Seeing Beyond Skin Tone: How The Makeup Artist Sees You
- Genelle Holub
- Dec 17, 2025
- 4 min read
When we think about makeup, many focus on skin tone as the main guide for choosing colors. But true artistry lies in seeing beyond the basic tones of beige, brown, ivory, or yellow. It’s about noticing the subtle colors that live in the cheeks, lips, and eyelids—the natural flushes and soft hues that change with emotion, light, and life. This approach transforms makeup from a mask into a reflection of the person’s unique beauty.
Understanding Color in the Face Beyond Skin Tone
Most people recognize skin tone as the foundation for makeup, but the real color story is more complex. The cheeks might carry a warm pink flush when someone laughs or exercises. Lips show a range of shades from cool heathers to soft peaches, sometimes deepening with a gentle bite. Eyelids reveal layers of muted browns, pinks, purples, and even blues that are often overlooked. It's subtle to your eye but not mine!
I also examine skin tone when selecting foundation shades, I consider not only the overall face color but also the tones on the rest of the face like, forehead, under the eyes, and on the arms, where various hues appear. I frequently notice yellow, orange, and some pink, but seldom just beige.
Our natural skin palette shifts throughout the day and with different emotions. It can change for those who have rosacea flair ups or poor circulation. Recognizing these subtle changes helps me as a makeup artist select shades that enhance rather than cover. For example, a lipstick that matches the natural lip color can brighten the face without overpowering it. Similarly, eyeshadows that echo the soft tones on the eyelids create harmony rather than contrast.
Why Matching Makeup to Natural Color Matters
Choosing makeup based solely on skin tone risks ignoring the individuality of each face. Two people with similar skin tones can have very different natural colors in their cheeks, lips, and eyes. One may have more pink lips while the other has more brown toned lips. It's important for me to have makeup that respects these differences:
Enhances natural beauty instead of masking it
Creates a balanced, cohesive look
Reflects personality and mood
Works well in different lighting and settings
For instance, a bride’s makeup should complement her wedding colors but also her natural coloring. This means considering the warmth or coolness of her lip tones, the subtle hues on her eyelids, and the natural flush of her cheeks. The result is a look that feels authentic and timeless.
How to Identify Natural Colors in the Face
To match makeup perfectly, start by observing the face closely:
Cheeks: Look for natural flushes that appear when the person smiles or moves. These can be warm pinks, soft peaches, or even gentle reds.
Lips: Notice the base color, which might be a cool heather, soft rose, or muted coral. Pay attention to how the color changes with moisture or movement.
Eyelids: Observe the subtle tones—browns, pinks, purples, blues, or peaches—that create depth and dimension.
Using natural light helps reveal these colors more accurately than artificial lighting. Taking photos in daylight can also assist in seeing the true hues. Your hues!
Choosing the Right Shades for Makeup Products
When creating or selecting makeup products like lipsticks or pencils, the goal is to find shades that blend with the natural colors rather than clash. Here are some tips:
Lipsticks: Look for shades close to the natural lip color but with a slight enhancement. Avoid shades that turn lips orange or overly red unless that is the desired effect. Have fun with shimmer but not glitter as glitter can be dated.
Blush: Choose colors that mimic the natural cheek flush. For cool undertones, soft pinks work well. For warm undertones, peaches or coral shades are flattering.
Eyeshadow: Pick tones that complement the natural eyelid colors. Soft browns and muted purples can enhance blue or green eyes, while warm peaches and browns suit brown eyes.
Testing products on the skin and observing them in different lights ensures the best match. Too much for you? Just make an appointment with Emily or myself to choose your daily shades.
The Role of Personal Taste and Style
While natural color is the foundation, personal taste shapes the final look. Some people prefer a subtle enhancement that feels natural, while others enjoy bold statements. The key is to balance personal style with colors that harmonize with natural tones. For example, someone with naturally cool-toned lips might choose a lipstick with a hint of berry or mauve to add depth without overwhelming. Another person might prefer a sheer gloss that lets their natural lip color shine through.
I think of it in terms of designers; the Ralph Lauren countryside natural look, Stella McCartney's natural uptown look or something shocking and bold like Bob Mackie or Burberry styles at the Met Gala.
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Although a bold lip can suit anyone, the eyebrows on the far left are a bit harsh. We do appreciate a dramatic look, but the one in the middle is quite overwhelming. My absolute favorite, which completely matches my style, is how the Olsen twins appear on the far right. I adore this balance!
Makeup as a Tool to Reveal & Compliment, Not Hide
The best makeup reveals who you are rather than hiding your features. It highlights your natural colors and brings out your best qualities. This approach builds confidence and creates a look that feels genuine. No one should ever have their makeup scream as they walk into a room. Unless it's in the script that is.
When it comes to special occasion makeup like a wedding it's crucial there is balance. The right kind of balance of not making the bride look like they are doing a Kardashian episode with too much makeup and contouring while getting it just right for seeing people in person, walking down the aisle (her runway for the day) and trying not to shock the groom! This is where I check for many variations of lighting when doing her makeup. Inside lighting, outdoor light and lighting the photographer will be using.
Makeup artists who see color in many ways treat each face as unique. They avoid one-size-fits-all solutions and instead curate looks that celebrate individuality. There is only one beautiful you so we want embrace it not change it. ~ Genelle
Feel free to leave a comment or contact me: genelle@faceitskin.net
Genelle
MUA, NCE
Face It Skin
Founder
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