Foundation Matching by Undertone: Makeup Artist Guide
The Three Undertone Categories
Warm: Yellow, golden, peachy base. Veins appear green. Gold jewelry flatters. Tan easily. Cool: Pink, red, bluish. Veins blue-purple. Silver flatters. Burn before tanning. Neutral: Mix of warm and cool. Most common.
The Jaw Test
Apply 3 shades in a stripe from cheek to jaw. The one that disappears into your skin is your match. Never test on wrist or hand.
Formulas by Skin Type
Oily: Matte Finish
Estee Lauder Double Wear (24-hour, transfer-proof). Fenty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte (lightweight, full coverage).
Dry: Dewy Finish
Armani Luminous Silk (red carpet standard). Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter as light base.
Combination: Natural Finish
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear (adapts to skin). MAC Studio Fix Fluid (versatile).
Mature: Satin Finish
IT Cosmetics CC Cream. Dior Forever Skin Glow. Avoid full-coverage matte (settles into lines).
Seasonal Adjustments
Most people need 2 shades: summer (darker) and winter (lighter). Mix during transitional months.
Pro Tips
Check in natural light. Wait 10-15 minutes for oxidation. Store away from heat and sunlight.
