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The sun is setting earlier, and the signs of summer sun are likely fading from your lovely visage. If you’re like me, your skin tone is now lighter than your summer foundation shade, but not quite ready for your dead-of-winter color. I’m going to show you a few foundation tricks that will help you make the most of what you’ve already got in your makeup bag during these in-between days.

1. Customize Your Foundation Shade

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With your finger or a makeup brush, dab a bit of dark foundation on your neck (though I used my arm in the photo above), then dab a drop of the lighter one next to it. Blend them together. The goal is to match the mixture to your skin tone, so adjust the ratio of light and dark foundations until the combined color disappears into your neck. When you’ve landed on the magic ratio, mix enough to apply to your face as you normally would. Couldn’t be easier!

2. Use Foundation as Bronzer

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Using a fingertip or makeup brush, dot the darker foundation along the tops of your cheekbones, temples, jaw, and neckline. Then blend. When you’re done, you’ll have a sun-kissed look that’s also seamless because the same tones in this “bronzer” are in the customized foundation shade you’re already wearing.

3. Use Foundation as Highlighter

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Take the lighter foundation shade and, using your fingertips or a makeup brush, dot it on the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your chin. Blend, then brush on some blush, and you’re all aglow. This will help tide you over ’til next spring, I promise! ♦