Choosing the right shade of foundation can be a daunting and time consuming activity. I’m sorry Ladies, but it is an activity that must be done correctly. I recommend going to a cosmetics counter first as they have some of the most liberal return policies and will ofter to rematch you again for free if you are unhappy with your purchase. If you are going the drugstore route, Rite-Aid and Walgreen’s have good return policies and will take back used products. Just make sure you hold onto the receipt and original packaging. It’s a good rule for a department store purchase as well, it makes the return much smoother.
First let’s start with a little make up counter etiquette. If you want to get a full makeover, it’s best to call ahead and set an appointment. Letting the counter know that you are coming in allows them time to make sure you get the best service possible. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of your makeover and your artist has to keep leaving you to help other customers.
If you are having a full makeover, be prepared to purchase at least a few items. Yes, technically makeovers are free but counter artists do work on commission so if you are not planning on purchasing anything that day be honest about it upfront. Take the recommendation sheet with a smile and a cash tip is always appreciated if you like the makeover. I have never met a counter artist who didn’t appreciate a tip especially if they knew their customer wasn’t purchasing anything that day.
Make sure you arrive at the counter with a clean, moisturized face. If you are only looking for foundation, tell the artist what your skin type is and what kind of coverage you are looking for and she should be able to give you a few options to start with. The right foundation shade should blend into the skin instantly and be undetectable along your jawline and neck.
The FACE is the the best and only place you should test foundations. The inside of your arm or the back of your hand is NOT the same color as your face. Once you and your artist have settled on a shade, have the artist apply the foundation to half of your face. Leave the other half bare and walk outside or into direct sunlight with a hand mirror. Examine your face carefully. Is there a noticeable line down the middle of your face? Is it too dark or too light against your neck? If you see anything at all that you don’t like go back and try again. Repeat until you find one that matches your skin exactly.
Once you have found one that matches you, have her apply it to your entire face and wear it for the rest of the day to make sure it doesn’t change color. If you purchase a foundation that day, do not open it just yet and follow these steps.
1. Get a sample of the foundation you are wearing as well as the two shades that are closest to it, one a shade lighter, the other one a shade darker. if you are trying a cream foundation, they should also be able to provide you with samples. Powder foundations are a little trickier but I have seen it done before too. You should leave the counter with three samples but no more, more than three and it just gets confusing.
2. Try the three samples over the next few days and examine them in all of the different lighting you are in throughout the day. If you can’t tell the difference ask your co-workers, they see you everyday and can spot something different faster than your boyfriend.
3. If you like the foundation, liked your artist and haven’t purchased it yet it is always nice to call and let her know that you will be coming in to buy it. Even if she isn’t going to be there that day I guarantee, that if you call ahead she will have it ready and waiting for you (usually with some sort of gift!) and she will get credit for the sale. If you find that after your purchase one of the other shades are better and you have to return it don’t worry, if you followed these tips she will take care of you for life and will not rest until you are happy.
If you decide to pick one out yourself, shop at a store that does not provide samples, or want to go with a drugstore foundation the same three shade testing rules apply. It will just be a little more expensive as you will have to actually purchase 3 different shades. Most drugstores provide testers nowadays, but just make sure that you are buying the right shade, the testers are always in the wrong place. Also, make sure you are clear about the stores return policy for opened products if they won’t take it back go somewhere else.
If you are going solo, the main thing that you want to consider when choosing a shade is to consider you skin’s undertone. A nifty little trick I’ve heard about on how to determine your undertone is to look at the inside of your wrist. Can you see your veins? If they look more green than blue you are probably in the warm or yellow undertone category. If your veins look blue you are probably in the cool or pink undertone category. Choose your shades accordingly and remember when you are trying on the foundations, use a Q-Tip to get the product out of the bottle and never double dip. A clean bottle is a more returnable bottle.
