Skin Undertones: Why They're Important + A Helpful Quiz To Identify Yours 

Shopping for foundation is no easy feat. There's a lot to keep in mind: the texture (cream, liquid, powder), the ingredients (vegan, clean, cruelty-free), the finish (matte, dewy, luminous). Let's add another layer, shall we? The undertones. You may have heard the term in passing, perhaps thrown around by makeup artists as they pat in complexion products. But familiarizing yourself with undertones isn't just a nice-to-know; it can actually make or break your makeup look.

"Undertones are the key to unlocking the science of makeup," states makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran. They refer to the underlying shades peeking through your complexion rather than the actual color of your skin (hence the term undertones). For example, some may have notes of pink or blue underneath the skin, while others take on a more golden-yellow quality. That said, two people can have the exact same skin tone with completely different undertones—and thus require a distinct set of makeup products. 

The plot thickens: Not only do different people have different undertones, but you may also have a variety of undertones across your own face. For instance, you may appear warmer on the forehead with cool, purplish hues around the eyes. Simply coating your face with one shade can make the finish a bit flat and caky. As makeup artist Fatimot Isadare explains, "Naturally, we have more than one color on our face. So when you're going in with your complexion products, you also want to use more than one color. That's what helps you bring back depth and definition." It's the difference between makeup that looks one-dimensional and makeup that looks professionally mastered—targeting all your undertones is key for elevating the look, be it a natural finish or a full face.

And it's not just complexion products that get all the attention; all makeup—from highlighter to shadow—can either complement or clash against your skin. "On the wrong undertones, certain shades and colors can make you look rather dull and lackluster," informs Jaikaran. Take lipstick, for example: If you're generally warm-toned, a blue-based red lip might look a bit, well, off. It's not that you're not a red lip kind of gal; simply reach for an orangey-red instead—the hue will complement your skin's undertones and look striking, in the best way. 

Of course, knowing exactly which undertones you have isn't so cut-and-dried. And sometimes looks can be deceiving: "Some people are naturally more red in the face, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have cool undertones," says Isadare (especially if your skin experiences redness from eczema or rosacea—that flush doesn't always mean you have pink hues underneath). 

Ultimately, identifying your undertones is a game of trial and error. It isn't a perfect science, and it usually takes some product testing to know for sure.