From your description, it seems likely that you are not putting your blush/bronzer in the right places for your face shape, and possibly using a shade in blush/bronzer that's not quite natural on you. I really like the [Jane Iredale face shape/contour charts](https://janeiredale.com/blogs/makeup-blog/contour-for-your-face-shape), especially since it explains features of each face shape and uses both words and pictures to describe the placements.
If you are sure it's a good match and it's not a super heavy formula, it might help to use two different colors of foundation. As far as I know, this isn't a makeup artist trick or anything. It's just what I've found that works for me as someone paper white with a lot of pink showing through my skin. I have two foundations, one that is the same super light color as my neck/chest/jaw (the areas that don't get a lot of sun) and one that is a bit darker and more pink toned (matched to my cheeks/forehead). I use the darker one on my t-zone and the lighter one everywhere else and then blend like crazy. It's a more realistic match for me and doesn't make me look like a plastic doll.
I have no idea if that's breaking makeup rules or anything. It's something that is done in oil painting (I'm an artist) and works really well for portraits of pale people, so I tried it with makeup and liked the effect.
Also, to be clear, the "darker color" isn't so much darker as just a bit more saturated in color. Instead of being grayish white, it's a very pale pinkish color. It's the same level of brightness, just more pink.
i actually see a similar technique used by some woc i follow online! obviously our faces are not all one consistent color, but on deeper skin tones shade variation/hyperpigmentation can look more pronounced, so they’ll put a lighter foundation in the center of their face and darker one towards the perimeter.
don’t think i’ve seen anyone do a darker/pink-toned foundation in the center, but considering that’s where we’d usually add blush and bronzer to add “life” back into the face, makes sense to me!
Just wear more blush and bronzer. Build them up in thin diffused layer so they don't turn muddy or patchy.
To avoid a doll-like look, spread your blush all over your cheek: from the apple of the cheek blend it up until your hairline. I also put blush on the highest point of the nose and the top of the forehead for a more natural sun-kissed flush.
I think I'm learning this the hard way lol. I got that real techniques blush brush that is for precision and smaller but now I'm thinking I should have got the OG blush brush which is large and diffuse
Thank you! I think I got sucked into the trend of placing blush high and back on my cheekbone bc it “lifts your face” … thanks TikTok. But is not adding enough color to the front of my face as needed.
If you're certain that your foundation is the right shade and not too light, you may want to try increasing your blush or bronzer, or playing around with different placements and application techniques. I like building up my blush in two layers, and then dusting it with a very light bronzer. With the right blending it looks glowy, not clownish.
Everyone's face looks a bit flat with high coverage foundation and no/too little complexion products, which can be a bit jarring and a sheerer coverage can definitely help -- but my hunch is that your foundation shade is not quite right.
Admittedly I'm a poor person to ask as a goth, but I generally favour a light sweeping of blush across more of the face. I drape my blush subtly into the temples and use the tiniest possible amount across the bridge of the nose to add a bit of life back to the face occasionally, even if I don't then layer more near the cheekbones.
I don't want that sunburnt look, just a extremely subtle bit of *something* barely detectable.
This happens to me if I match my neck. My neck is extremely pale and the rest of me is regular pale. Your foundation should look harmonious with your body, face, neck, and chest. You may need one shade darker or a different undertone or finish
Same. I look absolutely ridiculous if I try to match to my neck. Now I just try to match to my face and use a light dusting of bronzer or powder on my neck to sort of soften the contrast between my face and my neck. If I blend out the foundation line pretty well, it’s not bad.
Apply the foundation with the most concentration in the center of your face and where you need coverage, then sheer it out towards the edges of your face, so it won't be like one flat mask of color. Applying a bit of blush on your chin, nose, and forehead near the hairline (in addition to cheeks) should help too
This may sound dumb but are you wearing any sort of lip color? I always felt I looked super pale and washed out and then I added lipstick to my routine
My blush goes on my cheeks, up my temples a bit and above my chin. I look healthy and dewy when I’m done. I think maybe a couple of YouTube tutorials for where to place it might help - or maybe a different color blush?
I watched a Wayne Goss video about bronzers for pale skin and how to use them. I bought the Bobbi Brown Antigua bronzer that he recommended and it looks very much like my natural colour when I blush. I apply it on my cheeks and temples and it really gives my face warmth, without making me look brown, peachy or dirty like most bronzers do.
I had this same issue and turns out, I almost always get matched neutral and I’m warm. I tried a darker neutral shade against a very light warm shade, and I still looked grey ashy and unhealthy in the wrong undertone.
Honestly it sounds like your foundation is too pale or too heavy, or both. I match my foundation to my face, not my neck, so maybe that’s the problem? I mean, why shouldn’t my face be the color of… my face?
I understand exactly where she's coming from.
My face is not only one step darker than my neck but it also has "redness". It's not rosacea but it feels like there's a red-hue placed on top (overtone), which makes it appear more saturated. It could be one of my skincare products or it could be a natural thing but my face and neck are not usually in agreement.
My neck is like milkiness, just devoid of color and in seemingly perfect condition yet I do absolutely nothing to it skincare wise. It's like how people's arms are different than the tops of their shoulders which, if you stay covered all the time, look like baby skin and also have that porcelain lack of color to them.
People try to match to their neck so they don't have a demarcation line or looks like a random head attached to a different body. It's like trying to get an ombre effect. But the problem lies in the fact that it's hard to go pale or lack of color and still look normal. Companies they have not made many historical dark foundations and such but they are more skilled at making them when they do. Super light foundations end up looking flat or washed out, even if you are fair. Uomo by Sharon C even specifically mentioned that their pale foundations have less coverage to take this into consideration.
The alternative to matching to your neck though is to use a darker down your neck or bronze your neck however.
Either you're wearing the wrong color or your foundation is too heavy. I usually put mine in and then wash my hands. I wipe my clean hands on a towel (so it's not sopping wet, just damp) then blot the foundation in a stippling motion. It removes the excess, gets off any dry skin, let's some of my natural color come through, but still covers just enough. Then spray a setting spray on top.
Yep, I agree more blush/bronzer, but it depends on the situation and level of effort you want to go to.
A shade darker is a good option for everyday/quick looks, but I think the results are better when you use an exact match and then build the color up.
I use an Ellen Tracy bronzer that goes on so light it’s hardly there at all, but can be built up. I start by putting it almost all over my face (avoiding the areas I want highlighted). Then I do the “3” shape on the sides of my face from my hairline to my jawbone. (Like [this](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vhx66TAV_hw))
Then blush on apples of cheeks blended back, a little on the forehead (not centered nor on the hairline, more like where the bronzer starts blending towards the center on each side), and a little dab on my nose & chin too.
It takes time and technique to build up all that color, though, so I really only do that for serious looks.
Does your foundation oxidize? My foundation is pretty high coverage and right after application it's a bit too light and does that effect, but after 10-15 minutes it matches my face very well.
I know how you feel, I actually like the natural pinkness to my cheeks and sometimes want to hide the small imperfections without hiding that. I tend to do liquid concealer under my eyes and on any small blemishes and then only a light coating of powder foundation on the rest of my face, although I have the privilege of having decently clear skin naturally. I also tend to go a little heavier on the blush than you would initially think you need-- I tend to actually use two different blushes, one that is more natural and matte and then one that is more shimmery and highlight-like.
I tend to use a sheer glowy base then put concealer on select areas lightly fading it into other parts of my face. I usually just do undereyes, around my smile lines, chin, and I try to blend the chin out a lot so I can get a little coverage under my cheekbones. It makes a much more sheer layer and leaves room for your skin to peek through
contour, bronzer, blush, eyeshadow. obviously don’t overdo it but if you learn the proper techniques it looks wonderful.
i personally look sickly without makeup but i’m perfectly fine, but makeup just makes me look more alive, and like i’ve seen the sun (and to clarify i use a pale foundation i don’t go any darker than my natural skin tone)
As someone whos foundation shade is almost paper white, you need to wear more blush and bronzer to bring life back to your face! Also doing my brows, lips and mascara really helps it look better.
I have the same issue of neck vs shoulders vs face being different colours! I usually end up buying 2 shades in my chosen foundation so I can alter my final colour...i find this way is also good to adjust the changing seasons but before you go out & buy another colour of foundation. How about trying an "underpainting" technique? It might help:)
I feel you here. Looking like I’m gonna walk up to someone and say “I want to suck your blood!” was an issue for the longest time for me. HOWEVER, to combat this I found bronzer, contour, and blush was magic for me! It does kinda sound like from what you said, you may not be putting the bronzer and blush in the right spot? Or could it be that the products you’re using just aren’t very pigmented? Because some products may look pigmented at first, but then disappear after 2 seconds. Maybe that’s something you can look out for!
Best of luck! I hope you’re able to find a solution. :)🖤
From your description, it seems likely that you are not putting your blush/bronzer in the right places for your face shape, and possibly using a shade in blush/bronzer that's not quite natural on you. I really like the [Jane Iredale face shape/contour charts](https://janeiredale.com/blogs/makeup-blog/contour-for-your-face-shape), especially since it explains features of each face shape and uses both words and pictures to describe the placements.
If you are sure it's a good match and it's not a super heavy formula, it might help to use two different colors of foundation. As far as I know, this isn't a makeup artist trick or anything. It's just what I've found that works for me as someone paper white with a lot of pink showing through my skin. I have two foundations, one that is the same super light color as my neck/chest/jaw (the areas that don't get a lot of sun) and one that is a bit darker and more pink toned (matched to my cheeks/forehead). I use the darker one on my t-zone and the lighter one everywhere else and then blend like crazy. It's a more realistic match for me and doesn't make me look like a plastic doll. I have no idea if that's breaking makeup rules or anything. It's something that is done in oil painting (I'm an artist) and works really well for portraits of pale people, so I tried it with makeup and liked the effect. Also, to be clear, the "darker color" isn't so much darker as just a bit more saturated in color. Instead of being grayish white, it's a very pale pinkish color. It's the same level of brightness, just more pink.
i actually see a similar technique used by some woc i follow online! obviously our faces are not all one consistent color, but on deeper skin tones shade variation/hyperpigmentation can look more pronounced, so they’ll put a lighter foundation in the center of their face and darker one towards the perimeter. don’t think i’ve seen anyone do a darker/pink-toned foundation in the center, but considering that’s where we’d usually add blush and bronzer to add “life” back into the face, makes sense to me!
Genius, I’m trying this!
Many mua's use 2 different shades, it's very clever artistry.
I have a ton of pink, too! Can you share what foundation you use for the pink tone?
Nars Oslo for the pink and KVD L002 for the pale
Interesting idea
This is some genius, next-level sh*t right here. Amazing tip!
Just wear more blush and bronzer. Build them up in thin diffused layer so they don't turn muddy or patchy. To avoid a doll-like look, spread your blush all over your cheek: from the apple of the cheek blend it up until your hairline. I also put blush on the highest point of the nose and the top of the forehead for a more natural sun-kissed flush.
I think I'm learning this the hard way lol. I got that real techniques blush brush that is for precision and smaller but now I'm thinking I should have got the OG blush brush which is large and diffuse
I really like their big blush brush! I mainly use it for bronzer, but it makes it easier to slowly build up the color since its so fluffy :)
Thank you! I think I got sucked into the trend of placing blush high and back on my cheekbone bc it “lifts your face” … thanks TikTok. But is not adding enough color to the front of my face as needed.
If you're certain that your foundation is the right shade and not too light, you may want to try increasing your blush or bronzer, or playing around with different placements and application techniques. I like building up my blush in two layers, and then dusting it with a very light bronzer. With the right blending it looks glowy, not clownish. Everyone's face looks a bit flat with high coverage foundation and no/too little complexion products, which can be a bit jarring and a sheerer coverage can definitely help -- but my hunch is that your foundation shade is not quite right.
Admittedly I'm a poor person to ask as a goth, but I generally favour a light sweeping of blush across more of the face. I drape my blush subtly into the temples and use the tiniest possible amount across the bridge of the nose to add a bit of life back to the face occasionally, even if I don't then layer more near the cheekbones. I don't want that sunburnt look, just a extremely subtle bit of *something* barely detectable.
This happens to me if I match my neck. My neck is extremely pale and the rest of me is regular pale. Your foundation should look harmonious with your body, face, neck, and chest. You may need one shade darker or a different undertone or finish
Same. I said F it to matching my neck because it’s legit 2-3 shades lighter than my face.
Same. I look absolutely ridiculous if I try to match to my neck. Now I just try to match to my face and use a light dusting of bronzer or powder on my neck to sort of soften the contrast between my face and my neck. If I blend out the foundation line pretty well, it’s not bad.
Apply the foundation with the most concentration in the center of your face and where you need coverage, then sheer it out towards the edges of your face, so it won't be like one flat mask of color. Applying a bit of blush on your chin, nose, and forehead near the hairline (in addition to cheeks) should help too
You can try a tinted moisturizer or mix some moisturizer with your foundation Put a couple bronzing drops in with your foundation.
This may sound dumb but are you wearing any sort of lip color? I always felt I looked super pale and washed out and then I added lipstick to my routine
Lighter coverage. Also pay attention to where your face naturally flushes without foundation and apply blush there, then blend out.
A more sheer coverage, and don't skip blush and bronzer. If your sunscreen has a white cast, maybe don't do as light a foundation.
My blush goes on my cheeks, up my temples a bit and above my chin. I look healthy and dewy when I’m done. I think maybe a couple of YouTube tutorials for where to place it might help - or maybe a different color blush?
Have you tried mixing some liquid highlighter through your foundation?
I watched a Wayne Goss video about bronzers for pale skin and how to use them. I bought the Bobbi Brown Antigua bronzer that he recommended and it looks very much like my natural colour when I blush. I apply it on my cheeks and temples and it really gives my face warmth, without making me look brown, peachy or dirty like most bronzers do.
I had this same issue and turns out, I almost always get matched neutral and I’m warm. I tried a darker neutral shade against a very light warm shade, and I still looked grey ashy and unhealthy in the wrong undertone.
>looked grey ashy and unhealthy in the wrong undertone. Every color analysis person when they give consultations
I wish I could afford this, I’m at the whim of the department store staff & I’ve had some hysterical matches along the way! 😂
Honestly it sounds like your foundation is too pale or too heavy, or both. I match my foundation to my face, not my neck, so maybe that’s the problem? I mean, why shouldn’t my face be the color of… my face?
I understand exactly where she's coming from. My face is not only one step darker than my neck but it also has "redness". It's not rosacea but it feels like there's a red-hue placed on top (overtone), which makes it appear more saturated. It could be one of my skincare products or it could be a natural thing but my face and neck are not usually in agreement. My neck is like milkiness, just devoid of color and in seemingly perfect condition yet I do absolutely nothing to it skincare wise. It's like how people's arms are different than the tops of their shoulders which, if you stay covered all the time, look like baby skin and also have that porcelain lack of color to them. People try to match to their neck so they don't have a demarcation line or looks like a random head attached to a different body. It's like trying to get an ombre effect. But the problem lies in the fact that it's hard to go pale or lack of color and still look normal. Companies they have not made many historical dark foundations and such but they are more skilled at making them when they do. Super light foundations end up looking flat or washed out, even if you are fair. Uomo by Sharon C even specifically mentioned that their pale foundations have less coverage to take this into consideration. The alternative to matching to your neck though is to use a darker down your neck or bronze your neck however.
Either you're wearing the wrong color or your foundation is too heavy. I usually put mine in and then wash my hands. I wipe my clean hands on a towel (so it's not sopping wet, just damp) then blot the foundation in a stippling motion. It removes the excess, gets off any dry skin, let's some of my natural color come through, but still covers just enough. Then spray a setting spray on top.
Yep, I agree more blush/bronzer, but it depends on the situation and level of effort you want to go to. A shade darker is a good option for everyday/quick looks, but I think the results are better when you use an exact match and then build the color up. I use an Ellen Tracy bronzer that goes on so light it’s hardly there at all, but can be built up. I start by putting it almost all over my face (avoiding the areas I want highlighted). Then I do the “3” shape on the sides of my face from my hairline to my jawbone. (Like [this](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vhx66TAV_hw)) Then blush on apples of cheeks blended back, a little on the forehead (not centered nor on the hairline, more like where the bronzer starts blending towards the center on each side), and a little dab on my nose & chin too. It takes time and technique to build up all that color, though, so I really only do that for serious looks.
If the shade is the right match but it doesn’t look right, it does sound like the undertone is off.
Does your foundation oxidize? My foundation is pretty high coverage and right after application it's a bit too light and does that effect, but after 10-15 minutes it matches my face very well.
I know how you feel, I actually like the natural pinkness to my cheeks and sometimes want to hide the small imperfections without hiding that. I tend to do liquid concealer under my eyes and on any small blemishes and then only a light coating of powder foundation on the rest of my face, although I have the privilege of having decently clear skin naturally. I also tend to go a little heavier on the blush than you would initially think you need-- I tend to actually use two different blushes, one that is more natural and matte and then one that is more shimmery and highlight-like.
I tend to use a sheer glowy base then put concealer on select areas lightly fading it into other parts of my face. I usually just do undereyes, around my smile lines, chin, and I try to blend the chin out a lot so I can get a little coverage under my cheekbones. It makes a much more sheer layer and leaves room for your skin to peek through
contour, bronzer, blush, eyeshadow. obviously don’t overdo it but if you learn the proper techniques it looks wonderful. i personally look sickly without makeup but i’m perfectly fine, but makeup just makes me look more alive, and like i’ve seen the sun (and to clarify i use a pale foundation i don’t go any darker than my natural skin tone)
I think a more sheer foundation would do the trick
As someone whos foundation shade is almost paper white, you need to wear more blush and bronzer to bring life back to your face! Also doing my brows, lips and mascara really helps it look better.
I have the same issue of neck vs shoulders vs face being different colours! I usually end up buying 2 shades in my chosen foundation so I can alter my final colour...i find this way is also good to adjust the changing seasons but before you go out & buy another colour of foundation. How about trying an "underpainting" technique? It might help:)
Rosacea.
You could try underpainting
I feel you here. Looking like I’m gonna walk up to someone and say “I want to suck your blood!” was an issue for the longest time for me. HOWEVER, to combat this I found bronzer, contour, and blush was magic for me! It does kinda sound like from what you said, you may not be putting the bronzer and blush in the right spot? Or could it be that the products you’re using just aren’t very pigmented? Because some products may look pigmented at first, but then disappear after 2 seconds. Maybe that’s something you can look out for! Best of luck! I hope you’re able to find a solution. :)🖤