums containing Vitamin C can help even out skin tone and add radiance. On the other hand, if you have warm undertones, look for brightening products that enhance the golden hues in your skin.
SPF Choices
Make sure to choose an SPF that suits your undertone. If you have cool undertones, a broad-spectrum SPF that contains blue-light protection will complement your skin. If you have warm undertones, choose a sunscreen with yellow or golden pigments to keep your skin balanced and glowing.
Makeup Brands That Match Your Undertones
When it comes to finding the best makeup products for your skin undertones, not all brands are created equal. Some makeup brands cater specifically to different undertones, offering a wide range of shades that perfectly match your skin’s natural hues. Let’s explore some top brands and their best offerings based on your undertones skin.
Warm Undertones
If you have warm undertones, it’s important to choose makeup brands that offer a variety of yellow or golden-toned shades. These shades will help enhance the natural warmth in your skin, giving you a healthy, sun-kissed look. Some of the best brands for warm undertones include:
- Fenty Beauty: Rihanna’s line is known for it’s wide shade range and they offer foundations, concealers and bronzers that suit a variety of warm undertones. Their Pro Filt’r Foundation is a great option for warm-toned skin.
- MAC Cosmetics: MAC is another brand that’s known for offering an extensive range of warm-toned foundations and lipsticks. The MAC Studio Fix Foundation in NC shades is perfect for warm undertones, as are their bold red lipsticks like Russian Red.
- NARS: NARS provides several products, such as their Sheer Glow Foundation and their blush in Orgasm, that are tailored to enhance warm undertones. The warm peachy shades add a natural, glowing effect to your skin.
Cool Undertones
If you have cool undertones, look for makeup brands that offer pink or neutral-based shades. These shades can bring balance to your complexion and complement your cooler skin tone. Some recommended brands for cool undertones include:
- Make Up For Ever: This brand offers a wide variety of foundations and concealers with pink undertones, perfect for those with cool undertones. Their Ultra HD Foundation has a variety of cool shades to suit your skin tone.
- Urban Decay: For cool undertones, Urban Decay offers a range of lipsticks and blushes in cool pink and berry shades. Their Naked Skin Foundation in the pink-toned shades will create a flawless, even finish.
- Too Faced: Their Born This Way Foundation offers both pink and neutral bases, ideal for cool-toned skin. Additionally, Too Faced’s blushes in soft pink shades work beautifully with cool undertones.
Neutral Undertones
If you have neutral undertones, you’re in luck! Neutral-toned makeup products work well for your skin because you can easily wear both warm and cool shades. Brands that offer a variety of neutral products include:
- Bobbi Brown: Known for it’s neutral-toned makeup, Bobbi Brown offers foundations, blushes and lipsticks that suit those with balanced undertones. Their Skin Foundation Stick in Beige and Pot Rouge in Powder Pink are great options.
- Tarte: Tarte’s range of foundations and blushes work well for neutral undertones. The Amazonian Clay Foundation in Medium Honey and Tarte’s blushes in natural tones are great choices.
- Charlotte Tilbury: This luxurious brand offers products that are flattering for neutral undertones. The Magic Foundation in shades like 5 Medium is perfect for achieving a flawless base.
How to Test Makeup Shades Before Buying
Buying makeup online or even in-store can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right shade for your undertones. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to test and ensure the makeup will work for your skin tone before making a purchase.
1. Use Shade Match Tools Online
Many makeup brands now offer virtual tools on their websites that help you find your perfect shade. These tools let you upload a photo or answer a few questions about your skin tone and then recommend products that match your undertones. Brands like Fenty Beauty, MAC and Sephora offer these tools to make shopping easier.
2. Visit Makeup Stores with Testing Stations
If you prefer to shop in person, head to a makeup store that has testing stations. Be sure to test the product along your jawline rather than on your hand to ensure it matches your face. This is crucial because the skin on your hands often has different undertones than your face. Don’t hesitate to ask the store staff for help when selecting the right shade.
3. Get Samples Before Committing
When you’re unsure about a product, most beauty stores and makeup counters offer free samples of foundation, concealer or even lipstick. This way, you can test the product at home to see how it wears throughout the day and if it truly matches your undertone.
4. Ask for Expert Advice
Makeup artists are trained to identify undertones and can help you find the perfect shade. Many stores have professional makeup artists who can guide you in selecting products based on your undertones.
Final Thoughts
Knowing your undertones skin and selecting makeup that matches them will elevate your makeup game to new heights. When you wear the right shades that complement your natural undertones, your makeup will look more natural, radiant and effortlessly beautiful. Whether you have warm, cool or neutral undertones, the right makeup can enhance your features and make you feel your best.
Remember, the key to perfect makeup starts with understanding your undertones. Once you know your undertone, selecting foundation, blush, lipstick and even skincare products becomes much easier. With these tips in hand, you’ll be able to confidently choose the right makeup that enhances your natural beauty and creates a flawless, glowing look.
