If you’ve ever shopped for makeup, you know how endless the options can seem. Foundations, in particular, can be tricky to get just right. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the array of different foundation types and colors, don’t worry. We’re here to break it down step-by-step. Once you know what to look for, choosing your perfect foundation will be a snap.

Here’s what you need to know:

Know your over and undertones
When choosing your shade of foundation, you will want to pick one that is as close as possible to your natural coloring. A good goal is for the finish to look like your own skin. In order to get a correct match, you’ll need to know two things - your skin’s overtone AND undertone.

Overtone shades range from fair to dark. Your overtone will be based on genetics, and how your skin reacts to sun exposure. Your undertone refers to the more subtle color differences in your complexion and can have much to do with choosing makeup shades that appear natural on your skin.

An easy way to determine your undertone is to look at the veins of your wrist or forearm in natural light. If the color of your veins appears greenish, this means you have a yellow undertone and should choose warm colors. If veins are more of a blue hue, this indicates that you have blue/pink undertones and should use cool colors.

Determine what kind of coverage you need
So now that you’ve picked your perfect color, the next thing you’ll want to know is how much coverage you need. Foundation options range from light loose powders to thicker creams or liquid formulas.

A full coverage matte or oil-free mineral foundation is great for oily or acne prone skin as these help balance oil and skin tone. For dry or mature skin, you will want to opt for more of a satin liquid foundation or sheer luminous powder.

What kind of coverage you need will depend on your skin type and condition, but also upon your different needs day-to-day. For this reason, it’s not a bad idea to invest in a couple of different foundations, so that you have options. Liquid foundations provide more coverage for long wear or glam looks. Loose powders and sheer foundations work well for everyday wear, or a more natural finish.

Other things to consider
The secret behind any good makeup routine is good skincare. For best results, make sure your skin is clean and hydrated with a good serum or moisturizer before applying foundation.

Additionally, you can think of your makeup products as an extension of your skincare routine. To best support your complexion, we recommend choosing makeup products that use clean, simple formulas and are free of harmful ingredients.

Southern Magnolia Mineral Cosmetics’ foundations contain natural mineral SPF. The range is cruelty-free, gluten-free, all-natural, non-toxic, made in the U.S. and formulated to help you find your perfect skin-friendly foundation.