Nowadays between Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube we have access to makeup and beauty tips galore, and it's getting to the point where we almost have too much information coming at us.
If you've spend hours upon hours searching makeup tutorials and trying to perfect a look but still can't seem to make your features pop the way you want, it might not have anything to do with your beauty skills — and everything to do with your makeup color choices. What most beauty bloggers don't tell you in every video is that choosing the correct shades to match your specific face make all the difference in creating a makeup look you'll be happy with.
Instead of sending you on a wild Google goose chase, we've collected tips from our favorite beauty experts to help us solve your makeup issues by honing in on your unique hair color, eye color and face shape.
What color are your eyes?
It's important to consider your eye color when deciding on shades of eye makeup. Matching your eye shadow to your eye color can look too monochromatic, so instead we've come up with some tips to help your natural eye color stand out. Use the tips below to decide what makeup hues work best with your eye color.
More: How to choose the right glitter eye makeup for your eye color
What color is your hair?
Factor in your hair color to determine what makeup hues work best on you. By making the proper color choices with your eye shadows, blushes, bronzers and other makeup, you can make subtle enhancements that make a big difference in your look. Use these makeup tips below as a guide for the shades and techniques that work best for women with red hair, blond hair and dark hair.
More: 7 ways to color your hair without traditional hair dye
What shape is your face?
Our faces are commonly categorized into six main shapes: oval, square, round, heart-shaped, oblong and diamond-shaped. Use the tips below as a guide to determine what makeup techniques work best for your face shape. You'll find advice on eye shadow and eyeliner, foundation, blush and more.
More: How to determine your face shape
- Makeup tips for oval faces
- Makeup tips for square faces
- Makeup tips for round faces
- Makeup tips for heart-shaped faces
- Makeup tips for oblong faces
- Makeup tips for diamond-shaped faces
Remember: Looking great is not about the amount of money you spend on your beauty products — rather, it's about applying the proper techniques and colors to enhance your best natural-born features. Use the makeup tips specific to your eye color and hair color, as well as your face shape to achieve the best look possible.
Originally published March 2011. Updated November 2016.