What's your color?

 
What's your color? The one that makes your eyes sparkle? When you were a teenager, it might've been fire-engine red lipstick and blue eye shadow, right? Now, though, your hair, skin and lip colors have evolved with your age. Your makeup color palette should, too! Makeup master Laura Mercier has the secrets to choosing the most flattering eye, lip and cheek colors to bring out your best features.
Light versus dark eye color

 Eye-shadow shades
Finding the perfect eye color may not be a black-and-white decision, but it can be as simple as light versus dark. Laura says light eye colors emphasize an area and make it look larger, while dark colors can make an area appear smaller. So if you have dry or wrinkly eyelids, consider using less light, shimmery shadow on that part of your lid. Use it to highlight your brow bone instead.
Gray eye shadow

 Eye-shadow color
Laura says there is one eye-shadow color that looks stunning on just about every woman—gray. "Grays are great as you get older. All shades of gray," says Laura. "It's black and white combined. There are millions of versions, so you can go as light or dark as you want." A dark gray in particular can be used to deepen the crease of your eye and "open it up" without looking too dark or just plain black.

Plus, gray eye color is neutral, neither warm nor cool, says Laura. "It's easy to apply. It matches every skin tone and matches every possible outfit, too. ... Women, think gray!" For a soft, warm look, Laura suggests adding a hint of color to your gray, like a grayish-green.
Mascara color

Mascara
How many of us grab black mascara and go? Too many! Black mascara isn't the perfect match for all eyelashes and skin tones. Laura says that older women with lighter or more sallow skin tones than they had in their younger days often look great in brown mascara, as do fair-skinned women with red or blonde hair. And if your eyelashes are thinning, don't go darker with your mascara color. Just think thicker!

The left eye pictured above shows how soft and rich brown mascara can look versus the right eye's harsher black mascara.
Blush colors

Blush
Laura says blush can add life to older, sallow skin and brighten anyone's face. A key to getting it right is the color. "Blush colors should be natural," says Laura. "Don't go too extreme, like the current trend of a very orange color, if it doesn't look natural." Instead, Laura suggests choosing plum or pink shades of blush, like brownish-pink, peachy-pink or slightly golden tones that create a glow. Don't go too dark or too brown, especially if you have sallow skin, Laura cautions. If you're looking for something darker, however, consider a warm hazelnut or brownish-gold blush.

The bottom line? "Always choose muted tones that complement your skin color," says Laura." Unsure of your skin tone? Just ask a professional for your skin's most compatible color palette.
Lipstick colors

Lip color
In a nutshell, apply creamy lipsticks of muted or natural colors that accent your skin tone.

In addition, Laura recommends that older women shy away from bold colors that contrast with their natural skin color. Plus, avoid frosted as well as matte lipsticks, which can emphasize flaws and make your lips looks dry.

Now perfect your gorgeous face with precise blush application.