Artificial intelligence may be trying to match your undertone with a few clicks and a smartphone selfie, but until it’s perfected, there’s still no substitute for a good old-fashioned swatch comparison.
Take the image below: each of these formulas is labeled as a “light neutral” tint. And yet, the differences are obvious—one leans peach, another is more golden, and the third is significantly deeper than expected. Tone, depth, and even texture vary wildly across brands.
This is precisely why beauty content creators are essential in the modern beauty landscape. I rarely purchase a complexion product without first consulting both the official brand swatch and at least a couple real-world reviews showing the shade on actual skin.
If you’re trying to make the most informed decision, start with the brand’s swatch to get a general idea then follow up by searching for comparisons, arm swatches, or creators with a similar skin tone. That kind of visual reference is often more helpful than any algorithm.
So, here’s a sincere thank you to every beauty writer, reviewer, and content creator who takes the time to share their shade experiences. In a market where “light neutral” can mean almost anything, your insight is the real matchmaker.
