How to Find Your Skin Undertone (So You Finally Pick the Right Foundation Shade)

Philippa Howearth
5 days ago
2 min read

Introduction

We’ve all been there. You buy a foundation that looks perfect in the bottle—but on your face, it turns orange, grey, or chalky. The secret? It’s not just about skin tone—it’s about skin undertone. Once you know yours, choosing the right foundation becomes so much easier. In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to figure out if you’re warm, cool, or neutral—and what shades to look for.

What Is an Undertone?

Your skin tone is the colour of your skin on the surface (fair, medium, tan, deep). Your undertone is the subtle hue underneath that never changes—even if you tan. It's what gives your skin its overall tone.

There are three main types:

Cool undertones: Hints of pink, red, or blue
Warm undertones: Hints of yellow, golden, or peach
Neutral undertones: A balanced mix of both

3 Quick Ways to Find Your Undertone

1. Check Your Veins

Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist.

Blue or purple veins = cool
Green or olive veins = warm
Hard to tell / mix of both = neutral

💡 Tip: This method works best in natural light.

2. Gold vs Silver Jewellery Test

Which jewellery flatters your skin more?

Silver looks better = cool
Gold looks better = warm
Both look good = neutral

3. The White Tee Trick

Hold a bright white shirt (or towel) near your face in natural light.

If your skin looks rosy or flushed = cool
If your skin looks golden or peachy = warm
If you can’t really tell = neutral

Foundation Matching Tips Based on Undertone

Now that you know your undertone, here’s what to look for in foundation labels and swatches:

For Cool Undertones

Look for foundations labelled “cool,” “rosy,” “pink,” “ivory,” or “porcelain.”Your perfect match leans slightly pink or blue-based.

For Warm Undertones

Search for shades labelled “warm,” “golden,” “honey,” or “beige.”Yellow or peach-based foundations will blend best.

For Neutral Undertones

Look for words like “neutral,” “natural,” “classic beige,” or “true match.”You can wear both warm and cool shades—lucky you!

Pro Tip:

Swatch three shades on your jawline (not your hand). The one that disappears into your skin in natural light is your best match.

Why Undertones Matter (Beyond Foundation)

Knowing your undertone helps with:

Choosing the right blush and bronzer
Picking flattering lip and eyeshadow colours
Finding jewellery and clothing tones that enhance your glow

It’s the foundation (literally) of your beauty routine.

Final Thoughts on Skin Undertones

Once you figure out your undertone, everything in your makeup routine gets easier—and way more flattering. No more guessing, no more mismatched jawlines, and no more wasted products. Just smooth, seamless makeup that looks like it was made for you.

Love & Artistry, Philippa