Makeup is fun and can look great when done right, but many women do not feel confident enough to explore the different kinds and colours of makeup out there. The fear of looking fake and like a clown is real, and even I have experienced it! However, there is hope for us all…

There are certain makeup colours that suit all skin tones under the African sun – from caramel to dark chocolate. Having these colours in your makeup bag will help you look great and feel confident about your look.

Purple eyeliner or eye shadow
The range of purples, from mauve to violet, looks great on brown skin. They help dark brown eyes pop out and are a great flirtatious colour. You can use the dark purples for smoky eye looks to turn you into a sultry seductress.

 Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Crayon in Paranoid Purple, which works as an eye shadow and an eye pencil, or the Avon 4 Quad Purple Haze Eyeshadow would be great choices to consider.

Berry red lipstick
This colour is between the bright reds and dark reds and so works for anyone. Great colours to consider are the Maybelline Sweet Bordeaux and Avon Sangria Lipstick.

Pink blush
Many black women will feel that they do not need blush, but it is a great way of defining your cheekbones. Pink blushes, ranging from coral pinks to dark fuchsias, will work well depending on your skin tone. The lighter skinned ladies will look radiant in a coral such as Essence Vintage District Blush 01, while the darker skinned ladies will glow in fuchsia blush such as Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks.

Champagne eye shadow
This neutral colour helps give your eyes a great pop while also making you look healthy and alert. Placing it on the inner corners of your eyes is the best way to make your eyes look bigger. Try Revlon PhotoReady Primer, Shadow + Sparkle or Essence Mono Eyeshadow in 02 Dance All Night.

These are great basics to try out and enjoy. They are simple and safe, but will still make you look fantastic. Do you have any makeup colours you swear by?

Article by: Sharon Kariwo