Once you know which category you fall into, you'll be able to use makeup to complement your complexion. When you're shopping for foundation don't try to match the colors on the surface, instead refer to your undertones.
"The surface of your skin can give off a red tint, but your undertones can have a yellow cast," says Frederick. But no matter what, you still have the same undertone. And skin conditions like rosacea can also cause the surface color to appear red or pink. Celebrity makeup artist Yolonda Frederick tells SELF that the major difference between the two is that surface color varies as the seasons change-it can get darker or lighter with a tan, for example. Mixing the two up is a common mistake that can instantly make your makeup look off. It's important to know the difference between the color of the outer layer of skin and the tones beneath the surface. Your undertone is the hint of color that peeks through your skin, and it can seriously effect your skin's overall shade.
You'll be able to easily score the perfect red lipstick and find foundations that blend flawlessly once you discover if you have warm, neutral, or cool undertones. But once you've found your skin's undertones, choosing the best beauty products becomes so much easier. Get it wrong and your skin can end up with a pasty, sallow, greenish, or even orange-y appearance. Finding the perfect makeup shades can sometimes seem like an endless battle.