Since the introduction of cosmetics to the masses in the 1930’s, foundations and powders were only available in several shades: white, peach or pink toned. Despite the addition of several medium-toned shades in the 1950’s and 1960’s, these colors dominated the facial cosmetics and thus created many unnatural, chalky complexions. Cosmetic companies in the 1980’s emphasized light, medium and dark shades but many women with “in-between” complexions found that they still needed to mix these colors to produce a matching shade.   In the late 1980’s several cosmetic companies responded by creating foundations, concealers and powders for various complexion shades – this new trend picked up speed by the early and mid-1990’s. By that time, various cosmetic companies had addressed the need for multiple shades and expanded colors to exactly match a variety of skin tones and complexions.  

Today there is a shade for every complexion color, yet this wide variety can produce a challenge to consumers who don’t know where to start when looking for a foundation or powder. It may sound like an overwhelming search, but here are some tips to help narrow down and find an exact color match.

1.        Always shop for foundation and concealer in a department or specialty store rather than a drugstore. Department and specialty stores allow the customer to test each color and the lighting is more natural.

2.        Shop during the day and start with clean, moisturized skin. If you must wear makeup, use the cleansing formulas or tissues available in the store to remove a small amount of makeup before testing.

3.        Check the shade of the inner wrist and choose three foundation colors closest to that shade.

4.        Using three separate cotton swabs, apply a vertical stripe of each color starting at the lower cheekbone and stopping each line at the jawbone. Testing the color in this area will ensure that you are matching the foundation color to the color of the neck and avoid ending up with a “two-toned” look.

5.        With a separate clean cotton swab, trace a horizontal line through the three vertical lines. Compare the three colors and the one that disappears into your skintone is the exact color match.

When color matching for concealers, the color should be ½ to 1 shade lighter than foundation. Test each color by using the same method as foundation matching, except perform color swiping on the lower eye socket.

Powders can also be color tested with the same method but can be purchased at either drugstores or department/specialty stores, since many formulas nowadays are more sheer, almost mistake proof and several drugstore versions are comparable to department/specialty versions.

Other tips to remember when it comes to foundation, concealer and powder:

·           Keep two color sets for summer and winter, since skin tone naturally fluctuates.

·           Always remember that foundation, concealer and powder are meant to provide a natural, flawless finish and complement individual complexions but not add color!

Related Articles
	Choosing a Foundation Shade that is Right for You Have you ever bought a foundation, only to hear someone say you look paler or darker than you should? Or maybe you bought a foundation that made your face too oily or dry. If this is you, then you’ll want to check out our guide on choosing a foundation that is right for you. The first thing you need   ...Read more		How to Apply Eye Shadow and which Brushes to Use You’re excited because you have just purchased a new eye shadow palette but you’re not sure how to apply them. You’ve applied eye shadow before and have read various articles with tips on how to apply but you’re still clueless. A quick eye shadow 101 lesson on which brushes to use and how to apply   ...Read more