How to Apply Accent Color in Makeup

Accent colors are applied to your face to highlight, or draw attention to a specific area of your face. Professionals often use these techniques to highlight the cheekbones, but many people also use accent colors on their eyes. Using a lighter or darker tone, or a completely new color can change the shape of your eye or make the color brighter. While there are dozens of ways to use accent colors in makeup, you first should learn how to apply them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Apply a small amount of the accent color onto your upper eyelid, directly above the iris. This will give you a place to work from.

2. Darken the accent colors on your upper lids, then soften the shades as you move outward. The darkest part of the eyelid should be above your iris, which draws attention to the color of your eye as well as the shape.

3. Accentuate the natural shape of your eye by adding a small amount of color along the lower eyelid, below your lashes. If you want to deemphasize the shape of your eyes, apply the accent color to the top of your eyes.

4. Match the accent colors you use to keep your overall face in the same family of colors. If you use a bronze, carry the same shades over in your lipstick, blush, and eye shadow.

Tips & Warnings

• Use colors that match your underlying skin tone. For example, peach tones should use colors in the peach family. This will make the makeup blend into your skin to look more natural.