Basic Makeup Color Theory

To understand basic makeup color theory, there is one rule to remember. This is a rule that you may remember from middle school art class. A rule summed up by Benjamin Thomson in the quote below.

“To every color, without exception, whatever may be its hue or shade, or however it may be compounded, there is another in perfect harmony to it, which is its complement, and may be said to be its companion.”

Every color is a part of a complimentary pair. When these pairs are layered, they neutralize each other. We can use this theory of color in our daily makeup application by canceling out the colors that we don’t want to see (e.g- dark circles and acne). Let’s take a look at these complimentary pairs.

Primary Colors

The primary colors are Red, Blue, and Yellow. Their complimentary colors can be made up by mixing the other two. Essentially to neutralize a color, you will be using all the primary colors together.

Complimentary Colors Cancel

When you take a look at a color wheel you will see that the companion colors are directly across from one another. Use these mnemonic devices to help remember what color you will need or think up your own.

• Yellow and Purple (think Big Bird eating Grapes)
• Red and Green (think Christmas)
• Orange and Blue (Blue man group banging on orange drums)

So if you haven’t had enough sleep and you are looking to cover those blue toned circles, try adding a little orange to brighten. If you have purple toned acne scars, add a light layer of yellow. Maybe you have a rosacea breakout. Try some green. Using the complementary color will allow you to correct with less product. This allows you to have a more natural, light makeup application, with better results.

Complimentary Colors Brighten

Another thing to keep in mind when choosing your makeup is that when complimentary colors are placed next to each other, they will make each other more vibrant. This rule can be applied to the eyeshadows you choose.

• Blue eyes- Copper and Gold eyeshadows
• Green eyes- Purples, Pink, Rose Gold Eyeshadows
• Brown eyes- Greens, Blues, and Gold eyeshadows

Of course each eye is so uniquely beautiful and is made up of many hues. If you would like help choosing the perfect shades to pull out the sparks of light in your eyes, please fill out this color match quiz and upload a close up photo of your eye.

I hope this basic guide to makeup color theory has you feeling confident to look your best with less. Your natural beauty is so stunning. Your face tells a story. Diminish those stories that aren’t your favorite and let the main theme shine!

Maskcara Beauty is working on developing a revolutionary makeup called Demi Color that will use these theories to further build on the belief that natural skin is the most beautiful.

While we wait, switch your routine over to Maskcara Beauty’s 3D foundation. Stop caking on the makeup to get the coverage you want. Get help customizing the perfect palette to put these theories into practice.

    Color Match    

Keep Blooming! ~Bekah