Which foundation matches my skin tone?

3 steps to find your foundation

A foundation should feel like a second skin – light, comfortable, and as natural as possible. But to achieve that effect, it is important to choose a color that truly matches your complexion and undertone. Only then will you get that beautiful, even finish that you hardly see but that makes the difference.

Do you also find it difficult to find the best color online? Don't worry, we will guide you step by step.

Step 1: What is your complexion?

Your complexion is the overall color of your skin. At Mineralissima, we divide our foundations into six main categories:

• Light – very light skin, often with a cool undertone
• Light-Medium – light skin with a bit more warmth or depth
• Medium – average skin tone, often tans easily
• Sun-kissed – skin with a warm, tanned glow
• Tanned – rich, warm to olive skin tones
• Dark – deep, rich skin tones in various undertones

If you are unsure between two shades, always choose the shade closest to your neck and jawline. This creates a more natural look.

Step 2: Discover your undertone

What is an undertone?

Your undertone is the color beneath the surface of your skin. Not your skin color itself (which can change due to the sun, seasons, or skincare), but that subtle nuance underneath. Your undertone never changes — and is the key to a foundation that seamlessly blends with your skin.

There are three main categories:

• Warm: with a golden, yellow, or peachy glow
• Cool: with a pink, bluish, or reddish undertone
• Neutral: exactly in between, a soft balance of warm and cool

But how do you find out where you belong?

THE VEIN TEST
What does the color of your veins say?

Look at the inside of your wrist. What color are your veins?

• Blue or purple: Then you lean towards the cool side.
• Green: Then you probably have a warm undertone.
• A bit in between, or hard to say: There's a good chance you have a neutral undertone.

It's not foolproof, but it's a good first hint.

JEWELRY
What makes you shine?

Maybe you prefer to wear silver. Or maybe you feel more beautiful in gold. That can say a lot.

• Silver suits you better: Then you are more likely cool.
• You shine in gold: Then you are probably warm.
• Both flatter you: Hello, neutral!

WHITE PAPER TEST
What do you see with a white piece of paper next to your face?

A fun way to determine your undertone is with a white piece of paper. Hold a sheet of white paper next to your face, in natural daylight (without makeup). What do you notice?

• Does your skin appear more rosy, red, or bluish: Then you have a cool undertone.
• Do you see more yellow, golden, or peachy tones: Then your undertone is warm.
• Can't quite tell if it's cool or warm: Then you are probably neutral.

LASTLY
What does the sun do to your skin?

One of the clearest signs of your undertone is how your skin reacts to sunlight.

• Do you tan quickly without burning: Then you have a warm undertone.
• Do you burn quickly or hardly tan: Then you tend to be cool.
• A bit of both: You guessed it: neutral.

Step 3: Test your shades

Now that you have determined your skin tone and undertone, choosing the right foundation shade is much easier! We recommend ordering testers of 2 to 3 different shades to see which suits you best.
We have a tester available for every foundation shade, and for convenience, you can also choose handy tester sets, allowing you to try multiple shades affordably.

Shop tester sets

Can't figure it out?

Don't worry! We are happy to help you with color advice that helps you find your ideal shade(s). See which method suits you best:

Request color advice

 

When your foundation is right...

... then you hardly see it. But you feel comfortable, confident, and at your best – without a mask effect.

Seeing is believing! In this video, we show you step by step how to test your perfect foundation shade. Watch along: