Color Theory

The science and art of using color are both a part of color theory. It discusses how color is perceived by people as well as the visual consequences of how colors blend, complement, or contrast one another. The messages that colors convey, as well as the techniques for duplicating color, are all covered within the color theory.

Colors are arranged on a color wheel and divided into three groups in color theory: primary colors, secondary colors, and tertiary colors.

Red, yellow, and blue are the primary colors.

Primary colors are the three pigment colors that, according to conventional color theory (used in paint and pigments), cannot be combined or created by any other colors. These three colors are the source of all different colors. 

Secondary colors include purple, orange, and green.

These are the hues that result from combining the primary shades.

Yellow-orange, red-orange, purple, blue, green, and yellow-green are tertiary colors.

These hues result from the blending of a primary and a secondary hue. The color is named using two words because of this; examples include blue-green, red-violet, and yellow-orange.

Color theory in beauty aids stylists and makeup professionals in making adjustments and aesthetically pleasing decisions. Makeup artists can cover bluish dark circles with orange concealer, red spots with purple makeup, and yellow spots with the green corrector. Similarly, hair stylists can use purple shampoo or toner to cover up undesired yellowish undertones in blonde hair colors. There are countless applications for corrective action.

Every phase of the makeup artist's process is based on color theory. The makeup artist needs to know color theory to make the client's skin look its best, from determining and matching a client's skin tone to the foundation to color-correcting skin imperfections to minimize them. 

Understanding skin tones is a crucial application of color theory in the cosmetic business. The spectrum of skin tones includes fair, light, medium, beige, tan, dark, and deep. However, there are more considerations besides light and dark: The undertone of any skin tone can also be classified as excellent (having a hint of pink or rosiness to its color), warm (or golden), or neutral (having both pink and golden undertones). Finding makeup that fits the skin tone and looks natural and appealing requires understanding both the tone and the undertone.

Understanding color is also necessary for designing bolder, more vibrant makeup looks: The makeup artist must be aware of the client's skin tone and color while deciding on a bold lip color, or eyeshadow look to produce color palettes that flatter that person.

 Makeup artists can enhance a client's best characteristics by using lighter or darker shades to create depth and contrast or using shade to cover a feature. For instance, to optically recede the eye socket crease and create depth that makes the eyes stand out more strikingly, a makeup artist can add a darker eyeshadow hue to that area.