Understanding Color Theory in Makeup

Whether you’re a professional make-up artist or someone who does their own make-up for leisure, understanding the color relationships is just as important. Using your knowledge of colors can help you create a flattering look and make your make-up more cohesive. By learning the essentials of color, you can learn how it applies to skin tone and undertones. You will then be able to make informed choices when selecting your make-up products and how to use them appropriately.  

A color wheel is an invaluable tool when it comes to understanding colors. The primary colors consist of primary colors (red, blue, and yellow), secondary colors (formed by mixing primary colors), and tertiary colors (formed by mixing primary and secondary colors). 

Complementary colors are those that sit opposite each other on the color wheel. When used together, complementary colors create a visually striking contrast. In makeup, using complementary colors can help you enhance your features and create a more balanced look. 

Determining your Skin Tone

When you talk about skin tone, you are referring to the shade of your skin. This can range from fair to deep. On the other hand, undertones are subtle hues beneath the source of your skin that influence your overall complexion. Undertones are usually categorized as cool, warm, or neutral. 

Cool undertones – If your skin has a pink, red, or bluish tint, you have cool undertones.

Warm undertones – If your skin has a golden, peach, or yellow tint, you have warm undertones.

Neutral undertones – You have neutral undertones if your skin mixes cool and warm tones. 

To understand your undertones, look at the veins inside your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones. If your veins appear green, you likely have warm undertones. If it’s difficult to tell, you may have neutral undertones. 

When it comes to makeup, understanding color theory can significantly improve your ability to select shades that enhance your natural beauty.