Finding the right foundation shade for your skin tone

Buying a new foundation can seem daunting, particularly when we’re confronted with row after row of seemingly indistinguishable bottles and tubes at the pharmacy.

That said, when it comes to finding the right shade for your skin tone, a few key tricks are all you need to avoid heading home with an imperfect match.

Firstly, pay attention to store lighting.
Avoid artificial overhead lights as far as possible - if you can, try swatching a couple of shades on your jawline (not the back of your hand!) before heading outside and taking a look in natural daylight.

Secondly, consider your skin’s undertones. Regardless of how pale or dark your skin is, your undertone - cool, warm or neutral - is the key to influencing how well foundation matches your skin. 

As a general rule, warmer tones should opt for shades with a peachy or yellowish tint, while cooler skin tones should focus on pinker or bluer tones.

Sheer BB creams and liquid foundations tend to come in fewer shades than long-wear or high coverage formulations, so it’s important to make sure you’ve chosen the correct shade if you’re looking for a natural full-coverage finish. Dermablend SOS Cover Stick new glide-on formula comes in 5 true-to-life shades that pair perfectly with Dermablend’s Covermatte foundation.