With so many different wig colours and styles that I switch between daily, I have had to become flexible when it comes to pairing makeup with the ‘wig of the day’. My go-to signature makeup look, that I have worn since my 20’s, will always be a black cat-eye liner flick and a bold bright lip; it goes with everything!
Hair Colors and Makeup: Go For Like Tones
When I want to branch out and play with makeup, the basic rule of thumb I follow when matching makeup and wigs is to pair like tones.
A warm toned wig will look spectacular with warmer toned makeup, and the same goes for cooler toned hair and makeup. You can’t go too wrong if you follow this basic like-tone approach.
Here are a few of my favourite pairings…
Warm Blonde Colours and Makeup Tips
Here are my makeup tips when wearing warm blonde wigs:
Tip #1 - I keep my eyes lightly smoky and shimmery with shades of light nudes and browns and gold
Tip #2 - I use peachy tones on my cheeks to brighten my complexion
Tip #3 - I add a nude lip liner on my lips for a fuller pout and dab on some nude apricot lipstick in the middle
Style: Longing for Long by Raquel Welch in SS14/88
Cool Silver-Grey Colour and Makeup Tips
Here are my makeup tips when wearing cool silver-grey wigs:
Tip #1 – I opt for light glam on my eyes with cool nudes and shimmery taupes and pink
Tip #2 – I use pink or plum tones on my cheeks for a natural flushed look
Tip #3 – I swipe on some dusty rose lipstick on my lips to tie in the neutral pinky tones.
Style: Stumptown by BelleTress in Roca Margarita Blonde
Warm Brunette Colour and Makeup Tips
Here are my makeup tips when wearing warm brunette wigs
Tip #1 – I stick to warm nudes and browns with a pop of rose gold shimmer in the middle of the eyelid
Tip #2 – I use pink or peachy tones to add some warmth to my complexion
Tip #3 – I add dark pink lip liner to enhance my pout, paired with pink lipgloss for a fuller appearance
Style: January by Jon Renau in FS6/30/27
Pink Fashion Colours and Makeup Tips
Here are my makeup tips when wearing pink wigs
Tip #1 – I match eyeshadow to the pink tones of my wig ~ peachy pinks in the crease with a brighter pop of pink shimmer on the eyelids
Tip #2 – I use the same toned peachy pink high on the cheeks for a monochromatic appearance
Tip #3 – I finish the look with a nude lip liner, paired with a pale peach lip gloss
Style: Orchid by Estetica in Smokey Rose
…
If you like to have fun with makeup like I do and want to express yourself creatively in this way, it is perfectly fine to contrast colours and makeup, to make your hair stand out or if you prefer, apply your makeup to help your features stand out.
There are plenty of colour guidelines for the ‘right’ colour pairings, and that’s where colour theory comes into play, but it all comes down to what you think looks best on you.
Just like with makeup, if you want to go your own way and throw out choosing a wig based on your undertone, then more power to you! Colour theory should be used as a guide, but at the end of the day go with what you feel comfortable with and/or have fun and let your personality shine through.
Written by Kim Stamiris | @kim_stam
I’m an Australian-based wig and makeup enthusiast, living with alopecia universalis, who is on a mission to support and help people with hair loss feel fabulous about themselves, using a little genuine insider know-how and some tips & tricks I have picked up on my own personal journey.