Complexion · Shade matching
Red undertone foundation
Depth is the easy half of a foundation match. Undertone is what decides whether it disappears or greys.
Written by Lamyaa Aissi, professional makeup artist, Casablanca.
Test it under the conditions it has to survive, not the conditions it is easy in.
What actually decides it
Test three candidates along the jawline, in daylight, never on the wrist. The correct shade vanishes because it matches the temperature of the neck.
Why red specifically. Red reflects onto the skin and warms it, so the face needs less warmth added, not more.
Keep the cheek soft and the eye neutral. A red garment plus a red lip plus a warm cheek is three things competing.
On Moroccan skin, in a Moroccan climate
Most Moroccan skin runs olive or golden, and a shade matched on depth alone against a neutral or pink base goes grey within the hour. Expect to mix two shades rather than find one.
What it will not do
No shade compensates for unprepared skin. A perfect match on a dehydrated face still slides by hour two.
Questions
What decides red undertone foundation?
Test three candidates along the jawline, in daylight, never on the wrist. The correct shade vanishes because it matches the temperature of the neck.
Does this change on Moroccan skin or in a Moroccan climate?
Most Moroccan skin runs olive or golden, and a shade matched on depth alone against a neutral or pink base goes grey within the hour. Expect to mix two shades rather than find one.
What will it not do?
No shade compensates for unprepared skin. A perfect match on a dehydrated face still slides by hour two.
Related
Book in Casablanca
Bridal, engagement, editorial and event makeup, on location across Casablanca and Morocco.