How to Match Foundation

Matching foundation doesn’t have to be difficult. You can actually do it on your own if you visit a Sephora or Ulta. The key is to find a shade that matches your skin – not one that is darker or lighter than your skin. When the foundation is the right color, it is more likely to correct discoloration and look natural.

Here’s what you do:

1. Pick three colors. The color you think you are, a lighter shade, and a darker shade.

2. Swatch them on your face! Don’t color match on your arm or your hand. You will probably end up with the wrong shade. I like the swatch from the chin to the cheek. This way I can make sure the color blends with the neck area and the cheek area. If you just swatch at the cheek, you might be missing the area of your face that you see the most.

3. Blend the swatches to see which color looks best. The right color should disappear into your skin and correct the discoloration. If the color is too dark, it will look orange or yellow. If it is too light, it will look gray or ashy.

***It’s also a good idea to wait a minute after applying the swatches to make sure the foundation does not oxidize. This is more common with less expensive foundations. If your skin is sensitive to a certain type of foundation, you might also notice oxidation. If oxidation occurs, it is usually best to switch products.

If you need a new foundation, here are some of my favorites:

• Laura Mercier Candleglow
• Bobbi Brown CC Cream
• Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer
• Stila Stay All Day Foundation
• BareMinerals Tinted Hydrating Gel
• MAC Face and Body Foundation
• Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation