Apply swipes of foundation close to your jawline and chin to test different shades, while also paying close attention to the shade of your neck to find the perfect match.

Your face isn't the same shade as your neck or chest, so you need these areas to be harmonious and match when applying your base makeup, otherwise you'll look like a '90s prom gone wrong.

If you can't swipe the foundation on, hold the bottle up to your chin and jawline to make sure the colors match up.

If you are able to test out a few foundations in-store, use your ring finger to dab a bit of each shade onto your chin, jaw, and neck.

The shade that basically disappears into your skin will be your perfect match.

We also recommend getting close to a window so that you can view the shade against your skin in natural light.

Daylight will always show you the closest match and truest colour.

Always get at least two shades of foundation: one that's close to your skin tone and another that's a bit lighter.

The skin on your face isn't all the same color the center tends to be lighter and darker around the perimeter so it's a good idea to use two shades of foundation for the most natural finish.

Also, if you can't find an exact shade match, you may have to play makeup artist and mix your own by blending the lighter and darker shades together in order to match certain parts of your face and to contour


Don't depend on your foundation to cover up dark spots and discoloration.

Most dark-skinned women aren't strangers to hyperpigmentation (stubborn dark patches on your face that are caused by increased melanin that take time and serious effort to make disappear).

Your foundation may minimize the appearance of dark spots, but it won't be your savior when it comes to hiding pigment patches flawlessly.

We suggest applying your foundation first, and then dabbing on a concealer (stick formulas usually are thicker than creams) one shade lighter than your skin tone to hide spots.

Avoid the ashy look by paying close attention to your undertones and not applying a chalky sunscreen under your foundation. 

Everyone has undertones in their skin (i.e. olive, yellow, pink), but the majority of dark skinned women have either gold or red.

The foundation can be your color but can appear ashen when you try it on.This happens when you don't use the right foundation with the proper undertone.

Everyone's skin tone is different. To find your perfect match, visit a makeup counter so a pro can at least tell you what tones you should be looking for.