How to Find Colors That Suit

Whether you're determining which kind of makeup to use or what sweater will be more flattering, color plays a huge role. What's more, when you choose your color of makeup or clothing, you also need to consider the coloring your were born with: your eye color, hair color and skin color.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start with your overall skin tone. In general, darker-skinned people don't have to be as choosy because most colors will work. If you have olive skin, most colors can be flattering, unless you have strong yellow undertones. In that case, stay away from makeup and clothing with yellowish undertones. For fair-skinned people, the process gets trickier. There are more colors in your skin to work with, blemishes show up easier and there can be more of a contrast between hair, eyes and skin.

2. Determine your undertones by wearing a white T-shirt in a bright area with natural light. Make sure your skin is clean. Study your skin to determine which color stands out the most. Common undertones are yellow, peach and pink, but whatever color is dominant is your undertone color.

3. Match your undertones with your color choice. In the case of foundation makeup, you will want to find a shade that matches your skin and undertones as close as possible. If you're, trying to find the right shade for a top, go for the opposite shade. For example, if you have yellow undertones in your skin, yellow tones will make you look washed out and tired. But violet is on the other side of the color wheel and is likely to make you shine.

Tips & Warnings

• For an extra complementary color, you can match your eyeshadow color or shirt to subtle colors in your hair face and eyes, like to the secondary color in your eyes (the small flecks) or highlights in your hair.