| As an image consultant, I often find that my clients | | | | stronger look. Because they have lots of depth in |
| are reluctant to wear make-up. When I probe into | | | | their own colouring these shades look balanced and |
| the reasons for this I frequently hear that they are | | | | do not over-power them. |
| "afraid of ending up looking like a clown!" Indeed this | | | | Warms (Red-heads, fair or golden skin tone, often |
| is a scary thought and I'm sure we will all have seen | | | | with freckles) |
| someone in the past who has made a great effort | | | | Apricot, toffee, gold, khaki and browns will look |
| with their make-up but has ended up with this effect. | | | | natural and will really enhance the warms' colouring. |
| I try to re-assure my clients that the "clown effect" | | | | By using deeper warm shades a more glamorous look |
| is usually caused by choosing shades of make-up that | | | | can be achieved. Avoid pale greys and lilacs as these |
| don't work with your own colouring. When you know | | | | will drain. |
| how to choose the right shades, the "clown effect" | | | | Cools (Ash blonde or silver hair tones, cool (pink) or |
| becomes almost impossible. Here are some tips that | | | | olive skin tone) |
| should help. | | | | Greys, pewter, lilacs, light pink, purple tones are very |
| Foundation | | | | flattering. Avoid gold and copper tones as these will |
| Always choose your foundation in daylight. You are | | | | look sickly. |
| looking for the shade that most closely matches your | | | | Clears (Dark hair, lighter skin, clear blue, green or |
| own skin. Test a small amount on your face, near the | | | | topaz eyes) |
| jaw-line, and never on your hand. If you hold your | | | | You have contrast in your own colouring and your |
| hand up to your face you will find that they are not | | | | eyes are bright so you can take contrast and |
| the same colour. | | | | brightness. Teals and peppermint work very |
| Eye make-up | | | | contrasted with icy grey or champagne. Bright |
| Lights (naturally blonde, blue/green/grey eyes, fair | | | | amethysts and purples also look great. |
| skin) | | | | Softs (Light brown, medium hair tones, little contrast |
| The lights need to choose pastel shades for | | | | between hair skin and eyes) |
| eye-shadows - aqua, peach, fawn, soft greys, light | | | | Soft brown, greens, purples and greys are very |
| greens and teals will work well. Eye pencils will also | | | | flattering. Anything too bright and bold will stand out |
| need to be quite delicate as browns, black and | | | | too much and people will notice the make-up not you! |
| aubergine will look very harsh. | | | | If you're still unsure about which shades will work |
| Deeps (Dark brown or black hair, dark brown eyes) | | | | best for you, why not book a consultation with an |
| The deeps will need a natural base colour for the | | | | image consultant who will help you achieve a |
| eyes but can then use strong shades of coffee, | | | | make-up look you'll feel comfortable with. |
| mocha, steel, mercury, aubergine and smoke for a | | | | |