How to match makeup to jewellery

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I organise a makeup workshop for my students each year as a part of their curriculum. They struggle the most with selecting jewellery to complement the looks, particularly when a significant amount of makeup is involved. Several theories of Western Fashion (particularly books on American fashion) state that every look should revolve around 1-3 focal points. They can be garments, a particular piece of jewellery such as a necklace or earrings (never both) or accessories such as bags and shoes. It becomes a game of choice when makeup gets added to the mix. Those schooled in these theories become confused when balancing makeup, clothing, accessories and jewellery. Of course, this need not be the case if you were to look at Eastern Aesthetics. Matching makeup to jewellery can be a great way to create a cohesive and polished look. Here are my tips on how to match makeup to jewellery.

How to match makeup to jewellery – Tips

• Understand your look – Examine the look you are trying to portray. A maximalist look may mean loud makeup along with bold statement jewellery. However, a formal office look would mean subtle makeup and subtle jewellery. You can just carry a cheek and lip tint in your bag to make your face appear brighter and more put-together at work and on the go. You can also create looks where you play either the jewellery or the makeup over the other.
• Consider the colour of the metal used in your jewellery:  If you’re wearing gold jewellery, wear warm-toned makeup shades like bronze, olive or peach. On the other hand, if you’re wearing silver jewellery, wear cool pinks or purples.
• Consider the colour – Identify the colour with the maximum surface area in your jewellery and repeat it in one aspect of your makeup. When wearing a red beaded necklace, wear a red lipstick. Keep the rest of your makeup close to your natural skin and hair colour. See the example of the model wearing blue eye shadow to match my Cyanotype jewellery and dress.
• Use Accent colours – For example, if you’re wearing a pair of emerald green earrings set in gold or copper, you could complement them with a gold or copper eyeshadow. If your piece has several colours, pick one that will complete your clothing and use that colour in your makeup.
• Balance the intensity: If your jewellery is large and/or eye-catching, opt for a subdued makeup look. With a chunky beaded necklace, go for a nude lip and natural eye makeup. On the other hand, if your jewellery is more understated, you can play up your makeup look with bolder shades. If your jewellery is sparkly, then you need to use a gradation of colours to make your look softer.
• Consider the occasion: The occasion can also play a role in how you match your makeup with jewelry. For example, if you’re attending a formal event, you may want to opt for more classic makeup and jewelry choices. If you’re attending a casual event, you can play around with more fun and creative makeup and jewelry combinations. If you’re attending a formal event and wearing a diamond necklace, you may want to go for a classic makeup look, like a red lip and winged eyeliner. On the other hand, if you’re attending a casual brunch and wearing a colorful beaded bracelet, you could play around with more creative makeup choices, like a bold eyeshadow look in a complementary color.

• Indian ethnic wear is typically vibrant. So consider the colours in your outfit when selecting your makeup. With an orange saree/outfit wear a brown, dark red to maroon lipstick. Do not match orange with orange and hot pink with hot pink.
• Line your eyes – Traditional Indian jewellery is heavy, therefore, subtle makeup can wash you out. That doesn’t mean that you have to go for elaborate and heavy makeup every single time. A swipe of kajal or eyeliner and a dab of lip tint or lipstick will instantly brighten your face. A bindi, even a small one can help you complete your look.
• Skip the silver – While silver (tone) jewellery with suit most Indian, Silver makeup doesn’t. Unless you are trying a creative look for a photoshoot, skip the silver. This is one of those few instances where you can match your eye makeup colour to your clothing.
• Illuminate – Not everyone can carry off matt makeup. When you wearing silk clothing or clothing with metallic embellishments or jewellery with a worn-in shine, your face will appear dull. Instead of going overboard with a highlighter, you can use an illuminating  cream, particularly for a glam or evening look.

Overall, the key is to experiment and have fun with your makeup and jewellery combinations. Don’t be afraid to try out different combinations and see what works best for you!

I hope you found it interesting