Foundation and Concealer Shade: How to Choose It Right

The wrong foundation shade can make your face look gray, orange or a different color from your neck. And buying makeup online makes choosing a shade even harder. But with a few simple steps you can get it right.

In this guide we explain how to find your foundation and concealer shade for a natural finish.

Step 1: Know your tone and undertone

Your tone is how light or deep your skin is: fair, medium, tan, deep. Your undertone is the hue underneath, and it doesn't change even when you tan.

How to find your undertone

• Wrist veins: if they look greenish, your undertone is usually warm; if blue or purple, cool; if you can't tell, probably neutral.
• Jewelry: if gold flatters you more, warm; if silver, cool; if both, neutral.
• The sun: if you tan easily, usually warm; if you burn quickly, cool.

Many Latina women have warm or olive undertones, but there's a full range, so it's worth checking.

Step 2: Test the shade the right way

1. Swatch three small lines of similar shades along your jawline, not on your hand.
2. Blend each one a little.
3. Look in natural light, near a window.
4. Choose the shade that "disappears" into your skin and connects your face to your neck.

If you're shopping online

• Compare the shade description with what you know about your undertone.
• Check the shade name or letter (for example, W for warm, C for cool, N for neutral, if the brand uses them).
• Remember colors can look different depending on your screen.
• If you're between two shades, mix them or use the lighter one in the center of your face and the deeper one toward the edges.

Step 3: Choose coverage and finish

• Skin tint or BB cream: light coverage, ideal for every day.
• Cushion foundation: medium coverage and a luminous finish.
• Full-coverage matte foundation: for events or oily skin.

Step 4: Choose your concealer

For dark circles

Choose a concealer one or two shades lighter than your foundation, with a similar undertone. If your dark circles are very deep, a peach or orange corrector helps neutralize before you apply concealer in your shade.

For blemishes and spots

Use a concealer that exactly matches your foundation. If it's lighter, the spot will stand out more.

How to apply it

1. Apply a small amount, only where you need it.
2. Wait a few seconds for it to set.
3. Blend with light taps using your finger or a damp sponge.
4. Set with a little translucent powder.

Common mistakes

• Testing foundation on your hand or wrist.
• Choosing a lighter shade "to look fairer."
• Forgetting your neck and ears.
• Not adjusting your shade between summer and winter if your skin changes.

Find it at BeautyRosee

For your perfect base, look for these types of products:

• Skin tints and BB creams with light coverage.
• Cushion and matte foundations in several shades.
• Concealers, hydrating or buildable.
• Translucent powders to set.

Find them in our Makeup collection and from the Italia Deluxe and Moira brands.

Frequently asked questions

What do I do if my foundation looks gray?

The undertone probably isn't yours or the shade is too light. Try one with a warmer undertone or slightly deeper.

Does my foundation shade change with the sun?

Your tone may deepen in summer, but your undertone stays the same. Some people use two shades throughout the year.

Does concealer go before or after foundation?

Usually after foundation, so you use less product. If you use a color corrector to neutralize, that goes before.

Can I wear just concealer without foundation?

Yes. If your skin is fairly even, a little concealer only where you need it can be enough.

Find your perfect match

Once you know your undertone and the right technique, choosing foundation and concealer gets much easier. Discover options for every skin tone in our Makeup collection, and ask us during our Facebook lives.