10 Tips for Bold, Dramatic Makeup

Wearing bold or dramatic makeup takes plenty of courage, since some are timid when applying vibrant colors. Whether you only use bold shades for special occasions or like to experiment with new lip or eyeshadow colors, it is important to apply it evenly and blend in to prevent looking like a clown. Here are 10 tips for applying bold, dramatic colors to the face:

#1 Tip for Bold Makeup

Prep your skin. Bold colors will not look good if you also see redness or under-eye circles. Moisturize with a lightweight lotion to prep the skin and dab a yellow concealer over dark circles, blemishes or red areas around the nose and mouth.

#2 Tip for Bold Makeup

Use the proper color foundation. When shopping for a foundation, make sure it blends seamlessly in with your natural skin tone, or any makeup you apply afterwards will not look good. Test out the color by applying a sample to the jaw line and checking it out in the light to make sure you don't see it.

#3 Tip for Bold Makeup

Use the foundation to create a canvas. Dap foundation on the forehead, cheeks and chin and blend in thoroughly. Dust the skin with a translucent powder to set the foundation, but avoid using too much or else it will look caked on.

#4 Tip for Bold Makeup

Choose a bold eyeshadow that will accentuate your natural eye color. Never match the shadow to your clothing, but rather choose a shade that looks great with your skin tone. Use a base color to apply to the lid, and then a darker or contrasting color to add into the crease.

#5 Tip for Bold Makeup

For a night look, add a charcoal or black liner to the upper lash lines. Use the pencil to either rim the inside lash line, or apply color from the middle of the eye and extend out towards the corner. Smudge in to give the eye a smoky look.

#6 Tip for Bold Makeup

Use plenty of mascara or apply faux lashes to help them stand out against the bold shadow. If you are lucky and have naturally thick, long lashes you will most likely only need one coat of mascara. Curl the faux and natural lashes together, and then add mascara.

#7 Tip for Bold Makeup

If you want to go bold with the eyeshadow, remember to neutralize the rest of the makeup. Use a nude or natural lipstick, gloss or stain on the lips. If you choose to play up the lips, leave the eyes natural with only eyeliner and mascara.

#8 Tip for Bold Makeup

Go bold by bringing all of the focus to the lips. Line the lips in the same color as the lipstick to keep the color inside the lips and not feathering out throughout the day.

#9 Tip for Bold Makeup

Apply any bold color like red, pink, burgundy or brown-red to the lips, and then dab on a small amount of lip gloss to give the lips a shiny look.

#10 Tip for Bold Makeup

Don't forget the cheekbones. Use a highlighter instead of a blush on the cheekbone to accentuate the facial structure without adding too much additional color to the face.