Matching makeup with your hair color can be a game-changer in creating a harmonious and polished look. It’s not about matching exactly, but about finding colors that enhance both your hair and your natural beauty. This guide will help you navigate the world of makeup and hair color pairing to find combinations that make you feel confident and radiant.
Understanding the Basics
When it comes to matching makeup to hair color, there are a few fundamental principles to keep in mind. First, consider your skin undertone, eye color, and the overall mood you want to create. As Lisa Eldridge, Makeup Artist and Creative Director of Lancôme, says, “Matching makeup to hair color is about creating harmony, not necessarily matching exactly. Consider your skin undertone, eye color, and the overall mood you want to create.” This approach ensures that your makeup enhances your hair color and overall look.
Skin Undertones and Hair Color
Understanding your skin undertone is crucial in choosing the right makeup. Skin tones are generally categorized as warm, cool, or neutral. Here’s a quick guide:
- Warm Undertones: If your skin has a golden or yellow hue, you have warm undertones. Colors like earthy browns, warm reds, and golden hues will complement your skin and hair.
- Cool Undertones: If your skin has a pink or blue hue, you have cool undertones. Opt for shades like soft pinks, blues, and purples.
- Neutral Undertones: If your skin doesn’t lean too warm or too cool, you have neutral undertones. Most colors will suit you, but it’s best to choose colors that complement your hair color.
Hair Colors and Makeup Pairings
Blonde Hair
Blonde hair, whether it’s platinum, golden, or honey, can range from cool to warm tones. Here are some makeup tips based on your shade of blonde:
- Platinum Blonde: Cool, icy tones work best with platinum blonde hair. Think pink blushes, blue-toned red lipsticks, and silver eyeshadows. Charlotte Tilbury, Makeup Artist and Founder of Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, advises, “Think of your makeup as an extension of your hair color. Use it to enhance your natural beauty and create a cohesive look.”
- Golden Blonde: Warm tones like coral blush, peachy lipsticks, and gold eyeshadows complement golden blonde hair beautifully.
- Honey Blonde: Neutral shades like soft browns, nude lipsticks, and bronze eyeshadows will enhance honey blonde hair.
Brunette Hair
Brunette hair can vary from light brown to deep chocolate. Here’s how to match your makeup:
- Light Brown: Soft, natural shades work well with light brown hair. Try earthy eyeshadows, rosy blushes, and nude lipsticks. As Bobbi Brown, Makeup Artist and Founder of Jones Road Beauty, says, “Makeup should enhance your features, not mask them. Choose colors that complement your hair and skin tone for a natural, effortless look.”
- Medium Brown: Rich, warm shades like terracotta blush, berry lipsticks, and copper eyeshadows will make your features pop.
- Dark Brown: Bold colors like deep reds, plums, and dark browns will complement dark brown hair beautifully. Sir John, Makeup Artist to Beyoncé, notes, “The right makeup can transform your hair color and vice versa. It’s all about finding the perfect balance.”
Red Hair
Red hair is striking and unique, ranging from bright copper to deep auburn. Here are some makeup tips for redheads:
- Bright Copper: Warm, vibrant shades like coral blush, orange-toned red lipsticks, and gold eyeshadows will enhance bright copper hair.
- Auburn: Rich, earthy tones like brick red blush, deep berry lipsticks, and bronze eyeshadows complement auburn hair well.
- Strawberry Blonde: Soft, warm shades like peach blush, pink lipsticks, and champagne eyeshadows work beautifully with strawberry blonde hair.
Black Hair
Black hair is dramatic and versatile, working well with a wide range of makeup colors. Here’s how to enhance black hair with makeup:
- Classic Black: Bold colors like red lipsticks, jewel-toned eyeshadows, and bright blushes will stand out against black hair. As Pat McGrath, Makeup Artist and Founder of Pat McGrath Labs, says, “Don’t be afraid to experiment with color. There are no rules when it comes to makeup. The most important thing is to find what makes you feel confident and beautiful.”
- Soft Black: Neutral tones like taupe eyeshadows, nude lipsticks, and soft pink blushes will create a sophisticated look.
Eye Color and Makeup
While hair color is essential, eye color also plays a significant role in choosing the right makeup. Here are some tips based on your eye color:
Blue Eyes
- Complementary Colors: Orange and peach tones contrast beautifully with blue eyes, making them stand out.
- Eyeshadows: Try bronze, copper, and gold eyeshadows.
- Eyeliner: Brown and bronze eyeliners work well with blue eyes.
Green Eyes
- Complementary Colors: Red-based tones like burgundy and rust enhance green eyes.
- Eyeshadows: Plum, mauve, and copper eyeshadows work beautifully.
- Eyeliner: Try using plum or bronze eyeliner for a striking look.
Brown Eyes
- Complementary Colors: Brown eyes can pull off a variety of colors. Jewel tones like emerald and sapphire look stunning.
- Eyeshadows: Try bronze, gold, and deep green eyeshadows.
- Eyeliner: Black and brown eyeliners are classic choices, but don’t be afraid to experiment with navy or emerald.
Hazel Eyes
- Complementary Colors: Hazel eyes can shift between brown and green, so play with different shades.
- Eyeshadows: Try using warm browns, golds, and purples.
- Eyeliner: Deep green and bronze eyeliners will highlight the green in your eyes.
Creating a Cohesive Look
When matching makeup to your hair color, it’s essential to create a cohesive look. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:
Balance Bold and Neutral
If you’re going for a bold lip, keep your eye makeup more neutral. Conversely, if you’re opting for dramatic eyes, choose a softer lip color. This balance ensures your look is harmonious and not overwhelming.
Consider the Occasion
Different occasions call for different makeup looks. For a daytime look, keep it soft and natural. For an evening event, don’t be afraid to go bold with both your eye makeup and lip color.
Practice and Experiment
Finding the perfect makeup and hair color pairing can take some trial and error. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and techniques. Over time, you’ll discover what works best for you.
Personal Anecdotes
I remember when I first dyed my hair platinum blonde. I was excited but unsure how to adjust my makeup routine. After some experimentation, I found that cool-toned eyeshadows and pink blushes complemented my new hair color beautifully. It was a learning experience, but it taught me the importance of adapting my makeup to enhance my hair color.
Final Thoughts
Matching makeup to hair color is an art that can transform your look. By understanding your skin undertone, eye color, and the mood you want to create, you can choose makeup colors that enhance your natural beauty. Remember, the key is to experiment and find what makes you feel confident and beautiful.
As Lisa Eldridge says, “Matching makeup to hair color is about creating harmony.” Embrace the process, and have fun discovering the perfect makeup and hair color pairing that works for you. Whether you’re a blonde, brunette, redhead, or have black hair, there’s a makeup look that will make you shine.
References
- Lisa Eldridge’s YouTube Channel
- Vogue
- Charlotte Tilbury’s Website
- Harper’s Bazaar
- Bobbi Brown’s Website
- Journal of Nonverbal Behavior
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science
