Color Theory in Relation to Makeup Application

Having an understanding of color theory is really going to make a difference in your makeup application. It is going to help you pick the proper colors and hide flaws. Here are a few examples of how you can apply color theory to your makeup.

Complimentary colors (those opposite on the color wheel) will cancel each other out. They will also create contrast making colors pop. A contradiction? Read on.

A common mistake that I often see is girls wearing blue to make their eyes bluer, green to make their eyes greener, etc. But, if you look at the color wheel, orange is opposite blue. So, you blue eyed beauties, try a shadow with an orange tone. Brown eyed girls; try a shadow with a blue or purple tone. I haven't forgotten you green eyed babes. Try a shadow with a red tone; pinks and corals are a great choice.

Now concealing: as I mentioned above complimentary colors cancel each other out. So to hide those stubborn red marks, dab a green concealer on the spot.

Color Theory

Color theory is very important in your makeup application. If you have an understanding of colors then you will achieve better results.

Primary Colors – Red, Blue, and Yellow are considered primary colors. All other colors are a mixture of these three shades.


Secondary Colors – Any color that is a mixture of the primary colors is considered a secondary color. For example, blue and yellow make green. Green is a secondary color.

Complimentary Colors – These are colors that are opposite in hue on the color wheel. For example, red and green are complimentary colors.

Monochrome Color Scheme – This is a scheme including one color of different values. Red, rose, and pink are an example of a monochromatic color scheme.

Adjacent Color Scheme – Also called analogous colors involves colors that neighbor each other on the color wheel. Orange and yellow-orange are an example of analogous colors.

Cool and Warm Tones – Colors with blue undertones are considered cool colors and those with yellow undertones are considered warm colors.

Black & White – These could be used with either cool or warm colors.


Now that you've got the basics, see how this information relates to your makeup application.

Sampling

What's great about makeup counters and stores like Sephora or Ulta is that they will provide you with samples of products for you to try before you buy. With every order on www.sephora.com you are able to choose 3 free samples. It's a great way to find new favorites.

Other makeup companies sell trial sizes of their products, which is another great way to make sure you like the item before committing to a full size bottle that may just sit in your makeup drawer and never be used.

Here are some tips on sampling:

1 – Go straight to the source. Some companies (like Sephora mentioned above) will offer samples on their website so it might be a good idea to join their newsletter.
2 – Cosmetics counters are provided with vials/jars to create samples for customers. And some are even given sample sizes of some products.

The Etiquette To Obtaining Store Samples

Be polite. The employee is not OBLIGATED to give you a sample. If you try a product and like it then buy it. When it comes to foundation ask for a small sample to try for a week or two before you make the commitment to purchase it.
Do not be greedy. Two or three samples are more than generous. Don't ask for more.
Know what you're asking for. If you're on the prowl for a cleanser then ask for a sample of a cleanser that is right for YOU. Not just whatever they have on hand.
If you are going to be frequently asking for samples, then be a good customer as well. The employees behind the counters know who is a loyal customer and who just wants freebies. You may think they won't remember but they do.
3 – There are some sites out there that will offer free samples of products just be careful where you put your information.
4 – Keep your eyes peeled in magazines. There may be ads or coupons for a free trial size with purchase or other samples.