Sam goes to beauty school #4: colour theory

If you have ever studied art you probably know a little about colour theory. Which colours can mix together to create different shades, which colours are warm and which colours are cool. When it comes to make-up, colour theory is pretty important. Choosing the right colours can make a big difference between looking fabulous and looking washed out.

This week we learnt how to determine whether a person suits warm or cool colours based on their appearance (skin, hair and eye colour). You most likely already have an idea about which colours suit you and which don’t, but by knowing whether you are cool or warm, you’ll know which colours to steer clear of and which to stock up on.

How to choose the right make-up colours tip #1

An easy way to remember which colours are cool and which are warm is to think of the ocean for cool and the land for warm. Cool colours refer to blues, purples, burgundies and pinks. Warm colours refer to browns, bronzes, oranges, yellows and reds. Black and white are neutral.

How to choose the right make-up colours tip #2

Some colours can be both warm and cool, depending on the shade. For example a light, yellow-based green is a warm colour, whereas a blue-based green (like aqua) is cool.  An orange-based red is warm, whereas a blue-based darker red is cool. If you’re unsure whether a colour is warm or cool, look at a colour wheel and find where it should sit, closer to yellow (warm), or closer to blue (cool).

How to choose the right make-up colours tip #3

To determine whether you suit warm or cool colours, hold up an item or material that is coloured gold, followed by an item or material that is silver. If the gold complements you better, you are warm. If the silver complements you better, you are cool.

How to choose the right make-up colours tip #4

Typically, those with darker skin, hair and eyes will be warm, and those with fairer hair, skin and eyes will be cool. So if you are a mixture of both, there is a chance you would be neutral, which means that all colours suit you - lucky you!

How to choose the right make-up colours tip #5 

Once you discover if you are warm or cool, experiment. Use a warm coloured eyeshadow on one eye and a cool shadow on the other eye. This will help you decide which colours suit you best.

Hint: If you get a spray tan, dye your hair, or change your appearance in anyway, the colours that suit you will also change.

Do warm or cool colours suit you best? Is there any colour that you could NEVER wear?

Sam is enrolled in a Make-up Design and Application course at the Artistry of Make-up Academy in Sydney.