Need a foundation that’s right for you? We can help. We know how much of an important part foundations play in our makeup routines, which is why it’s essential to get it right.
Looking for the best foundations for cool undertones? Then you’ve come to the right place.
How Do I Find My Undertone?
There’s nothing worse than spending hours looking for the best foundation, finally taking the plunge, and it’s the wrong tone. We’ve all been there. If you’re a little stuck on what your foundation undertone actually is, then we’re here to lend a helping hand.
First up, it’s important to distinguish the difference between skin tone and skin undertone. Your skin tone is the surface colour of your skin — for example, light, medium, or dark. Your skin undertone is the subtle, natural colours under the surface of the skin, typically classed as warm, neutral, and cool.
To help you figure out whether your skin has a cool undertone, there are a few general rules you can follow. If your skin burns easily in the sun or (almost) never tans, the veins on the underside of your wrist appear blue or purple, and silver jewellery suits you best, then the likelihood is that you have cool undertones.
Now, it’s time to pick your foundation. Luckily for us, foundations come with an impressive shade range these days, catering for every tone and undertone you could think of. The cheat code for finding the best foundations for cool undertones? Always read the shade description, pink-toned shades are often geared towards cooler tones, and look out for the letter ‘C’ in the shade name (brands often name their shades with the ‘C’ standing for ‘cool’, but this won’t necessarily work across the board).
Now without waiting for a second longer, let’s dive into the best foundations for cool undertones available at BEAUTY BAY.
1) Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation is a firm favourite amongst beauty obsessives. This lightweight, medium-coverage foundation has the perfect balance of concealing blemishes and evening out skin tone whilst delivering an enviable glow. The satin finish feels ultra-luxury on the skin and it won’t fade or turn patchy as the day goes on. The five-star reviews speak for themselves.
Available in an impressive 50 shades, there are multiple options available for cool undertones. This is one of the occasions where you can look out for the letter ‘C’ for you to choose quickly.
2) Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation SPF10
Next up on the list is an icon — Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation SPF10. If you haven’t heard of this foundation, then you need to get to know. The full-coverage, long-wear foundation is the ultimate if you’re looking for a smooth, seamless, airbrushed finish. The oil-free, matte-finish, waterproof formula lasts for up to 24 hours, meaning this is one of the longest-wearing foundations available.
With over 60 shades to choose from, this is one of the best foundations for cool undertones. Once again, look out for a ‘C’ in the shade name, as this depicts which shades are cool-toned, as opposed to warm or neutral.
3) Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation
Want a foundation that covers and improves your skin? Then the Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation is the one for you. This innovative, serum-like foundation smooths onto the skin with a satin-matte finish that’s perfect for combination and oily skin types. Enriched with salicylic acid, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and SPF, this foundation treats, plumps, and protects.
With multiple cool and pink-toned shades available, there’s always an option for those cool undertones.
4) Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
Another famous name on this list is the Too Faced Born This Way Foundation, and it has hyped status for good reason. For a your-skin-but-better finish, this is the foundation for you. Offering medium-to-full, oil-free, natural coverage, this hydrating foundation melts into the skin for an undetectable finish that lasts for up to 12 hours, without slipping or feeling greasy.
Too Faced shades tend to feature warm, neutral, and rosy tones, so pick the pink options for the best match for cool undertones.
5) MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Foundation
You’ll struggle to find a makeup collection that doesn’t contain the MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Foundation. Loved by makeup artists, beauty obsessives, and everyday makeup users alike, this foundation is the perfect balance of buildable coverage, with a long-wearing finish, and a blurring effect.
Once again, this option is available in countless shades and you can find the best foundation for cool undertones by looking for the shades that contain a ‘C’.
6) Urban Decay Stay Naked Foundation
Some of our most-loved products come from Urban Decay and the Stay Naked Foundation is no exception. This buildable, medium-coverage foundation is the perfect option for every occasion, no matter if you’re going for a minimal makeup vibe or full-blown glam. The waterproof, lightweight formula still feels weightless on the skin whilst delivering impressive staying power.
Available in 50 shades with cool, warm, pink, green, and blue undertones, there’s bound to be the perfect match for your cool undertones. The cool shades all feature a ‘C’ in the name.
7) ICONIC London Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint
Looking for something more natural? We’ve got you covered with the ICONIC London Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint. This ultra-lightweight, breathable skin tint is hydrating for the skin, leaving behind a natural, dewy glow that looks healthy and fresh.
There are multiple options available for cool undertones, so why not find the best option for you?
8) bPerfect Chroma Cover Foundation
Seen it all over TikTok? Us too. The bPerfect Chroma Cover Foundation is a matte, full-coverage foundation that provides a photo-ready finish. The formula smooths onto the skin for a seamless finish in seconds, without any streaks, caking, or fading.
Each of the shade descriptions gives you an idea of the undertone it’s best suited to. Or, look out for the shades with a ‘C’.
9) Milani Screen Queen Foundation
Another go-to on our list is the Milani Screen Queen Foundation. This light-to-medium, buildable foundation has impressive staying power whilst still feeling light on the skin. The best bit? The formula offers blue-light protection, shielding your skin from the harmful rays of our tech screens.
Once again, Milani has made things easy for us. Cool undertones? Choose the shades with a ‘C’ in the name.
10) e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Satin Foundation
Last, but certainly not least, is the e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Satin Foundation. One of our favourite budget options, this foundation has a semi-matte, buildable formula that’s flattering for so many skin types. Ideal for concealing breakouts, uneven skin tone and redness, this foundation is set to become one of your faves.
There are multiple shades available for cool undertones, you just need to find the one that’s right for you!
