Cracking the Code: Colour Theory Explained  

Colour theory  is all about how shades play together. At the centre of it all is the colour wheel. It’s made up of three categories:

• Primary colours: Red, yellow, and blue. 

• Secondary colours: Orange, green, and purple.

• Tertiary colours: Red-orange, red-purple, blue-purple, blue-green, yellow-green, and yellow-orange.

Neighbouring shades create soft, seamless blends, while opposites bring out striking contrast. Once you get this mix-and-match game, choosing cosmetics products and makeup tones that elevate your features will feel way more intuitive.

How the Colour Theory Wheel Elevates Your Makeup Routine

Whether you’re into barely-there glam or full-on glam, colour harmony has your back when picking shades: 

• Complementary colours: Opposites on the wheel that create striking contrast, accentuating features like eye colour.
• Analogous colours: Located next to each other on the wheel, these shades create a subtle and cohesive look with gentle transitions between tones.
• Triadic colours: Three evenly spaced colours form a triadic scheme, resulting in a vibrant and dynamic look for those feeling extra bold.
• Monochromatic colours: Different depths of one hue for sleek, tonal sophistication

Choosing Your Palettes

The right palette is all about matching shades that vibe with your undertone, eye colour, and overall look. Here’s how to nail it.

Setting the Canvas

Start with your skin’s undertone:

• Warm: With yellow or peach hues, you'll look best in foundations for golden undertones complemented by warm corals and bronzes like the options from the selection of CLINIQUE Even Better™ Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 foundations.
• Cool: Pink, red, or blush undertones shine the best with foundations with rosy or cool pink undertones. Consider options from the ESTÉE LAUDER Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10/PA++ range and opt for blushes in cool pinks and vibrant berry shades.
• Neutral: Those with a balanced mix of warm and cool tones can wear a broader range of shades. For example, the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla is a versatile neutral shade that goes well with warm and cool fair skin tones.

Eye-Catching Colours

In the right hues, your eye makeup products can make your eyes look more captivating.

• Dark brown or black eyes: These eyes have the freedom to wear a wide range of colour tones. Try cool purples and pinks like those in the Charlotte Tilbury Bigger, Brighter Eye Filter Palette to make the warmth jump out.
• Light brown or hazel eyes: With a mix of green and gold flecks, warm terracotta and peachy shades like the PRADA Dimensions Holo Nudes Eye Palette in number 8 tend to light up these eyes. Pinks and plums are also popular choices.
• Blue eyes: Yellow is the opposite of blue on the colour wheel, so look for anything with gold, gilded, or ochre tones as seen in the MAC Connect In Colour Eye Shadow Palette: Unfiltered Nudes to create an appealing contrast.
• Green eyes: Red, burgundy, pink, and violet shadows in TOM FORD BEAUTY Eye Color Quad’s insolent rose palette and liners are perfect for a striking, contrasting look.

The Perfect Lip

A harmonising lip colour can instantly pull a look together by complementing your skin's undertone. Consider these factors when choosing a shade for a flawless finish:

• Skin undertone: Match your lipstick to your undertone. For instance, the DIOR Addict Lip Glow’s vibrant Strawberry shade complements cooler complexions, while the deeper Mahogany option goes beautifully with warmer skin.
• Skin tone: Fairer skin tones do well with a fun pop of colour, such as the LANEIGE Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum in Raspberry Jam. Meanwhile, the Cinnamon Sugar shade is gorgeous on darker tones.
• Overall look: For a balanced look, pair bold eye makeup with a nude lip colour. If you’re sporting a subtler eye look, a more intense hue can make your pout the star.

Unleash Your Inner Artist

Ready to unlock a kaleidoscope of potential in your makeup routine? The palette is your oyster.

Explore and experiment with the limitless possibilities to find colours that make you feel as good as you look. 

Once you've mastered the art of choosing shades, check out our curated lists of the top 10 liquid foundations, best lipsticks for every skin tone, and more as you buy makeup online to bring your creativity to life.

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