How to buy foundation online: the secret to choosing without testers

Skin tone can change seasonally (darker in summer and lighter in winter), but skin tone remains the same throughout life. Specialists distinguish only three tones:

1. Warm - with yellow or golden nuances
2. Cold - with pinkish or reddish shades
3. Neutral - when it is difficult to determine the dominant colour, usually a balance of pink and yellow shades.

How to determine your undertone: 3 simple tests

1. The colour of the veins on your wrist

   • If the veins appear blue or purple, then you have a cool undertone.
   • If the veins are closer to greenish, your undertone is warm.
   • If you find it hard to tell, your veins look neither blue nor green - you probably have a neutral undertone.

2. White Sheet Comparison

   • Without make-up, hold a white sheet up to your face and neck. If you have a cool undertone, your skin may appear pink, blue or bluish.
   • With a warm tone, it may appear yellowish.
   • If the shade seems to be closer to "grey" or you can't decide at all, it's a neutral undertone.

3. Test with jewellery

   • Put gold and silver jewellery on your face (without make-up).
   • If gold suits you better, your undertone is warm, if silver - cool.
   • However, the results can be subjective, take into account individual preferences and features of appearance.

How to use the data

Today, many cosmetic brands and large online shops include details such as "light tone with warm undertones" or "medium beige with neutral undertones" in their foundation descriptions. By understanding your own undertone, you will be able to focus on these descriptions and choose the most suitable option.

Pay attention to the density of the covering base. Manufacturers usually specify a level of "density" or "coverage" (cover). If you like weightless make-up, go for something with a light finish, and for problem skin you may prefer a denser texture.

Useful tips for online shopping

• Read reviews: See how people with similar skin colour and skin type describe the option they've found.
• Compare photos: Many shops include swatches on different skin tones. This will help you understand more accurately what the product looks like.
• Don't forget about seasonal changes: If you tan a lot in the summer, you may want to go a shade darker than in the winter.

Knowing your undertone and skin tone, as well as considering your preferred foundation density, will help you choose the right one even without physically testing it. After all, the key is to use brand cues, reviews and your own observations to find the 'one' shade that blends in with your skin almost perfectly.