Today, men understand that concealer, tinted moisturizer or powder/foundation can help them look better, .e.g. even out redness, lessen the appearance of imperfections. These products also can help you look more awake, healthy, refreshed and youthful. But if you can’t try the shades in person, how best to choose the right shade for your needs? The answer is that often there is no single right shade. While your shade depends on your natural skin type, it also depends on what area you are looking to improve, the season, the lighting, time of day, and other factors.  So, to keep it simple, here are a few tips: Start with a clean slate. First always use a simple cleanser followed by a moisturizer so the skin is prepped to absorb the tinted product. If you are choosing between two shades, always go for the slightly darker shade. The lighter shade will only make you look older. Just be sure to apply with a light hand and blend really well, especially along the jawline. You can use your fingers, or a sponge to apply;  just remember less is more. Check the undertone of your skin. When looking at your face, it is hard to see the true shade. So check the inside of your arm. Most people with ivory/beige skin will benefit from a tint with a yellow or olive shade – which adds color and life to the skin and counteracts redness. People with bronze/dark ebony skin should match their undertones more exactly. Because you may have several shades on your face, especially in your cheeks and jawline, you may need to blend two or more shades depending on the darkness of the undertone. Celebrity make-up artist Barry White who is the go-to-groomer for the likes of LeBron James, and the singer Dave Matthews, explains, “When blending make-up, always come as close as you can to matching your complexion.  Sometimes, it may be best to go a half a shade lighter and then use a little bit darker shade and blend those two together. With the right products, this is easy to do.” If you have very dark ebony skin, you may benefit from brightening (which is not the same as lightening). What this means is that after you apply the appropriate shade, you blend a lighter shade to the center of your face (from forehead, under eyes, cheeks and top of chin). Shades with an orange, golden base really help to brighten bronze/ebony skin. You can also use a slightly lighter shade powder in the center of your face. Give it time to absorb. Wait a few minutes to let the product soak in and absorb any redness or discoloration. It will take a moment for your eye to adjust to your skin’s more neutral tone. Go easy. As with fair to medium toned skin, go easy with the products, don’t use too much. Blonde men especially need to blend sparingly even if your skin is more medium. Remember, choosing a shade takes time so try to experiment when you’re not in a rush or tired. Given the range of colors, finding your correct shade has never been easier. If you’re still unsure, email a selfie to Customerservice@menaji.com for a consultation. We’re always happy to help!