Best Makeup Shades for Your Skin Tone

 

Fair: Skin

Soft pink, tawny and beige tones work best for alabaster complexions. L.A. makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown-Jovel, who has worked with Evan Rachel Wood and Brittany Snow, says to avoid orangey reds and frosty finishes—"they can make skin look sallow and washed out."

1. FOUNDATION: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk in No. 2. This barely there buff gives pale skin a fresh sheen. $58; buy online now at giorgioarmanibeauty.com.

2. CONCEALER: Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat in No. 1. Its light-reflecting pigments banish dark circles without looking obvious. $40; buy online now at yslbeautyus.com.

Medium-Fair: Skin

Spiced-up neutrals make fair to medium skin tones look healthy—and enhance features without overpowering them. Look for yellow undertones and gold flecks to take basic nudes and taupes from blah to beautiful, says N.Y.C. makeup artist Gita Bass, who works with Elizabeth Banks.

1. FOUNDATION: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk in No. 4. Golden yellow undertones dress skin in a smooth, flattering glow. $58; buy online now at giorgioarmanibeauty.com.

2. CONCEALER: Cle de Peau Beaute in Beige. One tiny dot counteracts bluish shadows and red spots. $70; buy online now at neimanmarcus.com.

Medium-Dark: Skin

Consider yourself lucky: Makeup artists say that this skin tone can handle the widest range of colors—from the punchiest brights to the palest pastels. For a more natural look, Brett Freedman, who works with Vanessa Hudgens, suggests dewy shades with names like caramel and honey.

1. FOUNDATION: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk in No. 8. Evens out skin and imparts radiance without a trace of muddy brown or orange. $58; buy online now at giorgioarmanibeauty.com.

2. CONCEALER: Cle de Peau Beaute in Ocher. A yellowy beige that's slightly lighter than your skin can tackle undereye shadows. $70; buy online now at neimanmarcus.com.

Dark: Skin

To add depth and definition to lips, cheeks and eyes, look for rich metallic hues like burnt copper and bronze or bright berry tones. When it comes to foundation, "the darker the skin, the more spot-on you have to be with color," says L.A. makeup artist Vanessa Scali.

1. FOUNDATION: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk in No. 11. A warm chocolate-colored base with just enough red to counteract ashiness. $58; buy online now at giorgioarmanibeauty.com.

2. CONCEALER: Bobbi Brown in Chestnut. This extra-hydrating cream won't make skin look dull. $22; buy online now at bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

For more including, cheeks, eyes, and lips.. www.glamour.com