The Secret to Finding Makeup Shades That Actually Flatter You

(Hint: It’s not trial and error.)

If you’ve ever stood in front of a mirror wondering why one foundation looks flawless on your friend, but muddy or off on you, you’re not alone.

Maybe you’ve tried every undertone label: cool, warm, neutral.
Maybe you’ve been color-matched in-store… multiple times… with mixed results.
Maybe you’ve walked out feeling hopeful, only to look in daylight and think, Why does this not look like me?

Here’s the truth most people never get told:
Makeup doesn’t fail you, undertone confusion does.

And that’s where the Blue-Base / Yellow-Base Color System changes everything.

A Color System Nearly 100 Years in the Making

Discovered by artist and color theorist Bob Dorr in 1928, the Blue-Base / Yellow-Base Color System is rooted in a simple but powerful observation:

Everything in the natural world exists on a blue-base or yellow-base spectrum.

Not just paint.
Not just fabric.
People. Skin. Hair. Eyes.

Instead of vague labels like “cool” or “warm,” this system looks at which color—blue or yellow—has the strongest influence in your undertone.

When your makeup aligns with that influence, something clicks:

• Your skin looks clearer

• Your features appear more balanced

• Your makeup suddenly looks effortless

Blue-Base vs. Yellow-Base: What It Really Means

Blue-Base Undertones

Blue-base skin has blue as the dominant undertone influence.

This can show up as:

• Pink or rosy tones in lighter skin

• Plum, wine, or burgundy tones in deeper skin

Blue-base doesn’t mean “pale” or “ashy” it simply means blue plays the leading role beneath the surface.

Yellow-Base Undertones

Yellow-base skin is influenced primarily by yellow undertones.

This often appears as:

• Peachy or warm pink tones

• Golden or honey hues across all Fitzpatrick types

Yellow-base skin tends to glow when paired with warmth that mirrors its natural undertone.

👉 Important: Undertone has nothing to do with how light or dark your skin is. Every depth can be blue-base or yellow-base.

Why Foundation Is Where Everything Begins

Foundation is the anchor of your entire makeup look.
If it’s off, everything layered on top struggles.

That’s why Oxygenetix foundations are formulated using the Blue-Base / Yellow-Base Color System. 

✨ The result? Coverage that blends seamlessly and looks like your skin, not makeup sitting on top of it.

To make it even easier, Oxygenetix offers a mobile-friendly Shade Finder Quiz at
👉 https://www.oxygenetix.com/pages/mmm

In just a few taps, you’ll discover whether you’re blue-base or yellow-base and your most natural foundation match.

Blush That Looks Like a Natural Flush (Not a Stripe)

Blush should look like life, not makeup.

If you’re Blue-Base

Reach for:

• Soft pinks

• Rose

• Berry tones

These shades mimic the way blue-base skin naturally flushes.

If you’re Yellow-Base

Look for:

• Peach

• Coral

• Warm apricot tones

They enhance warmth without overpowering your complexion.

✨ Tip: When blush matches your undertone, it blends faster and looks more skin-like, almost like it’s coming from within.

Bronzer That Sculpts, Not Muddy-Fies

Bronzer can be magical… or disastrous—depending on undertone.

Blue-Base Skin

Choose bronzers with:

• Cool taupe

• Soft ash undertones

These contour naturally without turning orange.

Yellow-Base Skin

Opt for:

• Golden

• Caramel

• Warm bronze hues

They add warmth and dimension while maintaining harmony with your skin.

Eyeshadow That Makes Your Eyes Pop Instantly

Eyeshadow is where undertone harmony really shines.

For Blue-Base Undertones

Try:

• Taupe

• Mauve

• Silver

• Cool purples and icy blues

These shades echo your undertone and make eyes look brighter and clearer.

For Yellow-Base Undertones

Go for:

• Bronze

• Copper

• Olive

• Warm browns

They amplify warmth and create rich, dimensional looks effortlessly.

Lip Colors That Pull Everything Together

Lips are the final touch—and undertone matters more than you think.

Blue-Base Lips Love:

• Soft pinks

• Berry tones

• Blue-based reds

Yellow-Base Lips Glow With:

• Peachy nudes

• Corals

• Brick or warm reds

When lip color aligns with your undertone, it enhances your whole face—without competing with it.

Why This System Feels Like a Revelation

Once you know whether you’re blue-base or yellow-base, makeup becomes:

• Easier

• More intuitive

• Less frustrating

• Way more fun

No more guessing.
No more drawers of “almost right” products.
Just shades that work with you—not against you.

Want to Go Deeper?

If you’re curious to discover whether you’re blue-base or yellow-base, and how this system applies beyond makeup, explore the Blue-Base / Yellow-Base Color System with Renae Knapp (who studied with Bob Dorr) and her granddaughter Sophia Knapp at:

👉 bluebaseyellowbase.com

Because when color finally makes sense, confidence follows.