How to Make Your Makeup Complement Any Outfit: A Style Guide

Nailing the perfect makeup look to complement your outfit can be a bit challenging. However, learning how to blend your style with strategic colour choices can make you the belle of the ball. Just a few tips on colour theory, understanding your skin’s undertone, and keeping an eye on the outfit of the day can guarantee a flawless match every time.

Analysing Your Natural Colours

Regarding your face’s natural colours, the aim is to harmonise your makeup with your skin, hair, and eye colours. You may switch up the brow dye for a new hair color, but the idea is to keep it within your natural tones’ range. For instance, if you have blonde hair and light eyes, soft pinks hues and neutral tones would typically work well for you. If you are on the darker side with brunette or black hair and brown eyes, opt for earth tones like browns, burgundy, or gold. 

Understanding Colour Theory

The next step in achieving complementary makeup is understanding colour theory. A good starting point is the colour wheel – a chart that shows primary, secondary, and tertiary colours. Your goal is to select makeup shades that are either analogous (next to each other) or complementary (opposite to each other on the colour wheel), depending on the colour of your outfit.

It’s crucial not to overdo your makeup with too many different shades. If you’re wearing a bright or patterned outfit, keep your makeup simple and neutral. Conversely, with simple monochromatic outfits, feel free to get creative and add some colour to your look.

Enhancing Your Skin’s Undertone

Identifying your skin’s undertone is essential in picking the right makeup. The three primary undertones are cool (pink, red, or blue), warm (yellow, peachy, or golden), and neutral (a mix of warm and cool). Knowing your specific undertone can guide you in picking shades for your foundation, blusher, eyeshadow, and lip colour accordingly.

Matching Makeup with Your Outfit

Look at your outfit first before selecting your makeup. If your outfit is vibrant and loaded with patterns, it’s wise to keep your makeup simple. Subtle makeup won’t compete with your outfit and is suitable for patterned or brightly coloured clothes. 

Conversely, if your clothing is neutral or in more dark and muted tones, you can opt for pops of colour in your makeup. A monochromatic look, where you match your makeup to your outfit, can also be an elegant and classy choice. 

Eyes or Lips – The Ultimate Dilemma

The general rule is, if you emphasise your eyes, you should go subtle on the lips, and vice versa. If you choose a dark, smoky eye, balance it with a nude or soft pink lip. However, if you decide on a bold red or dark lip colour, keep your eye makeup neutral.

Conclusion

Striking a balance between your makeup and outfit might seem complex, but with a little practice, it becomes second nature. Start by understanding your natural tones, moving on to divulge in colour theory, and determine your skin’s undertone. A seamless outfit-to-makeup transition doesn’t need to be a cause for stress. In the end, how you carry yourself will be the ultimate accessory to complement your makeup and outfit. Never forget, confidence is always the best look.

Images: pexels.com and Sherion Mullings