The search to find the right foundation could be like a never ending quest. You will end up looking washed out is too light. Too dark–it may give you a noticeable line all around your jaw. Throw in the UK climate, random weather which does not know when to produce moderate lighting and even with indoor lighting, foundation shopping is like a puzzle.
However the reality is: you can get the correct shade with the correct know-how. This guide will decode all you need to know about matching foundation to your UK skin tone -including undertones, as well as testing methods -so that you never walk away with the wrong bottle (again).
Step 1: Get to know your Undertone
Under-tone would be the faint colour just under the surface of your skin which influences appearance of the colours. The majority of the individuals in the UK fall into the following three undertones:
Cool undertones -> The skin is light with a tinge of pink, red or blue. Silver jewellery can easily appear charming.
Warm tints → Hues of skin shade to golden, peach, or yellow. Gold jewellery goes well.
Neutral undertones -> A combination of warm and cools. Both silver and gold jewellery may be worn in most cases.
Pro Tip: Look at the veins in your wrist. The more blue/purple they appear, the more you are cool-toned. When they appear green then you are warm-toned. Where it is difficult to tell, you are probably neutral.
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Step 2: Take UK Lighting & Weather into Account
Cloudy weather in the UK and the overall lighter natural light as compared to sunnier locations mean that lighting tends towards cooler, as well. This implies that when foundations are too yellowish, then the result may appear unnatural.
Your real undertone is best revealed in natural daylight (i.e. standing beside a window).
In-store lighting is also designed to deceive you into the wrong shade e.g. the store lights inside may make foundations appear warmer than they are.
Never make a final decision without comparing foundation in daylight where this is possible.
Step 3: Discover your Shade-Range
Nearly all UK foundations are classified according to fair, light, medium, tan, and deep skin tones, yet undertones are also very important. For example:
Fair cool: as is frequently termed porcelain, or ivory rose.
Medium neutral: labelled beige or natural.
Dark warm: seek out caramel or golden.
When purchasing, pay attention to brands with a broad shade spectrum and selection of undertone selections (cool, warm, neutral and olive). This guarantees a more natural fit in the range of UK skin tones.
Step 4: Test Foundation at the Reliable location
It is one of the most frequent errors when foundation is tested on the back of hand. The colour of this skin is frequently not of the same hue as that of your face.
Instead:
- Use a line of foundation under your jaw or on the side of the cheeks.
- Melt a little onto your neck
- It is the shade that blends into your face and neck perfectly that is your correct match.
There is no point trying to go even closer because foundation can be bronzed to a lesser shade, but too dark a foundation cannot be brightened.
Step 5: Contextualise seasonal changes
In the UK, The skin color changes in different seasons:
Winter: Lighter, cooler and even drier skin.
Summer: It is a bit warmer and darker due to exposure to the sun (even with SPF).
This implies that you might have to purchase two foundation shades one suitable during winter, and one in summers, or one that you can apply with bronzer.
Step 6: Pick the Appropriate Formula To Your Skin Type
Shade match is but one half the story Your finish and formula should also work on your skin:
Dry skin: Choose hydrating, dewy, or luminous base make-up.
Oily/combination skin: Use oil-free or matte and powder-based foundation.
Sensitive skin: Try fragrance free and hypoallergenic products.
Lightweight tinted moisturisers / tinted sun screen (containing SPF) can also be used instead of heavy foundation in humid UK summers.
Step 7: Pro Blending 101
The best shade may appear wrong when it is not blended correctly.
- Apply it with a wet beauty sponge.
- Use liberally in coats over coats.
- Bleed down the neck a little so as not to have harsh lines.
- Typical Foundation Matching Errors to prevent
- Poor light for testing Shop lighting can deceive you. Wherever possible go outside.
Wrong undertone – Two similar shades can look as deep as each other yet the wrong undertone will be unflattering.
Failure to refresh shades by seasonal trends- The skin color changes in the winter and summer in the UK.
Over-applying – Mismatched and incorrect colors are more noticeable with heavy application.
Final Thoughts
Getting the right foundation fit does not have to be a hectic experience. Knowing your undertone, trying it under natural UK light and considering season changes will help you in having a perfect base that makes a skinlike appearance.
