Make-up shades that will suit everyone

Picking your make-up colours can be more confusing than doing your tax return. Sure, you may love a lilac or rose eyeshadow, but it might not do anything for your skin colour and undertones. And olive green may be your least favourite colour, but it could be the shade that’s going to do glorious things for your skin and eyes.

See? It’s completely daunting. Which is why I called on make-up artist and expert Nicola Burford to simplify things and shed some light on the make-up shades that everyone can wear.

BLACK

According to Nicola, black is one of the most universal colours out there. And luckily it’s pretty easy to incorporate into your beauty routine. Using black pencil liners and liquid liners is a great way to enhance and define your eyes while giving your make-up look some edge. A black eyeshadow is also a great shade to give your eye make-up a smoky effect.
Try:
asap mineral eye colour in twelve.
Designer brands whipped mineral eyeshadow in ebony.
e.l.f. Studio Pigment Eyeshadow in Naughty Noire.
Mirenesse Secret Weapon 24hr Eye Liner in Glossy Black.
Yves Saint Laurent Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils Shocking Felt-Tip Eyeliner Pen

WHITE

Just like its polar opposite, white is a pretty versatile shade too and works wonderfully as an eyeliner or eyeshadow to help open up your eyes and add a hint of radiance to your make-up. It’s also a great hue to wear on your nails for a finish that’s simple and striking.
Try:
Couleur Caramel Matt White Eye Shadow.
glo minerals Eyeshadow in Opal.
essence Kajal (Kohl) Pencil in White.
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk.
Rimmel London Brit Manicure in Porcelain.

NAVY

Nicola also suggests Navy and midnight blue as, “Darker, richer shades tend to suit all skin tones rather than lighter colours as lighter colours can sometimes look ashy on darker skin tones.” Using navy or dark blue eyeliners is an easy way to add colour to your look, but if you’re looking for something less subtle, try a navy eyeshadow or gel liner.
Try:
Bourjois Smoky Eye Pencil in Sparkling Blue.
MeMeMe Eye Inspire Mono in Twilight.
Mirenesse Superlongwear Gel Mineral Face Colour in Denim Jewel.
SAX Nail Polish in No 52.
Ulta3 Nail Polish in Lotsa Fun.

METALLICS

“Metallics such as bronzes and coppers can also be flattering on skin tones. They look great on the eyes, either as a liner or as an eyeshadow,” says Nicola.  She does, however warn: “Be careful of golds though as they can read too yellow on some skin tones.”
Try:
Curtis Collection Illuminate Bronzer in Sun Goddess, $49.95, curtiscollection.com.au.
Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Flushed Fuchsia.
NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil in Chestnut.
e.l.f .Cream Eyeshadow in Bronzed.
MAC Fluidline in Rich Ground.

NUDES

Nude and flesh-coloured eyeshadows, eyeliners, nail colours and lipsticks can look great across most skin tones and can be used to highlight, too. Nicola’s tip for picking the nude for you? “Look for nude tones that are a shade lighter than your natural skin colour.”
Try:
e.l.f. Essentials Nail Polish in Innocent.
essence 3D Duo Eyeshadow in Irresistablle Vanilla Latte.
glo minerals Eyeshadow Trio in Sandstone.
MeMeMe Dew Pot in Woodland Truffle.
Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Complex.

TAN

Nicole says, “Tan colours look great on most skin tones as they tend to replicate the colour of your natural sun kissed skin. Tan shades are great in blush, contour colour, as a bronzer, as eyeshadow and even as lipstick.”
Try:
Couleur Caramel Matt Light Brown Eyeshadow.
essence Sun Club Matt Bronzing Powder.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Abu Dhabi.
Innoxa Couleurs D’Eete Summer Matte in Sunset.
Australis Blush BFFs in Hotties and Secrets.

For more from Nicola Burford, check out her website and follow her on Instagram @nicolaburfordmakeup

Which make-up shades do you wear? Which shades do you think suit most skin tones?