Selecting the Correct Foundation Color

Undertone Verses Surface Tone

In selecting the correct foundation color for your skin, you must know what your skin’s undertone and surface tone is. Most people think they have just one skin color which is what leads to the mystery of selecting the correct foundation. Therefore, it’s important to understand the difference between undertone and surface tone.

The easiest way to describe the difference is that one always stays the same – undertone – whereas the other will vary throughout your life – surface tone. You are born with a specific undertone, either cool or warm. But your surface tone will vary due to sun exposure, age, or skin conditions such as hyper-pigmentation, redness or acne.

How to Identify Your Skin’s Undertone:

There are 2 primary skin undertones – either cool or warm. 97% of the world’s population is warm toned leaving only 3% being cool toned.

The handy chart at the bottom of this page will help you in identifying both your undertone and surface tone. Start by selecting the correct undertone from the left. Then, from that group, identify the correct surface tone. Perfect! Now you know your correct foundation color.

Just a Few More Hints to Selecting Your Undertone Group:

• golden = warm - yellow or olive undertone (fair to medium complexions)
• honey = warm - yellow or olive undertone (medium to deep complexions)
• natural = neutral - peach or yellow undertone (fair to medium complexions)
• beige = cool - pink or peach undertone (medium to deep complexions)
• tawny = cool - deep peach undertone (deep complexions)
• chestnut = warm - deep yellow or olive undertone (deep complexions)
• cocoa = warm - deep olive, red or blue undertone (very deep complexions)

Now you are ready to shop! For our amazing line of foundations click here.