How to Pull Off the Monochromatic Makeup Trend

In the wonderful world of makeup, rules are meant to be broken, but some facts remain. The power of colour to transform a face is one such fact. Colourful makeup can enhance your skin tone, define cheekbones and lips, create a healthy glow and intensify the colour of your eyes. In past eras, like the power-driven ’80s, makeup artists dabbled in the entire rainbow all at once to achieve such goals. Today, however, the way to wear colour is to edit the focus. By using hues from the same family on the colour wheel, a monochromatic makeup look creates soft washes of colour all over the face. Attracting attention through a romantic vibe, monochromatic makeup is the opposite of a bold beauty statement but no less statement-making. Plus, it’s a beauty look that is flattering on everyone, and it’s easily adaptable using any hue from pale pink to rich berry. Check out the latest appearances of A-list stars and the beauty looks of high-fashion runways. Not sure what colour to start with? Choose peach and coral. These fresh shades complement all skin tones, accentuating eyes, cheeks and lips effortlessly. Follow these four steps to discover monochromatic makeup made easy.

Step 1. You’ll want a gorgeous canvas in place to showcase a monochromatic makeup look, so start by prepping your skin with moisturizer. Then even out your skin tone. Use concealer as needed to eliminate any dark spots, darkness under your eyes and/or redness around your nose and mouth. If foundation beckons, get an instant glowing-skin boost by mixing it with a drop of liquid highlighter. If you are feeling flawless and opting out of a skin-coverage product, mix a drop of highlighter into your face cream to build a subtle sheen.

Step 2. Three is the magic number when it comes to achieving a monochromatic eye-makeup look—as in three tones of a similar colour is the maximum number of eyeshadow shades you need to work with. A trio with a mix of finishes also helps to create depth. Apply a deep, matte colour to your eyelids, blending from the lash line up to the crease. Next, layer a mid-tone hue overtop, softening the line upward just past the crease. Then, use a small shadow brush to apply the lightest shimmering shade to the inner corners of your eyes and on the browbones. Finish with a light coat of lengthening mascara. Allow the colour to be the focus; there’s no need to break out the eyeliner here. BTW: For peachy perfection, check out L’Oréal Paris La Petite Palette Eye Shadow in Maximalist.

Step 3. With your eyes done, you can move on to applying colour to your cheeks. Monochromatic makeup looks best when a similar tone of blush unifies the complexion while adding warmth to the face. Try L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Blush in Fantastical to complement the warm tones used on your eyes. Whichever colour you choose, use a powder blush for the softest effect. Sweep it over the apples of your cheeks and blend it up and out toward your temples. Be mindful of the size of the blush brush. A medium-size blush brush is ideal for this task; it will help you achieve a halo of colour with no harsh lines. Using one that’s too big will spread powder over a larger surface area, diminishing the concentration of colour, while one that’s too small will deposit blush in a very compact zone and require more blending effort.

Step 4. Lips are the finishing touch of any monochromatic makeup look. Whatever hue you’ve chosen to put in the spotlight, balancing out the colour used on your eyes and cheeks with a similar lip shade guarantees a cohesive look. This is also where you can have fun with a dramatic finish, adding to the wow factor. Choose an ultra-matte liquid lipstick or a high-shine gloss. Or try both! For the ultimate long-lasting colour with eye-catching shine, apply liquid lipstick and then layer a matching tone of glossy lipstick overtop. If you’re playing for Team Coral, try L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Lipstick in I Don’t 422 paired with L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Luminous Coral. Prefer pink tones? Look for L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick Les Macarons Collection in 818 Dose of Rose. The perfectly flushed hue is a sweet treat—literally. Its notes of almond, vanilla and cream create a macaron aroma while it delivers long-lasting pigment.