Colour Theory for Makeup

The foundational knowledge behind every technique

Understanding the colour wheel as applied to makeup: complementary colours cancel each other (orange cancels blue, green cancels red), warm and cool undertones must match the skin's undertone to avoid a grey or orange cast, and the value (lightness/darkness) of a product relative to skin creates highlight or shadow. This knowledge is what separates someone who has memorised specific techniques from someone who can troubleshoot, adapt, and create. Understanding why green cancels redness or why peach concealer works for dark circles on deeper skin tones enables every other makeup decision — product selection, shade matching, and correcting mistakes.