Irrespective of how your skin is, finding the right foundation for it can be challenging. Although most stores offer samples to test the shade, you need to know several things before picking a formula that’s right for your skin. While it’s presumed to be a game of chances, following some basic guidelines and knowing important information about foundations can make things easier for you. Here are a few tips to help you buy the right foundation:

1. Know your undertone
Your complexion is different from your undertone. There are generally three types of undertones—warm, cool, and neutral. Check the veins on your wrists to know your undertone. If they’re blue or purple, then your undertone is cool; if they’re green or olive, then you have a warm undertone; and a mix of both is a neutral undertone. For warm undertones, choose a yellowish foundation, and for cool, pick a pinkish one.

2. Consider the coverage
Do you like full, partial, medium, or sheer coverage? Depending on what you desire, understand the look of each coverage level to pick the right one. It also depends on the amount of natural skin you wish to show through the foundation. You can go with medium coverage if you want an airbrushed look. Full coverage is recommended if you have redness and scarring on your face. If you’re not sure about how much coverage you require, then go for a foundation that has light to medium coverage, as it’s always buildable.

3. Understand your skin type
Foundations are available in different types, including powder, liquid, stick, and others. Every type of foundation is made for a particular skin type. If you have dry skin, then go for a liquid or stick foundation because it has creamy and moisturizing properties. A powder foundation works great for oily skin due to its absorbent properties and matte finish. Choosing a foundation for a combination skin is the trickiest. However, be careful and apply the powder foundation lightly on dry spots and generously on oily patches.

4. Choose a shade according to the season
A single foundation doesn’t work year round, as your skin tends to warm up during spring or summer. Despite wearing a sunblock, your skin tone may get warm during hotter seasons. Study the foundation’s formula carefully and change it as per the season to get the best finish.

5. Pick a foundation with SPF
You need to make sure that your foundation has enough sun protection factor (SPF). You should check several brands and formulas to pick one with an SPF of at least 15. Alternatively, you can use a good sunscreen to get full protection before applying the foundation.

6. Don’t swatch the foundation on your wrists
The shade of your face may differ from that of your wrists. If you try the foundation on your hand, then you’ll most likely get it wrong due to the tanning it may have. If your face and neck are of the same tone, then you can try the foundation on either of them. While testing, the foundation should disappear or blend into your skin. The shade that blends is the perfect one for you.