Q&A for How to Find the Best Foundation Color Shade for You

You might be packing on the product rather than thinning it out, which causes it to oxidize and bunch up. Using the wrong foundation color could also make your foundation look cakey.

There are different websites that will compare a shade of foundation you already own to other shades in different brands. If you don't have any foundation at all, it's usually best to try out the foundation in a store to make sure the shade and the undertone are right for you.

Use a highlighter two shades lighter than your natural skin tone.

You can also try testing it on your neck. Don't test it on your arm, however, because it will not give the best results.

You can use a rounded foundation brush or stipling brush.

In terms of makeup, use a good primer and try some full coverage foundation. Make sure you also use a good moisturizer, ideally with hyaluronic acid, which can plump the skin a bit. You can also add a little argan oil on top of the moisturizer if you want. See How to Hide Wrinkles with Makeup for more tips.

It might be worth getting a good mattifying primer. That will help keep your skin smooth and dry to prevent the makeup from coming off too quickly.

I personally use True Match foundation. If you want to spend a little more, go for Bare Minerals or Naked foundation but the True Match is fine. You could also go to a local cosmetics store and ask their opinion, they're usually very knowledgeable.

I wouldn't apply it to your whole face, because concealer is meant for a light coverage look. I would suggest looking for a shade of foundation made by the same brand.

Try to put a little more on a little more powder, and not too much highlighter or makeup that is too shiny for your skin tone.

Try to test a foundation the same color as your neck. That is what will usually look the most natural and the best.

You can consult with a dermatologist if you have specific questions, or check the label to see if your specific brand is targeted toward oily skin.

Go to a makeup shop and ask the advice of the people who work there; they're usually happy to help you find the best match for your skin tone.

Maybelline BB Cream O2 Radiance is well-suited for a medium fair tone.

You could either find another brand which has your exact shade, or you can buy both the lighter and the darker shade and mix them on the back of your hand until it matches your shade.

Your skin undertone would be neutral; you aren't too warm or cool.

Find the most common skin tone you have, and buy that color foundation - or you could just buy a foundation you like. For the large pores, buy a concealer that matches the foundation you get.

Applying primer before the foundation will make the foundation last longer, but it is not necessary.

First guess what color you think would match, then put a tiny dot on the back of your hand. Rub it in. If it rubs in easily and blends well, it is the right color; if not, then try again.

I would avoid creamy and liquid foundations since those will make your skin look oily and will clog your pores. Look for powder foundations, like mineral powder. Apply your foundation over a layer of primer.

If you want to find a really good foundation color for you, then go to the nearest makeup store and ask to get matched. I have done this so many times and it works. It doesn't take long at all and you get a good matching foundation.

It seems as though you have normal/combination skin, look for products designed for this skin type rather than oily or dry.

You can ask a professional at a make up counter at stores such as Lord and Taylor or Sephora, and they can help you figure out the proper shade that you need.

If you match your foundation to your face and then blend it into your neck, that should create a smooth transition.

You want to use a color correcting cream underneath your foundation. For red spots/areas, use a green color corrector.

Use a full-medium coverage foundation instead of lighter ones (e.g. light-coverage foundation, BB, CC creams).

Go one to two shades lighter than your foundation shade. This makes the skin look like natural light is always hitting it the perfect spots. However, if you want a concealer just to cover blemishes, use the same shade as your foundation.

Use a foundation that is the exact color of your skin. You can check this by making a line of foundation down the side of your cheek, by your ear all the way down to your neck. Then blend. If it disappears, you have the perfect foundation.

You don't want to choose a foundation that is lighter or darker than your neck, or a foundation that is too dark for your face, as it can look unnatural. This seems like an obvious answer, but choosing a tone in between works well. Match your foundation to your wrist for a more accurate non-tanned test.

Yes. The lower the number, the lighter the shade is. So a higher number corresponds with a darker foundation shade.