How can you apply foundation and concealer if they do not match your skin tone?

We've all been there... excited about a new makeup purchase, only to realise once we're home that the shade is all wrong. Maybe the foundation is too light, too dark, or the concealer oxidises and leaves you looking like an orange. And, of course, by the time you notice, you have used the product and it’s too late to return it. So now what? Don’t worry, follow these tips and tricks that can save the day and make that mismatched product work for you. Let’s turn this makeup mishap into a beauty and experimenting opportunity!

1. Light Foundation That’s Too Pale for Your Skin

If you've bought a foundation that's too light, you can fix it without completely discarding it:

• Bronzer to the Rescue: A bronzer, particularly a warm-toned one, can help balance out a light foundation. Apply it around the perimeter of your face—hairline, cheekbones, jawline—and don’t forget a bit on your neck. This adds warmth and depth to the face, helping to blend the foundation in a way that doesn’t leave you ghostly white.
• Mix in a Darker Shade: If you have a darker foundation or even a liquid bronzer lying around, mix a small amount into the lighter foundation until you reach your desired shade. This is one of the best ways to salvage a too-light product!
• Adjust with Powder: Setting your foundation with a powder that’s slightly darker than your natural skin tone can also help even things out if you have made this accidental purchase. 

2. Dark Foundation That’s Too Deep for Your Skin

A foundation that's too dark can be even more daunting, but it's not unfixable!

• Dilute with Moisturiser or Primer: Mix your too-dark foundation with a lightweight moisturiser or primer to sheer it out. This lightens the formula and gives you a lovely, natural finish, almost like a tinted moisturiser.
• Highlight Strategically: If the foundation is only a little dark, use a lighter concealer on the high points of your face (under the eyes, centre of the forehead, chin, and down the nose) to create a balanced contrast. You’re playing with light and shadow here, making the darkness of the foundation less noticeable.
• Contour Hack: Turn that dark foundation into a contouring product! Apply it in the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, and around your forehead to give dimension. A light foundation or concealer can then be used in the centre of your face for a beautiful, sculpted look.

3. Concealer That’s Too Light

When concealer is too light, it can leave you looking stark or even greyish under the eyes, and that’s no fun.

• Use it as a Brightener: Use that too-light concealer to strategically brighten your face rather than fully concealing. Apply it to the high points—like the bridge of the nose, forehead, and chin—where a little extra light can enhance your look. Think of it as a mini highlighter.
• Layer with Corrector: If it’s too pale for your under-eye area, apply a peach or orange-toned corrector underneath the light concealer. This helps neutralise any darkness and allows the concealer to brighten without creating a washed-out effect.

4. Concealer That’s Too Dark

A dark concealer can feel heavy and obvious, but there are ways to lighten up!

• Mix with a Lighter Product: Similar to the foundation tip, mix the dark concealer with a lighter one or even a foundation to get a better shade match. This thins the consistency and helps it blend more seamlessly.
• Use as a Cream Contour: You can re-purpose a darker concealer as a contour product! Cream contours are all the rage, and a darker shade can help you sculpt your cheekbones and add dimension to your face.

5. Customising with Colour Correctors

If your foundation or concealer is too far off the mark, incorporating colour correctors can be a game-changer. Here’s a quick guide:

• Too Red or Warm: If your foundation leans too red, you can add a green or yellow corrector to neutralise the warmth.
• Too Cool or Ashy: If your foundation or concealer is too cool or ashy, try mixing in a peach or orange corrector to add some warmth back into your complexion.

6. Experiment with Placement

Sometimes, if the shade is slightly off, you can get creative with where and how you apply it. A darker foundation, for instance, might not work across your entire face, but it could be ideal for your summer "tan" zones like the forehead and cheeks. Likewise, a lighter product might be perfect for highlighting.

7. Save it for Layering

If your foundation doesn’t match you now, keep it for layering! Sometimes, as seasons change, so does our skin tone. That "too dark" foundation might be your perfect summer shade, and that pale concealer might just be your winter skin’s best friend.

8. Dealing with Oxidising Foundation or Concealer

Ah, oxidation may just be the biggest cause of mismatched foundation and concealer to your skin tone. The sneaky culprit that turns you a shade darker or more orange as it dries or reacts with your skin's oils. If you've fallen victim to this common makeup woe, here’s how to fix it:

• Prep Your Skin Well: Oxidation tends to happen more on oily skin, so ensure you're prepping your face with a mattifying primer to control excess oils. You can also try using a setting spray before applying makeup, which can act as a barrier to slow down the oxidation process.
• Set with a Translucent Powder: After applying your foundation or concealer, dust a translucent setting powder over your face. This helps lock in your makeup and prevents it from darkening throughout the day.
• Mix with Moisturiser or a Lighter Foundation: If your foundation oxidises after application, you can pre-emptively mix it with a little moisturiser or a lighter shade of foundation to create a buffer, so it doesn't turn too dark on your skin.
• Spot Test and Adjust: Always do a quick spot test before fully applying an oxidising foundation. That way, you can see if the shade will change and adjust by mixing or layering accordingly.
• Consider a Different Formula: Lastly, if oxidation is an ongoing issue, you may want to switch to a foundation or concealer with a different formula, such as an oil-free or silicone-based one, as these are less likely to react with your skin's natural oils.

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SmashBox Photo Finish Primer

Embrace the Experimentation!

The beauty of makeup is that it’s all about experimenting and having fun. We’ve all had those “what was I thinking” moments with makeup purchases, but with a little creativity, you can turn those mismatched products into versatile tools in your routine. Plus, it’s a great excuse to play with new techniques and discover new ways to use your products!