Reader question: How do you know if you're acidic and what base makeup to use?

During my recent trip to the mall, I was trying to find miself a good concealer. Upon asking for assistance, the first question I got from the sales rep was "Ma'am acidic po kayo?" I didn't know what to say because I really don't know if I am or I'm not, to cut it short she said I am acidic and should get a shade lighter than my color (I'm NC30). Thing is, when I went to the other stall, the sales rep told me I'm not acidic so I ended up confused and yeah, empty-handed. I wanted to find out my skin type first. Any tips on how I can find out? - Purplechef

Hey Iko! Our skin is actually naturally acidic with a pH level between 4.5 and 6.2. It is coated by what is called an acid mantle, which is crucial in protecting our skin from bacteria, fungi, and other irritants that might get into our skin. It's also what keeps our skin moisturized and healthy overall.

Natural factors like age, level of your skin's oiliness, moisture, and sweat, can affect how acidic you are. External factors like the products you use (soaps, cosmetics, lotions, etc.) can also affect your skin's pH level.

So how does this all apply to your foundation or concealer? Some of you might have noticed that your face makeup turns darker or changes color the longer you wear it. That's completely natural, as you really have to give your makeup some time to settle and adjust on your skin's surface. No base makeup ever looks 100% like it does when you first swatch it on your skin!

How dark or off it looks depends on two things, I find: the formula of the foundation and how oily/acidic your face is.