Torn between a lighter or darker foundation shade? If you can’t decide, we recommend always going for the lighter shade. It’s much easier to create a darker-looking complexion with the help of bronzer and face powder than it is it to lighten up a darker hue!

Similarly, Is lighter or darker foundation better?

Blend The Foundation Lighter Than You

When in doubt, always pick a shade that is slightly lighter than your complexion rather than darker. This can prevent your complexion from looking darker than the rest of your body. It is the safest way to go when unsure about two shades that may look too light or too dark.

Additionally, How do I choose the right shade of foundation?
6 Things You Need to Consider When Choosing Foundation

  1. Find Your Perfect Shade. …
  2. Don’t Forget About Your Skin’s Undertones. …
  3. Know What Coverage Level You Need. …
  4. Consider Your Skin Type. …
  5. Adapt Your Shade to the Current Season. …
  6. Take Advantage of Virtual Try-On Tools.

Is it OK to use a darker foundation?

Use it sparingly:

Buying a darker foundation is not always a bad thing. It can spare you the expenditure of buying a new concealer. Now all you have to do is not use this every day and all over your face. Just use it on the blemishes or marks you wish to hide.

Is it okay to wear darker foundation?

Darker make-up than your natural skin-tone can look artificial. … I personally think it is ok to go half a shade darker on certain skin tones, but be careful! “You have to be very sure that you don’t look orange and your face is not darker than your neck.

How do I choose a foundation shade online?


How To Find The Perfect Foundation Match Online

  1. Know your skin concerns. Is your T-zone an oil slick by noon? …
  2. Identify your undertones. Identifying whether your skin is cool-, neutral-, or warm-toned is the key to making the perfect colour match. …
  3. Choose a coverage. …
  4. Customise your shade. …
  5. If in doubt, go lighter. …
  6. Google it.

How do you match foundation color?


How to Match Your Foundation Perfectly

  1. Determine your undertones. …
  2. Read reviews and look for photo references. …
  3. Take the finish of your foundation into consideration. …
  4. Test shades on multiple spots of your face. …
  5. Test it for a few hours. …
  6. See how it looks in different lighting. …
  7. Prep your skin properly.

What if I use a darker foundation?

Mix it with moisturizer

If you find that your foundation is a little too dark, all you need to do is take a little of it on the back of your hand, and then add a dab of moisturizer to it. Then, mix it up, check if the shade is all right, and apply it to your face.

Why does my foundation make me look darker?

A: Nisha, the problem you’re describing is a chemical reaction known as “oxidation.” Just like apples and other fruit will turn brown when exposed to the oxygen in the air, foundation can turn a shade or two darker (or more orange) on your skin over the course of the day.

Should I wear darker foundation in summer?

In the winter your skin is lighter, but days at the beach and rooftop lounging can cause your complexion to darken in the summer. So, you’ll want to invest in a deeper shade of foundation. “I usually advise my clients to buy a foundation that’s two shades darker,” Lauren tells SELF.

Why does foundation make me look darker?

A: Nisha, the problem you’re describing is a chemical reaction known as “oxidation.” Just like apples and other fruit will turn brown when exposed to the oxygen in the air, foundation can turn a shade or two darker (or more orange) on your skin over the course of the day.

Do you match foundation to neck or face?

β€œYour foundation should match your neck. If the neck is darker than the face you can compensate with a bronzer.” β€œIt is important to match the undertone of the foundation to the undertone of the skin so that the skin looks most natural.

How do I know my skin tone online?


How to Determine Your Skin Tone

  1. If your veins appear blue or purple, you have a cool skin tone.
  2. If your veins look green or a greenish blue, you have a warm skin tone.
  3. If you can’t tell whether or not your veins are green or blue, you probably have a neutral skin tone.

Where should I check my foundation shade?

According to our experts, the sweet spot for foundation testing is the jawbone. Many sources recommend the neck for foundation swatching, but the color discrepancy between the face and the neck proves too drastic for a natural match.

How do I find my shade of foundation without a test?

In most drugstore beauty aisles, there is no way to test foundation without opening the packaging. Celebrity makeup artist Lusine Galadjian recommends using a compare and contrast system to get the closest shade as possible.

What happens if you buy the wrong shade of foundation?

If you’ve made the mistake of buying a shade darker, simply blend it with your concealer or mix it with a moisturizer. A little moisturizer can lighten your foundation and you can set it with finishing powder.

How can I make my dark foundation lighter?


How to Make Foundation Lighter

  1. Layer Foundation With a Finishing Powder. Try applying a finishing powder over your too-dark foundation. …
  2. Add in Shade-Adjusting Foundation Color Drops. …
  3. Dilute Foundation With a Face Moisturizer or Primer. …
  4. Blend With a Lighter Shade of Foundation.

Does mixing foundation with moisturizer make it lighter?

To lighten the foundation shade

If you already have a foundation that’s dark for your skin tone, you can mix it with your moisturizer to correct the shade. Mixing the foundation with moisturizer can make it lighter. … The new lighter mixture should match your skin tone better.

Why does my foundation oxidize on me?

Most of the time, foundation oxidizes because your makeup combines with the oils in your skin, causing your foundation to oxidize or deepen in color. … If you find your brand new foundation is oxidizing, you’ll want to try and use oil-free products on and set your face with powder to start.

Does makeup darken your skin?

“Body chemistry can play a role here, too.” Because of this, your makeup can turn darker, yellowish, orange, or ashy or white depending on your skin tone. Here are five ways to avoid this weird makeup phenomenon: Don’t just swatch-test your foundation.

Can foundation change Colour on your face?

WHY DOES FOUNDATION OXIDIZE? So, why does your foundation change color? There actually isn’t a singular answer. Foundation can oxidize for a number of reasons, everything from your skin type to your foundation to your skin care routine can play a part in it.

Do you change your foundation color in summer?

Make adjustments for your summer tan: In the summer, your skin color is likely to change. The good news is that you don’t have to buy a new foundation all together.

Do you need a different foundation for summer?

The good news is that you don’t have to buy a new foundation all together. To adjust coverage for your summer tan, “simply use a liquid bronzer and mix it in with your makeup to change the shade.” Ashley always uses Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #3 for this trick, and it works every time.

Should you wear foundation in the summer?

Avoid cream foundations or anything too luminous, as the humidity will make you extra shiny and sweaty-looking if you have too much sparkle on your skin,” Stiles advises.