When Matchy-Matchy is GOOD!

When you are creating a makeup look that is shades of berry-filled plums and purples - match it up!

Violets, plums, purples, etc look amazing together on the face.  Its one of those "rules" about color that you can break - but there are special tips to consider when you do!

I especially like the dark shades, even in summer, and yes, even TOGETHER!


But regardless of what shades you like, here are some tips for wearing them together

1.  Only one shimmer/glossy color on the face at one time when you do purples.  This means that if you do a glossy lip, do a matte eye.  Or the reverse, if you are wearing a shimmery/bold eye, keep the lips matte. 
Take ScarJo here in this Dior ad, they went deep, bold and glossy with the lips.  The eyes have color, but aren't sparkly or glossy

In the reverse, when you have a bold eye, you can keep the purple look subtle by blending on a vampy purple lip color with your fingers (this creates a 'stain' or a 'wash' of purple rather than thick and dark lipstick)



For the Expert: Make Up For Ever's Rouge Artist in "#15"


OR: Wet n Wild Megalast Lipcolor in "Vamp it Up" (apply with fingertips to lip area)

For the Novice:  MAC's "Lavender Whip"


Or Fresh Sugar's Lip Treatment in "Sugar Plum"

(combine with a dark matte eye)

2.  Downplay any natural blue tones on your face with concealer.  You need to prep your face for wearing purples, and that means concealing sallow tones or blue tones on your face.  Typically these are around the eyes.  You can also use a brightening primer to enhance your features.  Conceal the eye area with a yellow based concealer to counteract the blues/purples in your skin tone.  Trust, the shades will look 10x better!


3.  Use matte finishes for dark shades of eyeshadow and blend out to the brow bone.  You can wear a very dark purple eye shadow without looking bruised!  Skip eyeliner on the lower lash line, use a great concealer under eyes, and blend the dark color out to the browbone.



4.  For wearing all shades of berry, keep the upper lash line light and sweep color up on the brow bone.  Having the lighter shade (or just your plain eyelid) on the upper lash line instantly moves you away from vamp and into sweet berry territory!  Skip the eyeliner all together, or use it on the lower lash line.  You will be able to easily combine the look with a deep lipstick or a bright purple lipgloss.



4.  Try the "ethereal angel" look.  Whether novice or expert, you can nail this look with just a few products!  Its so simple.  Conceal and prep face to even out skin tone.  Sweep a light violet shadow around the eye area, and on the outer part of the lower lash line.


coat lashes with mascara, then apply a pale violet lipstick, stain or gloss.
Complete the look by adding a pale pink or nude blush on the apples of the cheeks.

For this look you can try:

Eyes: MAC Eyeshadow Single in "#92 Purple"

or Sephora Collection "Beauty in a Box" in Smokey Eyes Purple, only $10 online!


Lips:  Covergirl Lipslicks in "Lavender"

or Revlon's "Lilac Pastelle" Lipgloss



Now, are you ready for the matchy-matchy purple craze???!?!  Try it today, don't be afraid to experiment with color!