Best foundations for shades with yellow to red undertones
Finding the right foundation match can be challenging as an Afro-Latina with naturally tan skin and yellow undertones like myself. This is particularly true for those with medium to dark complexions. People who mirror shades like celebrities such as Yalitza Aparicio and Yaya Decosta would agree as well. “When it comes to shade matching medium to dark skin tones, it’s important to understand undertones – there are: yellow, neutral, and red,” explains celebrity makeup artist Monika Blunder. She further explains, “The best way to figure your undertone is to consider your skin’s reaction to the sun. If you have red undertones, you may burn easily. Those who tan easily usually have yellow undertones. A person with neutral undertones burns and then tans,” says the founder of Monika Blunder Beauty.
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After years as a celebrity MUA, Monika debuted Monika Blunder Beauty with a hybrid foundation-concealer Blunder Covers, $52. The two-in-one buildable product gives you a dimensional and structural but still natural makeup look. Since launching last year, the makeup brand has grown its selection of foundation shades. I’ve tested the creamy coverup and must admit; it’s become a staple in my makeup routine.
With Monika’s all-in-one foundation-concealer product, you won’t have to worry about perfume, parabens, phthalates, or sulfates. The brand’s products are vegan and full of botanical ingredients such as aloe, rosemary, and more, taking clean beauty to the next level. The Austrian makeup artist is a true shade wizard when it comes to matching foundations. Thus, we’re taking pointer from the celebrity MUA known in Hollywood for the flawless complexions she creates amongst her A-list clientele. Keep scrolling for Monkia’s recommendations on picking the perfect foundation are based on a shade inspired by Latinx and Afro-Latinx celebrities.
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Leslie Grace
When it comes to a complexion similar to that of In The Heights actress, Monika recommends shade 5 due to its warm neutral undertone, while shade 4 works well to brighten and highlight the skin. Shade 6 would also work well as a natural sculpt.
Herizen Guardiola
Herizen’s shade of 4.5 is the perfect match for those who share the same skin tone as Netflix’s breakout star of the Dare Me series. For under-eye concealing, shade 4 has the right undertones to cancel out discoloration, and shade 8 is great for contouring.
Yalitza Aparicio
A neutral golden undertone makes applying shade 6, which is the same as Mexican actress Yalitza, appear flawless. Monika recommends shade 7 when it comes to bronzing.
Haskiri Velazquez
A warm-to-neutral base is perfect for a woman with olive or warm undertones like Dominican-Puerto Rican star Haskiri. According to the Austrian makeup artist, shade 4 is a perfect highlighter, shade 6 as a natural bronzer, and shade 7 as a contour.
Zoe Salanda
If your skin has the same lovely red undertones as Zoe’s, Monika recommends using 6.5 or 6 shades, 5 as a highlight, and 7 as a bronzer. With her timeless glow, the Avatar actress serves as a beautiful beauty inspiration.
Alycia Pascual-Peña
If you have lighter red undertones like the Save By The Bell reboot actress, Alycia, the celebrity makeup artist, recommends using 6.5 as a base. Alternatively, you may choose shades 6 and 5.5, which would be lovely as a subtle glow. You can use shade number 8 as a gorgeous contour shade if you’re looking for a complete makeup look.
Yaya Decosta
Monika recommends 6.5 or 7 for those with a deep pigment and red to neutral undertones like Afro-Latina actress Yaya in the summer. To achieve an illuminating finish, use 5.5 as a highlighter and 8 as a bronzer.