HOW TO ... Choose the correct foundation & concealer shade for your skin tone

[@melissarainey.9868]

Great explanations! I have a neutral undertone and have struggled with foundation matching forever. I wore makeup a little as a teen but felt I always looked fake because I always seemed to be inbetween shades. I stopped wearing makeup except a very light powder, neutral lipsticks, and a touch of eyeliner. I did this for years.... I mean YEARS! I started playing around with a bit of makeup again about a year ago and found your channel shortly afterwards. You have explained things so much more than anyone in Sephora, Ulta, or any department store has ever attempted. Your explanations of undertones, coloring, and color correcting have been invaluable! Thank you for always taking the time to break it all down for your wolf pack to understand!!

[@sarahdoust2285]

You've hit it....i have been put off foundation all my life for the same reason, I always felt like I was wearing someone else's head....now I feel confident to give it a go

[@PamperedWolf]

So glad to be of help Melissa and Sarah xxx

[@trotski619]

I like the wolf pack reference

[@julianursten6399]

Very good demonstration of choosing a foundation on bare skin

[@patkern185]

This was the best advice yet for picking the right foundation and concealer colors. Your older video on finding your undertone was so helpful in not only picking makeup but clothing and accessory colors as well. I used to think I was warm but realized I am neutral and..bonus..because our skin tones are similar I use your color choices as a starting place and generally they work for me! I've heard and read the kettle of fish expression but it wasn't common here in the US Midwest although we do have our own unique expressions. It would be fun to compare different expressions for the same circumstance..lol. Thanks for the great information! xxx

[@bonniepierce5164]

Great video and very helpful as always. I hate the lighting in department stores and drug stores. Useless for color matching. I sometimes think I can do better on the internet because some websites - especially Sephora - do a great job of color description. But my advantage is that I live in the USA so I can return the ones that don't work and keep buying until I find the correct one. You're the BEST.

[@letsgoalready5515]

I’m glad you did this half natural, half makeup video!

[@saltairandsanddunes]

If this video had been around years ago, I would've saved thousands. It should be a requirement BEFORE you ever purchase foundation. Thank you!

[@joannetarplee3733]

Wow thankyou Gemma. I have never seen a colour match video on KZbin before. This is my first one and I have found it to be very informative and easy to understand. I'm now thinking that some of my foundations are ok and some are just totally wrong. You have encouraged me to go back to Dior and Estée Lauder on different days to be colour matched for foundation and concealer. However the thought of going into These makeup departments without any makeup on does intact terrify me, but I'm going to put my big girl pants on and face my fear! I'm going to be 50 in October and I just want to look lovely and well put together without being over done. Xx

[@laurirohr5364]

That demo was an eye opener! No more wearing makeup when buying higher end foundation for me. No wonder they always seemed to match me with foundation too dark. I used to think I was a cool under tone...took me awhile to realize I'm neutral. It does make a big difference. Yes, we say "that's a different or fine kettle of fish" here in the States. Thanks Gemma!

[@michellej5517]

I’ve had my colours done and confirmed as cool toned, I’m extremely pale, barely tan and go pink easily. Went into Boots and was colour matched with their no7 service and came out warm beige! Clearly I was quite surprised, I asked for a sample, tried it at home and not only was it the wrong undertone but also too dark, I looked like I’d been tangoed. So I’d say, trust your instincts and agree on getting a sample before you buy!

[@colhammond6014]

I just watched a bunch of videos that you did... finding undertone, shaving , picking the right foundation, dermarolling , underage concealer and I have learned so much from you ,I'm a fan !!!

[@jom6829]

Cheers Gemma, that was really helpful. I get totally confused by the different labels for foundation. For instance I got colour matched to Boot's No.7 Hydroluminous in Cool Beige but I have no idea what that might be in other brands. I was recommended to have the same colour concealer but an under eye concealer a couple of shades darker, as my under eyes are much paler than the rest of my face. It's a minefield.

[@JamieStanfield]

I'm 1w1 bone in Estee Lauder double wear. So I too know the pale side. Lol. I can do neutral to warm, but nothing cool. Thank you for this video!

[@sueg180]

Great video - this explains why I have so many foundations that really don't suit me! Thanks so much for explaining it so well.

[@connielaws1674]

Brilliant video, Gemma! Yes, definitely go to a high end store WITHOUT makeup on to get color matched! I learned the hard way! It’s so hard to find the perfect foundation...for me, it either oxidizes or there’s an ingredient in it that causes an allergic reaction or a breakout. It really is trial and error sometimes.Thank you for sharing your expertise! Love you!❤️😁

[@SouthernGurlSaves]

after watching your video I did this and went into target bare faced and got matched for the No7 lift and luminous foundation. what a difference. thank you for the video

[@jodyreynolds3068]

This is the most informative video on this topic that I have ever seen! Excellent!

[@yamrector2]

Wow! I learned so much in this video! You are amazing! You leave the other KZbin makeup gurus way behind!!! 😲

[@hildadebord2897]

Really enlightening Gemma. I know my undertone and pretty familar with my skin tone but wow. That made a total difference when you demonstrated makeup and no makeup side💓💓💓💓.

[@lone8869]

I have looked ill and orange many times. 😆 Thanks for this advice.

[@lhmcd5538]

Thank you. I appreciate your taking one for the pack so we know what’s correct for us in foundation.

[@mariac.delgado6780]

Hi Gemma., ¡what a great demonstration!, I doubt I've bought the correct foundation tone for me ever in my life.Thank you 😊

[@daviscg54]

This is an excellent explanation of the importance of finding your undertone. The actual demonstration explains why I was constantly getting a shade just ”slightly off”. Great video.

[@elizabethannferrario7113]

Hi Gemma I must tell you just browsing I came across a Joan Collins foundation it came today and it’s amazing on a mature skin it’s loaded with hyaluronic acid , it doesn’t sink into any fine lines it cost £18.65 the colours are either cool or warm I choose the warm fair and it’s a perfect match I think I am going back to amazon for the concealer so it will match up ! Hopefully! Love liz , I just needed to tell you ! Great video Gemma ! I went into Debenhams and the counter assistant had the most tanned face I have ever seen but her neck was so very pale so no I didn’t buy any foundation from this young lady !

[@spiveylas]

Thank you Gemma, I really like how you offer education with your videos. I am much better at picking foundation after watching your undertone video.

[@katielynneyoung4738]

I'm a neutral light and have gone down that road of too dark and too warm😞 I have looked like an orange creamsicle.

[@elliehumphris4074]

Lots of online stores now have the colour match system too - so you can enter your fave foundation or a variety of foundations and they will give you colour suggestions which is handy. Other places will provide you samples which helps so much to get a couple of goes at home. Clever idea about the chemist and a sample. Not sure if it will work in Australia. Oh Aussie subscribers check out Kiana Beauty online or in store in Melbourne. Perfect for samples and generous ones at that. Their customer service is exemplary. I mix my concealers to use dark and light to get the right colour (I use revolution) as I can’t go lighter under my eyes - it just makes me look sick.

[@CosmetopiaDigest]

I have yellow-to-olive undertones... it used to be difficult to find the right foundie for me back when everything was pinkish, but brands have become so much better at having a wide variety of shades now. You know, re: your comment at 4:25, I find that, depending on which country/region I'm shopping in, SAs have matched me to shades that were utterly pale, and other SAs have just pulled out the deepest shade they had without even bothering to look at me! I usually err on the side of caution while shopping online, and often end with a shade that's just a bit deeper LOL. Extremely useful post xx

[@jaxa5719]

Brilliantly demonstrated! Great video.

[@tipsytoni]

That’s such a brilliant and true experiment! Thank you! Makes sense now why the Estée Lauder assistant matched me with a colour that when I got home I realised was too dark in the Double Wear (although the Double Wear Light was the same colour name but a perfect match - but she didn’t put that on my skin just gave me a sample of both in the same shade). Love your videos but they’re costing me money!! 💸

[@mercedesfernandez5978]

Wow!! Another masterclass from the masterteacher!!! This was such a helpful video. These 2 topics are indeed very confusing when trying to find the right shade. I thought it was super interesting when you did the swatches on both sides and the matching foundation changed. Again, another brilliant makeup class 👍👍Thank you Gemma for your awesome explanations 💖

[@PamperedWolf]

So glad you found it helpful xxx

[@carak4356]

I just found this and it's really relevant right now especially, thank you!

[@rachelbird7798]

Very good advice, I like the idea of taking samples in the drugstore. I am looking forward to my next visit to Superdrug!

[@Papicova]

Very interesting video and you are so nice and professional! Everybody has bought the wrong foundation at least once in their life!

[@lochamb1234]

Absolutely fantastic video Gemma. Well done on your demonstration 👏👏 brilliant xx

[@laurastr1]

For drugstore foundation I usually do a little research online before I shop. I have occasionally returned a product at Target or Walgreens but I really don’t like wasting it. For the L’Oreal infallible fresh wear it took me a couple of tries to get it right. With all those shades it really surprises me that they’re not forthcoming with the undertone. I have a warm undertone and under the bright lights in Target it’s really hard to detect the undertones. I love shopping at Sephora for high-end foundations. They let you take home three samples to try out which is awesome. They also have the color IQ camera they put on your face in three spots to assign you a color code. I went to work barefaced because I went out at lunchtime to do this. I was very happy when the girl applied foundation on my face!

[@nancykeating6514]

Great video thank you as a older person but new to make up it really helps

[@Patti-1962]

You are just such a wonderful teacher.I always learn so much from your videos. One thing I have been doing is to encourage people in the comment sections of videos to suggest positive, drama free influencers they enjoy watching. Here is mine! Pampered Wolf Thataylaa Emily Noel Zabrena Jessica Braun Allie Glines Casey Holmes Kathleen Lights Nikkia Joy I know there are many more, but these are a few of my favorites! Feel free to share yours😃

[@leannethomas619]

Wow this was helpful but my next makeup stock update i am going to high end to get matched up until i can have a bit more confidence thanks your a gem

[@carolinelief9132]

Out of interest I took a bronzer back to Mac today that I wasn't getting on with and they exchanged it for another! I had a receipt but they didn't want to see it, I thought it was very decent of them x

[@PamperedWolf]

Sometimes you get lucky. xxx

[@sarahralph-neil7137]

Great advice Gemma, finding the right foundation & Concealer is a nightmare... 🙄 and don't get me started on undertone!! x

[@wendyraye]

@Sarah Ralph-Neil I can literally go to different stores (counters) the same day and get matched in completely different colors/undertones.

[@sarahralph-neil7137]

@@wendyraye me too!! 😁 Half the time I come away with a multitude of samples and they all look terrible in natural light.

[@jennabarakat]

Extremely helpful, thank you. I’ve been struggling with concealer shades recently as I switch up my foundation a lot.

[@hilarygore]

This was so educational and I learned many tips! Thank you! Truly love your personality and honesty! So refreshing. Thanks so much.

[@michelleschmitt2287]

Wow that's crazy. I had no idea what a difference it makes to not have any makeup on when color matched. Thanks for clarifying that.

[@strengthcodepalmdesert]

Brilliant video, Gemma! And your demonstration on each side of your face really made the point about how color-matching can wrong. I plan to test al my foundations. I’m not sure any of them are a perfect match. :(

[@BarbaraT.]

OMG Gemma, all of this is precious advice! I'm saving this video for future reference!

[@63Lsp]

I just came back to watch this again and it was SO helpful- even more so in quarantine times!

[@amyk6028]

Wonderful video! You are spot on 👍🏼

[@gerrysavery8082]

Another truly informative video. You are very educated in this field. I’ve learned some more tricks, but that’s another kettle of fish. BTW, raised in New Jersey USA, and we said that in my house. Thank you .

[@teresahuffman7687]

Great info. I think I usually end up with a color that is too dark or orangie for my skin. I will now go in much more educated. Thank you!!!

[@lkkubono]

TY that was an amazing demonstration - matching with no makeup on. I probably would have doubted it if I hadn't seen it myself. Next time I go buy foundation - clean face!

[@joannogas4391]

You are sooo right about how important it is to match your foundation to your actual skin color. Three of my favorite foundations are drug store in which I selected my own color. It is just so easy to apply. Any mistakes will blend right in and still look flawless. My favorite is CYO 106 or 108. I have 3 high end foundations that I rarely reach for because the sales people "color matched me" wrong (IMO). If I have to work to correct their mistake and then still don't feel pretty, it is definitely the wrong shade. Many youtube influencers apply darker or warmer shades on their faces. In my opinion it gives the impression that this is how it should be done. Listen to Gemma, fellow pack members.

[@PamperedWolf]

Thanks Joan xxx

[@fionafrazer8820]

Brilliant explanation and demo as usual! Got my T-shirt today - great fit and shape, not boxy at all, and I've had several people ask me what that means!

[@PamperedWolf]

Yaya! So glad you like it xxx

[@dianawest3976]

Gemma, I love your concise and entertaining yet so very informative videos! I have never had the nerve to go into a store without any makeup...anyway, they always seem to get it wrong! I was amazed at how different the two shades you use looked on bare skin, though...and yes, we do say “that’s a fine kettle of fish” here in the US-not heard often these days, but probably a throwback from the colonial days! Love your channel! ☺️💕‼️

[@natalievelasquez8126]

Wow, my head is spinning... thank you for explaining this. So few speak of this..,

[@69dma]

I think half-and-half thing might start a new trend. 😍 Awesomeness! Was a really good video though. I think so many of us get it all messed up. Was great seeing you do the to stripes on each side..Crazy, the difference it made. Well, I feel like I learned a lot from this that would seem like not that big a deal normally. 💜

[@marylawman8603]

Thanks so much for this great video! I struggle to find the right foundation and this was very helpful. And thank you for all the time you put into your videos. It's very much appreciated. 😃

[@janos592]

From a fellow northerner and make up addict - this is a brilliant video, thank you! I thought I knew everything there was to know about foundation matching but you've taught me something new. I often get matched to shades, that are too dark and now I know why. New rule, no make up! Also kettle of fish is a great saying and should be more widely used. Keep up the good work 😁

[@nicolaj3294]

I'm in the club, I'm exactly the same tone and complexion as you and wish i would tan. Have often bought foundations that are not the right match, Thanks for the great video Gemma.

[@sherryreis5888]

A wealth of information in your video Gemma, thank you for clarifying how to color match and determine your undertone. This is so helpful. Hugs ....Sherry

[@nicoleschriever8929]

Thank you Gemma!!! Your explanation of foundation matching is so helpful!!! I’m visiting your channel from @Stephanie Marie’s channel, and watched the collab video you guys did together. I’m subscribed to her channel, and now I’m a subscriber of yours!!! I’ve seen many KZbin videos on foundation matching, but yours has been the most helpful!!!

[@Pinkfong2]

I’ve not seen such a detailed explanation for skin color. Very good job. I have heard the term “kettle of fish” used many times throughout my years, but it’s not used as much today. People under a certain age probably aren’t familiar with the expression. Great to know the origin of the term. I thought it was an American expression. I must read up on it now. Also, although we can return products to the drugstore in the U.S., I know many people who do not return things. It just doesn’t seem appropriate. Great, great video. TY

[@chrissymoss514]

WOW! The face/foundation experiment was really eye opening! The entire vid was crystal clear and, at last, I totally "get" it. I wish I could samples thro the post. Being disabled it's so difficult to get out and about. Great vid Gemma, thank you 🌹🏵💮🌺🏵🌸💮 PS : We say "A different kettle of fish" here in Lancashire . I don't know what it means either! 🤣🤣😂🤣

[@joannetarplee3733]

Lol we also say a different kettle of fish here in the West Midlands xx

[@juneharrop6245]

Such a great video Gemma and I love the tip on the little pots to get samples, genius 😍💕 xx

[@gatitam2875]

I live in Texas, I don't recall ever seeing tester foundations at drugstores so we can get A sample. Oh I am going to have to do some research because I didn't even know we could take open foundations back only in higher end stores

[@Joanna-tq2yo]

Wow...just watched your under tone and this shade finder video as I've been going through your library Gemma... it finally all makes sense lol. After all these years I finally am confident in my under tone and how to find my correct shade....thank you 😊 💓

[@parksbpknit]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!! I was so surprised when you did the foundation on the no makeup versus the removed makeup side of your face. Great video!

[@gwendavis9420]

Best demonstration and tips for choosing the right foundation I´ve seen on youtube so far. Also enjoyed your undertone vid. Great channel!

[@michellestratford9753]

I love the way you present information. You must have been a teacher at some point. Thank you so much!!🥰

[@charlotteankartjarn4664]

Great tips, really clear on how and what to do and look for.

[@stephaniesue6382]

Thank you so much for the amazing information.. I've been wearing makeup for over 30 years..( Since I was 4.5 yrs. Lol) I've always had my love/hate relationships with my foundations.. The Color just always seem to change or something... The oxidation I think you said.. Yes that's happened to me so often.. So I just stopped using foundations for the longest time and just used sticks or concealer to fix imperfections and then blush and powder.. And just go with it.. But I would like to use a light to med coverage fairly light to natural. My undertone is neutral and goes both ways sometimes. I just want to say this video really helped me alot.. Thanks alot!!!😀😀❤❤👍👍 I like using Walgreens or Wal-Mart makeup.. Btw 😁

[@kimberlygriffin5012]

I got my mug today and it is absolutely adorable!!! I love it 🥰 You’ve done a fabulous job on your merchandise! And thanks for your foundation/concealer experiment! I still struggle with color matching. If I happened to get just the right one I would stay with it religiously until one day when I finally noticed something just wasn’t right. I believe it was the undertone factor I’ve been getting wrong. And I don’t think I’ve ever been color matched without a full face of makeup on. Wow! 😱 What a difference! Thanks again Gemma!

[@suecone2198]

I have heard the saying “that’s a fine kettle of fish”:so I do understand and agree with that statement. Because of the virus most of the stores do not have any samples out for you to even see! I was in Sephora and they have nothing out, but I was in Ulta and they have samples out so you can see the color, but you can’t see a swatch. It is very helpful to at least the color of the makeup you are buying in hopes you are making the right choice. This was very informative! I love Nordstrom because of their return policy and because of it I don’t mind taking a chance I am getting it right or wrong because if it is wrong I can return it. Thanks 😊

[@terfalicious]

Excellent tutorial. The demo really made it all clear! TY!

[@jackieheaney6864]

Fab. as an older woman I love this info.

[@GoSammyHo]

Excellent explanation and reasoning. I'm currently playing with the idea of mixing lighter/close match foundation and a darker tone or mid-summer tone, to use as natural contouring effect. I was ideally not wanting to spend loads on a concealer tbh - but already finding out that even that's a different world of finishes and textures, let alone brand shading etc! Maybe I'm being too adventurous

[@topny516]

"Kettle of Fish" is a well known phrase in Australia too. It means "an alternative; a different thing altogether." ☺️

[@gatitam2875]

& All this time I'v been disappointed at the ladies at the stores because they never get my shade correct, I was going in with makeup & would remove a little like you did. Oops 🙄

[@johemsley3079]

Thanks for a great and very useful video, never realised the impact of going to be colour matched with and without make up on! 🤩

[@julianursten6399]

Also Gemma, should we colour match in natural light as opposed to harsh store lights?

[@trotski619]

This was so clear and helpful, especially the jigsaw bit! thank you. I was once colour matched with my stomach :/ And it was wrong

[@PamperedWolf]

Your stomach????? Wow never heard of that done before! xxx

[@trotski619]

It was in new York when I had my make up done for a night out..😂

[@linda.said67]

I so look forward to your videos... Great explanation! I always seem to go for the darker foundation...as you said "the colour i would like to be!" Not anymore...thanks to YOU!

[@maggyabc]

That's why I am so happy that I found foundation brands which I love. Chanel, BareMinerals and Charlotte Tilbury. I know my shape meanwhile (undertone is neutral) and I'm ALWAYS fine:) Since I'm using self tanning drops all year round I also don't have the problem about matching face, neck and decollete anymore😀 Love your videos Gemma❣

[@lorihorbiak1680]

Tanning drops?

[@maggyabc]

@@lorihorbiak1680 mine are from Oskia, Clarins has some too(less expensive). You just mix some drops( depends how deep you wish the tan) with your normal moisturiser and the tan develops🙂

[@lorihorbiak1680]

@@maggyabc thanks! I'll give the Clarins a try!

[@maggyabc]

@@lorihorbiak1680 I hope you'll like them🧡

[@Artasun]

This is a game changer video. Thank you so much! It's so funny the way the people in suoerdrug or boots look at me when i put the tester on and walk out then back in and try another! Lighting is horrific. This is so educational and I've not seen anything like this before. You are a supernova not just a start 💖💖💖💫

[@Jladyblu]

Thank you so much. I usually steer towards neutral, but I have more of a cool undertone. Your tips will truly help.

[@jessicamattingly6879]

Gemma, This was extremely helpful and I am going to have save this video so I can come back a reference it. I am a neutral that leans cool and I have never had much lucky finding a foundation I like. I have decided I'm going to save this video and find a Dior counter. :)

[@tamiibarra3027]

This is very helpful! Thank you! 💕

[@yllektravantis703]

Thanks so much for the video! It was super helpful!!! I alwats tend to buy darker foundations... because I used to match to my face and not my neck... strangely my face usually darker than my neck.. mostly I guess because it gets more sun???

[@PamperedWolf]

My face is darker than my neck. You often get other pigmentation in your face, redness, tan etc. xxx

[@cindysampson8728]

What great tips! We have tester bottles here in Canada and now I am going to carry some of my little jars with me and take home rather than trying on in the store. One of those great "Why didn't I think of that" ideas. And a fish kettle is a pot - loved your face when you asked who puts fish in kettles lol

[@cindysampson8728]

Please give a shout out to Canada. I don't expect you to check out Canadian prices (we just add about 1/3 to the American price) but I am sure you have lots of followers here.

[@tammyeaton4791]

Me too, Gemma. It’s tough but easier than it used to be. I lean cool, but many ‘cool’ undertone shades are really too pink.

[@lenaphee5040]

Really helpful thank you..but still struggling with a foundation that doesnt cake or slip off..tried infallible, no.7 double wear ..rimmel kiko ..so a mixture..😫

[@PamperedWolf]

Do you have oily skin?

[@lenaphee5040]

@@PamperedWolf I do yes

[@sarah-janesmith93]

Very helpful. Thank you. Have bought two foundations from Same Supplier on line and still not right. Look like I am bright orange. X

[@christinewilliams6664]

This is brilliant! Never heard it explained so clearly before.

[@julianursten6399]

Great video. How can anyone give a thumbs down? 😖

[@Lovemykids46]

I thought the same thing!

[@gwendavis9420]

No idea... I found it very informative and helpful

[@TheWaspist]

Julia Nursten because this video is unnecessarily long.

[@edwinamcmanus5633]

Peeps who realise they have been wearing the wrong shade for 20 years.

[@1boredLady]

Great video! I've struggled with finding the right foundation since I was a teenager. No matter how light the shade it always looked too dark and very obvious. Now I know it was because back then all the pale shades had pink tones and I am in fact neutral, even though I'm very fair with freckles. Another interesting point you made is true for me too. Even though my shade doesn't change, my skin does look warmer during the summer and I found a warm ivory foundation that I use during that time. In winter it's too orange and I go back to a neutral shade. That had me a bit confused as to my actual undertone. I guess I'm a neutral that leans toward the warm side. Now if I can just find a lipstick that works for me . My second biggest struggle lol.

[@embeth446]

Wow this makes so much since. Great demonstration. Every time I’ve been color matched it’s always too dark. Always.

[@maconpettyjohn9676]

Bravo!!Gemma!! Great tutorial!! So helpful!!

[@glamorousbybelen4742]

Great video and super informative! You are a natural at explaining and teaching. 👏

[@dorothyevans3864]

Kettle of fish - the long copper pot that fish was cooked in way back in Victorian times was called a kettle. As for the advice - thanks so much, Gemma, I faced the trauma of a bare face and finally got my MAC shade, much lighter than I’d ever realised given the redness and freckles!

[@lucylou8833]

So helpful went to Estee Lauder and sort of worked but not maybe try without makeup

[@TK-cx8ve]

Wow...great video! Amazing the difference.

[@lesliesanders8573]

Oh wow, what a great demonstration, Gemma! Amazing!