#1. Understanding Undertones
Ever wonder why you practically glow-from-within in one colour but look dull and disjointed in the next? The answer lies in your skin’s undertones, which determines whether a shade will flatter or falter against you. While some people are lucky enough to be neutral-toned and suit most colours, many of us will lean towards a certain palette. Take a cue from how you tan and the colour your veins appear to decide if your skin is warmer or cooler toned.
Warm-toned
Tans easily with green-looking veins.
Warm-toned skin will radiate in earthy shades such as bronzes, peaches, corals and browns.
Accentuate tanned skin with the MAC Versicolour Lip Stain in Tattoo My Heart, RM98
Cool-toned
Hardly tans/burns with blue-looking veins.
Your skin will be enhanced by jewel tones such as blue, violet and emerald green.
Gem your eyes with the Diorshow Mono Eye Shadow in Stand Out, RM125
#2. Principles of Lipstick Swatching
Test shades on the back of your hand to create a shortlist before applying to your lips.
Always get the salesperson to prep the lipstick with an alcohol-based cleanser first – the bacteria found on testers can be enough to cause rashes or infections.
After application, spend time meandering before judging the colour’s compatibility with your skin and the suitability of the formula, even having a sip of water to gauge its wearing power.
Explore build able colour intensity with Guerlain’s La Petite Robe Noire Lipstick in Pink Tie, RM131
Embrace your sultry side with Dior’s Nourishing Lip Colour in Claret, RM95
#3. Foundation 101:
After choosing the brand and formula, select the colour you think matches your skin best and swatch it along your make-up free jawline.
On either side, swatch one shade darker and one shade lighter.
Allow half an hour for the foundation to oxidise before assessing your swatches in natural light – choose the shade you can barely distinguish from your skin.
For hydration with a seamless finish, try Chanel’s Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation, RM200
Perfect your complexion in a matter of minutes with Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20, RM199
