Makeup Colors

Makeup Colors

Reader Question

Dear Dana,

Great makeup begins with the right colors.

I have a terrible time getting the right shade of makeup. I have dry rough patches, freckles and my face is red most of the time. I have light skin and I sunburn by just thinking about the sun. I also have ugly wrinkles. Can you give me any advice as to what shade I should get in the Bare Natural makeup?

~~Thank you, Connie

Reader Question

Dear Dana,

My son is getting married in a week. I am wearing a deep purple dress. It is a blue-purple not a red-purple. My eyes are dark blue, hair color -light brown with heavy blonde highlights and my skintone is light/medium. This is an evening wedding. I don't want to look washed out for pictures and my makeup needs to stay put all night. What color lipstick should I wear that will compliment my skin, dress, etc. but show up for pictures. Also what color(s) blush and eyeshadow do you recommend?

~~Thank you so much, Linda

Expert Reply

Dear Linda,

Well, first let me say congratulations! How exciting! And you have chosen the perfect color too; deep purple is a great choice for your striking eye, hair and skin tone. As for lipstick, I would go with a clear red, warm pink or strawberry. Shiseido has several reds you might want to try: Rouge Indulge, Real Red and Simmering Red. Clinique has Red Hot and Berry Berry. In Estee Lauder, try their Double-Wear Stay-in-Place in Sparkling Berry or Rare Wine. As for your cheek color, opt for salmon, soft red or deep rose. Choose eye shadows in navy, plum or grey (crease) and champagne, soft pink or pewter (highlighter). Have a wonderful time and don’t forget the waterproof mascara!

~~Dana

Reader Question

Hi Dana

I have very large eyes. How can I make them look more attractive?

~~Thank you, Debra

Expert Reply

Dear Debra,

Depending on your eye color, choose an appropriate eyeliner to outline just the top lid at the lash roots. If you have blue eyes try a blue-gray. For brown eyes, try dark brown instead of black which tends to be too severe, especially for larger eyes like yours.

Start about three quarters the way toward the inner corner and work your way out creating a soft, smoky line that extends slightly past the outer corner. By skipping the bottom lash line, you won’t have that “eye popping” look that you may be trying to avoid. Also, try only using mascara on the top lashes and not the bottom, which will tone down your look a bit and give more of a subtle, yet sophisticated appearance. Additionally, when choosing eye shadow, opt for matte shades and stay away from frosts or shimmery formulas which tend to place emphasis on the areas where they are applied.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Dear Dana,

I have blue eyes, with strawberry blonde hair and LOTS of freckles. I don't really use make up and my mom really wants me to. I use mascara and that’s about it. I do use lip gloss but they are tanish. I do want to wear make up but I don't know what colors would be good with what I look like. And does it matter what I wear? Thanks for the help and time.

~Thank you, Jesse

Expert Reply

Dear Jesse:

For your coloring, which leans toward the warm side, I would choose foundations that are ivory, porcelain or warm beige. For lipstick, try warm pink, coral peach or spice. In cheek color, choose salmon, spicy peach or even a light cinnamon. For your baby blues, try apricot or lemon as your highlighter and grey, plum or coco brown for the crease. Line your eyes in grey, deep indigo or dark brown. Top off with dark brown or black mascara. When choosing colors for your wardrobe here are a few tips coral pink will make you sparkle and look healthy, while blue-pinks such as fuchsia will drain you and look harsh. Also, you will look dazzling in terracotta, gold and camel. Have fun! ~~Dana

Reader Question

Dear Dana

I have weird eyes, blueish-greenish-grayish eyes and I don’t know what types of eye shadow to use. I don’t wear much makeup, just some mascara and a tiny bit of cover up, but I look horrible! I don’t know how to make me look better or what type of shadow to use, or anything! What should I do?

~~Thank you, Elizabeth

Expert Reply

Dear Elizabeth,

First of all... your eyes sound gorgeous, exotic, unique, and to die for! Definitely not “weird!” Work with what God gave you my dear. Have you tried shades of violet, grape, and amethyst? These would look great on you and would compliment those fabulous colors you were born with.

Combinations of gray and silver would be lovely too, especially for an evening look. Top off with some indigo eyeliner blended on top and bottom and finish the look by curling your lashes and applying the blackest black mascara. With your eye color, you can wear practically any shade of eye shadow so experiment and embrace your uniqueness!

~~Dana

Reader Question

Hello Dana

First, let me say that I’m not a big makeup user. I usually just pop on some mascara, blusher and lip gloss on and run to school, but I'm going to a ball and I would like to know what eye shadow, skin products and eye liner would look best on me. I don't want it to look overdone, but I want it to bring out my best features. I've have large green eyes and dark eye brows and dark eye lashes. I'm quite pale naturally and I have a thin face with lots of light brown hair. Please give me some advice.

~~Thank you, Miriam

Expert Reply

Dear Miriam,

Attending a ball is a very special occasion and I agree that you want to look your best. We have so many things to consider — the perfect dress, shoes, accessories — it’s like being Cinderella for an evening! It’s a time for you to shine and to express your true beauty, and choosing the perfect makeup for your night of glamour is key.

So, let’s start with your canvas. Are you taking extra special care of your skin? Are you cleansing, toning moisturizing at least twice a day? If not, get started right away - it can make all the difference in the appearance of your skin. Also, use an exfoliator at least once a week to shed dead skin cells. Try mixing sugar and a little olive oil — it’s one of my favorite home skincare remedies!

Now that your skin is clean, fresh and glowing, you'll want to have several products at hand. Start with a concealer that is one shade lighter than your natural skin tone. Apply with your fingers under your eyes, the corners of your nose, anywhere there are little imperfections. Next, use a light to medium foundation, liquid is a good option. Loreal’s True Match Super Blendable Makeup offers natural coverage and is relatively inexpensive.

To test for color, apply a bit to your jaw line, the color should blend perfectly leaving no visible line. Top off with a dusting of loose powder to set your makeup. Next, apply blush at the apples of your cheeks for healthy, natural glow. As for your eye color, some colors to try are brown, apricot, purple, plum, deep khaki or forest green (because they are in the same greenish family, they brighten green eyes).

For a more funky, modern look try gold, lime-green, really light green, bright purple (super modern). For your lashes opt for blackest black mascara and don’t forget to use an eyelash curler. For your brows, choose a pencil or brow powder one shade lighter than your natural brows. You’ll look absolutely stunning! Have a blast!

~~Dana

Reader Question

Hi Dana

My name is Anna and would like to hear your best suggestions about my eyes. The color of my eyes are green with brown and yellow. I’ve heard that brown is the best color, but not for me because when I apply it my eye color turns dark to the point that they look brown and I want to show my true eye color. What do you think about the brown? What colors can you suggest I use?

~~Thank You, Anna

Expert Reply

Dear Anna,

Your eyes could be classified as hazel in fact. According to Wikipedia, there is some difficulty in defining the eye color "hazel" as it is sometimes considered to be synonymous with light-brown and other times with dark green. They have been described as dark green or yellowish brown, or as a lighter shade of brown. Hazel eyes have also been described as being equivalent to a dark green or amber color eyes/light brown. That being said, let’s call your eyes hazel.

In this case, you can wear practically any color eye shadow, but they are best enhanced with shades of plummy pinks and deep rusty copper tones - think of shades with reddish undertone to compliment the green of your eyes. Yes, stay away from browns altogether.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Hi Dana

My name is Amanda...I was wondering what color eye shadow and liner I should use for my eye color to bring it out the most. I have a light complexion and I have bluish green eyes. They are considered blue... but since they are greenish in the middle I was wondering what I should wear as far as makeup to bring them out and look amazing. What colors should I use day vs. night? I would like to figure out what lip color to use with as a day vs. night look so that I match. My hair is moderate brown with blonde in it if that helps.

~~Thank You, Amanda

Expert Reply

Dear Amanda,

Luckily, you have many options for shadow color since your eyes straddle the blue-green color line. Since they are more blue than green as you have described, let’s start there. If you haven’t, then try lavender or violet shades; these work well for almost any eye color and work especially well with blue eyes since they bring out the lighter tones in the eyes and make them seem bluer.

Surprisingly, stay away from blue, which will compete with your own natural blue eye color. Also, brown will only dull their brilliance. As for a day look, try a subtle matte pale purple and for evening, opt for a deeper plum, grape, bold violet or even silver gray in a shimmery formula. Lips? With your hair and eye color, aim for a brownish nude for day and deep rose or red for evening.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Dear Dana,

What is the most popular color of lipstick sold in the United States?

~~Thank You, Dawn

Expert Reply

Dear Dawn,

In my opinion, Scarlet Red is probably the most popular lipstick worn by ALL women. It goes with practically any skin color, occasion and comes in many shades and variations from $1.00 lines to more expensive ones that top out at $150! A few of my favorite brands are Revlon Colorstay Softflex in Red Velvet, Loreal Endless Comfortable 8-Hour in Fired Up.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Dear Dana,

I have blue eyes, medium brown hair with red, blonde and dark brown as highlights through it. I am pale, and I would like to know what colors run together as far as eyes, lips, and cheeks. I want to make sure my eyes match my lips and what I wear does the best for me. Please help!

~~Thank You, Rachel

Expert Reply

For your eyes, I would start with a base of apricot on the lids and use a medium to dark brown or plum in the crease. Line your eyes with dark brown eyeliner—not black—and top off with black mascara—remember to curl those lashes for extra POP! For your lips, try shades of russet, deep apricot or even tawny browns. As for your cheeks—simply dust a bit of peach blush at the apples for a glowing, natural look!

~~Dana

Reader Question

Dear Dana,

I have a cool undertone, hazel eyes, and brown brows. I recently bleached my hair to beige blonde. What kind of makeup should I be wearing?

~~Thanks, Kris

Expert Reply

Dear Kris:

With hazel eyes, you can wear practically any color eye shadow, but they are best enhanced with shades of plummy pinks and deep rusty copper tones - think of shades with a reddish undertone to compliment the green of your eyes.

Use a pencil in a deeper hue of your chosen eye shadow to line your entire eye. Take a brush with a firm pointed edge and blend the eye shadow into the eyeliner. Blend a soft shimmery nude pink or apricot shadow on your lid or as a highlight, (depending on your eye shape) to enhance the brown. Orange tones will make your eyes look more hazel. Because of your cool tones and light hair, I would opt for dark brown mascara on top and bottom lashes instead of black, which might be too harsh.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Hi Dana,

I would like to know the best make-up for a 55 year old. For example, what powder or cream blushes, foundations and eye shadows should I use? I have a medium complexion with combination skin.

~~Thank you, Jackie

Expert Reply

Hi Jackie,

You may be above 40 but there is no reason why you should look so. Here are a few helpful tips:

• Powder: Use loose translucent powder with a powder brush only once in the morning to set your makeup, since reapplying it over and over again can emphasize lines and wrinkles. Use a highlighter to de-emphasize jowls (the lines from the edge of the nose to the corner of the mouth). Use a non-frosted powder under the chin to de-emphasize a saggy neck. Choose a shade slightly darker than your natural skin tone.
• Eyeshadows: Frosted eye shadows can actually make you look younger but be sure that you are good at handling them properly. Use the lightest shade under your brow, a darker one close to your lashes and the darkest on the crease and blend them properly.
• Foundation: A foundation with a lighter-textured base that matches your skin tone is a must.
• Blush: Use cream blushes in golden almond and copper tones and blend them gently from cheeks to temples in an arc for a soft transparent effect.
• Colors: Blends of pink and gray eye shadows soften graying hair. Use a soft eyebrow pencil that matches your hair color and never use black eyebrow pencil. Use soft matte lip colors in pink, berry, coral or peach shades to make your lips fuller. Avoid using too much gloss or anything with sparkles or glitter.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Dear Dana,

I would greatly appreciate your help in determining what color of eye shadow, lipstick, and blush I should be wearing with a chocolate satin Mother of the Groom's dress. I am almost 59. I have dark brown hair with silver threads. I have brown eyes, and my complexion is very light. I have been told that I am a "winter". My son will be married this Sunday.

~~Diane

Exepert Reply

Dear Diane:

For your complexion, I would stay with the following color palette: Eyes: silver, icy pink, plum, charcoal, indigo. Use black mascara (waterproof please! and either black or gray eyeliner. Lips: rose, berry, true red (w/ blue tones) and pinks Cheeks: Soft rose (no peach or bronze)

For your dress, I would stick with silver base for your lids and charcoal for the crease. Also, use a lipstick that is more on the rose/mauve side and not too red.

Congratulations! ~~Dana

Reader Question

I want to know what makeup I can get that will hide spider veins on my face. I am 51 and have medium skin tones.

~~Rhonda

Expert Reply

Try using Dermablend. It’s made for things like scars, birthmarks, tattoos and spider veins. Visit their website at www.dermablend.com to locate where you can purchase it.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Dana,

I have warm toned skin and hazel eyes. I am interested in which colors I should use to bring out my hazel eyes. Everyone thinks they are brown. I've been told blue brings the green out, same with brown, but neither seems to work. So please tell me the best colors for hazel eyes.

Expert Reply

Actually, you have so many possibilities, thanks to all the color flecks that are present in your iris. The best shades for you are plum-ish pinks and deep rusty copper tones. Use a pencil in a deeper hue of your chosen eye shadow to line your whole eye. Smudge your eye shadow with the same shadow color (to soften the liner and to add depth) with a firm pointed soft bristled brush. Blend a soft creamy shimmery nude pink shadow on your lid or as a highlight, (depending on your eye shape) to enhance the brown. Orange tones will make your eyes look more hazel. Use dark brown mascara on top lashes, shape your brows, and brush on a natural brow color to frame your eyes.

~~Dana

Reader Queston

learn the tricks of the trade.

I have warm eyes (blue or spring), cool skin (quite light), and cool hair (ash blonde). My hair is currently dyed dark brown and prior to this color, I streaked my hair blonde which I always thought looked washed out. Whenever I get assistance in a department store, I go home with brown eyeliner and light taupe brow color - which I feel is awful on me. So, the question is what colors are best for me?

In addition, I was going to order the Bare Essential promo package, but I can't decide which color is best as they all say golden undertones which confuse me. The cosmetician that diagnosed the coloring of my skin took me out of a warm beige foundation to chiffon for cool skin. Although it looks better, I want to get lighter makeup, hence the interest in Bare Essentials. So, can you also give me direction with eye liner color & shadow for everyday & evening?

Thank you, Diane

Expert Reply

Hi Diane,

Happy New Year to you and I hope I can help out with your question.

As a general rule of thumb, it is always safe to use neutrals for the basic colors in any makeup regimen, no matter what your skin tone is. You can start out with the basic neutrals and then add hints of other shades to enhance. I’m not really a fan of taupe, especially when used alone, it can look like dirt or not very flattering. What I prefer is for the eyelids use warm light colors, for the mixer/crease area using more orange/pinky shades, and for the contour darker color you can use any dark brown, dark green, dark blue or dark wine. Just be sure to blend these colors, so they never look too harsh. Don’t be afraid of those orangey/pinks mixed together, they will actually bring warmth to your face and prevent you from looking washed out. I like using a darker eyeliner on the top of the eyelid, like a black or a dark brown. Then, a lighter brown for the lower lid. For your eyebrows, I would try a shade that is not too dark or too greenish, staying with warmer tones there. This is when a warm taupe would be better than one that might turn greenish or grey on you. Try a pencil and then go over it with a powder, so it does not look too harsh.

As far as your face makeup, depending on your skins undertones (redness that might come out from your skin) you should try using foundations with a yellow base. If you have a warm tone, your foundation should have more beige in it. Whatever the shade you use should eventually match your neck. So sometimes, you need to balance your face to match your neck and rest of your body. When picking foundation, don’t only match it to your face. Place it above your jaw line and below your cheekbone area. When it is blended into your skin, your face and neck should match. That’s the best way to find your match.

If Bare Essentials Makeup works for you, that’s great, but don’t get stuck with a makeup that you think sounds like it’s the only one for you. Try several to see which one feels the best for your skin. Remember, you can take any cream foundation and thin it out as sheer as you like to make it breathable, natural looking, and match your skin tone.

To glam up for evening, just add a hint of dark blue, green, brown, purple or even black to the upper corners of your eyes. You can also add a hint of gold shimmer to your crease as well as underneath your lower eyeliner. Don’t forget to get a good coat of mascara and shape those brows. At night you can give them a bit more intensity, without overdoing it like Pavarotti.

Don’t forget those luscious lips. Weather you leave them muted or red hot, give them a bit of gloss to top it off. Remember, as long as you blend your makeup and keep everything in balance, you can really have fun with it.

Good luck.

~~Eve

Reader Question

I know most things about eye make up and how to apply it. Except, the one I have trouble with is eyeliner. It’s harder for me to apply it to my lower lids then on top. It always comes off. Are you supposed to put it on the inner part of the lower lid above lower eyelashes? That’s how I have witnessed many others do it, but I haven’t found any that will stay put. If you could please help me with some techniques or a long lasting brand that would be great.

~~Thanks, RAD

Expert Reply

Dear RAD,

Actually, lining the inside of your lids will make your eyes look smaller. Try lining your bottom lashes with a dark brown or gray pencil first then take a fine liner brush, dip into a dark gray, black or dark brown eye shadow and smudge/blend the line. It’s a much softer look than simply the severe liner and it has more staying power.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Hi, Dana

I am a teen with huge hazel eyes and genetically dark circles underneath them. My hair is blondish-brown and I'm slightly tan. How should I apply eyeliner and what can I do about the dark circles?

~~Thanks, Rach

Expert Reply

Hi Rach,

Wrinkle Eye Cream or the High Resolution Eye with Collaser 48. For something a little less expensive you could also try Olay Definity Illuminating Eye Treatment or Regener Lancome has great eye treatment line. Try the High Resolution Eye with Fibrelastine Intensive Recovery Antiist Eye Lifting Serum. If you have puffiness too, one of the tried-and-true remedies is something you may not think of - Preparation H!

Models have been using it for years and insist that it’s the best. Also, don’t forget to get yourself a great concealer and use it everyday after you apply your eye care cream or gel. Prescriptives Flawless Skin Total Protection Concealer is one of the best I’ve tried.

Also, Cover Girl has two great concealers, CG Smoothers Concealer or Invisible Concealer, so you don’t have to spend a lot. Concealer is something those of us who suffer from dark circles cannot do without. Additionally, don’t forget the eyeliner. Blend a deep gray for your hazel eyes at the roots of your lashes smoothing with a fine brush and gray shadow.

~~Dana

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