Tips for Applying Brown Makeup

Copyright (c) 2010 John Howell

Whether you're a woman of color or a makeup artist looking for tips on applying makeup, there are a few things about using brown makeup that you should know.

Learning all you can before you start a new makeup routine or start applying it on others will help you better your makeup skills and feel more confident about them in the long run.

First, keep looking and keep trying. Women looking for brown makeup often say it's difficult to find foundation that fits their skin tone exactly.

In the last few years, Cover Girl has sought to combat this problem with their Queen Collection. This line features more shades of brown makeup to suit the needs of their African, Asian, and Hispanic customers.

If you can't find this collection (or have tried it and don't like it), try mixing two shades that are closest to your own skin tone. It might take a little trial and error, but finally finding that perfect foundation will save you headaches for years to come.

Next, take care with trouble spots. For dark circles, general makeup wisdom tells us to apply concealer. If you have trouble finding brown makeup concealer in your shade, simply use a foundation that's one shade lighter than your natural skin tone or what you're using on the rest of your face.

If you are able to find brown makeup concealer, and you can't decide between two shades, always choose the lighter one. Apply in small dabs, using your ring finger. Since it's the weakest finger, it won't harm the delicate skin around your eyes.

Finally, the fun part! Brown makeup fits so well with a variety of colors, but here's just an example of one look that works particularly well.

Apply a deep purple eye shadow' think plum or raisin - from your brow bone down to your lash line. Work black eye pencil into the lash line by first dotting on the product and then smudging over it slowly with the pencil, working from the inside corner of your eye outward. Apply two coats of black mascara to each eye.

Choose a deep coral or rich cinnamon lipstick or gloss for lips. Lastly, set your look with a translucent powder using a large round makeup brush. Sweep the brush across your face in small circles to blend foundation into your hairline and jaw line.