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  1. Real Simple
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  4. Makeup Shades That Look Great on Everyone

Makeup Shades That Look Great on Everyone

By Lori Bergamotto Updated August 29, 2014
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Universal shades for eyes
Credit: Victor Schrager
Finding the right product is easy with this guide to colors that work with all skin tones.
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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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