How to Wear Pink Makeup

Pink makeup has a history of being too saccharine and too young. But not anymore! One of the most elegant colours in the rainbow is everywhere you turn: the runway, the sidewalks and even on celebrities at movie premieres. It’s suddenly sophisticated! And why should you experiment with it? It’s simple: Pink is universally flattering and instantly makes you look fresh, rejuvenated and on-trend. Whether you are meeting friends for dinner or experimenting with a red-carpet look for a fancy occasion, here’s how to have fun with trendy, gorgeous monochromatic makeup.

PINK MAKEUP 101

Can I wear pink makeup?

A resounding yes! You can wear pink makeup. Many people avoid wearing pink lips or pink blush because they feel it won’t flatter their skin tone, but that’s a myth: Pink makeup is truly the most universal shade because of its ability to wake up skin, infuse a healthy glow (think how great you look after coming down the ski hill!) and make practically anyone look a few years younger (sign us up!).

But not all over my face...right?

Actually...you can! In the past, we tended to focus on applying pink makeup to one or two areas of the face (think of all the heavy pink blush we saw in the ‘80s), but the most modern way to wear pink is by creating a monochromatic makeup look by combining different ranges of pink makeup on different areas of your face.

So how do I know where to apply the pink makeup?

Think of it more as a range of the spectrum—if you’re going with fuchsia-pink lips, you wouldn’t use a pink eyeshadow palette with the same intensity. Instead, try a petal pink across your lids and a peachy pink blush shade on your cheeks. As long as the pink hues are a common thread, your whole look will tie together seamlessly.

Should I choose warm or cool shades of pink?

By nature, pink—because it’s derived from red—is naturally a warmer colour. However, pink ranges between warm and cool, so all skin tones can find a shade that flatters them best. If you have golden or olive undertones, look for warmer shades of pink (think peachy), and if you have a cooler skin tone, experiment with blue-toned pinks (think fuchsia).

HOW TO: Here’s how to get a gorgeous, monochromatic makeup look with @rahmanbeauty.

Start with the eyes:

Step 1: With an eyeshadow brush, apply L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Scented Eye Shadow in #7 all over the eyelids.

Step 2: Using L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof Pencil Eyeliner in Black, carefully line the upper waterline of the eye.

Step 3: Complete the look with two coats of L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in Blackest Black.

Next up, blush:

A flush of sweet pink blush brightens your whole complexion.

Step 4: Sweep L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Scented Blush in Fantastical across the apples of the cheeks in a circular motion, buffing it upwards toward your ear. (Insider makeup tip: Pink blush makes you look more awake than any other type of makeup!)

Finish with lips:

A look wouldn’t be complete without a stunning pink lip. This is a really popular celebrity makeup look and one of the easiest ways to try pink makeup.

Step 5: Finish the look by applying L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Polished Tango straight from the tube. Blot with a tissue for pink lips that will last all night!

PINK IT UP!

Pink makeup is worthy of any event, so the next time you’re getting ready for a night out with your girlfriends, try experimenting with pink makeup—it’s a red-carpet look that isn’t going away anytime soon. And remember: You can wear just a little or a full-on monochromatic makeup look. It’s universally flattering and makes everyone who wears it look a little happier—and a little younger. Think pink!