Finding the right color coverage for your complexion

Have you ever noticed that many women seem to avoid testing a new foundation, concealer or tinted moisturizer on their actual face?

Instead, many of us try it on our fingers, the back of our hand or our forearm. Makeup artist Sebastien Tardif is telling us why we should actually test on our face.

Choose your color wisely

I always recommend sampling a dash of color on the area where you intend to use it. Sampling an eye brightener? Dab a little right under the eye area. Looking to cover up sunspots? Test the concealer right on the problem area. As for a tinted moisturizer, try finding the color that best mimics your overall complexion without dulling down your overall appearance. Its goal is to filter with subtlety some redness or sallow tones lurking around the face while providing hydrating benefits and maybe UV protection. It is supposed to be in lieu of a plain moisturizer, so beware of the pushy sales person trying to sway you into slathering both at the same time…

Watch your lighting

All of this sounds nice and simple, but your decision will only be as good as the lighting at your disposal. It goes without saying that natural daylight is by far your best guide to help you find a true match. Get out of the store if you have to, mirror in hand, and look closely. Is the coverage adding too much yellow or pink?

You might be one of these ladies attempting to use a darker foundation color thinking it will make for a tanned and healthy look. Unfortunately, the exact opposite awaits you unless jaundice or weathered looking skin is your end goal. Foundations are designed to mimic the skin color you have at the moment of trial. Using two or three shades up from a true match will not provide you with that extra vitamin D air you have in mind. Bronzers are designed with ideal sun impressionistic pigments found in a complexion that’s spent an exotic amount of time on a leisurely island without the maturing and damaging burn.

Light is not always right

Tempted by the lure of a clear Renaissance-like complexion? Choosing a face coverage color two to three shades paler than your true match won’t cover imperfections. As a general guideline, coverage that is too light for your skin tone will result in a see through/gray looking patch, never truly erasing or correcting spots, blemishes or dark circles. Remember, you can always use a highlighter to accentuate clarity and freshness.

And a couple of more tips

If you are about to go on a sun-filled vacation, just wait until you return before investing in new makeup to best match your newly acquired outdoorsy look. And for the bride to be, there is no point in going for makeup trials months before the actual nuptial day as again, your complexion tone may greatly vary due to seasonal and activity changes.

Yes, it’s true — color matching your skin tone certainly requires a lot of care and might involve acquiring two to three different shades throughout the year, but it is the best way to ensure you end up owning your beauty without letting the makeup steal the spotlight.

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