How to Use the Color Wheel to Improve Your Makeup Look

When it comes to putting together a makeup look, one of the first things you probably take into consideration is the latest makeup trends you’ve seen circulating your social media feeds. Or perhaps you base your look on the products you have in your makeup bag. But there’s one method of curating a flawless makeup look that you may be overlooking, and that involves using the color wheel. Yes, that color wheel you learned about in elementary school can come in handy for more than just a spontaneous night of crafting! Read on to learn all about how to use the makeup color wheel for a flawless look, every. single. time.

HOW TO USE THE COLOR WHEEL TO IMPROVE YOUR FACE MAKEUP

When it comes to your face makeup, the color wheel can come in handy to ensure you have a perfectly even skin tone. We’re talking about color correcting! If you’re unfamiliar with this makeup technique, allow us to give you a refresh: Color correcting involves using makeup products to neutralize discoloration on your skin, including redness and dark circles, so you can have an even complexion. Here’s how to make sense of the color wheel's role in your face makeup routine. 

If you have redness…a green color corrector, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon in Green, can be used to neutralize your skin tone. This is because red is located opposite green on the color wheel, meaning the two shades are meant to cancel each other out.

If you have dark circles or hyperpigmentation…an orange or peach color corrector will be your partner in crime since blue can be found opposite of orange on the color wheel.

If you have age spots or broken capillaries…a yellow color corrector, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Color Correcting Crayon in Yellow, can be used to even out your skin tone, as yellow is located across from purple on the color wheel.

HOW TO USE THE COLOR WHEEL TO IMPROVE YOUR EYE MAKEUP

Want to use the color wheel to take your eye makeup look up a notch? Consider your eye color, and you’ll find the perfect complementary shade.

If you have brown eyes…incorporate shades of blue or purple into your look.

If you have blue eyes…use shades of orange and yellow to create your eye makeup look.

If you have green eyes…opt for shades of pink and red to bring your look to life.

If you have hazel eyes…try shades of pink, orange, and gold.

5 SHADES TO WEAR TOGETHER, ACCORDING TO THE MAKEUP COLOR WHEEL

Aside from helping even your skin tone and complement your eye color, the makeup color wheel can also be used to help you determine makeup shades that pair well together! Here are a few of our favorite combos worth trying.

#1. BLUE EYESHADOW AND CORAL LIPS

If you want to hop on the blue eyeshadow trend, do so while wearing a coral lip. Since blue and orange are located across from each other on the color wheel, the two opposite shades pair beautifully together.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Advant Garde Azure and L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Luminous Coral

#2. GREEN EYELINER AND PINK BLUSH

For a pop of color, use a green eyeliner pencil to line your lower lash line. Refer to the color wheel, and you’ll see that sweeping pink blush across your cheeks is the perfect complementary accent.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Forest Green and L’Oréal Paris True Match Blue in Rosy Outlook

#3. YELLOW LIDS AND PURPLE EYELINER

Another color that’s been trending in terms of eye makeup? Yellow! Get a sunshine-inspired beauty look by painting your lids in a pretty yellow shade. Then use a purple eyeliner to line your upper lash line, as these two colors look royally divine when worn together.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Eternal Sunshine and L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Purple

#4. CORAL CHEEKS AND TURQUOISE EYELINER

For summery makeup, look no further than this color combo. Bright, coral cheeks are guaranteed to pair beautifully with a swipe of turquoise eyeliner, per the color wheel.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Satin Blush with Camellia Oil in Marigold and L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in True Teal

#5. GOLD LIDS AND BLUE MASCARA

It doesn’t get more luxurious than shimmery, golden lids and a coat of blue mascara. Swoon! This color wheel match is pretty much destined to be together.

Get the look: L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in Crown Gold and L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Washable Bold Eye Mascara in Cobalt Blue

Next: How the Color Wheel Plays Into Dyeing Your Hair