HOLLY GOLIGHTLY: LIGHT SKIN

The utopian ideal of fair, alabaster skin is absolutely alluring, but dump the old mindset that fair equals porcelain, geisha-like makeup—it’s so passé! The matte, powdery look took a big exit this season, so think skin flooded with light reflecting pigments for a smouldering radiance, accented with shimmery earthy tints like peach, copper, tawny and beige for perking up fair skin.

1. FACE

Opt for blusher in soft peach or pink shades that won`t look too harsh on fair skin.

2. LIPS

Love blue-based reds that complement light skin, or go for super bright neons in coral or tangerine hues.

3. EYES

Nothing adds bounce and vitality to fine or limp hair like yeast, found in the most unlikely beauty beverage: beer! Mix half a cup of flat beer (shake the gas out), one teaspoon of light sunflower oil and a raw egg. Apply to just-shampooed, blow-dried damp hair, leave it in for 15 minutes, then rinse out with cold water.

SENORITA MARGARITA : Olive Skin

Makeup artists say that the medium-tan or olive skin set are the luckiest of all, able to pull off just about any shade—from the punchiest brights to the palest pastels—thanks to the warm undertones in your skin. That wonderful tan usually comes with its own lit-from-within luminosity, so never use heavy cover-up or chalky formulas that downplay your godgiven glow—sheer foundation with names like toffee, caramel and honey are perfect for that sans makeup look.

4. FACE

Stick to warm, not-too-pink blush for highlighting the face and liquid bronzer for dewy, contoured cheekbones.

5. LIPS

Garnet, bronze, brownish or plum reds worn matte or glossy work beautifully on olive skin, or go bare and sexy withnude lipstick or a slick of gloss.

6. EYES

Shimmery gold shadow looks absolutely sublime on glowing, tanned skin.

MISS BROWN TO YOU: Dark Skin

Deliciously brown skin tones can be warm (golden-toned, like Jennifer Hudson) or cool (blue-based, like Alek Wek); relish in the fact that either can take anything from ultra bright neons to the darkest hues seen on the models at S/S12. The ultimate faux pas and utter injustice to dark, chocolate-lush skin tones is using a way too-light shade of foundation, powder or concealer that leaves a sickly, gray cast, so always get your base makeup right and choose finishes that disappear into your skin.

7. FACE

Never stray from complexion-enhancing foundations that match your skin tone and blush in lustrous, luminous berry or mauve shades that blend seamlessly into the skin for healthy flushed cheeks.

8. LIPS

Don`t be afraid to experiment with brights and go for deep berry reds.

9. EYES

Go bold with deep purple or blue shades.