Mac foundations can be pretty confusing, with so many different numbers and codes to go alongside them it can be a little daunting to find your shade when you’re not sure where to go look.
Generally speaking, when it comes to colour theory you’re always taught that cool undertones are reds, pinks and blues while warm undertones are yellow, peaches and gold. However, in MAC foundations, the undertones are the opposite.
Below we’ve decoded each shade category for you so you can easily find your match, with over 46 shades in their Studio Fix Fluid foundation there is something for everyone!
C – stands for cool, usually aimed at yellow, golden or olive undertones.
NC – stands for neutral cool, usually aimed at golden beige undertones.
N – stands for neutral, usually aimed at beige undertones.
NW – neutral warm, usually aimed at red, pink or blue undertones.
Some tips to find out what undertone you are would be;
VEINS
Look at the colour of the veins in your wrist. As a general rule of thumb if they are blue then you are pink toned. If they are green then you are yellow toned.
BURN TIME
If you burn easily your skin tone is probably Pink. If you tan easily chances are you are Yellow.
TRY BOTH – AT THE SAME TIME
Still not sure? Go into the shop with a makeup free face and apply a stripe of both cool, warm and neutral undertones to see what matches you best and definitely ask for a few samples so you can be sure to find your perfect shade!
If you’re still struggling to find your match don’t be afraid to ask a makeup artist at the counter for a colour match. Keep in mind that makeup is all about having fun and there is no wrong way to do your makeup, as long as you have a good match and you blend into your neck to avoid the tideline then you’re good to go!