Makeup Shades That Look Great on Everyone
By Lori Bergamotto Updated August 29, 2014
Universal shades for eyes
Credit: Victor Schrager
Finding the right product is easy with this guide to colors that work with all skin tones.
Universal Shades for Eyes
Universal shades for eyes
Credit: Victor Schrager
- Green
“Stick to mossy shades,” says New York City makeup artist Kristofer Buckle. Those with yellow and brown tones are wearable for fair and dark skins alike. - Navy
“Look for a navy with royal blue tones in it,” says Los Angeles makeup artist Karen Kawahara. “This gives a smoky look on light skins, and it’s dense enough for dark ones.” - Nude
A buttery, yellow-toned color with a translucent texture allows natural coloring to show through, which is key to making a shade like this universally flattering. - Brown
For the most wearable choice, pick a brown that has a touch of warmth to it. This one looks natural on dark and olive skin and subtly contrasts fairer complexions. - Gold
Pick golds that are bronzy, like this, and not too yellow, says Los Angeles makeup artist Tina Turnbow. Tones that are too yellow make all skins look sallow. - Gray
Gray is an unexpected alternative to black. Use iridescent versions that reflect light. Shades like this one give fair skin depth and look beautiful on darker skin.
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Universal Shades for Lips
Universal shades for lips
Credit: Victor Schrager
- Coral
Coral blends orange (a warm color) and pink (a cooler color) together, so it acts as a neutral. - Red
Every woman can wear true fire-engine red. This creates a dramatic look on ivory complexions and a softer effect on brown ones. - Nude
Turnbow suggests a peach with some yellow in it, which lets your natural lip color show through. - Brown
“Look for a color that combines brown and pink,” says makeup artist Karen Kawahara. It looks natural on dark and light complexions. - Berry
If it's got a sheer texture like this one, it works on everyone. The lighter your skin, the less you need. - Pink
A pink like this one "is transparent enough to pump up every natural lip color,” says makeup artist Tina Turnbow.
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Universal Shades for Cheeks
Universal shades for cheeks
Credit: Victor Schrager
- Bronze
The mix of tones adds dimension to all complexions. - Pink
Choose a pink with an earthy tone. A brown base makes it neutral and echoes a natural flush on all skin tones. - Brown
Buckle likes rose-tinted versions like the one shown here: "Fair complexions need just a bit. Women with darker skin can use more." - Mauve
One with a translucent texture lets your skin color show through. Blend more for a softer look; blend less and the color has more kick. - Coral
A sheer stain in coral is a favorite of Kawahara's: "It brightens up dark skin and gives fair complexions a boost."
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