Makeup is more than colours and brushes it’s a way to celebrate every unique face, no matter the skin tone. With the right techniques, products, and expertise, makeup can enhance natural beauty rather than mask it, creating looks that feel authentic and flattering.
At Blys, inclusivity is at the heart of every appointment. Our professional at-home makeup artists are skilled in working with a wide range of complexions, ensuring that every client feels seen, understood, and confident. Whether your skin is fair, medium, deep, or anywhere in between, you’ll receive personalised guidance and application that reflects your individuality.
In this guide, we’ll share expert tips on foundation matching for every complexion, choosing colour palettes that complement different undertones, and enhancing your natural features with techniques that work for you. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make your makeup work with your skin tone not against it and how Blys can bring that expertise straight to your door.
Understanding Skin Tone and Undertone
Creating a flawless and natural-looking makeup look starts long before you pick up a brush – it begins with understanding your skin tone and undertone. Your skin tone is the visible colour on the surface, usually categorised as fair, light, medium, tan, or deep. Your undertone, on the other hand, is the subtle hue beneath your skin’s surface that doesn’t change, even if you get a tan or lose colour in winter.
According to DermNet NZ, both elements play a critical role in how makeup appears on your skin. A foundation might seem like the perfect shade in the bottle but can end up looking ashy, too yellow, or washed out if it doesn’t match your undertone. This is why professional makeup artists always consider undertone alongside skin tone.
Five quick ways to identify your undertone at home:
- Check your veins: Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural light greenish veins usually mean a warm undertone, bluish or purple veins suggest cool, while blue-green veins indicate neutral.
- Jewellery test: If gold jewellery lights up your complexion, you likely have a warm undertone; if silver is more flattering, you’re probably cool-toned; if both work well, you might be neutral.
- Natural hue: Warm undertones often have a yellow, peach, or golden hue; cool undertones show hints of pink, red, or blue; neutral undertones have a mix of warm and cool characteristics.
- Sun reaction: Warm undertones tend to tan easily with minimal burning, cool undertones are more prone to sunburn, and neutral undertones may tan and burn in equal measure.
- Clothing colours: Earthy shades like orange, brown, and warm reds look great on warm undertones; jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and fuchsia suit cool undertones; neutrals can wear both without clashing.
When you know your undertone, you can choose foundation, blush, and lip colours that blend seamlessly with your complexion, making your features pop without looking overdone. With a Blys at-home makeup artist, you get the added benefit of professional shade assessment, saving you from costly trial-and-error and ensuring every product applied is working in harmony with your skin.
Foundation Matching for Every Complexion
A perfectly matched foundation should blend so well with your skin that it’s almost invisible, creating a smooth, even base that allows the rest of your makeup to shine. Achieving this isn’t just about finding a colour you like it’s about choosing the right shade, undertone, and formulation to suit your unique complexion and skin type.
Four steps to get the perfect match:
- Test in natural lighting: The lighting in shops can be misleading, often making shades appear warmer or cooler than they are. Always test your foundation in natural light, ideally near a window or outdoors.
- Check for oxidation: Many foundations change colour slightly after application due to a natural reaction with oxygen or the oils on your skin. This process, known as oxidation, can make a shade appear darker or warmer over time.
- Match the formulation to your skin type: A foundation’s finish can transform your overall look. Matte formulations are ideal for oily or combination skin as they help control shine, but they can highlight dryness or texture on mature or dehydrated skin.
- Blend undertone and tone together: Your surface tone and undertone should work in harmony. A shade that matches your skin tone but clashes with your undertone can make your complexion appear dull, ashy, or unnaturally yellow.
When done right, foundation creates a flawless base that lasts throughout the day, feels comfortable on the skin, and enhances your natural features without overpowering them. If you want a professional to take the guesswork out of shade matching, book a Blys at-home makeup artist.
They bring the expertise, tools, and a full range of shades directly to you, so you can find your perfect match in the comfort of your own space.
Flattering Colour Palettes by Skin Tone
Choosing the right colour palette is one of the easiest ways to elevate your makeup look. The right shades can make your complexion appear brighter, your features more defined, and your overall style more polished. This isn’t about following strict rules it’s about understanding how certain shades interact with your skin tone and undertone so that every product you wear works with your natural colouring rather than against it.
Research in colour theory and face tone analysis supports the idea that tailoring shades to the individual can make skin look healthier and more radiant.
- Fair or light skin: Soft shades like champagne, peach, light taupe, and pink keep the look fresh. Rosy pinks and peachy nudes for lips, plus pale pink or soft peach for blush, add gentle warmth.
- Medium or olive skin: Warm tones such as bronze, copper, gold, and earthy greens enhance golden undertones. Coral, terracotta, and warm reds for lips, with apricot or muted rose blush, give a glowing finish.
- Deep or dark skin: Bold jewel tones and metallic gold or copper pop against rich skin tones. Deep reds, berries, and plum for lips, plus tangerine or deep brick blush, create vibrant dimension.
Working with colours that suit your tone and undertone can completely change the way your makeup looks and feels. Instead of fighting against your natural colouring, the right palette will make your skin look brighter, your eyes more vibrant, and your overall style more cohesive.
A Blys at-home makeup artist can take the guesswork out of the process, providing expert shade selection and professional application so you can enjoy a flawless, confidence-boosting look without stepping foot outside your door.
Eye Makeup Techniques That Work Across All Tones
Eye makeup is one of the most versatile tools in your beauty kit it can subtly define your eyes for everyday wear or create bold, show-stopping looks for special occasions. The key is choosing shades and techniques that complement your skin tone, undertone, and eye colour while remaining versatile enough to work across a variety of settings.
Some shades and methods are universal, making them safe and flattering choices no matter your complexion.
Universal neutrals
Warm browns, soft greys, and taupes are classic shades that flatter every skin tone. Warm browns add depth and warmth, soft greys create a modern, understated look, and taupes blend both cool and warm tones for balance.
These neutrals can be worn alone for a polished day look, built up for evening glam, or used as transition shades when working with bolder colours.
Contrasting shades for impact
Using contrasting colours can make your eye colour pop dramatically. Gold and bronze shades intensify blue eyes, purples and plums bring vibrancy to green eyes, and copper or warm orange tones highlight the richness of brown eyes.
For balance, use softer transition colours in the crease and keep bold shades concentrated on the lid or lash line. This ensures the look stays striking without overwhelming your features.
Eyeliner and mascara choices
The right liner and mascara pairing can transform your eyes instantly. Brown eyeliner gives a softer, more natural definition for lighter skin tones, while black or deep charcoal offers bold, sharp lines on medium to dark tones. Navy eyeliner is a universal favourite, brightening the whites of the eyes regardless of skin tone.
For mascara, classic black adds instant drama and lash definition, while brown mascara is ideal for creating a softer, more natural finish especially for daytime or minimal makeup looks. When applied thoughtfully, eye makeup doesn’t just change your eyes it enhances your entire look, adding depth, colour, and dimension that works in harmony with your natural features.
A Blys at-home makeup artist can provide personalised recommendations for shades, liners, and techniques, ensuring your eye makeup is perfectly suited to your skin tone, undertone, and eye colour. With their expertise, you can enjoy professional, customised results that fit any occasion all without leaving the comfort of your home.
Discover the perks of booking beauty treatments where you live with our makeup services at home benefits guide.
Enhancing Natural Features Instead of Masking Them
Great makeup isn’t about hiding your face it’s about making your natural features stand out in the best way possible. By tailoring techniques to your unique undertone, using products that complement rather than cover, and paying attention to lighting, you can achieve a look that feels fresh, flattering, and effortlessly polished.
This approach works for every skin tone and ensures your makeup looks good both in person and in photos.
- Highlighting and contouring for undertone: Warm undertones suit golden or caramel bronzers, cool undertones look better with taupe or soft browns, and neutral undertones can use a balance of both. Match highlighter tones gold or champagne for warm, pearl or icy pink for cool for a natural, seamless finish.
- Highlighters without harsh cast: Apply to cheekbones, brow bone, and nose bridge, choosing a shade close to your undertone. Cream or liquid formulas create a softer, more natural glow than heavy powders.
- Natural light for accuracy: Daylight shows true colours, preventing mismatched shades or harsh contour lines. Blys at-home makeup artists position you in the best lighting to achieve precision and a flawless finish.
By focusing on enhancing instead of masking, your makeup will look more natural, feel lighter, and highlight your unique beauty. With the expertise of a Blys at-home makeup artist, you’ll receive personalised product choices and professional techniques that work in harmony with your features so you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself
The Importance of Inclusive Makeup Services
Inclusivity in makeup artistry is more than a trend it’s a standard that ensures every client, regardless of skin tone, feels represented, understood, and catered for. Reports from the British Beauty Council highlight that diversity in beauty services not only improves client satisfaction but also drives trust in the industry.
| Key Aspect | Why It Matters | How Blys Delivers |
| Representation in artistry | Clients want to see their skin tone and features understood and celebrated. | Blys connects you with makeup artists trained to work across all complexions. |
| Professional vetting | Skilled artists can adapt products and techniques to suit a variety of tones and undertones. | Every Blys artist is vetted for their ability to match and enhance different skin tones. |
| Personalised at-home experience | Comfort and convenience lead to better results and a more relaxed client. | Makeup sessions take place in your own space, allowing for personal comfort and lighting control. |
By offering inclusive makeup services, Blys ensures no one is left out of the beauty conversation. Whether you have the fairest complexion, the deepest tone, or anywhere in between, your artist will have the knowledge, products, and techniques to make your look flawless. With at-home makeup services, you’re not just booking convenience you’re booking a professional experience that’s truly personalised to you.
For more insights on preparing for your session, see our at-home makeup appointment guide for tips that help you get the most out of your booking.
Seasonal and Occasion-Based Adjustments
Your skin tone can subtly shift with the seasons due to sun exposure, climate changes, and lifestyle factors. The occasion you’re preparing for also plays a big role in choosing the right colours, finishes, and techniques. Knowing how to adapt keeps your look fresh, flattering, and suited to the moment.
- Summer vs winter skin changes: Skin often deepens slightly in summer and appears lighter in winter, which can affect foundation and colour choices. In warmer months, warmer bronzes, coral blush, and gold highlighters can add a sun-kissed glow.
- Event-specific tweaks: Weddings often call for soft neutrals, long-wear formulas, and natural lashes that photograph beautifully. For photoshoots, stronger definition and matte finishes can help reduce shine under bright lighting.
By adjusting your shades and techniques with the seasons and events, your makeup will always feel current and intentional. A Blys at-home makeup artist can make these changes for you, ensuring your look is perfectly matched to your skin and the occasion without the guesswork.
You can also check out our guide on makeup for every occasion for tips on creating the perfect look, whether it’s for a casual day out or a glamorous evening event.
Working with a Professional At-Home Makeup Artist
Booking a professional at-home makeup artist goes beyond convenience it’s about having a completely personalised experience from start to finish. With Blys, your artist arrives with a curated palette matched to your skin tone and undertone, along with the tools and techniques to suit your style, features, and the occasion. This means you get a look that feels authentically you while still being professionally polished.
The benefits are clear: a personalised palette that enhances your natural beauty, a stress-free trial for special events, and the freedom of skipping travel altogether. Everything happens in the comfort of your own space, so you can relax and enjoy the process without the time pressures of getting to a salon.
Blys also ensures you’re paired with an artist who has experience working across all skin tones, so inclusivity is built into every booking. You can feel confident knowing your artist understands how to choose products and techniques that bring out your best features. Get flawless results in your own space book your at-home makeup artist today with Blys.
Every Face, Every Tone, Every Occasion With Blys
Makeup, when chosen and applied with your skin tone and undertone in mind, becomes more than just a layer of colour it’s a way to highlight your unique beauty and tell your own story. Every shade, finish, and technique can be adapted to suit you, creating looks that feel authentic and celebrate your individuality. Whether you love a soft, natural finish or something bold and expressive, the right approach ensures your makeup works with you, not against you.
What makes this even easier is having access to professional artistry without the stress of travel or the uncertainty of doing it yourself. Blys bridges this gap by connecting you with skilled at-home makeup artists who are trained to work with all skin tones and styles. From the first brush stroke to the final setting spray, you can feel confident that every step is tailored to your features, preferences, and the occasion you’re preparing for.
No matter your tone, event, or personal style, Blys makes professional, personalised makeup simple and accessible. You’ll receive expert colour matching, high-quality products, and techniques designed to enhance your natural beauty all from the comfort of your own home.
Book your Blys makeup service today and enjoy a look that’s inclusive, flattering, and ready for every face, every tone, and every occasion.
