South Asian skin tones are beautifully diverse, ranging from fair to deep. Understanding your specific undertone and knowing which colors enhance your complexion makes all the difference.
Understanding Your Undertone
Indian skin tones typically have warm (golden/yellow), olive (yellow-green), or neutral undertones. Cool undertones are less common but do exist.
How to Identify Your Undertone
- Vein test: Green veins = warm, blue/purple = cool, both = neutral
- Jewelry test: Gold flatters warm, silver flatters cool
- White fabric test: Pure white flatters cool, off-white/cream flatters warm
Foundation Matching Tips
Common Mistakes
- Foundation too pink (many brands lack warm options)
- Foundation too ashy or gray
- Testing on wrong body part
How to Find Your Match
- Test on jawline in natural light
- Check that it blends seamlessly to neck
- Look for “warm” or “golden” in shade names
- Consider mixing shades if needed
Concealer for Brown Skin
For Dark Circles
Many Indian skin tones have hyperpigmentation or dark circles with blue/purple undertones. Color correct first:
- Orange corrector: For deep skin tones
- Peach corrector: For medium skin tones
- Yellow corrector: For redness
Application
- Apply color corrector to dark areas
- Blend well
- Apply concealer 1-2 shades lighter than skin
- Set with powder
Best Eyeshadow Colors
Universally Flattering
- Bronze, copper, gold
- Deep burgundy and maroon
- Warm browns
- Champagne
- Forest green
- Navy blue
For Special Occasions
- Jewel tones: emerald, sapphire, amethyst
- Metallics: gold, bronze, rose gold
- Sunset colors: orange, coral, pink
Colors That May Wash Out
- Pastels can look ashy
- Cool-toned grays
- Cool-toned pinks
Blush Colors That Pop
Most Flattering
- Coral and peach
- Deep rose and berry
- Brick red
- Plum
- Warm pink
Avoid
- Cool-toned light pinks (can look ashy)
- Anything too light for your skin tone
Lip Colors for Different Occasions
Everyday
- Nude with warm undertones
- Dusty rose
- Coral
- Brownish pink
Office/Professional
- Mauve
- Berry
- Warm nude
- Soft pink-brown
Party/Evening
- Classic red (look for orange-based reds)
- Deep berry
- Burgundy/wine
- Brick red
- Plum
Bridal
- Red (traditional and photographs beautifully)
- Pink-red
- Coral red
- Deep pink
Contour and Highlight
Contour Shades
Avoid products that are too warm/orange. Look for:
- Cool-toned browns with slight gray
- Deep taupe
- Shades that mimic natural shadow
Highlight
- Gold and champagne (most flattering)
- Bronze
- Peach
- Avoid silver/white (can look ashy)
Special Occasion Makeup Tips
For Weddings
- HD makeup for photography
- Long-wear products essential
- Consider climate (summer = sweat-proof)
- Match makeup to outfit colors
For Photography
- Apply slightly more makeup (photos wash out color)
- Set thoroughly to prevent shine
- Avoid shimmer under eyes (reflects light)
- Matte lips photograph better
Product Selection Tips
- Look for “warm,” “golden,” “honey,” “caramel” in shade names
- Indian brands often have better shade ranges for our skin tones
- Sample before buying full size
- Check swatches on similar skin tones online
- Build a collection of products that work for YOU
The key is understanding your unique skin tone and experimenting to find what makes you glow!
