Best Makeup Shades for Your Skin Tone

By InStyle.com
Mar 11, 2009 @ 12:04 am
Time Inc. Digital Studio
Best Makeup Shades for Your Skin Tone
Start Slideshow

1 of 12

Fair: Skin

Jim Spellman/WireImage; Time Inc. Digital Studio

Soft pink, tawny and beige tones work best for alabaster complexions. L.A. makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown-Jovel, who has worked with Evan Rachel Wood and Brittany Snow, says to avoid orangey reds and frosty finishes-"they can make skin look sallow and washed out."

1. FOUNDATION: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk in No. 2. This barely there buff gives pale skin a fresh sheen. $58; buy online now at giorgioarmanibeauty.com.

2. CONCEALER: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat in No. 1. Its light-reflecting pigments banish dark circles without looking obvious. $40; buy online now at yslbeautyus.com.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 12

Fair: Eyes and Cheeks

Time Inc. Digital Studio

1. EYE SHADOW: Stila in Kitten. A glimmering champagne just dark enough to create eye-opening contour. $18; buy online now at stilacosmetics.com.

2. BLUSH: Benefit in Ballerina-Pink. For the most delicate flush, swirl on this soft petal hue. $28; buy online now at benefitcosmetics.com.

3 of 12

Fair: Lips

Time Inc. Digital Studio

1. LIP LINER: MAC in Subculture. This creamy neutral shade defines lips without looking cartoonish. $13; buy online now at maccosmetics.com.

2. LIPSTICK: Yves Saint Laurent in Venus Rose. A sheer take on bright pink gives lips that just-bitten look. $30; buy online now at yslbeautyus.com.

3. LIP GLOSS: Estee Lauder in Honey Glaze. Bestows a subtle,toffee-colored shine without being sticky. $18; buy online now at esteelauder.com.

Advertisement

4 of 12

Medium-Fair: Skin

Steve Granitz/WireImage; Time Inc. Digital Studio
Spiced-up neutrals make fair to medium skin tones look healthy-and enhance features without overpowering them. Look for yellow undertones and gold flecks to take basic nudes and taupes from blah to beautiful, says N.Y.C. makeup artist Gita Bass, who works with Elizabeth Banks.

1. FOUNDATION: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk in No. 4. Golden yellow undertones dress skin in a smooth, flattering glow. $58; buy online now at giorgioarmanibeauty.com.

2. CONCEALER: Cle de Peau Beaute in Beige. One tiny dot counteracts bluish shadows and red spots. $70; buy online now at neimanmarcus.com.

5 of 12

Medium-Fair: Eyes and Cheeks

Time Inc. Digital Studio
1. EYE SHADOW: Nars in Corfu. This pearlescent beige cream is so sheer and blendable, it's nearly impossible to overdo. $21; buy online now at narscosmetics.com.

2. BLUSH: Nars in Orgasm. Peachy pink with a dusting of gold, it delivers a feminine sun-kissed flush. $25; buy online now at narscosmetics.com.

6 of 12

Medium-Fair: Lips

Time Inc. Digital Studio
1. LIP LINER: MAC in Spice. The reddish brown hue warms up lips but is versatile enough to work with any lipstick. $13; buy online now at maccosmetics.com.

2. LIPSTICK: Givenchy in Beige Shine. A swipe of this creamy peach gives lips a polished look with just a hint of color. $27; buy online now at sephora.com.

3. LIP GLOSS: Nars in Chelsea Girls. This earthy nude is not too pink or too brown-the perfect partner for a dramatic eye. $24; buy online now at narscosmetics.com.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 12

Medium-Dark: Skin

James Devaney/WireImage; Time Inc. Digital Studio
Consider yourself lucky: Makeup artists say that this skin tone can handle the widest range of colors-from the punchiest brights to the palest pastels. For a more natural look, Brett Freedman, who works with Vanessa Hudgens, suggests dewy shades with names like caramel and honey.

1. FOUNDATION: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk in No. 8. Evens out skin and imparts radiance without a trace of muddy brown or orange. $58; buy online now at giorgioarmanibeauty.com.

2. CONCEALER: Cle de Peau Beaute in Ocher. A yellowy beige that's slightly lighter than your skin can tackle undereye shadows. $70; buy online now at neimanmarcus.com.

8 of 12

Medium-Dark: Eyes and Cheeks

Time Inc. Digital Studio
1. EYE SHADOW: Estee Lauder in Copper Penny. A metallic brown brightens eyes without being overly sparkly. $18; buy online now at esteelauder.com.

2. BLUSH: Kevyn Aucoin in Tansoleil. A swoosh of vibrant pink from your apples to your cheekbones gives pretty definition. $24; buy online now at kevynaucoin.com.

9 of 12

Medium-Dark: Lips

Time Inc. Digital Studio
1. LIP LINER: Rimmel London in Tiramisu. This warm caramel looks like your own lip tone, just a little richer. $3; visit cvs.com for stores.

2. LIPSTICK: Clinique in Black Honey. An ultra-sheer berry gives just the right amount of vampy drama for day or night. $14; buy online now at clinique.com.

3. LIP GLOSS: Nars in Turkish Delight. To really make lips pop, slick on this white-based pink. $24; buy online now at narscosmetics.com.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 12

Dark: Skin

George Pimentel/WireImage; Time Inc. Digital Studio
To add depth and definition to lips, cheeks and eyes, look for rich metallic hues like burnt copper and bronze or bright berry tones. When it comes to foundation, "the darker the skin, the more spot-on you have to be with color," says L.A. makeup artist Vanessa Scali.

1. FOUNDATION: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk in No. 11. A warm chocolate-colored base with just enough red to counteract ashiness. $58; buy online now at giorgioarmanibeauty.com.

2. CONCEALER: Bobbi Brown in Chestnut. This extra-hydrating cream won't make skin look dull. $22; buy online now at bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

11 of 12

Dark: Eyes and Cheeks

Time Inc. Digital Studio
1. EYE SHADOW: MAC in Embark. Trace it along the bottom lashes to make eyes appear bigger. $15; buy online now at maccosmetics.com.

2. BLUSH: MAC in Raizin. Deep burgundy undertones give dark skin an alluring glow. $18; buy online now at maccosmetics.com.

12 of 12

Dark: Lips

Time Inc. Digital Studio
1. LIP LINER: MAC in Chestnut. Use it to line and fill in lips, then top with clear gloss for a really natural look. $13; buy online now at maccosmetics.com.

2. LIPSTICK: Lancome in Brick House. Most reds tend to look pink on dark skin; this chocolate-cherry hue won't. $25; buy online now at lancome-usa.com.

3. LIP GLOSS: Chanel in Bubble Plum. A pigment-packed violet gloss that delivers a beautiful punch of color. $27; buy online now at uma.chanel.com.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Advertisement
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.instyle.com