The Best Makeup Colors for Every Skin Tone

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your makeup routine is to choose makeup colors that complement your skin tone. In fact, the right makeup shades can light up your eyes, make your complexion look more radiant, and even give you a younger-looking appearance. Here, we’re sharing our go-to makeup guidelines for every skin tone so that you can find the most flattering colors for everything from mascara to lipstick. Once you know what’s what, it’s time to re-stock your makeup bag!

THE BEST MAKEUP COLORS FOR FAIR SKIN

Lighter makeup colors generally work better on fair skin. However, a bold eye or lip color can look ultra-glamorous against a light complexion.

THE BEST EYE MAKEUP COLORS FOR FAIR SKIN

Earthy tones and pastels are always flattering on the eyes. Fair-skinned women can also benefit from subtle pops of color, like wearing thin, navy eyeliner. To give it a try, use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner in Navy. If you do attempt this look, be sure to keep your lips and cheeks neutral so as not to compete with your eye-catching eyes. As far as mascara goes, stick to a brown or black-brown shade, which will not be overly harsh against your fair skin. Try the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Washable Mascara in Black Brown.

THE BEST LIP MAKEUP COLORS FOR FAIR SKIN

For a fresh-faced look, try a bright pink lipstick, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Matte Mandate, which looks stunning against clean, pale skin. In the mood for something slightly darker? Choose a plum or wine color, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Doesn’t Matte-R. Alternatively, if you prefer to play it safe and subdued when it comes to makeup, we won’t judge. Have some fun with nude lipstick and a bold nail color instead.

THE BEST MAKEUP COLORS FOR MEDIUM SKIN

Medium skin tones can get away with wearing all sorts of shades. So, if you’re open to playing with pigment, why not?

THE BEST EYE MAKEUP COLORS FOR MEDIUM SKIN

With eye shadow, experiment with deep earth tones and other rich colors like hunter green and brick (we love the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Matte-ison Avenue). Complement your eyes with a coral or peach blush shade, like the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Fruit-Scented Blush Makeup. You’ll also want to use a bronzing powder, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match™ Lumi Bronze It Bronzer, to enhance your natural warmth.

THE BEST LIP MAKEUP COLORS FOR MEDIUM SKIN

Medium skin tones should keep multiple lip colors on hand, allowing them to switch things up depending on the time of day. In the morning, swipe on the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Lipstick in Burnished, a sheer metallic pink shade. At night, opt to wear the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Matte-jestic, a deep purple hue, instead.

THE BEST MAKEUP COLORS FOR OLIVE SKIN

Flattering an olive skin tone is oh-so-easy, especially if your makeup collection is home to a purple hue or two.

THE BEST EYE MAKEUP COLORS FOR OLIVE SKIN

Neutral shades, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Matte It Up, along with dark purples and greens, will work well for outlining your eyes and providing definition. Don’t shy away from playing up your cheeks too; a dusting of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Highlighter and a touch of a darker plum blush will do the job.

THE BEST LIP MAKEUP COLORS FOR OLIVE SKIN

Berries, plums, and neutrals will all look absolutely smoldering on your lips. True reds, on the other hand, should be avoided as they can clash with an olive skin tone. If you’re craving that classic red look, pick one with an orange undertone. The L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Matte at Bat and the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Gloss in Aphrodite Kiss are both prime picks.

THE BEST MAKEUP COLORS FOR DARK SKIN

Dark skin tones allow you to opt for one of two makeup extremes: dark and deep or light and shimmery. Take your pick!

THE BEST EYE MAKEUP COLORS FOR DARK SKIN

Terracotta, navy, and dark violet are ideal for highlighting eyes—so try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Violet Beaute and Acro-Matte. If you’re tentative about going dark, shades of metallic silver, rose gold, gold, slate, and even purple (although very different from deeper hues) can emphasize your eyes just as well. Use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Eye Shadow to get a heavy metal look and remember to keep the focus on your eyes by sporting cheek tones that are close to your natural coloring.

THE BEST LIP MAKEUP COLORS FOR DARK SKIN

Dark lip colors, such as berries, caramels, and reds, look amazing when set against deep skin tones. What are you waiting for? Give it a try! Press the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Devil’s Matte-Vocate Red onto your pout for a burst of sultry color.

THE BOTTOM LINE ON CHOOSING MAKEUP COLORS FOR YOUR SKIN TONE

Finding the right makeup colors for your skin tone is a surefire way to make the most of your natural beauty. Still, while we’ve laid down a few rules, remember that makeup is about having fun with color and trying out new looks. So, if there’s a color that’s really piqued your interest, give it a shot regardless of your skin tone!

Now that you know the most flattering makeup colors for your skin tone, read our article, How to Find the Best Foundation Shade for Your Skin Tone, to complete your makeup look.