When it comes to makeup, nothing is more important than finding the right foundation shade. But did you know that the key to this is understanding your skin undertone? Choosing the right foundation isn’t just about the color of your skin—it’s about matching it to your undertone. This step often trips people up, leading to makeup that looks “off” no matter how carefully it’s applied.
In this blog post, you’ll learn how to choose a foundation shade by first figuring out your undertones. And hopefully, by the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge—and the tools—to find your perfect match!
What Are Skin Undertones?
Before we get into how to match foundation to your skin, it’s essential to first understand what undertones are. Your undertone is the subtle hue that lies just beneath the surface of your skin. It doesn’t change with the seasons, so unlike your skin tone, your undertone stays the same year-round.
Warm Undertones: Think yellow, peach, or golden hues.
Cool Undertones: Picture pink, red, or blue tones.
Olive Undertones: green, yellow, or grey base that combines both warm and cool elements
Key Characteristics of Olive Undertones
Defining Features
A greenish or grayish cast to the skin
Not distinctly warm or cool
Can appear in various skin depths from pale to deep
Common among Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian populations234
Identifying Olive Undertones
Tell tale Signs
Foundations often look too yellow, pink, or orange
Veins are not distinctly blue or green
Look good in jewel and muted tones
Pale lipstick shades appear "off"5
Undertone Complexity
Olive undertones are neutral but not simple. They can:
Lean warm or cool
Have a green base
Appear with varying intensity
Be present in any skin tone, not just tan complexions78
💡Pro Tip: Finding the right makeup can be challenging with olive undertones. Consider using color mixers or getting professional color analysis to find your perfect match.
Neutral Undertones: A mix of both warm and cool hues, which means you might look great in a range of foundation shades.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find Your Undertone
Use this simple checklist to determine your undertone and test your foundation match:
Check Your Veins:
Look at the veins on your inner wrist.
Greenish veins? Warm undertone.
Bluish or purple veins? Cool undertone.
Hard to tell or Mix of blue and green? Likely neutral.
Greenish vein = warm undertone
Try the Jewelry Test:
Which looks better on you—gold or silver?
Gold suggests warm undertones; silver suggests cool.
If both look good, you’re probably neutral.
Observe Your Sun Reaction:
If you tan easily, you likely have warm or neutral undertones.
If you burn, you may have cool undertones.
White vs. Cream Clothing Test
Pure white looks best: Warm undertones
Cream/off-white is more flattering: Cool undertones
Both look equally good: Neutral undertones
Neutral Background Test:
Stand in front of a neutral white background. Or try holding a white piece of paper next to your face.
Does your skin appear more golden, pink, or balanced?
💡Pro Tip: Always check your undertone in natural light for the most accurate assessment.
The Key to Choosing the Right Foundation Shade
Think of choosing a foundation like putting together the perfect outfit. When you’re picking clothes, you want everything to complement each other – you wouldn’t wear a bright red top with hot pink pants (unless it’s a bold statement!). The same goes for foundation. Your foundation needs to blend seamlessly with your undertone, creating a cohesive and natural look. If your foundation is too warm or too cool for your undertone, it will be like mismatched colors in your outfit – it just won’t look right.
Mismatch ❌
Warm Undertone + Cool Foundation:
Imagine a deep, rich warm complexion with golden undertones wearing a cool, pink-toned foundation. Instead of enhancing your skin’s natural warmth, it can look dull or ashy. This is especially common for darker skin tones, where the cool tones create an unnatural gray cast, making the skin appear flat rather than vibrant.
For fairer skin tones, layering a cool, pink-toned foundation on top of golden, warm skin. Instead of a harmonious finish, your skin might also look ashy or gray. The warmth in your skin clashes with the cool undertones, creating a dull, lifeless effect
Cool Undertone + Warm Foundation:
If you have a cooler, darker skin tone—think rich chocolate hues with red undertones—and you wear a warm, golden foundation, the result can be an overly yellow or orange appearance. The contrast between the natural red undertone and the yellow-based foundation can create a “muddy” effect, where the skin looks less polished and more artificial.
For fair skin tones with rosy or blue-pink undertones and try a golden-yellow foundation, you might end up looking orange and unnatural. This can make it seem like you’re wearing a heavy layer of makeup or even a self-tanner.
Neutral Undertone + Too Warm or Too Cool Foundation:
A deep neutral skin tone needs balance. If you use a foundation that’s too warm, it can pull too golden or even yellow, making the skin look off. On the other hand, a foundation that’s too cool can make neutral dark skin look lifeless or washed out. If you have fair skin, a very warm foundation can make your skin look overly yellow or golden, while a very cool foundation might leave you looking washed out, In either case, the wrong undertone exaggerates the contrast, leaving the makeup looking heavy and unnatural.
vs. Matched 🎯
When you get it right, your foundation becomes seamless, like a second skin. It doesn’t matter if you’re going for full glam or a light everyday look—nailing the undertone match creates a harmonious, natural finish.
Here’s what it looks like:
Warm Undertones + Warm Foundation:
A foundation with golden or peachy hues blends effortlessly into warm-toned skin. It’s like adding a soft golden filter to your face—bright, vibrant, and glowing.
Cool Undertones + Cool Foundation:
A pink or red-based foundation matches harmoniously with cool-toned skin, leaving it looking fresh and radiant😎
Neutral Undertones + Neutral Foundation:
When you have neutral undertones, a foundation that doesn’t lean too warm or cool creates a smooth, even canvas. It’s classic and most versatile.
Mary Kay Foundations for Every Undertone and Finish
Mary Kay TimeWise 3D Foundations are a great way to easily match your undertone, thanks to their wide range of shades that cater to both warm and cool undertones. They’re designed to give you buildable coverage that feels lightweight and natural, making them perfect for anyone just starting to experiment with makeup or those who are beauty enthusiasts looking for a reliable foundation.
The best part? The TimeWise 3D foundation range includes shades for all skin tones and labeled undertones, making it easier than ever to find your perfect match. Whether you have a warm, cool, or neutral undertone, these foundations are simple to work with, giving you that flawless, airbrushed look.
How I Found My Perfect Match
When I first started experimenting with foundation, I was overwhelmed by all the options. I often picked shades that looked great in the bottle but left me looking washed out or overly yellow. After discovering undertones, I realized that while I have both pink and yellow undertones, I lean more towards yellow, giving me a warm undertone. Choosing a warm foundation that I might need to color correct to tone down the yellow a bit is chef's kiss🤌🏽 — my skin looks radiant, my makeup looks natural, and I feel confident stepping 'out the door!
Want to take the guesswork out of finding your perfect match? Take my free Foundation Shade Finder Quiz today! Take the Quiz Now!
Troubleshooting Foundation Tips
What if your foundation still doesn’t look quite right?
Mixing Shades: If one foundation feels too warm or cool, try blending it with another to achieve the perfect balance.
Color-Correcting Products: A color-correcting primer can help neutralize undertones before applying foundation.
Application Techniques: Using a damp sponge or foundation brush can help blend the product more evenly, creating a more natural finish.
FAQs
Q: What if I have two different undertones on my face and neck?
A: If your face and neck differ, aim for a shade that bridges the two. You can also use bronzer or highlighter to even things out.
Q: Can my undertone change over time?
A: Your undertone is mostly determined by genetics, so it typically stays consistent. However, factors like skin conditions, medications, or significant lifestyle changes might alter how your undertone appears. If you’re unsure, retest using the steps above.
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