How To Find Your Foundation Shade Match: An Expert Guide

Foundation is one of the few makeup steps where you don’t want to look like you’re actually wearing any product. Unlike a smokey eye or bold lip, foundation should look as skin-like as possible. Of course, that means knowing how to find your foundation match is absolutely essential. But oftentimes, that’s easier said than done, especially given the immense variety of hues and formulas to choose from. If you’re struggling to find your perfect foundation shade match, keep reading. Ahead, we’ll share a comprehensive how-to, plus clue you in on our top product picks for a flawless-looking base.

Understanding Skin Tone and Undertones

The first (and, arguably, most important) step in finding your perfect foundation match is to identify your skin tone and undertones.

What is skin tone?

Skin tone refers to the color of your complexion and is generally fairly easy to identify. There are four main categories your skin tone can fall into: fair, light, medium, and deep (or dark). Just looking at your clean, makeup-free face is often enough to determine which category best describes your skin. 

What are undertones?

Your skin also has undertones—these are the underlying pigments that come through your skin and affect its overall hue. Knowing what your undertones are is key to picking complexion products that match your skin and don’t skew too yellow or pink. 

Your undertones can be cool, warm, or neutral. Cool undertones appear in your complexion as hints of blue or pink, while warm undertones appear more yellow or golden. If your undertones are neutral, you likely have a mix of both. For example, those with olive skin tend to have neutral undertones. 

You may not be able to look at your skin and immediately spot hints of pink or yellow, but there are a few simple tricks to help identify your undertones. 

1. Look at your veins

Take a look at the inside of your wrist. If your veins appear blue or purple, you’re likely cool-toned, while a green tint is indicative of warm-toned skin. If you’re unsure or see a mix of both blue and green shades, you likely have neutral undertones. 

2. Try the paper test

You can also try holding a white piece of paper next to your face to determine your undertones. The white should create a cast of color on your skin. If your face appears more pink or blue next to the paper, you likely fall into the cool category, and if you take on a more yellowish hue, your undertones may be warm. If your skin seems gray, this may be indicative of a neutral undertone.

3. Jewelry test

One simple way to determine your foundation shade is by using the jewelry test. If gold jewelry complements your skin, you likely have warm undertones. On the other hand, if silver jewelry looks better on you, you probably have cool undertones. Those with neutral undertones can rock both silver and gold jewelry with ease (lucky!)

4. Sun reaction test

Your skin’s reaction to the sun can help determine your undertones. If you tend to tan easily, you likely have warm undertones. If you burn or turn red, you’re more likely to have cool undertones. Don’t use this as an excuse to go sunbathing sans SPF, though—any skin color changes after sun exposure is a sign of damage. 

5. Take an undertone quiz

If you're still stuck on how to pick a foundation color because you can’t quite identify your undertones, try using our undertone finder quiz. Answer just six quick questions, and we’ll help you determine your undertones once and for all. 

How To Find Your Foundation Shade 

Once you’ve determined your undertones, it’ll be much less challenging to figure out how to match foundation to your skin. Many formulas will have C, N, or W written on the label to denote whether it's a cool, neutral, or warm-toned shade. Looking only at the shades that coordinate with your undertones will help narrow down your options for an easier decision. 

If you’re able to test foundation shades in person and see what they look like on your skin, there are a few things to keep in mind. Check out our tips to find your perfect foundation color match, below. 

1. Test on the right body part

To color-match foundation like a pro, test a few different shades on your jawline. Often, people will swatch makeup on their hands, but this doesn’t provide as accurate of an idea of what it will look like on your face. Your jawline is the perfect spot to ensure you find a shade that suits both your face and neck so you can get a seamless blend when you apply the foundation all over.

Editor’s tip: If this method doesn’t work for you, try testing foundation on the center of your upper chest instead. This can be a good option if your face and body are different colors due to sun exposure or hyperpigmentation. 

2. Look under different lighting

Before committing to covering your entire face, apply one swipe of foundation and look at it in a few different types of lighting. Foundation can look quite different depending on the lights or lack thereof. If you’re in a store, see how the shade looks under bright retail lights, then step outside and assess it in natural lighting. This way, you can find a foundation that will look good no matter where you are. 

3. Consider the season

Keep in mind that depending on the season, your complexion might change. You may be lighter in the winter due to less sun exposure and darker in the summer if you tan. Especially if you tend to wear foundation on an everyday basis, it may be wise to have a few different colors on hand to account for the different seasons. For instance, you may have a shade that matches your base color perfectly for the winter and another that's one to two shades darker for summer. Having different foundation shades on hand allows you to transition between seasons seamlessly without having to constantly shop for a new color match.

How To Find Your Foundation Match Online

Stuck on how to find the right foundation without having to leave the house? Thanks to modern technology, you can actually find what you need with a foundation shade finder online. There are even multiple tools for doing so. Here are a few of your options: 

1. Try a virtual foundation finder

Our virtual foundation shade finder is a great way to find your perfect foundation match from the comfort of your own home. It's also incredibly easy to use (and only takes 10 seconds). All you have to do is take a 360° selfie video, and your skin tone and undertones will be analyzed based on a library of over 45,000 skin tones. From there, the tool will color match you to a L’Oréal Paris foundation. T

2. Take a foundation shade quiz

If you don’t have access to a camera, try taking the L’Oréal Paris foundation shade finder quiz instead. You’ll answer a few questions about your skin type and foundation preferences, then be shown images of models with different skin tones. After selecting the image that most closely resembles your skin, you’ll be given recommendations for foundations likely to match your skin tone and undertone. All in, it only takes a few minutes to complete the quiz and receive your results.

3. Use a virtual foundation try-on tool

The advent of virtual try-on tools has made shopping for makeup online so much easier. Now, you can get a good idea of what products will actually look like on you without heading into a store or making a purchase first. For help finding your foundation match, try our virtual makeup try-on tool. Simply upload a selfie or turn on your camera, and you can test-drive different shades of all the L’Oréal Paris foundations. The tool even has a handy before-and-after feature that allows you to see the product's effect on half of your face. That way, you can tell which option blends best with your skin tone.

Should Foundation Be Lighter or Darker Than Your Skin?

Your foundation should ideally not be lighter or darker than your skin—you want to find a perfect match. If you only have a lighter foundation on hand, however, you may be able to make it work by adding warmth and depth with bronzer and contour, respectively. Using a darker shade tends to be more obvious and appear unnatural. 

Changing Your Foundation Shade with the Seasons

As the seasons change, so does your skin tone. In summer, increased sun exposure can cause your skin to darken, giving you a warm, sun-kissed glow. In contrast, colder months often lead to lighter, more neutral skin tones, as the sun’s rays are less direct.

To maintain a flawless complexion year-round, consider keeping two foundation shades on hand—one for summer and one for winter. This ensures your makeup always matches your natural skin tone, preventing any mismatch. Alternatively, you can use adjustable foundation drops to customize the shade of your favorite foundation, allowing for smooth transitions between seasons without needing to buy multiple products.

How To Choose the Right Foundation Formula 

Selecting the right foundation formula depends on your skin type and desired finish. For oily skin, look for matte or oil-free foundations to control shine and provide long-lasting coverage. Those with dry skin tend to benefit from hydrating liquid or serum foundations that deliver moisture and a smooth finish. If you have combination skin, opt for lightweight liquid or cream formulas that balance coverage without making your skin feel too heavy or greasy. Keep in mind, though, that these are just general guidelines—you can (and should) feel free to wear whichever foundation you like best, regardless of your skin type.

Our Best Foundations for Every Skin Tone

After you've figured out how to find the right shade of foundation, you're ready to actually choose a formula. Below, find a roundup of our favorite drugstore foundation buys. 

L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glow Skin Tint

If you tend to favor a natural, dewy makeup look, reach for this skin tint. The lightweight, water-based formula contains reflective pearls and blurring pigments, delivering breathable coverage with a glowy, second-skin finish. It’s also a great pick for those with drier skin, as it’s formulated with an 82% hydrating serum base. 

L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation

For a natural look, try this buildable, blendable foundation. It’s formulated with pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E and keeps the skin looking radiant and healthy while delivering seamless, skin-like coverage. And if you tend to have trouble finding your perfect foundation match, rest assured that you’ll have plenty of options in this lineup—there are 47 shades to choose from, all organized by warm, cool, and neutral undertones.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

For lightweight, medium-to-full coverage that holds up all day, reach for this long-lasting foundation. It comes in 30 shades, has an ultra-thin liquid formula that goes on smoothly, and provides up to 32 hours of waterproof and sweat-resistant wear. 

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50

This liquid formula combines the coverage of a foundation with the skincare benefits of a serum. Specially designed for mature skin, it’s formulated with vitamin B3, SPF 50, and a hydrating serum to keep the skin looking moisturized and healthy. It also has a natural, radiant finish that evens out the skin tone without settling into fine lines.

L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum

For dry skin, we recommend this hyaluronic acid-infused formula. It feels like a lightweight serum rather than a heavy foundation and contributes to a hydrated, more radiant-looking complexion. It also comes in 14 flexible shades that are easy to blend. 

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear in a Powder

Powder foundations are great for achieving a flawless, airbrushed look. This breathable and weightless formula stays put for up to 24 hours and offers a soft matte finish that’s comfortable and suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. The best part? It’s waterproof and sweatproof, so you won’t have to worry about touch-ups throughout the day.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

Those with oily skin are sure to appreciate this formula—it offers up to 24 hours of shine control to help keep oiliness at bay. It’s also full coverage and can easily cover up redness and unevenness due to breakouts or other skin concerns. Choose from 23 shine-free shades and apply it with your fingers or a makeup brush for a flawless-looking finish. 

Next Up: How To Find the Best Nude Lipstick for Every Skin Tone

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris