Did you know that colors that are opposite of each other on the color wheel, are used to create contrast in your makeup? They're used together to make each other stand out. In this image, I found in a popular image site, they photographed the model against a neon yellow/green background. They used contrast colors to make her eyes stand out more. These specific contrasting colors are called "Complementary Colors." You see...Red & Green are complementary colors. Also, Orange & Blue, and Yellow & Purple are complementary colors. That's why a plum lipstick and purple liner are used to accent the yellow/green eye liner and balance the entire look. You can have contrast in your makeup but not necessarily always has to be a complementary combination. Do you see how this works? Here's another example:
This picture on the right is also a contrasting look. But can you tell why it's not a complementary color combination? The colors in my makeup (yes! that's me!) are pink, black, & white. Pink and black are the main colors showing but are not opposite on the color wheel. Nonetheless, they do create a contrast between them because of the contrast of "dark and light" shades from each color.
Those rules apply to all the makeup realms. For example when finding the right lipstick shade that looks flattering. it is considered flattering , when it's balanced. So when it contrasts it creates a balancing effect and balances your entire look. That is also how I find a clients skin tone. My eye catches the main tones in the clients skin and once identified, a foundation is chosen. Consequently, I can then chose colors for their eyes, cheeks, and/or lips by finding the contrasting shades of their skin tone. Interesting huh? Now! Go experiment! Find your skin tone and foundation. Scan the skin for the most prominent tones on the skin and identify the color. Is your skin more pink (red), or very fair and (blue), or is it caramel and sun tan (orange)? Once you identify the main colors in the skin you find colors that are complementary on the color wheel and chose a shade of blush, lipstick and eyeshadows. There is more to it but those are the basics of using complementary colors in makeup. Choose wisely!