Foundation
Match the foundation to the skin on the inside of your wrist. Examine the colors in natural light if possible.

Blush
Pinch your cheeks and match the color raised by the blood rushing to the surface of your skin. Fair, ivory or pink-toned complexions generally look best in pinks, roses and heathers. Olive or yellow-toned skins look good in peaches, bronzes and cinnamon. Almost anyone can wear shades of plum since they work well with both warm and cool undertones.

Eye Shadow
Buy an inexpensive multicolor collection and experiment to find out what looks best on you and works well with your wardrobe.

Eyeliner Pencils
Write on the heel of your hand with the sample pencil to get an idea of how the color will work on your lids.

Mascara
This is the one eye makeup that’s virtually impossible to try before you buy. But most people can wear black, brown/black or dark brown, so there’s little risk of error if you stick to these basics.

Lip Color
Testing lip color on the heel of your hand doesn’t work. Apply it to your lips after first removing a thin layer from the sample tube with a tissue.