How To Choose The Perfect Makeup Products Without Professional Help
Indrani is a writer and artist who likes to add a dash of humor to everything she does. She has two years of experience in writing articles across beauty, health, and lifestyle genres. After graduatin... read full bio
Image: Shutterstock
In a world where the beauty industry is brimming with endless products, choosing the perfect makeup products can be a daunting task. This is especially if you’re on your own without the guidance of a professional makeup artist. The vast options of foundations, eyeshadows, lipsticks, and other cosmetics can leave even the most seasoned beauty enthusiast feeling overwhelmed. However, fear not! With the right knowledge and a few essential tips, you can confidently embark on your makeup journey, handpicking the ideal products that complement your unique features and style. This article will empower you to make informed choices, ensuring that your makeup collection enhances your natural beauty without the need for professional assistance. Read on!
In This Article
The Difference Between Undertone And Neutral Tone
Two individuals sharing the same inherent skin tone can possess distinct undertones, leading to variations in how cosmetics, such as foundation, appear on their skin. Skin tone represents the visible shade on the outer layer of your skin, commonly categorized as ivory, light, medium, tan, or dark. Undertone, on the other hand, refers to the subtle hue beneath the surface of your skin, and it falls into the categories of warm, neutral, or cool. This undertone plays a pivotal role in how makeup shades interact with your skin.
Warm, Neutral, And Cool Tones
The misconception that fair skin tones invariably come with cool undertones and darker tones inherently possess warm undertones is just a myth. In reality, a person with fair skin can very well have warm undertones, whereas someone with a deeper complexion might exhibit cool undertones. Skin tone and undertone are not bound by preconceived notions and can vary widely among individuals. A cool undertone is typically indicated by a pinkish, reddish, or bluish tint in your complexion. On the other hand, if your skin exhibits a warm undertone, you’ll notice a yellowish, peachy, or golden radiance. When your skin presents a balanced combination of both, your undertone leans towards neutrality.
How To Find The Undertone Of Your Skin?
Determining the undertone of your skin doesn’t require professional help. You can conduct simple tests at home to find out on your own.
1. The Vein Test
The vein test involves checking the color of your veins: greenish for warm undertones, purplish or bluish for cooler undertones, and a mix for neutral undertones.
2. The Jewelry Test
The jewelry test examines your preference for gold or silver accessories. Gold often indicates a warm undertone, while silver suggests a cool undertone.
3. The Sun Test
The sun test looks at your skin’s response to sunlight. A golden tan for warm undertones and red or pink skin that burns easily for cool undertones.
4. The White Shirt Test
The white shirt test involves your clothing choices. A preference for pure white indicates a cool undertone, while warmer undertones lean towards off-white, tan, and brown shades.
For Warm Undertone
1. Foundation
Opt for a foundation with a subtle yellow undertone, often labeled as golden, honey, or warm beige.
2. Lipstick
Enhance your natural radiance with lipstick shades such as bright orange, brick red, or terra cotta.
3. Blush
Complement your skin tone by applying blush in shades with orange or red undertones.
For Cool Undertone
1. Foundation
Embrace a foundation with a pinkish undertone, often labeled with a “C” to denote suitability for cool skin tones.
2. Lipstick
Opt for shades with bluish or purplish tones, such as plum and cherry red, to enhance your cool complexion.
3. Blush
Achieve a natural flush with blush shades leaning towards warm peach or soft pink undertones.
For Neutral Undertone
1. Foundation
Choose shades that strike a balance between not being excessively pink or yellow. Keep an eye out for labels with “N” denoting neutral tones from some brands.
2. Lipstick
If your natural tone is fair, embrace pink shades to enhance your beauty. For darker skin tones, opt for mauve and berry hues to brighten your smile.
3. Blush
Consider yourself fortunate, as virtually any blush shade will complement your complexion. Nevertheless, softer shades serve as a dependable go-to choice.
How To Apply Makeup As A Beginner?
As a beginner, applying basic makeup can seem like a daunting task, but with some guidance, it can become an enjoyable and confidence-boosting routine. Start by ensuring your face is clean and moisturized. Next, apply a light, even layer of foundation that matches your skin tone. You need to conceal under-eye circles or blemishes with a concealer slightly lighter than your skin tone. Enhance your eyes with neutral eyeshadows, applying a light shade on your lids and a slightly darker shade in the crease. Line your eyes with a pencil or liquid eyeliner for definition and finish with mascara. Add a touch of blush to your cheeks and a flattering lip color to complete the look. Remember, practice makes one perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it just right. Over time, you’ll develop your own style and techniques that work best for you.
The journey to selecting the ideal makeup products without the aid of a professional makeup artist is an empowering one. By understanding the nuances of your complexion, you can make informed choices when it comes to foundation, lipstick, eyeshadow, and more. Moreover, experimenting with different makeup techniques and colors allows you to discover your unique style and enhance your natural beauty. So, what is your undertone according to this article? Let us know in the comments section!
