Understanding Your Skin Type

You’ve read through all the guides, followed your stylist’s advice, and bought the best makeup products within your budget. But somehow it still doesn’t look right, as if there’s something missing. Chances are you’re not using the right makeup for your skin type. And the result is a look that’s nice and attractive, but not exactly natural—which it what really matters. No matter what the trend is, one of the first and most important makeup secrets is to know your skin type, and subsequently, which products will suit it best.

There’s a lot more to skin type than just color. Skin is also defined by its undertones, thickness, sensitivity, and the way it reacts to lighting and temperatures. No two people have exactly the same skin. That’s why there’s not much use following magazine advice, as they don’t really know how your skin behaves. If you want a makeup style that’s really made for your skin, the first step is getting to know it. You can go to a dermatologist or a professional stylist to get a better idea of your skin type. This guide offers a few tips to help you get started.

Skin color

The most obvious way to differentiate between skin types is color. It’s what most people notice at first glance, and on a closer look, it’s your main reference point when shopping for makeup. Shades vary greatly from one person to another, but your general coloring should give you an idea of a good color palette. Fair-skinned people, for example, look best in sheer colors, pastels and light earth tones. Medium skin tones usually work with ethnic makeup, which uses deeper earth and jewel tones, plum, coral, and peach.

Makeup for dark skin usually requires a heavier hand, as some colors won’t be too visible against your color. Start with dark neutral eye shadows such as gray and brown, and shimmer colors like terra cotta, bronze, and silver. If you want a more matte finish, look for deep, warm shades like apricot and caramel. Instead of blush, try using a bronzer—it will bring out your natural coloring and give you a healthy glow.

Color undertones

Undertones are a more subtle way to differentiate skin. Two equally fair-skinned people may need completely different types of makeup, depending on their undertones. The broadest definitions for skin tone are cool, warm, and neutral. Cool skin has a bluish undertone and works best with rich, bright colors, such as red, navy, and emerald green. If you have more of a yellow or peach undertone, you probably have warm skin. Apply eye makeup in earth tones such as sage green and mocha, or experiment with metallic eye shadows like gold and bronze.

Neutral skin falls into neither the cool or warm palette, and that means it can work with everything. However, most neutral-skinned people experience changes with the season—they may have a cool aura one day and a warmer look the next. If you’re not sure which works best for you, stock up on neutral color palettes. Brown, beige, peach and gray usually look good on everyone, and will work with most of your outfits.

Skin composition

Once you’ve figured out your color, you’ll need to know your skin’s general behavior—more specifically, how dry or oily it gets over the day. Oily skin tends to be shiny and have large pores, and is more susceptible to blemishes like blackheads and pimples. Women with oily skin need lighter makeup that won’t leave residues in the pores. The best makeup for oily skin is a light, water-based product that dries fast and washes off easily.

Dry skin, on the other hand, is characterized by a tight feel and a tendency towards wrinkles. Skin is often more sensitive around the cheekbones, and dead skin buildup can make it look dull or ashy. If you have dry skin, consider using a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation to start your makeup routine. This keeps you hydrated all day and won’t build up over the day, so you’ll feel fresher afterwards.

Flaws and imperfections

Finally, take note of any flaws in your skin that you want to cover up. Maybe you have pimple scars from previous breakouts, wrinkles than need to be smoothed out, or an uneven skin tone. There are products for pretty much any skin condition these days, so you probably won’t run out of choices. For instance, acne is a fairly common problem, and you can usually find acne-friendly products that help you conceal flaws and control the condition at the same time. A good concealer can help you cover up scars and blackheads, and the best face makeup for acne can reduce pore size to prevent future breakouts. Look for products that work for you and go with the rest of your makeup regimen.

Take a quick walk down the cosmetics aisle and you’ll see that beauty is a big business. The market is loaded with all sorts of creams, powders, and makeup products, all meant to make you look better or hide your flaws. But even with the most expensive foundation or eye shadow, nothing beats naturally smooth, healthy skin. That’s why the first step is always to take care of your own skin—once you have it, it’s all a matter of maintenance.

Take time to get to know your skin, from skin tone and color to the way it reacts to various environmental factors. Does it look better in warm weather, or does the cool breeze give it a healthy glow? Does it take well to creams and moisturizers, or is it best left alone? It may take some trial and error on your part, but it’s worth the effort—once you know how your skin behaves, it’s easier to choose products and find a good regimen.

If you have sensitive skin, your best bet may be to keep things as natural as possible. Use mild soap and warm water to wash your face every day, and avoid using anything too harsh. Makeup should be light and hypo-allergenic. If you have to wear makeup every day, consider using mineral makeup—it comes from completely natural sources and has no synthetic content, so it won’t irritate your skin even if you wear it for several hours. Go for liquid or gel products, as they spread on more evenly and won’t clog your pores.

Finally, don’t forget to let your skin rest from time to time. One of the biggest mistakes women make is to give too much attention to their skin and put on too many products. While there’s nothing wrong with daily moisturizing and the occasional night cream, sometimes your skin just needs to be left alone. Once in a while, try to go through the day with just the occasional splash of water. It gives your skin time to breathe and restore its natural moisture. You’ll notice that after a product-free day, it actually looks a lot better.