Why Does My Foundation Suddenly Feel Off?

This is a question I get all the time as a makeup artist — and trust me, you’re not imagining it! One day your foundation looks flawless, and the next it feels too light, too dark, or just “off.”

The truth is, your skin tone naturally changes with the seasons, and that directly affects how your foundation shade looks. If you’ve ever searched for “Finding the right foundation shade " , or find yourself buying multiple foundations but never using any of them - this post is for you.

Why Your Foundation Shade Changes?

1. Seasonal Skin Tone Shifts

• Winter : With less sun exposure, your skin becomes lighter and undertones often appear cooler.

• Summer : The sun is stronger, your skin naturally darkens / tans, and your undertones look warmer and deeper.

  
  

Now that one “perfect shade” foundation you bought may not work throughout the year and that’s completely normal. It's not the foundation that has changed - it's you my friend.

3 Things to do when your foundation feels off

1. Keep Two Shades with you: Invest in one foundation for summer and another for winter. In spring and autumn, mix the two to create your perfect in-between shade.

2. Match Your Undertone, Not Just Shade: If your foundation makes you look grey, orange, or dull, it’s the wrong undertone. Knowing whether you are warm, cool, or neutral is just as important as choosing the right clour.

   - To find

3. Test it in Natural Light: Bathroom, instore and indoor lighting are can be decieving especially if there is no natural light coming in. Always test your foundation near a window or step outside — that’s where you’ll see if it truly blends into your skin.

   
   

   

   Avon foundation wheel - How to find your undertone

   
   

   How to Find Your Undertone When Testing Foundation

   
   

   Check Your Veins

   • Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural light.

   • Greenish veins → Warm undertone.

   • Bluish/purple veins → Cool undertone.

   • A mix of both → Neutral undertone.

     
     

   Jewellery Test

   • Do you look better in gold jewellery? That usually means warm undertones.

   • Do you look better in silver jewellery? That usually points to cool undertones.

   • If both look equally good, you’re likely neutral.

     
     

   Test Foundation on the Right Spot

   Always swatch foundation on your jawline or lower cheek (not your hand or wrist) because in most cases your face is not the same colour as your hand.

   Step outside and check it in natural sunlight — bathroom lights can be deceiving as mentioned above

Remeber the right foundation will melt into your skin without leaving a line, you won't even be able to see it becuase it should seamlessly blend in.

3 Common Foundation Mistakes To Avoid

• Relying on just one foundation all year.

• Testing shades on your wrist or hand instead of your jawline.

• Ignoring skincare — dry or oily skin can completely change how your foundation looks and lasts.

Pro Tip: Skincare is very important - Your foundation will only look as good as the skin underneath. In the dry winter season, hydration is key and your skin needs that extra TLC. In hot summers, you need to keep your skin fresh by using oil-control face washes, toners and primers help keep your base fresh and flawless.

Do you needeed Professional Help Matching Your Foundation?

Your makeup can be stunning, but if your foundation shade is off, the whole look suffers. That’s why professional guidance makes all the difference.

✨ I offer 1-on-1 beauty consultations and mobile makeup lessons in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sandton, Midrand, Centurion, and across Gauteng.

Which will help you:

• Learn how to do your makeup exactly the way you want to (detailed practical lesson covering all makeup steps such as eyebrows, contouring, eyeshadow etc)

• Find your perfect foundation shade for every season and learn how to identify your undertone

• Discover how tips and tricks to elevate your makeup game

Recommended Foundations for Different Seasons

Summer Foundations

• MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 – Matte finish, long-lasting, perfect for hot summers.

• Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless – Lightweight, natural finish, ideal for everyday summer wear

• Maybelline Super Stay - Buildable (med-full) coverage, long lasting, matte finish

  
  

Winter Foundations

• Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place – Full coverage, great for cooler winter months when your skin lightens.

• Kryolan Vitacolor Foundation – highly pigmented with full coverage, cream-like liquid foundation with a nourishing, oil-rich formula.

  
  

Everyday Foundations

• L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear – Breathable, medium coverage for natural daily looks.

• Revlon ColorStay for Combination/Oily Skin – Controls shine while offering comfortable wear.

• Clinique Even Better Makeup Range – Medium coverage with a smooth, camera-ready finish.

  
  

Book a consultation with Terry Fleek Makeup today!

By Terry Fleek Makeup Artistry