How to Find Your Foundation Shade: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step by step
- Find your undertone. Look at the veins on your wrist. Greenish veins suggest a warm undertone, bluish a cool one, and a mix a neutral one. Gold jewellery flattering you also points warm.
- Test on the jawline, not the hand. Swatch two or three shades in a stripe from the cheek to the jaw.
- Check in daylight. Shop lighting hides mismatches. Step outside or stand by a window.
- Wait ten minutes. Some foundations oxidise (darken) as they dry.
- Match the neck and chest, not just the face.
Format and finish
Fluids give more coverage and powders feel lighter in the heat. Our foundation range includes MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF15, MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation and Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Cream Foundation. MAC shade names starting with NC have a golden undertone and NW a pink one.
More reading
See our foundation guide, mascara guide and lipstick guide.
British Shop sources from London and ships by air cargo to Colombo. Products are available in stock or to pre-order from London, with delivery in Sri Lanka in up to 10 working days. The current price in rupees is always shown on the product page.
This guide is general information. Check the pack for ingredients and directions, and patch test new products first if your skin is sensitive.