Makeup Hacks Tailored to Your Skin Undertone

Sakshi Verma | 13 Jan,2025

Illustrating makeup tips customized for different skin undertones.

In this Article

01 Introduction

02 Identify Your Skin Undertone

03 Foundation and Concealer Selection

04 Best shades of blush and bronzer

05 Eyeshadow Colors to Accentuate Each Undertone

06 Finding the Perfect Shade of Lip Color

07 Highlighter and Contour Recommendations

08 Brow Perfection

09 Lock It All In

10 Embrace Your Creativity

11 Quick Summary of Undertone Hack

12 Conclusion

13 FAQs

Introduction

The only real and sure way of making a difference with makeup is knowing your undertone. since, it makes the difference between perfect shades for your skin and a wish that didn't go right. Indeed, there are three basic undertones: warm, cool, and neutral. And each of them goes well with different colors. Thus, let's learn how to find your undertone and choose the most flattering makeup shades based on it.

Identify Your Skin Undertone

A person examines their wrist with a magnifying glass to identify their skin undertone.

Image credit to : iStock

It's the delicate tone that exists underneath your skin surface. Your skin tone can vary at times due to sun exposure. However, this is not so with your skin undertone. They are steady throughout your lifetime.

Types of Skin Undertones:

Cool Undertones: They have a touch of pink, red, or blue.

Warm Undertones: They contain yellow, golden, or peachy tones.

Neutral undertones: A mix of cool and warm tones that are balanced.

Quick Tricks to Determine your Undertone:

1. Vein Test

Now, determine what color your veins are when you look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear green or olive, it's likely you have a warm undertone; if they appear blue or purple, you probably have a cool undertone; and if they appear blue and green, you probably have a neutral undertone.

2. Jewelry Preference

Do you like golden jewelry or silver jewelry? Normally, a gold suits warm undertones and silver suits cool undertones.

3. White T-shirt

You are wear white t-shirt, If your skin tone is yellowish, you are probably warm-toned, if it looks pink or bluish, then you are probably cool-toned.

4. Neutral Undertones

When a person has a little quality of both warm and cool undertones, that is called neutral undertones. Thereby, people with neutral undertones can wear most variety of colors as they have a little from both.

Foundation and Concealer Selection

A woman with a brown complexion and brown eyes, showcasing flawless skin enhanced by foundation and concealer.

Image credit to : iStock

It is very important to choose the right foundation and concealer so that it looks flawless. Your undertone can help you make the right choice.

For Warm Undertones

Select a foundation with golden or yellow base color. That will blend with the overall warmth of your skin.

For Cool Undertones

Foundations come in pink or blue undertones, which would normally mix better with cool undertones.

For Neutral Tones

There are foundations that are said to be neutral or balanced, so they can work for pink and yellow tones.

Pro Tip

Test Strategically: Test foundation on your jawline instead of your wrist for a more true color match and select the perfect match foundation.

Two Shades: In case you have a hard time finding the shade, mix two complementary shades.

Set It Right: Use a translucent powder to set your base without changing the undertone.

Best shades of blush and bronzer

A beautiful woman with a radiant smile, showcasing pink blush on her cheeks, complemented by a subtle bronzer glow.

Image credit to : iStock

The application of blush adds a healthy glow. However, proper shade selection helps to blend the color with the natural coloring of the face.

Warm Undertones

Peachy or coral blushes and bronzers which have a warm brown undertone will be visible.

Cold Undertones

Such shades of blush with more pink or mauve undertones or bronzers having a slightly rose undertone give an attractive look on cool undertones.

Neutral Undertones

Peachy-pink blushes applied on the apples of the cheeks alongside neutral-toned bronzers are perfect and blend very nicely.

Blush Application Hack: Smile and apply blush on the apples of your cheeks, blend it upwards for that youthful, lifted effect.

Eyeshadow Colors to Accentuate Each Undertone

Two women examining eyeshadow products in a store, showcasing a variety of colors and styles available for purchase.

Image credit to : iStock

Eyeshadows are a perfect way to express your personality. This is the undertone that will lead you to those color options that make your eyes stand out.

Warm Undertones

Earthy shades of eyeshadow such as bronze, copper, warm browns and warm colors family add warmth to any face.

Cool Undertones

Cool-toned shadows come in the form of silvers, taupes, and jewel-toned shades of sapphire or emerald.

Neutral Undertones

Cool and warm shades are generally acceptable. Superior everyday neutrals include taupe and beige.

Pro Tip: Blend that eyeshadow really well so it doesn't look patchy, and a little shimmery effect added at the inner corners can brighten the eyes instantly.

Finding the Perfect Shade of Lip Color

A woman carefully applies bright red lipstick to check shades, showcasing her beauty and confidence.

Image credit to : iStock

Your lipstick can finish your entire look. Ensuring your lip color complements your undertone ensures that it will complement your complexion.

Warm Undertones

Coral, peachy tones, brick reds, and warm nudes shades will look good on warm undertones.

Cool Undertones

Berry hues, pinks, and blue-based true reds shades will look best on cool undertones.

Neutral Undertones

Try warm and cool shades, such as rosy nudes or balanced reds shades will look good.

Hack for Flawless Lips: Before applying lipstick, outline your lips with a matching lip liner. This will prevent feathering and add definition.

Highlighter and Contour Recommendations

A woman applying highlighter and contour makeup with a brush, showcasing her artistry and beauty techniques.

Image credit to : iStock

Correct application of highlighting and contouring will add to the beauty of your facial features.

Warm Undertones

Use gold or champagne highlighters and warm brown contours to emphasize warmth.

Cool Undertones

Icy, silvery highlights and taupe or neutral contour shades have the effects of giving definition.

Neutral Undertones

Champagne highlighters combined with medium brown contours are so natural-looking as well.

Brow Perfection

Cleanly groomed brows frame your face and complete the makeup look. The right shade can make them look natural.

Brow Tips for Undertones

Cool Undertones: Apply brow products in taupe, ash brown, or cool dark brown shades.

Warm Undertones: Apply caramel, golden brown, or warm dark brown shades.

Neutral Undertones: A neutral brown shade is the best choice, as it will work with most tones.

Lock It All In

Once your makeup is in place, set it to ensure it lasts all day.

Setting Tips:

Apply a setting spray to keep your makeup fresh. Dewy finish is best for dry skin, while matte finish is best for oily skin.

Dust lightly on the face with a setting powder, then dust lightly over the T-zone to reduce shine.

Embrace Your Creativity

While these tips serve as a fantastic starting point, makeup is very much about expression. Don't be afraid to experiment with shades, techniques, and products you discover what makes you feel confident and beautiful.

Quick Summary of Undertone Hacks

Cool Undertones: Opt for makeup colors that have pink, blue, or icy undertones.

Warm Undertones: Gold, yellow, and earthy tones.

Neutral Undertones: Experience the freedom of having cool as well as warm tones.

Conclusion

Now, you will be amazed at just how striking your natural beauty is when you have makeup that matches your undertone. These tips as guidance, you now ready to begin starting making shade choices. You don't have to be afraid to test a different color and find out what works for you. Makeup is about what makes you uniquely wonderful, so have fun and flaunt that. Cheers to finding your perfect shades and rocking your best glow!


FAQs

1. What is the difference between skin tone and undertone?

Skin tone refers to the surface color of your skin (fair, medium, deep) and changes over time based on exposure to the sun or tanning. In contrast, your undertone is the undertone that underlies your skin, and this will remain consistent with you all your life. You could have a warm undertone, cool undertone, or neutral undertone.

2. How do I find out my skin undertone?

You can identify your undertone using these simple methods:

(i) Vein Check: Look at the veins on your wrist under natural light. Green veins suggest a warm undertone, blue or purple veins indicate a cool undertone, and a mix of both points to a neutral undertone.

(ii) Jewelry Test: Gold jewelry suits warm undertones, while silver jewelry complements cool undertones. If both look good on you, you’re likely neutral.

(iii) White Cloth Test: Hold a white fabric or paper near your face. If your skin appears golden or yellow, you’re warm-toned. If it looks rosy or pink, you’re cool-toned. Neutral undertones won’t lean strongly either way.

3. Can my undertone change over time?

No, your undertone doesn't change. Although your skin tone might look lighter or darker due to sun or aging, your undertone remains the same during your whole life.

4. What if I am not sure about my undertone?

If you just cannot determine your undertone then you may well be classified as falling into a category of neutral. Neutral undertones are versatile and can accommodate many different colors and shades.

5. How do I select the correct foundation for my undertone?

(i) Cool Undertones: Look for the foundation shades which are labeled "cool," "rosy," or have pink tones.

(ii) Warm Undertones: Select foundations which are described as "warm," "golden," or have yellow tones.

(iii) Neutral Undertones: Neutral shades, which balance out pink and yellow tones, will be your best choice.

Always swatch along your jawline when testing for the most accurate match.

6. Which blush colors look good on various undertones?

(i) Cool Undertones: Soft pink, berry, and mauve shades are ideal.

(ii) Warm Undertones: Shades of peach, coral, and terracotta suit warm undertones.

(iii) Neutral Undertones: The natural-looking shade of dusty rose or peachy-pink looks good on every skin tone.

7. Am I restricted to wearing eyeshadow shades which do not suit my undertone?

Absolutely not! Even though some shades complement your undertone, experimenting with different colors is always allowed.

(i) Cool Undertones: Icy blues, silvers, and purples suit you.

(ii) Warm Undertones: Golds, bronzes, and earthy browns warm you up.

(iii) Neutral Undertones: You can wear cool as well as warm tones and can opt for taupe or champagne.