When applying concealer, what is the recommended relation to foundation tone?

• A. It should be lighter than foundation
• B. It should be darker than foundation
• C. It should match the tone of foundation
• D. It should be the same shade as powder

Answer: (C)

Matching the concealer to your foundation tone creates a seamless, natural-looking finish. Concealer covers imperfections and under-eye areas, so if the shade is lighter than your foundation, the hidden spots can look bright while the edges of the coverage may appear obvious. If it’s darker, it can cast a noticeable shadow and disrupt the even skin look. When the concealer matches the foundation, the transition is smooth and the overall complexion reads as one even surface. It’s also helpful to align undertones—warm, cool, or neutral—to avoid any chalky or ashy lines. There are times you might use a slightly lighter shade under the eyes for a highlighting effect, but for general coverage, matching foundation is the best approach.