How to Choose the Right Foundation for Your Skin Type & Undertone

One of the most common makeup struggles people have is choosing the right foundation. Maybe it looks too orange, too pale, too dry, too shiny — or perfect in-store but wrong in daylight. Finding your ideal foundation match can feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, it becomes simple and stress-free.

As a professional makeup artist, I match clients of all skin tones, textures and ages every single day — and the right foundation truly transforms how the rest of your makeup sits and lasts. Here’s exactly how to choose the perfect foundation for your skin type and your undertone.

✅ Step 1: Know Your Skin Type

Choosing the right formula starts with understanding how your skin behaves.

✔ Oily Skin

Best formulas:

• Matte foundations

• Oil-free liquids

• Long-wear formulas

Why: They help control shine and prevent makeup breaking down throughout the day.

✔ Dry Skin

Best formulas:

• Hydrating or dewy foundations

• Cream or serum-based foundations

• Light to medium coverage for a natural glow

Why: These add moisture and prevent patchiness.

✔ Combination Skin

Best formulas:

• Natural or satin finish

• Buildable coverage

• Long-wear but not overly matte

Why: You want balance — matte in oily areas, hydrated in dry areas.

✔ Normal Skin

Best formulas:

• Anything!

• Dewy, matte, satin — choose based on preference

Why: Normal skin is flexible; focus more on undertone and shade matching.

✅ Step 2: Identify Your Undertone

Your undertone is the colour beneath your skin — and it doesn’t change.

There are three main undertones:

✔ Warm Undertone

You have a golden, yellow, or olive hue .Signs:

• Gold jewellery looks better on you

• Veins appear green

• Skin tans easily
  

✔ Cool Undertone

You have pink, rosy, or bluish tones. Signs:

• Silver jewellery suits you more

• Veins look blue or purple

• You may burn easier in the sun
  

✔ Neutral Undertone

You are a mix of warm and cool tones. Signs:

• Both gold & silver jewellery look good

• Veins appear a mix of green & blue

• You neither burn easily nor tan instantly
  

✅ Step 3: Choose the Right Shade

Once you know your undertone, pick shades with the right letter code:

• W or Y = Warm/Yellow

• C or P = Cool/Pink

• N = Neutral

Expert Tip: Always match foundation to your jawline or upper chest, not your wrist or neck — they are often different colours from your face.

✅ Step 4: Test Foundation in the Right Lighting

Lighting can completely change how a foundation looks.

Best lighting:

✔ Natural daylight✔ Soft white indoor light

Avoid:

✘ Yellow lighting (makes everything look warmer)✘ Store lighting (can wash you out)

Tip: Apply a small stripe down the cheek → jawline → onto the neck. The correct shade disappears into your skin without leaving a line.

✅ Step 5: Choose the Coverage You Actually Need

Light Coverage

• Natural finish

• Everyday wear

• Evens out tone without looking like makeup
  

Medium Coverage

• Most versatile

• Smooths texture

• Good for events & photos
  

Full Coverage

• Best for glam, night events, or photoshoots

• Can still look natural when applied correctly
  

✅ Step 6: Consider Your Skin Concerns

If you have textured skin:

Avoid heavy matte foundations — they can exaggerate pores or dryness. Opt for smoothing, natural finishes.

If you have redness:

Neutral or warm undertones help balance it.

If you have hyperpigmentation:

Choose a foundation that matches your overall skin tone, then spot-conceal darker areas — not the other way around.

✅ Step 7: Don't Forget Skin Prep

Foundation longevity is 50% product choice, 50% prep.

Oily skin:

• Use a mattifying primer

• Set with translucent powder

Dry skin:

• Hydrate with moisturiser

• Use a hydrating primer, avoid over-powdering

Combination skin:

• Use different primers on different areas(e.g., matte in T-zone, hydrating on cheeks)
  

✅ Final Tips From a Professional Makeup Artist

✨ Always let foundation oxidise for 2 minutes before deciding✨ Your summer shade and winter shade will be different✨ Don’t trust online swatches alone✨ The right foundation should disappear into your skin — not sit on top of it

✅ Looking for a Personalised Foundation Match?

If you want help finding your perfect shade, finish, and undertone, I offer 1-to-1 makeup lessons and beauty consultations where I colour-match you using professional techniques and premium products.

✨ Book a consultation✨ Message me for shade advice✨ Explore my makeup services

Finding the right foundation shouldn’t be confusing — and with expert guidance, it becomes easy, seamless and confidence-boosting.