A little makeup goes a long way in accentuating a woman’s natural beauty. Foundation evens out skin tone and covers up imperfections to create the perfect base for other makeup. The trouble is, using the wrong type or shade of foundation can ruin a look no matter how well you apply the rest of your makeup. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before buying skin foundation.

Know Your Skin Type
Along with your skin tone, a foundation should match your skin type. So, you must be able to identify your skin type before buying skin foundation. If you have oily skin, a powder-based foundation that absorbs moisture would be ideal. Similarly, dry skin is well-suited to a stick foundation or liquid foundation that keeps your skin hydrated. If your skin is prone to acne breakouts, you may want to avoid foundation that contains alcohol, mineral oils and fragrance.

Match the Color to Your Skin Tone
You will know if you have the right shade of foundation when it blends evenly with your skin tone. It should not darken your skin tone or make it look whiter. You may have to mix and match two shades to create the perfect combination for your skin tone. If you have a doubt, it’s always advisable to choose a shade that is slightly darker rather than lighter.

Know Your Undertone
Before buying skin foundation, you should know your undertone. If your bare skin appears golden, you could call it a warm undertone. On the other hand, if your skin appears pink, you have a cool undertone. Also, think about the color of your veins. Bluish-purplish veins are signs of a cool undertone while greenish veins reflect a warmer tone. When you’re shopping for foundation, you may notice that some of them are labeled according to skin tone. This should make your decision-making process easier.

Choose the Right Finish
The finish of a foundation plays an important role when making a choice. For the daytime, a dewy finish would be ideal. On the other hand, a matte finish foundation looks better for evening parties. You could also choose a foundation with a luminizing finish for a stunning look.

Test a Foundation on Your Neck
Unless you’re buying a foundation that you’ve used before and know the perfect shade already, do not buy a product before testing it out. Your jawline or neck is the best place to test a foundation shade. Do not test the color on your hand. The color of your skin is very different on your hands and on your face.

If you’re not confident about your choice, you could ask a makeup professional for advice before buying skin foundation. They may even be able to help you with a tester so you can see how the foundation looks at different times of the day. What’s more, they’ll even show you how to apply it too.