Makeup

11 Bright Makeup Colors That Work on Everyone

No time to hunt for the perfect makeup shades for your skin tone? Check out these picks makeup artists say look amazing on all women

March 16, 2012 | by Sharon J. Yi | 77 COMMENTS

Nars Matte Eyeshadow in Outremer, $24 "Blue is a good color for everyone to wear on their eyes. I know it sounds crazy, but a dark shade of blue is a neutral in my opinion," says Maderich. Why? Because a dark blue (even one that's as bright as Outremer) is versatile. You can use it as an eyeliner, by dipping a thin eyeliner brush into water and turning the powder into a paste. Or, use an eyeshadow brush and use the powder for a fun twist on the black smoky eye. Nars National Makeup Stylist, Janice Daoud, agrees that it's very flattering for every skin tone: "I've used this on everyone from pale-skinned blondes to dark chocolate skin tones."

SEE NEXT PAGE: L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lip Gloss in Sangria, $9.99

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products mentioned

CoverGirl Cheekers Blush

7.7

Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15

8.2

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact

8.2

MAC Lipstick

9.1

MAC Eye Kohl

8.4

NARS Blush

9.1

Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner

8.6

Benefit Velvet Eyeshadow

9.1

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics OCC Lip Tar

8.7

Nars Matte Eyeshadow

8.0

L'Oréal Paris Infallible 8 Hr Le Gloss

7.1

Clinique Almost Lipstick

8.3

Wet n Wild Color Icon Lipliner

8.0

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I actually like the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

by EricaF123 Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 12:29PM Report as inappropriate

Some very useful information in this article -- the tips as well as the products. I have a full face, and it never occurred to me before that wearing a focal-point lip color could help sculpt it -- while the nude lips that I like could make it look "like a beach ball." Yikes!

by purple9a Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 07:57AM Report as inappropriate

I've had my eye on NARS "Funny Face" lipstick for a while now. The eye shadow in "Outremer" is a surprise but I am interested in checking it out too!

by HeathRene Friday, March 1, 2013 at 02:18PM Report as inappropriate

I like the loreal lipgloss.

by cheerio9551 Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 09:47PM Report as inappropriate

not too sure about some of these...

by Chris213 Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 05:59PM Report as inappropriate

very nice collection, except I'm really not sure about that blue eyeshadow. I find it hard to picture someone who it would look good on.

by venenumletalis Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 03:01PM Report as inappropriate

love these

by LittleBunny Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 10:23PM Report as inappropriate

trueeeeeeeee

by aishak55 Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 04:55PM Report as inappropriate

I'm definitely picking up some of that gold lip gloss!

by schien Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 09:12AM Report as inappropriate

THE TARTE LIPGLOSS IS ONLY PRODUCT I EVER TRIED FROM TARTE, AND ITS WONDERFUL...

by Tlee Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 07:28PM Report as inappropriate

COVERGIRLBLUSH... LOVE IT... WEARS AND STAYS ON GREAT...

by Tlee Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 07:23PM Report as inappropriate

I really want the nars blush

by amber.flute Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 03:48PM Report as inappropriate

i really want to try out the occ lip tars

by rayshaviolet Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 11:15AM Report as inappropriate

Pretty

by EricaF123 Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 06:49AM Report as inappropriate

I really have to try that BB Shimmer Brick.

by eatinglipstick Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 12:35PM Report as inappropriate

Nice options, I dont think i have any of these.

by nicky22 Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 08:53AM Report as inappropriate

I've been using this Nars blush in for a few years and I live by it. Not to mention that I am african american and it works great with my skin tone.

by nolaljohnson Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 02:16PM Report as inappropriate

Love Nars, but that blue looks very bright! I'd like to try Clinique Lip Gloss in Goldspun, even though I don't usually like Clinique. The Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Beige looks great too!

by robyne00 Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 03:32PM Report as inappropriate

I haven't tried any of these, do you really think that these colors are universal?

by lilas Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 10:44PM Report as inappropriate

I'd kill to rock that gorgeous pink but I'd look like a little girl playing in her moms makeup. Bummer

by kimihavens Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 12:34PM Report as inappropriate

never dare to try bold lippie but i guess im going to try them :)

by yun_yuwa Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 10:25AM Report as inappropriate

I have medium colored skin and the Nars blush didn't work for me. However, I highly recommend the pink lipsticks. Every time I wear one of these bright new colors I get lots of compliments from men and women. And, since I'm a gold freak, I'm running out to buy the Clinique gold lip gloss. The right gold lip gloss product looks awesome on top of any lipstick and alone. Don't leave home without it!

by Cheryl5752 Friday, August 17, 2012 at 10:51PM Report as inappropriate

i need to try the nars o blush everyone raves about it so must be really nice

by jenni84 Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 01:40PM Report as inappropriate

I need to try a few of these out. Anyone who hasn't tried NARS O needs to, it is that amazing!

by kimmi_o Monday, July 23, 2012 at 09:05PM Report as inappropriate

@Pegziboo, I agree with @Attagirl--it's probably Nars Funny Face (the lipstick mentioned on the second slide)

by LipglossandSpandex Sunday, July 22, 2012 at 09:24AM Report as inappropriate

Pegziboo, I do believe its Nars Funny Face..last one to Sephora is a rotten egg! :)

by attagirl Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 08:12AM Report as inappropriate

MAC Lipstick in Mocha ,My favorite.

by mlira Monday, July 9, 2012 at 04:25PM Report as inappropriate

I LOVE the hot pink lips! I think the trick to pulling this off is to be sure the color on your cheeks is in the same color family as your lips.

by flirtygirl214 Monday, July 2, 2012 at 03:08PM Report as inappropriate

Some of these are cool, but most of them aren't bright at all!

by Roxalyn Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 05:14PM Report as inappropriate

love this article! really great advice I love bright colors but I thought because I was pale I couldnt wear bright hues but I want to try ALL of these tips!

by Alisunshine Friday, June 22, 2012 at 01:06PM Report as inappropriate

If Cover girl is still selling blush for $3.99, then nobody has any excuse for not having a little color on their cheeks! A little blush makes everyone look better, doesn't it?

by alictasia Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 08:24AM Report as inappropriate

that blue eyeshadow is to die for!

by talecon Friday, June 8, 2012 at 12:37PM Report as inappropriate

can't wait to try these colors!

by raquel_raygoza Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 07:18PM Report as inappropriate

i tried the sangria infallible lipgloss and HATED it, however mac's mocha lipstick is amazing

by liliofthevalley Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 08:20AM Report as inappropriate

This really makes me want to get a nice fuchsia lipstick! Love this article.

by rawrxjasmine Friday, May 18, 2012 at 10:11PM Report as inappropriate

CAN SOMEONE TELL ME THE BRAND AND SHADE OF LIPSTICK IN THE FIRST COVER PIC WITH THE TWO LADIES AND THEIR LIPS???? I've been looking for it everywhere trying to find the match, I MUST OWN THAT COLOR!!!

by Pegziboo Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 07:43PM Report as inappropriate

I want to try the brown eyeliner now.

by andyv1217 Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 09:25PM Report as inappropriate

These are great suggestions, but it would really have been helpful to actually see the products on different women.

by TheLacqueredLady Monday, April 30, 2012 at 10:02PM Report as inappropriate

I can do the bright red. The bright pink, yikes!

by lisiana_de_bem_justino Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 07:08PM Report as inappropriate

great

by Nicole2814 Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 05:13PM Report as inappropriate

I agree with a majority of these products...I have put my friends and coworkers on the Nars Funny Face lipstick, Nars Org@sm blush, OCC's Grandma and MAC's Teddy eyeliner!! They look great on everyone.

by MizzPink Monday, April 23, 2012 at 11:23AM Report as inappropriate

Wow! Colors I would have never thought of using. I will have to try them!

by WiccanLady Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 05:21PM Report as inappropriate

Blue eye shadow looks bad on everyone! I can't believe it is back for Spring this season. I do ADORE the hot pink lip color though.

by pynkNymphette Friday, April 13, 2012 at 11:33PM Report as inappropriate

thanks!!!

by teema Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 08:38AM Report as inappropriate

Some of these would look great on me! Thanks!

by vogueandlace Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 11:04AM Report as inappropriate

i like all of these except the blue eyeshadow. blue, in all shades, looks absolutely terrible on me. i have medium skin, red hair, and green eyes.

by rebecca_moran_watson Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 01:02AM Report as inappropriate

With my red hair and green eyes, most of these products would definitely not work for me.

by robyne00 Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 05:43PM Report as inappropriate

I liked the selection of products in this article as they covered everything and made me think about what i CAN DO RATHR THAN WHAT i CANT. Sorry, keyboard off! aNYWAY ITS A MUCH BETTER WAY AND OPENS UP FOR CREATIVITY, WHEN TIME ALLOWS AFTER ALL ITS NOT A TATOO!

by mum21 Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 03:26PM Report as inappropriate

i'm not bold enough to try some of these (blue eyeshadow? fuscha lipstick?) but i do like the recommendations for the more "neutral" univerally flattering options for lip color and eye makeup...will have to try some of these!

by jenstar313 Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 01:43PM Report as inappropriate

I really don't agree that these looks work for everyone. I really don't even think most of them work on the models.

by shinyandiknowit Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 01:28PM Report as inappropriate

Please! 90% of these colors would look ridiculous on a woman well past 40!! Who writes this stuff? Women past 40 should not be wearing mud eye colors and shimmer..anywhere on their face. And as for that Garish bright blue shadow...yah..okay...if you're 19! Women read stuff like this and follow it, not using common sense, & they look silly.

by MARYP1010 Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 12:57PM Report as inappropriate

You can work hard at getting anything to work but why spend the money unless you really love the product.. I didn't see any product here worth trying that I loved. Because everyone is different but I wouldn't say this works for every skin. Maybe one of two of the products would work but not all of them. Didn't care for the lip stick at all. Ugg.

by sonset Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 11:50AM Report as inappropriate

Interesting

by msrayz10 Monday, March 26, 2012 at 12:49PM Report as inappropriate

Wow These are great colors and i have a tan colored skin im sure ill have the confidence to pull them all off.

by jessiemakeup218 Monday, March 26, 2012 at 12:27PM Report as inappropriate

That blue nars matte eyeshadow is so bright, I don't know if I ever pull that off!

by MissXu Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 08:19PM Report as inappropriate

Alas....I can no longer wear any brights...

by ShanthiDevi Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 06:49PM Report as inappropriate

Well, I must be the outlier for this list. Gold in anything makes me look like a dialysis patient. Every Nars O product I've ever tried has looked too warm for me.

by krycekov Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 02:10PM Report as inappropriate

I've been wanting a really bright lipstick. May have to try the Nars fuchsia one.

by StanziMozart Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 06:04AM Report as inappropriate

that lip tar color is hideous.

by eatinglipstick Friday, March 23, 2012 at 02:29PM Report as inappropriate

11 high end picks and only one drugstore? I'm begining to think that I'm one of the few around here that's on a budget.

by hananoire Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 08:59AM Report as inappropriate

This is a great article, useful to everyone, and we can pick and choose what we're most comfortable with too. Some of these I have and some I now want to try. Thank you!

by jenn8779 Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 07:31AM Report as inappropriate

I love this list! I'll definitely consider trying some of these. I do already have a fuchsia lipstick that works with my fair skin and red hair (YSL, Rouge Vermillon) and I can wear it super bright or toned down. But I like the idea of including some blue with a smoky eye look.

by tallredamanda Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 04:53AM Report as inappropriate

Some of these might look good on everyone, but I wouldn't call beige bright. I love bright lipstick. Even if you don't have any other make up on, it still makes it look like you put in effort.

by KayArrEff Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 07:44AM Report as inappropriate

Loving the new MAC mattes and of course, Nars Schiap.

by tamara_manor Monday, March 19, 2012 at 04:40PM Report as inappropriate

I love this article! I'm really excited to try these shades, especially the benefit eye shadows and the MAC lipstick! Not too sure about the fuscia lipstick or the gold lip gloss though...

by slvandas Monday, March 19, 2012 at 03:48PM Report as inappropriate

I would try almost all of these & use a few already. But I would have to say absolutely not to blue eye shadow & fuschia lipstick (not together). You would see my lips coming into the room before the rest of me if I wore that lipstick. Not a good look in my opinion.

by Feline44mom Monday, March 19, 2012 at 02:36PM Report as inappropriate

it's articles like this that make me wish i was more of a lipstick person. i would totally wear that fuschia lipstick, but everyone one i run into would comment about how out of the ordinary it is for me. perhaps, this will be my summer resolution (that should be a thing!)

by mlenaei Monday, March 19, 2012 at 10:25AM Report as inappropriate

I think I want to try the MAC lipstick. I expiremented with a CoverGirl lipstick in a red/purple color. It really makes my lips stand out and its actually pretty cool, but I need something for the days I want to tone it down :)

by msbrown822 Monday, March 19, 2012 at 09:55AM Report as inappropriate

I love a sheer gold lipgloss, a wash of gold over the eyes, and chocolate brown instead of black eyeliner. These are all tips I use everyday! As for the fuschia lipstick and blue eyeshadow, definitely not for me! Love this article!

by powerwoman033 Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 11:20AM Report as inappropriate