Choosing the right makeup colours is an art. Some people seem to know instinctivley which shades will look best on them. Others have problems selecting even a simple neutral lipstick. Here is some advice that will help you determine your best colours.

Cool or warm tone?
A cool toned colour has primarily blue undertones. Cool toned colours include pure white, black, dark blue and true red. Warm toned colours have a yellow undertone. Examples include orange, forest green, gold, and brown. What does this mean for your makeup choices? Try to choose colours that match your personal undertones.

Hair and skin colour.
The colour of your complexion and the shade of your hair both affect which colours look best on you. If you have light skin and dark hair, you may be able to wear a bolder lipstick colour. If you have light hair and light skin, you make look best in light pastel shades depending on your skin tone. If you have medium hair and a medium skin tone, makeup with brown tones may look best. Don't be afraid to experiment until you find colours that are best for you.

Silver or Gold?
Hold a piece of gold jewellery against your face. What do you see? Do the same for a piece of silver jewellery. Which looks best? If you look best in the silver jewellery, chances are you look best in cool toned colours. If you look best in the gold jewellery, you probably look best in warm toned colours.

Your colour choices.
Does all this talk of warm and cool toned colours leave you feeling confused? Don't be. Think about the colours you prefer. What is your favourite colour? We tend to gravitate toward colours that look best on us. For example, I knew my favourite colour was fuchsia before I even acknowledged that it is a really flattering colour for my complexion.

Get your colours done.
There are people who specialize in determining people's ideal colours. This information will help you make informed choices when purchasing makeup and clothes.

Remember not to be too obsessed with wearing the "right" colours. When it comes down to it, the best colours for you are the ones that best enhance your features and make you feel self confident. Learn to trust your instinct and use the above rules only as general guidelines.

About the Author

Marcela Bailey is the marketing manager & lead wedding makeup artist of Marcell Professional Makeup Artists.