How to Find Your Perfect Foundation Shade (Especially for Deeper Skin Tones)

How to Find Your Perfect Foundation Shade (Especially for Deeper Skin Tones)

Struggling to find your perfect foundation shade? You’re not alone — especially if you have deeper, richly pigmented skin. While many brands still offer limited shade ranges, the beauty industry is finally catching up. At Six Beauty Cosmetics, we’re leading that change with inclusive, carefully crafted formulas that look and feel like skin.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding your perfect match — from undertones to finish types — so you can feel confident, radiant, and seen.

Step 1: Understand Your Skin’s Undertone

Your undertone is the subtle hue beneath the surface of your skin. There are three main types:

• Cool: Hints of blue or pink (you burn easily and silver jewelry suits you best)
• Warm: Golden, peachy, or yellow tones (you tan easily and gold looks great on you)
• Neutral: A mix of both — neither gold nor silver dominates

How to test:

• Look at your veins: blue = cool, green = warm, both = neutral
• Hold up jewelry: which metal flatters you most?
• Consider how you tan: burn = cool, tan = warm

Step 2: Swatch Before You Commit

The best way to test a foundation? Apply 2–3 shades along your jawline (not your hand — it's often a different tone!). Natural daylight is your best friend here. Wait a few minutes to see how the formula oxidizes before making a decision.

At Six Beauty, we recommend swatching:

• One shade you think fits
• One shade slightly darker
• One shade slightly lighter

Pro tip: Use the one that disappears into your skin.

Step 3: Choose the Right Formula for Your Skin Type

Different foundations work better for different skin needs:

Skin Type	Ideal Finish	Product Match
Oily/Combo	Matte or Luminous Matte	Six Beauty Luminous Matte Foundation
Dry	Hydrating or Glowy	Mix foundation with moisturizer or primer
Acne-prone	Non-comedogenic	Use gentle primer and lightweight powder

Step 4: Consider the Season

Yes — your skin tone can shift slightly throughout the year! You might need:

• A warmer shade in summer
• A neutral or slightly lighter tone in winter

Many makeup artists recommend having two shades to mix as needed — especially for deeper complexions that fluctuate between warm and golden hues.

Step 5: Trust Brands That Put Inclusivity First

Let’s be honest: many beauty brands still treat deeper skin tones as an afterthought. Six Beauty Cosmetics was built differently — with 10 shades designed specifically for rich, melanin-powered complexions from the start.

Our goal? To make sure you never feel like you have to settle for "close enough."

Bonus Tips:

• Always blend foundation down into the neck
• Let the product sit for 5–10 minutes before deciding
• Use setting powder to lock in tone and wear time

Ready to Find Your Match?

We’re here to help you glow with confidence.

→ Shop our Luminous Matte Foundation range now

Or use our Shade Finder Tool to discover your perfect match.