The Best Makeup for Fair Skin, According to Our Editors
July 22, 2021
If you have fair skin, you’re probably familiar with foundations that are labeled “porcelain” and still end up looking orange, or blushes that look clownish, rather than delivering a natural flush. One way to find more flattering makeup is to determine your skin’s undertone, whether it's cool, warm or neutral. From there, it’s all about finding buildable formulas that will add a pop of color to your pale skin, rather than overpower it. Keep reading for our editors’ favorite makeup products for fair skin, from flattering bronzer to the perfect neutral eyeshadows.
Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation
To avoid looking orange or pink, it’s key to look for a foundation that offers light shades with a variety of undertones. The Luminous Silk Foundation comes in cool, neutral and warm undertones and is even available in a mini bottle so you can test-drive the formula before committing to the full-size product. The coverage is medium-buildable with a luminous finish.
L'Oréal Infallible Pro Plump Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid in Mauve Glow
Drench your lips in shine with this hyaluronic-infused plumping gloss. All the shades are sheer enough to flatter any skin tone, but Mauve Glow is the perfect my-lips-but-better color for fair skin tones. Bonus: these glosses smell like candy.
Maybelline New York Cheek Heat Gel-Cream Blush in Rose Flush
The wrong blush can take you from natural-looking to painted on in a matter of seconds. The solution? Pick up this gel-cream formula that blends out into a super sheer tint. Start slow with a small dab of product, then gradually add more for a brighter color payoff.
IT Cosmetics Ombré Radiance Bronzer
Want to add some warmth to your complexion without looking orange? This compact has a gradient of shades so you can customize the intensity of your bronze, from a subtle glow to a sun-kissed tan.
Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked Honey Eyeshadow Palette
This palette is full of flattering neutrals and pops of gold to elevate your everyday eyeshadow look. A variety of browns makes blending your neutral smoky eye a breeze, and the highlight shade, Flyby, is pale enough to pop on fair skin.
NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Liner Stick in Brown Perfection
Those with fair skin know that black eyeliner can sometimes be way harsh. Instead opt for a brown eyeliner, which is a bit softer but still adds drama and definition to the eyes. This rich chocolate pencil from NYX is waterproof, smudge-proof and lasts for up to 36 hours.
Maybelline New York FaceStudio Master Strobing Stick Illuminating Highlighter in Light Iridescent
Get a beaming glow with this pearly pink highlighter stick. The cream formula makes it easy to tap in and blend with your fingertips or a sponge for a diffused, lit-from-within sheen.
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