Foundation is the base of your makeup and therefore it should be color matched to your skin tone. But how to choose foundation color online? The answer: you need to find a way to see colors online. There are many ways, but we’ll cover two methods: 1) use an app that converts images into different colors or 2) use a website that provides both RGB and HEX values for specific colors. Here’s how they work!
Use an App
Use an app that converts images to different color shades. If you have a smartphone, this is very easy to do. There are many apps available for free on the Play Store and App store, but here are two examples:
True Colour Browser – With this browser you can upload any image from your phone or camera roll then switch between different color filters to see the image in different colors. This app is available for Android devices.
Color Blind Infographic – This handy infographic helps you find the best shade of foundation by converting from RGB (screen) to HEX value (print). You can print this list or save it on your phone for a quick reference. This app is available for Android devices and iPhones.
Use a Website
Use a website that provides both RGB and HEX value for specific colors. The websites below display the color wheel with different colors displayed in RGB or hex values.
You can use either one to choose the perfect shade of foundation for you.
http://www.colorhunter.com – Choose a foreground color and this website provides the RGB and HEX values for that specific color.
http://www.colorpicker.com/#page=1 – This website also offers the HEX value for specific colors, but you have to choose a shade from a color picker first. You can also change the color of text, background and other elements on the page to find the perfect shade.
Other Tips
Know Your Skin Concerns
If you know your skin concerns (acne, dryness etc) then you can search online for foundations that help with those problems. For example, if you have acne try looking for foundations with salicylic acid or tea tree oil. These ingredients help treat blemishes by removing excess sebum and bacteria.
Identify Your Undertones
Knowing your undertones is also crucial to finding the perfect foundation color. There are three categories of undertones: cool, warm and neutral. Cool undertones are usually pink, blue, or a mix of both while warm undertones are usually yellow or olive. Neutral skin tones have no dominant hue. Once you know your undertone you can look for foundations with a similar hue.
Customize Your Shade
Sometimes knowing your undertones and skin type isn’t enough to find the best shade. If you’ve tried several foundations but can’t quite match your color, try mixing different colors to create a unique shade. Start by finding two or three colors that are close in color value, then blend them together for a custom look.
If In Doubt, Go Lighter
If you’re still unsure about which color to get, always go with lighter colors. If the color is too dark you can use a sponge or brush to blend it down. This will ensure that your face isn’t two-toned when you’re finished, plus nothing looks worse than an obvious line of foundation around your jawline!
FAQ
What are “undertones”?
The undertones in your skin affect the way light travels through it – making certain colors more prominent on your skin. For example, if you have pink or blue undertones then reds and blues will be more prominent on your skin. If you have yellow or olive undertones, yellow and orange will be more dominant.
What is “cool undertones”?
Pinks, purples and some blues are considered cool undertones. If you have blue veins visible on your wrist or look better in silver jewelry then chances are you have a cool undertone.
What is “warm undertones”?
Yellows and golds tend to be the dominant colors in people who have warm undertones. If you tan easily or look better in gold jewelry then chances are you have warm undertones.
What is “neutral” undertones?
People with neutral skin tones have no dominant hue. This means that there can be a mixture of pinks, oranges, and yellows visible on their faces.
What are “hues”?
Hues are the colors within each of the 12 categories above. For example, if you have warm undertones then reds, oranges, and yellows will be your dominant hues. If you have cool tones then greens, blues, and purples will be your dominant hues.
Conclusion
It’s much easier to choose the perfect shade of foundation online. With the websites mentioned above you have everything that you need to find your match, whether it be by matching your undertones or finding a universal color.
