Let’s be real: shopping for makeup can feel like a game of “what almost works.” If you’ve ever left Sephora with a foundation that should’ve matched—only to end up looking like you face-planted into a Cheeto bag or a ghost costume—you are so not alone.
The root of the problem? The beauty industry has long struggled with diversity and accuracy when it comes to shade ranges and undertones. And while things have improved (shoutout to the brands finally expanding their lines), there’s still a massive gap—especially for people of color, very fair-skinned individuals, and anyone who doesn’t fit into the typical “neutral beige” mold.
A Brief Makeup History Lesson
Historically, mainstream makeup was created for a very narrow audience. For decades, foundation ranges skewed pale and pink-toned, and darker shades—if available at all—were often an afterthought. Products for deep skin tones were limited, chalky, or oxidized terribly. And for fair-skinned folks? Good luck finding something light enough that didn’t lean straight-up salmon or gray.
Even today, many “inclusive” lines still lump everyone into three undertone categories: cool, warm, or neutral. But here’s the thing—undertones are a spectrum, not a box. And this cookie-cutter system is why so many people walk away from the makeup aisle frustrated or convinced their skin is “hard to match.”
Busting the Myths (Yes, Even the Vein Test)
Let’s clear up a few common makeup myths that love to circulate on TikTok and Pinterest:
❌ Myth: "If your veins are green, you’re warm; if they’re blue, you’re cool."
This simply is not a reliable test. Vein color can be affected by your skin's thickness, melanin, lighting, and even how hydrated you are. If your veins look both blue and green? Welcome to the club—undertones are more nuanced than a quick wrist check.
❌ Myth: "You can only wear colors that match your undertone."
Nope! Just because you have a cool undertone doesn’t mean you’re banned from wearing gold eyeshadow or warm lipsticks. It’s all about placement, balance, and using your season’s version of a color.
✔️ Truth: You can wear just about any color—you just need the right version for your coloring.
This is why color analysis is so powerful. It doesn’t say “don’t wear that”—it says, “here’s how to wear it in a way that makes your natural features pop.”
Foundation: Match Your Skin Tone First
When it comes to foundation, ignore the undertone label on the bottle (seriously). Your top priority is finding a shade that blends seamlessly into your bare skin in natural light. Don’t overthink what the box says—trust your mirror, not the marketing.
This is your canvas. Everything else—your color palette, your personality, your bold lip moments—builds on top of it.
Let Your Color Palette Do the Rest
Once your skin tone is set, that’s where your color palette really shines. Here’s how:
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Blush & Lip Colors: Use your season to find your most flattering shades—think warm coral for a Light Spring or a cool rose for a Classic Summer. The right cheek and lip color can light up your face like magic.
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Eyeshadow: This is where you can really play. Yes, even if you’re cool-toned, you can wear gold! For example: blue eyes can sparkle with a soft gold shimmer, as long as it's not overly warm or orange-based. It’s about using balance to create harmony—not restricting yourself.
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Mascara & Liner: Black isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Some palettes glow with navy, charcoal, plum, or espresso instead. Don’t sleep on how powerful a slightly adjusted liner shade can be.
Check out my Pinterest boards for more inspo.
Makeup Isn't Just Art—It's Science and Strategy
Your color palette is your personal roadmap. It takes the guesswork out of shopping and helps you avoid wasting money on products that looked “fine” in the store but meh on your face.
And the best part? It’s not about rules—it’s about resonance. When the tones you wear actually match the tones in you, people can’t stop saying, “Wow, you look amazing!” instead of “Cute lipstick.”
Ready to take the confusion out of your makeup bag?
Get a complimentary makeup match here. Or book a color analysis with me here and discover which shades truly bring you to life.