How to choose the right foundation shade
Simple steps to pick the right foundation type and shade for your skin tone and skin type, and how to test it properly.
The right foundation is the base of any makeup look: when the shade is right the makeup looks like your own skin, and when it is wrong there is a visible line between face and neck.
Start with your skin type
Oily and combination skin suits a matte foundation that controls shine all day. Dry or normal skin needs a hydrating foundation that feels soft and does not show dry patches.
Know your shade and undertone
Your shade is light, medium or deep; your undertone is the colour under the skin. Look at the veins on your wrist in daylight:
- Warm: skin leans yellow or golden, veins look greenish.
- Cool: skin leans pink, veins look blue or purple.
- Neutral: a mix of both, veins between green and blue.
Test it in the right place
Do not test on the back of your hand. Swipe a little along your jawline and check it in daylight: the right shade disappears into your skin with no line between face and neck. Between two shades, choose the one closest to your neck, or mix both.
How to apply it
- Moisturise and let it settle for a minute.
- Start with a little in the centre of the face and blend outwards with a damp sponge or a brush.
- Cover dark circles and spots with concealer after foundation, not before.
- Set the forehead, nose and chin with powder.
From Ahla
AHLA Matte Full Cover Foundation suits oily and combination skin, and AHLA Hydrating Foundation suits dry and normal skin. Finish with AHLA Hydrating Concealer, the blending sponge and the loose powder in seven shades.
