Understanding your skin undertone
The first step to choosing the right concealer shade is to understand your skin undertone. There are three types of undertones: warm, cool, and neutral. Warm undertones have a yellow, peach or gold tint, cool undertones have a pink, red or blue tint, while neutral undertones have a mix of both warm and cool undertones. To determine your undertone, check the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue, you have a cool undertone, green veins mean warm undertone, and a mix of blue and green veins indicate a neutral undertone.
Matching your skin tone
Once you’ve determined your undertone, you can then pick the shade that matches your skin tone. When shopping for a concealer, try swatching a few shades close to your skin tone on your jawline or neck to find the perfect match. Some makeup brands also offer color-matching services online or in-store, so you can have a professional determine the best shade for you.
Considering your specific needs
Aside from your skin undertone and skin tone, consider your specific needs when choosing a concealer shade. If you have dark circles under your eyes, try a concealer that’s one shade lighter than your skin tone to brighten up the area. If you have acne or redness, look for a green concealer to neutralize the redness before applying your regular skin-toned concealer on top. And if you’re going for a more dramatic look, consider using a concealer one shade darker to contour your face.
Testing it out in different lighting
Before making a final decision, try testing out your concealer shade in different lighting. What looks perfect inside a store may look off in natural lighting. Take a mirror with you outside or snap a quick selfie to see if the concealer blends seamlessly with your skin. You want to make sure the shade doesn’t appear too light or too dark in any lighting.
Adjusting for seasonal changes
Lastly, remember that your skin tone can change throughout the year due to seasonal changes or sun exposure. Be sure to adjust your concealer shade as needed to match your current skin tone. If you’re unsure which shade is right for you, opt for a shade that’s slightly lighter than your skin tone, as it’s easier to darken it with a touch of bronzer or powder than it is to lighten it up.
