How to find your perfect ethnic foundation

Few things are as difficult as picking a proper foundation for women of colour. It doesn’t really matter whether she is of light or dark complexion; our skin colour and undertones tend to be difficult to match. Although most cosmetics companies have a larger range of shades for brown skin tones, if you don’t know how to choose the prefect shade, the selection is useless. Not to worry though, with a few tips and tricks up your sleeve, you’ll fast be on your way to navigating the make-up aisle with confidence and avoiding the dreaded ashy look.

How to define your skin’s undertone
You skin’s undertone will act as a much needed guide to choosing a foundation. If you look at the inside of your wrist, the unifying hue will either be olive, red or yellow. Once you’ve determined which of the three undertones you fall under, you’ll be halfway to choosing your perfect foundation.

How to hone in on the right foundation shade
Once you have determined your unifying colour, an overall shade based on skin tone can be selected. The next task will be to choose the light, medium or dark version of that shade and test it.

1. Always test foundation on cleansed and moisturised skin.
2. Natural light is the ideal light to determine if you have a match. The fluorescent light in most department stores can give all shades a greenish tone.
3. Test three different shades, one that is one shade lighter, one that looks like it matches perfectly and another that is slightly darker.
4. Apply each shade in a line from your cheek to your jawline and allow it to settle for 10 minutes.
5. The shade of foundation that disappears and blends seamlessly into the skin without leaving a line at your neck is your perfect shade.

How to apply your foundation
Technique is everything when applying your foundation. You will make great use of the three shades you tested at the make-up counter earlier. This will help you highlight, contour and add needed dimension to your face.

1. Apply the lightest shade in the center of the face – down the center of the nose, under the eyes and the center of the forehead only.
2. Apply the darker shade underneath the cheekbones, on the jaw line, hairline and down the sides of the nose to sculpt and contour the face.
3. Lastly, use a shade that matches the skin in the remaining areas and blend them all together.
4. Be sure to blend the foundation around your ears and down your neck for a flawless finish.

This technique will give women of colour the most natural and polished look that is readily sought-after. Having more than one shade handy will also prove to be helpful during the winter months when skin tends to be lighter, and during the summer months when skin tends to be darker. Don’t make the mistake of picking a foundation to either lighten or darken your skin tone. This will make your face look unnatural. A shade that is too light can make you look blotchy, tired or sick and a one that is too dark can make you look too orange or give you the appearance of wearing a mask. Follow all of these tips and you’ll be a master at the make-up counter.

Other articles you may be interested in:
Foundations for women of colour
Foundation for your wedding day
Foundation types explained: liquid
Foundation types explained: powder
The most reviewed foundations of 2013