As we age, we tend to shy away from bold makeup hues, fearing they’ll look too garish, overdone or simply like we’re trying too hard. But playing with color can do wonders to boost your spirits, not to mention your overall look. The key is choosing the colorful shades that work best with your skin tone. Here, makeup artists share their picks on how to choose makeup for your skin tone that will make features pop.
How to choose makeup for your skin tone
Keep reading for makeup artists’ tips to choosing the best makeup colors to try for your skin tone.
Fair skin? Pink shades add all-over radiance
“Cooler-toned shades like soft pink or mauve are perfect for those with light or fair skin,” says makeup artist Laura Geller, whose eponymous makeup line is loved by stars like Fran Drescher and Kyle Richards. “These colors add a radiant flush and help combat sallowness.” Both shades complement the cool, pink undertones in fair skin for a harmonious look. The best way to use pink is to add a little bit of pink blush on the cheeks, advises Gellar. Use an angled brush to apply a pink shade, such as Laura Geller Baked Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues, to the apples of your cheeks; then blend the color outward and upward for a natural finish. You can also sweep a small amount of the color across your eyelids for a cohesive look. If you want to add a pop of pink to your lips, try a liquid lipstick, such as Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Diamond Last in Majestic Mauve, suggests celebrity makeup artist Michelle Probst. “It’s creamy and nourishing and lasts all day!”
Medium or olive-toned? Dark berries revitalize your look
Deep, red-based berry hues counteract the green undertones in medium and olive skin for a glowing complexion, says celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray, who has olive skin herself. “Berry lip shades are my go-to when I need a skin pick-me-up,” she says. For a hydrating berry lipstick, try Morphe Soulmatte Velvet Lip Mousse in Compatible, which won’t settle into lip lines. Berry hues also work well on the cheeks, but Probst recommends using a sheer formula, such as Revlon Photo Ready Insta Blush in Berry Kiss, so the color doesn’t overpower skin—especially if pairing with a berry lip for a monochromatic makeup look. Simply dot the blush onto the cheeks with your fingers and blend up toward the temples.
Dark skin? Plum makes features pop
“If you have a deeper skin tone, the pop of color that looks best is a plum or a deep purple shade,” says Gray. The rich hue pops against darker tones without overwhelming the complexion. A liquid blush formula, such as Catrice Blush Affair Liquid in Plum Tastic, won’t sink into wrinkles like powder blush tends to and it’s more hydrating, so skin won’t look ashy. To create a cohesive look, Geller suggests swiping the same plum blush across lids to “enhance eyes, brighten your complexion and frame your features.”
