Theory of colors

Upgrading is not just a techie term. For beauty addicts, it also means improving the quality or standard of something by incorporating innovations. In other words, "I need new makeup!"

Don’t we all? The basics that you already have can be boring so spice it up by adding a few colors that can take you from day to evening wear. There is no harm in updating your makeup kit as long as you know what to get and make sure you don’t put to waste what you already have.

Do your makeup kit check-list. An earth tone palette is a staple in any makeup kit. It suits all skin tones. All you have to do is to adjust the intensity of the color you apply. Put less intensity for lighter skin tones; add more intensity for medium skin tones; and slowly build up the color intensity for darker skin tones.

When using a brown-based lip color, always remember to use a blush with a lighter and brighter color but in the same color family. This will help "lift" up the brown lip color and will brighten up your face even if you have a slightly darker lip color. Brown lip colors usually have a tendency to drag the face "down", making you look older or tired. So if you are in a tight budget, it’s best to purchase lip colors. If you have enough budget allotted for colored blushes, then go for it.

This may come as a shock to you but changing the texture and color of your lips is enough to take your makeup day base to night. Even if you have the same day makeup, mascara and blush, then this is a good start. Adding color and texture is enough to make subtle changes to get you ready for your happy hour or night out. All you have to do is to change the texture and shade of your lip color. By texture, I mean the products’ finish. It can be matte, crème, shimmer or gloss. Wear simple shimmer natural looking lip colors during the day and touch it up by making the color just a bit intense at night then finish it with a gloss.

If you get so frustrated in trying to get the color that you want but couldn’t, then this is what you do. Apply a pale nude base. This way, you even out your lip color before applying your real colors. Think of it like a foundation for your lips. After your nude base, start layering in your color until you get the color that you want.

If you think that day makeup is a bore, then this is one way of varying your look. I have received countless inquiries on how to do a natural day makeup that can also be worn even at night. Choose your new colors carefully when updating your makeup kit. Make a checklist first before you purchase new colors.

If you have a lot of dark makeup already, then purchase lighter shades. This is why I’m so excited for the lucky women who will be chosen for the makeover I’m doing, which I will be announcing soon. Why? It will include a makeup upgrade! Yes, you read it right. Free makeup! And lots of it, too! So, try new shades for this coming season and you’ll sure to make heads turn.

Get the look:

• Cleanse. Tone and moisturize if needed.

• Groom eyebrows.

• Even out skin tone with concealer and/or foundation.

• Set with loose powder.

• Use medium brown shimmer on the eyes.

• Line upper lash with a brown eye pencil.

• Curl lashes.

• Apply black mascara.

• Use peach blush.

• Finish with red orange lip color and finish with gloss.

(Email the author at beautysecrets@yahoo.com)