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SHB Specialist Makeup Services study materials
SHB Specialist Makeup Services study resources

SHB Specialist Makeup Services practice questions

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Question 1Client Consultation and Makeup Design

During a makeup consultation, which action best demonstrates active listening to a client's concerns?

  1. Handing the client a price list before discussing their needs
  2. Telling the client which trends suit most people this season
  3. Summarising the client's stated goals back to them before proposing a design Correct answer.
  4. Showing the client a portfolio of your favourite looks immediately

Explanation

Active listening requires reflecting and confirming the client's meaning before offering solutions, so paraphrasing their goals demonstrates genuine understanding. Presenting your own preferences or pricing first shifts focus away from the client's needs and can make them feel unheard.

Question 2Client Consultation and Makeup Design

What is the primary purpose of a pre-service skin consultation before applying makeup?

  1. To determine how much time the appointment will take
  2. To persuade the client to buy additional skincare products
  3. To assess whether the client is suitable for any makeup at all
  4. To identify skin type, sensitivities and conditions that affect product choice Correct answer.

Explanation

A skin consultation gathers information about skin type, sensitivities, allergies and existing conditions so that products and techniques can be selected safely and appropriately. This protects the client and improves the finished result.

Question 3Client Consultation and Makeup Design

A client with a known allergy to a specific cosmetic ingredient books a makeup service. What is the most appropriate first step?

  1. Apply a small amount of the product to the client's jaw on arrival to test it
  2. Assume the allergy is mild and proceed with standard products
  3. Confirm the allergen, check product ingredients and plan alternatives before the appointment Correct answer.
  4. Ask the client to bring their own products for the entire service

Explanation

Known allergies must be confirmed in advance so that every product can be checked for the offending ingredient and safe substitutes planned. This prevents a reaction occurring during the service rather than after it.

Question 4Client Consultation and Makeup Design

Which question best uncovers a client's expectations for a special-occasion makeup look?

  1. What would you like to see when you look in the mirror at the end of the appointment? Correct answer.
  2. Which brands of makeup do you usually buy?
  3. How many events have you attended this year?
  4. Have you booked your transport home yet?

Explanation

Asking the client to describe their desired end result reveals their expectations in their own terms and gives a clear benchmark for the design. The other questions gather unrelated or only tangential information.

Question 5Client Consultation and Makeup Design

Why should a makeup artist discuss the client's daily routine and time available for makeup application?

  1. To judge whether the client is organised enough for makeup
  2. So the design can be practical and repeatable by the client after the service Correct answer.
  3. To decide whether the client deserves a more expensive service
  4. To shorten the appointment by skipping steps

Explanation

Understanding how much time and skill the client has for daily application allows the artist to design a look the client can maintain and recreate. This improves satisfaction and the longevity of the service's value.

Question 6Client Consultation and Makeup Design

Which lighting condition is most reliable for assessing a client's natural skin tone during consultation?

  1. Diffused natural daylight Correct answer.
  2. Bright ring lighting used for photography
  3. Coloured ambient salon lighting
  4. Direct overhead tungsten spotlights

Explanation

Diffused natural daylight shows skin tone and undertone most accurately because it contains a balanced spectrum without strong colour casts. Artificial or coloured lighting can distort perception of tone and undertone.

Question 7Client Consultation and Makeup Design

A client's skin appears cool-toned. Which foundation undertone is generally most flattering?

  1. Peach or orange undertones
  2. Olive or green undertones
  3. Pink or rosy undertones Correct answer.
  4. Golden or yellow undertones

Explanation

Cool skin typically has pink, red or bluish undertones, so a foundation with a pink or rosy base harmonises with it. Warm golden or peach shades would contrast and can look mismatched.

Question 8Client Consultation and Makeup Design

What is the main benefit of creating a written or visual record of the agreed makeup design before the service begins?

  1. It provides a shared reference that reduces misunderstandings about the final look Correct answer.
  2. It removes the need for any further communication during the service
  3. It guarantees the client will return for future appointments
  4. It allows the artist to charge a higher price

Explanation

A documented design, whether notes or a reference image, gives both parties a common point of agreement and reduces the risk of differing interpretations. It also supports consistency if the design is revisited later.

Question 9Client Consultation and Makeup Design

During consultation, a client says they want a natural look but also mentions they have a formal evening event. What is the most professional response?

  1. Ignore the event and apply the most minimal makeup possible
  2. Clarify what 'natural' means to them and propose a polished but refined evening interpretation Correct answer.
  3. Insist that formal events always require dramatic makeup
  4. Recommend they book a different artist for evening work

Explanation

The artist should explore the client's personal definition of 'natural' and reconcile it with the context of a formal evening event. Proposing a refined, polished interpretation respects both the client's preference and the occasion.

Question 10Client Consultation and Makeup Design

Which factor is most important when selecting a foundation shade for a client who will be photographed?

  1. Matching the shade to the neck and chest as well as the face Correct answer.
  2. Selecting the shade with the highest coverage available
  3. Using the warmest shade in the range for radiance
  4. Choosing a shade one level lighter than the face

Explanation

Under photographic lighting, shade differences between face, neck and chest become more visible, so the foundation should blend across these areas. Matching only the face can create a visible line or mask effect.

Question 11Client Consultation and Makeup Design

A client requests a bold, high-contrast eye design but has a conservative workplace. What is the most useful information to explore?

  1. Whether the client can afford premium products
  2. Which celebrity inspired the request
  3. Whether the look is for a one-off event or must be adapted for regular wear Correct answer.
  4. Whether the client has previously worn any eye makeup

Explanation

Clarifying the context of wear determines whether the design should be an event-only look or a more adaptable version. This allows the artist to meet both the client's creative desire and their practical constraints.

Question 12Client Consultation and Makeup Design

What does a patch test primarily help to identify before a makeup service?

  1. A potential allergic reaction to a product on the client's skin Correct answer.
  2. How long the product lasts on the skin
  3. Whether the product is within its expiry date
  4. Whether the client likes the colour of the product

Explanation

A patch test exposes a small area of skin to a product to detect an allergic sensitivity before wider application. It does not assess preference, longevity or shelf life.

Question 13Client Consultation and Makeup Design

Which approach best supports a client who is anxious about having makeup applied?

  1. Explain each step before doing it and check in with the client regularly Correct answer.
  2. Ask the client to close their eyes for the entire service
  3. Apply the makeup quickly and silently to finish sooner
  4. Tell the client that anxiety about makeup is unreasonable

Explanation

Explaining steps in advance and checking in gives the anxious client a sense of control and predictability, which reduces distress. Silence or dismissal tends to increase anxiety.

Question 14Client Consultation and Makeup Design

When a client brings a reference photograph of a makeup look, what is the most useful first step?

  1. Copy the image exactly regardless of the client's features
  2. Discuss which elements of the image appeal to the client and how they suit their features Correct answer.
  3. Refuse to look at the image to preserve your own style
  4. Explain that reference photographs are never helpful

Explanation

Reference images convey the client's taste, but the specific elements that appeal to them must be identified and adapted to their features and colouring. Exact copying rarely suits a different face.

Question 15Client Consultation and Makeup Design

Which consultation record is most important to retain for a client who has disclosed a diagnosed skin condition?

  1. The retail price of each product applied
  2. The client's preferred music during appointments
  3. Details of the condition, products used and any adverse responses Correct answer.
  4. The number of photographs taken of the finished look

Explanation

Recording the diagnosed condition, the products used and any reactions supports safe future services and continuity of care. This information is directly relevant to the client's health and treatment.

Question 16Client Consultation and Makeup Design

A client with oily skin wants a dewy, luminous finish. What is the most appropriate professional response?

  1. Explain how the finish can be adapted with targeted highlighting and long-wear base products Correct answer.
  2. Ignore the request and mattify the entire face
  3. Apply the shiniest products available across the whole face
  4. Tell the client that dewy finishes are impossible on oily skin

Explanation

The artist should explain how a luminous effect can be achieved selectively, using long-wear base products and controlled highlighting to balance the client's oiliness with their desired finish. This respects the request while managing the skin type.

Question 17Client Consultation and Makeup Design

Which element of a makeup design brief describes the mood or feeling the client wants to convey?

  1. The appointment schedule
  2. The product inventory
  3. The style direction Correct answer.
  4. The hygiene protocol

Explanation

The style direction captures the intended mood, aesthetic and character of the look, guiding creative decisions. Product, timing and hygiene details are operational rather than expressive elements of the brief.

Question 18Client Consultation and Makeup Design

Why is it important to ask a client about upcoming photographs or filming before finalising the makeup design?

  1. Cameras make all skin tones appear identical
  2. Photography always requires heavier makeup than everyday wear
  3. Filming prohibits the use of any powder products
  4. Camera and lighting conditions affect product choice, finish and SPF use Correct answer.

Explanation

Cameras and lighting can alter how products appear, and certain ingredients such as some SPF minerals can cause flashback. Knowing the conditions allows the artist to choose compatible products and finishes.

Question 19Client Consultation and Makeup Design

Which behaviour best demonstrates professional boundaries during a client consultation?

  1. Promising results that depend on factors outside your control
  2. Sharing personal problems to build rapport
  3. Keeping discussion focused on the service while responding courteously to the client Correct answer.
  4. Offering unsolicited comments on the client's lifestyle choices

Explanation

Professional boundaries involve maintaining courteous, service-focused communication without over-sharing or making judgements. This protects both the client relationship and the artist's credibility.

Question 20Client Consultation and Makeup Design

A client describes their skin as 'sensitive' but has no diagnosed condition. What is the safest consultation approach?

  1. Ask what triggers reactions and choose fragrance-free, minimal products Correct answer.
  2. Apply the strongest exfoliating primer available
  3. Recommend the client see a doctor before any makeup is applied
  4. Assume sensitivity is imagined and use standard products

Explanation

Self-reported sensitivity should be taken seriously by identifying known triggers and selecting gentle, fragrance-free products with minimal ingredient lists. This reduces the risk of irritation while respecting the client's experience.

Question 21Client Consultation and Makeup Design

Which factor most directly determines the amount of product needed for a client's base makeup?

  1. The client's preferred lipstick colour
  2. The length of the client's hair
  3. The number of brushes in the kit
  4. The area to be covered and the level of coverage required Correct answer.

Explanation

Product quantity depends on how much skin must be covered and how opaque the client wants the finish to be. These directly determine the volume and layering of base products.

Question 22Client Consultation and Makeup Design

A client requests a look that conflicts with the hygiene standards of the service. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Perform the request but note it in the record
  2. Perform the request because the client is paying for the service
  3. Explain the hygiene requirement and offer a compliant alternative that meets the client's goal Correct answer.
  4. Refuse the service without explanation

Explanation

Hygiene standards must not be compromised, but the artist should explain the reason and propose a compliant alternative that still serves the client's goal. This maintains safety and the client relationship.

Question 23Client Consultation and Makeup Design

What is the main purpose of a colour analysis during a makeup consultation?

  1. To identify shades that harmonise with the client's skin tone, eyes and hair Correct answer.
  2. To assess the client's manual dexterity
  3. To determine the client's personality type
  4. To calculate the cost of the service

Explanation

Colour analysis examines the client's natural colouring to identify harmonious shades for base, eyes and lips. It is a visual assessment of colour relationships, not a psychological or financial tool.

Question 24Client Consultation and Makeup Design

During a consultation, a client becomes upset about a feature they dislike. What is the most supportive professional response?

  1. Agree that the feature is a serious flaw
  2. Promise that makeup will permanently change the feature
  3. Change the subject abruptly to avoid discomfort
  4. Acknowledge their feelings and discuss how the design can draw attention to features they like Correct answer.

Explanation

Acknowledging the client's feelings while offering practical design solutions that emphasise favoured features is both empathetic and constructive. It avoids reinforcing insecurity or making unrealistic promises.

Question 25Client Consultation and Makeup Design

Which practice best ensures informed consent before a makeup service?

  1. Applying products first and explaining afterwards
  2. Asking the client to sign a form without any discussion
  3. Explaining the products, techniques and any risks, then confirming the client agrees Correct answer.
  4. Assuming consent because the client booked the appointment

Explanation

Informed consent requires that the client understands the products, techniques and potential risks before agreeing to proceed. A signature without explanation does not constitute informed consent.

Question 26Client Consultation and Makeup Design

During a consultation, what is the primary purpose of asking a client about their daily skincare routine?

  1. To confirm the client has no allergies before starting
  2. To decide which retail products the salon should upsell
  3. To identify products that may affect makeup adhesion and wear Correct answer.
  4. To judge whether the client's habits are acceptable

Explanation

Knowing the client's routine reveals exfoliants, acids, rich creams, or occlusive balms that can change how base products grip and last on the skin. This lets the artist adjust prep, priming, and product choice so the finished design performs as agreed.

Question 27Client Consultation and Makeup Design

A client books a makeup service for an outdoor summer wedding and mentions they will be outdoors for several hours. Which design decision best reflects this brief?

  1. Apply a rich cream base for a glowing photographic finish
  2. Use a sheer powder-only base to keep the skin breathable
  3. Select long-wear, humidity-resistant formulas with minimal slip Correct answer.
  4. Choose a lightweight tint that will not feel heavy in heat

Explanation

Long outdoor exposure involves heat, perspiration, and possibly humidity, so the design must prioritise durability and resistance to movement. Matching formula performance to the event conditions keeps the agreed look intact throughout the day.

Question 28Client Consultation and Makeup Design

When agreeing a makeup design with a client, what does a 'trial run' primarily allow the artist and client to do?

  1. Confirm the client's payment method in advance
  2. Demonstrate the full range of products the salon stocks
  3. Test the design and adjust it before the actual event Correct answer.
  4. Reduce the total time needed on the event day

Explanation

A trial lets both parties see the proposed design on the client's own face and features, so colours, placement, and longevity can be refined before the real occasion. It reduces the risk of disappointment on a day when there is no time to rework the look.

Question 29Client Consultation and Makeup Design

A client arrives at consultation with very sparse eyebrows and says they feel self-conscious about them. What is the most appropriate way to address this in the design?

  1. Discuss brow options openly and agree a shape that suits their features Correct answer.
  2. Avoid the brow area entirely so the client is not reminded of it
  3. Reassure the client that brows do not matter in the overall look
  4. Apply a strong, dark brow without discussion to save time

Explanation

Sparse brows are a common concern that can be addressed through balanced shaping and filling techniques, so the design should include them as a planned element. Discussing options openly respects the client's feelings and secures agreement on a shape that flatters their features.

Question 30Client Consultation and Makeup Design

A client wants a vintage-inspired look for a themed party but has warm, golden undertones and grey-blue eyes. Which approach best applies colour theory to the design brief?

  1. Apply only neutral greys to keep the vintage theme authentic
  2. Select bright primary colours to create strong contrast
  3. Use cool silver and icy blue tones to match the client's eyes
  4. Choose warm copper and bronze accents that complement the skin Correct answer.

Explanation

Warm copper and bronze accents harmonise with golden undertones while still supporting a vintage mood, so the theme and the client's colouring work together. Colour theory guides the artist to choose shades that flatter the individual rather than applying a theme literally.

Question 31Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

Which skin type is best described as producing excess sebum across most of the face, giving a persistent shine within an hour of cleansing?

  1. Oily skin Correct answer.
  2. Dry skin
  3. Dehydrated skin
  4. Normal skin

Explanation

Oily skin results from overactive sebaceous glands and shows widespread shine, enlarged pores, and often congestion shortly after cleansing. Dry skin lacks both oil and water and feels tight rather than shiny. Dehydration is a water-content issue that can occur in any skin type.

Question 32Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

A client arrives with tightness, visible flaking, and a dull appearance after using a strong foaming cleanser twice daily. Which preparation approach is most appropriate before makeup?

  1. Layer a hydrating toner and barrier cream, then a silicone-free primer Correct answer.
  2. Use a mattifying primer over the whole face
  3. Apply a clay mask to absorb residual oil
  4. Exfoliate with a scrub to remove the flakes

Explanation

The signs point to a compromised barrier with water loss, so the priority is replenishing hydration and supporting the lipid barrier before makeup. Gentle layering of humectants and an occlusive cream restores comfort and improves makeup glide. Abrasive or drying steps would worsen the irritation.

Question 33Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

In color theory, which pair of colors sits directly opposite each other on the color wheel and neutralizes when mixed?

  1. Triadic colors
  2. Complementary colors Correct answer.
  3. Analogous colors
  4. Monochromatic colors

Explanation

Complementary colors occupy opposite positions on the color wheel, such as red and green or blue and orange. When combined they cancel each other's hue, producing a neutral brown or grey. This principle underpins corrective makeup for neutralizing unwanted tones.

Question 34Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

A client has a sallow, yellow-green cast to the skin. Which corrector shade best neutralizes this before foundation?

  1. Lavender Correct answer.
  2. Green
  3. Yellow
  4. Peach

Explanation

Lavender and violet sit opposite yellow-green on the color wheel, so they cancel the sallow cast and restore a more neutral appearance. Correctors are applied thinly only where the discoloration sits. Foundation is then layered over the corrected area.

Question 35Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

What is the primary function of a makeup primer?

  1. To remove surface oil during application
  2. To provide sun protection equivalent to sunscreen
  3. To create a smooth base that improves makeup adhesion and wear Correct answer.
  4. To set foundation and prevent transfer

Explanation

Primers fill and smooth the skin surface, creating an even canvas that helps foundation spread and last. Some also target specific concerns such as pores, redness, or hydration. They are not cleansing, setting, or sun-protection products.

Question 36Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

Which ingredient in a primer is most associated with blurring the look of pores and fine lines?

  1. Glycerin
  2. Silicone polymers such as dimethicone Correct answer.
  3. Salicylic acid
  4. Titanium dioxide

Explanation

Silicone polymers form a smooth film that temporarily fills uneven texture and diffuses light, softening the appearance of pores and lines. Glycerin hydrates, salicylic acid exfoliates inside pores, and titanium dioxide provides pigment or UV scattering.

Question 37Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

Before applying makeup, why is it important to wait until skincare has fully absorbed?

  1. It removes the need for primer
  2. It prevents products from pilling and keeps foundation from sliding Correct answer.
  3. It changes the client's undertone
  4. It increases the coverage of concealer

Explanation

Residual skincare film interferes with how foundation binds to the skin, causing rolling, pilling, and patchy wear. Allowing each layer to settle gives a stable base. This also prevents the makeup from breaking down prematurely through the day.

Question 38Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

A client with rosacea-prone skin needs a base for a long event. Which preparation plan is safest?

  1. A hot towel compress to open pores before primer
  2. A warming massage followed by a green-tinted primer
  3. Gentle cleansing, cool compresses, a fragrance-free moisturizer, and a green corrector used sparingly Correct answer.
  4. A vigorous exfoliation to smooth redness

Explanation

Rosacea-prone skin reacts to heat, friction, and irritants, so preparation should be calming and minimal. Cool compresses reduce flushing, fragrance-free moisturizer supports the barrier, and a thin green corrector offsets redness. Aggressive or heating steps trigger flare-ups.

Question 39Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

Which undertone description fits skin that looks best in gold jewelry and has a warm, golden or peachy cast?

  1. Warm undertone Correct answer.
  2. Olive undertone
  3. Neutral undertone
  4. Cool undertone

Explanation

Warm undertones carry yellow, golden, or peachy notes and are flattered by gold metals and warm-based foundations. Cool undertones lean pink or blue and suit silver. Neutral undertones sit between the two and suit both.

Question 40Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

On the color wheel, which color family is used to neutralize redness from blemishes or broken capillaries?

  1. Violet
  2. Green Correct answer.
  3. Orange
  4. Yellow

Explanation

Green is opposite red on the color wheel, so green-tinted correctors cancel red discoloration. The corrector is applied only to the red areas and blended before foundation. Overuse of green can leave a grey cast.

Question 41Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

What distinguishes dehydrated skin from dry skin?

  1. Dehydrated skin lacks oil, while dry skin lacks water
  2. Dehydrated skin lacks water, while dry skin lacks oil Correct answer.
  3. Both terms describe the same condition
  4. Dehydrated skin only affects oily clients

Explanation

Dry skin is a skin type defined by insufficient sebum and a weaker lipid barrier. Dehydration is a temporary condition of low water content that can affect any skin type, including oily skin. The two can coexist and require different product choices.

Question 42Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

A makeup artist wants to reduce excess shine on an oily T-zone without drying the cheeks. Which product placement is best?

  1. Mattifying primer on the T-zone only, with hydrating primer on the cheeks Correct answer.
  2. No primer anywhere on the face
  3. Illuminating primer on the T-zone
  4. Mattifying primer over the entire face

Explanation

Combination skin needs zone-specific preparation, so shine control is targeted where oil is produced most. Hydrating primer on drier areas prevents the cheeks from looking flat or flaky. Uniform application of one primer type ignores the skin's varying needs.

Question 43Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

Which statement about foundation shade selection is most accurate?

  1. Shade should match the undertone and depth at the jawline in natural light Correct answer.
  2. Shade should be selected under warm tungsten light
  3. Shade should be chosen on the hand for convenience
  4. Shade should be one step darker than the neck

Explanation

Testing at the jawline lets the artist compare the product against both face and neck, and natural daylight reveals the true undertone and depth. Artificial light distorts color perception. Hands usually differ in tone from the face.

Question 44Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

How does color temperature affect the appearance of makeup?

  1. Warm light makes cool-toned makeup appear cooler
  2. Cool light makes warm tones appear warmer
  3. Color temperature has no effect on perceived color
  4. Warm light adds a yellow cast that can make cool tones look duller Correct answer.

Explanation

Light sources add their own color cast to everything they illuminate. Warm tungsten light emphasizes yellow and red, so cool-toned products can read dull or grey. Cool daylight emphasizes blue, shifting warm tones.

Question 45Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

What is the purpose of a color-correcting primer in a makeup routine?

  1. To absorb oil throughout the day
  2. To increase foundation coverage from sheer to full
  3. To add shimmer for a glowing finish
  4. To neutralize an unwanted skin tone before foundation Correct answer.

Explanation

Color-correcting primers carry a tint chosen to cancel a specific discoloration, such as green for redness or peach for dark circles. They create a more even base so less concealer is needed. They are not primarily for glow, coverage boosting, or oil control.

Question 46Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

A client's foundation consistently oxidizes and turns orange by mid-day. Which factor is most likely responsible?

  1. The foundation's pigments reacting with skin oils and acidity Correct answer.
  2. Using a hydrating toner beforehand
  3. Waiting too long between skincare and foundation
  4. Applying a setting powder before foundation

Explanation

Oxidation occurs when pigments interact with sebum, sweat, and skin pH, darkening and warming the color over time. Oily skin accelerates this process. Choosing a better-matched formula and controlling oil help limit the shift.

Question 47Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

Which step should come immediately before primer in a professional skin preparation sequence?

  1. Setting spray
  2. Moisturizer fully absorbed into the skin Correct answer.
  3. Loose powder
  4. Foundation

Explanation

The standard order is cleanse, tone, treat, moisturize, then prime, allowing each layer to settle. Moisturizer hydrates and smooths so primer can bond evenly. Foundation and setting products come after priming.

Question 48Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

Why might a silicone-based primer be a poor choice under a water-based foundation?

  1. Water-based foundations contain no pigments
  2. Silicone primers always darken the foundation shade
  3. The two bases are incompatible and can cause the foundation to separate or roll Correct answer.
  4. Silicone primers cannot be applied to oily skin

Explanation

Mixing silicone-based and water-based products can prevent the foundation from bonding to the primer layer, leading to separation, patchiness, and rolling. Matching the base chemistry of primer and foundation improves compatibility. Shade and pigment content are unrelated to this issue.

Question 49Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

Which skin condition should prompt a makeup artist to avoid active exfoliating acids during preparation?

  1. Well-hydrated combination skin
  2. Skin with no known sensitivities
  3. Recently waxed or freshly exfoliated skin Correct answer.
  4. Intact, resilient normal skin

Explanation

Freshly waxed or exfoliated skin has a temporarily compromised barrier and is more permeable and reactive. Adding acids at this point increases stinging, redness, and irritation risk. Gentle, soothing hydration is preferred until the skin settles.

Question 50Skin Preparation, Priming, and Color Theory

What does a greenish-grey cast in a foundation match most likely indicate?

  1. The shade is too warm for the client
  2. The shade has an olive base that suits some undertones but clashes on others Correct answer.
  3. The shade has oxidized to a lighter color
  4. The shade is too cool and pink for the client

Explanation

Olive-based foundations contain green pigment alongside yellow, which can look grey or greenish on skin with a different undertone. On genuinely olive undertones it blends well. On pink or golden undertones it reads as a mismatch.