Finding that perfect shade of blush, or the lip color that provides just the right amount of contrast, can seem like a never-ending scavenger hunt – especially with so many hues available, varying from peaches and plums to apricots and tangerines.
Selecting your most flattering shade should be as easy as 1-2-3, which is why we’ve featured three distinct looks that beautifully complement an array of skin tones. Local makeup artist Criss Skinner supplies the products and the expertise.
Shot on location at Manker Patten Tennis Club
Peachy Keen
Ellen Young, Signal Mountan
“For fair skin, I often like to use nudes, pinks, and soft peach – nothing too orange. In Ellen’s case, I used Maybelline Daringly Nude lipstick with MAC Ciao Manhattan lip gloss on top for a little moisture. Fair cheeks work best with a pink and peach combo, so I blended Tarte Cream blush colors Peck and Butterflies to give Ellen a soft peachy glow. For the eyes, both warm tones and cool tones work. Here, I used Anastasia Orange Soda with Sienna eyeshadow in the crease, which gives a little contour, and finished with brown eyeliner.”
Golden Goddess
Lila Brock, Chattanooga
“Olive skin is predominantly yellow-toned, but still very pale. For Lila’s lips, I combined MAC Florescence Liquid Lipcolour and MAC Goldfinch Lipglass for extra sparkle. Her cheeks are dusted with MAC Tantone contour and MAC Trace Gold blush on top. I applied MUD Spanish Gold and Sunflower with Anastasia Bronze eyeshadow to Lila’s eyes, which really makes them pop, and then completed the look with brown eyeliner. In addition to golden hues, I find that olive skin is also flattering with mossy green, earthy browns, and plums.”
Berrylicious
Tenesha Irvin, Rossville, GA
“Darker skin has an olive or red undertone. In general, the deeper your skin, the more dramatic the colors you can wear. For Tenesha’s lips, I used Mac Quartz lip pencil topped with Liplicious Berry Blush lip gloss. Her cheeks sport a MAC Red Brick blush with Tarte Saucy Cream blush on top for a little glow. In keeping with the berry theme, I applied a combination of Anastasia Mulberry, Sultry, and Rose Pink eyeshadow, along with black eyeliner, to Tenesha’s eyes. Deep-toned skin also looks beautiful with shades of bronze, burnt orange, and olive green and caramel.”
