Makeup for Different Lighting Environments (LED, Natural, Fluorescent)

I thought makeup was magic. I would watch my older sister get ready for school dances, fascinated by how she could transform her Face with colored powders and creams. Back then, she did her makeup in our tiny bathroom under harsh fluorescent lights, and I thought she looked perfect.

Now, after fifteen years as a professional makeup artist, I realize my sister was actually fighting an uphill battle every single day. Those bathroom lights were making her foundation look gray, her blush invisible, and her eyeshadow muddy. She had no idea that the lighting in our bathroom was sabotaging all her hard work.

This is the story of thousands of people who struggle with makeup every day, not because they lack skill but because they don’t understand how different types of light affect the way makeup looks. Today, I’m going to share everything I’ve learned about doing makeup under LED lights, natural sunlight, and fluorescent bulbs.

Why Lighting Matters More Than You Think

Light is not just light. Different types of bulbs create different colors of light, and these colors change how your makeup appears. Think of it like wearing sunglasses that tint everything blue or yellow – except instead of sunglasses, it’s the light bulbs in your room.

When I first started doing makeup professionally, I made a huge mistake. I had a client who looked stunning in my studio, but when she got to her office party that evening, her makeup looked completely wrong. Her red lipstick appeared orange, her foundation looked too pink, and her eyeshadow seemed to disappear.

The problem wasn’t my technique – it was that I had applied her makeup under warm studio lights, but the party venue had cool LED lighting. I learned that day that understanding lighting isn’t optional for good makeup; it’s necessary.

Science Made Simple

Every light source has what we call a “color temperature,” measured in something called Kelvin (K). You don’t need to memorize numbers, but here’s what you need to know:

• Warm light (like old-fashioned bulbs): Makes everything look yellow or orange
• Cool light (like some LEDs): Makes everything look blue or white
• Natural light (sunlight): Changes throughout the day but is usually the most accurate

Understanding Natural Light: The Gold Standard

Natural light is still the best light for applying makeup, but it’s not perfect all the time. I remember as a teenager, I would rush to finish my makeup before school, often applying it in dim morning light. By lunchtime, I’d catch my reflection in a classroom window and wonder why my foundation looked so different.

Morning Light (6 AM – 10 AM)

Morning sunlight is soft and slightly warm. It’s actually one of the best times to do your makeup because:

• Colors appear true to life
• You can see fine details clearly
• Harsh shadows are minimal
• Your skin looks naturally glowing

Best makeup choices for morning light:

• Use your regular foundation shade
• Blush appears more vibrant, so use a lighter hand
• Eyeshadows look precisely as they should
• Lip colors appear accurate

Midday Light (10 AM – 4 PM)

This is the brightest, most accurate light you’ll get. However, it can be almost too revealing – you’ll see every tiny imperfection.

Tips for midday light:

• This is perfect for detailed work like eyebrow tweezing
• Use this time to check if your makeup is well-blended
• Colors will appear exactly as they are
• Be careful not to over-apply products

Evening Light (4 PM – Sunset)

Golden hour light is beautiful in photos, but it can trick you when applying makeup. Everything looks warm and glowing, which might make you skip blush or use less bronzer than you actually need.

Adjustments for evening light:

• Add a bit more blush than you think you need
• Cool-toned eyeshadows might look muddy
• Warm eyeshadows will look extra beautiful
• Check your makeup in a different light before going out

Overcast Days

Cloudy light is actually fantastic for makeup application. It’s like having a giant softbox over the entire world – the light is even and flattering.

Benefits of cloudy day makeup:

• No harsh shadows on your Face
• Colors appear accurate
• Easy to blend products smoothly
• Less likely to over-apply

LED Lights: The New Challenge

LED lights are everywhere now – in our homes, offices, stores, and restaurants. When I first encountered widespread LED lighting about ten years ago, I had to relearn how to do makeup completely. LEDs are energy-efficient and long-lasting, but they can be tricky for makeup.

Warm LED Lights

These LEDs try to mimic old incandescent bulbs, creating a yellowish glow.

How warm LEDs affect your makeup:

• The foundation can look yellow or orange
• Cool-toned eyeshadows (blues, purples, grays) become muddy
• Warm eyeshadows (browns, golds, oranges) look amazing
• Red lipstick might appear more orange
• Blush needs to be cooler-toned to balance the warmth

My warm LED makeup strategy:

• Choose a foundation with slightly pink undertones
• Use more fabulous blush shades (roses instead of corals)
• Stick to warm eyeshadow palettes
• Test lip colors in LED light before buying

Cool LED Lights

These LEDs create a bright, white light that can be pretty harsh.

How cool LEDs affect your makeup:

• Everything looks more intense and dramatic
• The foundation can appear too pink or ashy
• Warm eyeshadows lose their richness
• Cool eyeshadows look stunning
• Lip colors appear more vibrant

My cool LED makeup strategy:

• Use foundation with neutral or slightly warm undertones
• Warm eyeshadows work better than you’d expect
• Go lighter on dramatic colors
• Cool lip colors look fantastic

RGB and Color-Changing LEDs

Some modern LEDs can change colors or have RGB capabilities. These are nightmare fuels for makeup artists because they can make you look like you’re in a disco.

Dealing with changeable LEDs:

• Stick to neutral makeup when you know you’ll be under these lights
• Avoid dramatic colors that might clash
• Focus on good skin preparation rather than colorful makeup

Fluorescent Lights: The Makeup Killer

Fluorescent lights are the bane of my existence. They’re in most offices, schools, grocery stores, and, unfortunately, many bathrooms. These lights have a reputation for making everyone look sick, and there’s a scientific reason for that.

Why Fluorescent Lights Are So Bad

Fluorescent bulbs don’t create a complete spectrum of light like the sun does. They’re missing specific colors, which means your makeup colors can’t reflect properly. It’s like trying to see a rainbow through colored glass – some colors disappear.

I once had a bride who looked absolutely radiant during her morning makeup session in natural light. But when she moved to the church, which had fluorescent lighting, her makeup looked thoroughly washed out in the photos. We had to do emergency touch-ups with more dramatic colors to make her look normal again.

Types of Fluorescent Lights

Cool White Fluorescent:

• Makes everything look blue-white
• Drains warmth from your complexion
• Makes yellow-based foundations look gray
• Cool eyeshadows can look icy
• Warm eyeshadows disappear

Warm White Fluorescent:

• Slightly better than cool white
• Still has the “fluorescent effect”
• Makes reds look more orange
• It can make skin look sallow

Full-Spectrum Fluorescent:

• Much better than regular fluorescent
• Tries to mimic natural light
• Still not perfect, but more forgiving
• Found in higher-end offices and stores

Fluorescent Light Makeup Strategy

After years of working with clients who spend their days under fluorescent lights, I’ve developed a specific approach:

Foundation:

• Go one shade warmer than your natural tone
• Use yellow or golden undertones to counteract the blue light
• Set well with powder to prevent looking shiny

Eyes:

• Use warmer eyeshadows than you usually would
• Browns, golds, and warm bronzes work best
• Avoid cool grays and silvers
• Use more eyeshadow than you think you need

Cheeks:

• Peachy and coral blushes work better than pink
• Apply more blush than feels natural
• Consider using a subtle bronzer

Lips:

• Warm reds and corals
• Avoid cool pinks and berries
• Use slightly more color than normal

Setting Up Your Makeup Space

The lighting in your makeup area is just as important as your technique. I’ve seen people with expensive makeup and brushes struggling because they’re applying everything under terrible lighting.

Perfect Makeup Lighting Setup

Natural light is best:

• Set up near a large window
• Face the window, don’t have it behind you
• Use sheer curtains to soften harsh direct sunlight
• Best times: 10 AM – 2 PM

When natural light isn’t available:

• Use LED bulbs with adjustable color temperature
• Look for bulbs that can switch between warm and cool
• Use multiple light sources to avoid shadows
• Hollywood-style mirror lights work well

Budget-Friendly Lighting Solutions

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on professional lighting. Here are some affordable options that actually work:

Ring lights:

• Available online for $20-50
• Provide even, shadowless light
• Many have adjustable color temperature
• Perfect for close-up work

LED strip lights:

• Stick them around your existing mirror
• Cost about $15-30
• Look for “daylight” or “natural” color options
• Easy to install

Desk lamps with LED bulbs:

• Use two lamps, one on each side of your mirror
• Choose LED bulbs labeled “daylight” (5000K-6500K)
• Position them to minimize shadows
• Total cost: under $50

What to Avoid

Single overhead light:

• Creates harsh shadows under your eyes
• Makes it hard to see what you’re doing
• Most bathroom setups are like this

Colored bulbs:

• Pink bulbs might seem flattering, but they lie
• Yellow bulbs make everything look off
• Stick to white or daylight bulbs

Lights behind you:

• You’ll be working in your own shadow
• Can’t see colors accurately
• Makes blending nearly impossible

Makeup Techniques for Different Lighting

Over the years, I’ve developed specific techniques that work better under different types of lighting. These aren’t just theories – they’re battle-tested methods that I use with real clients every day.

Natural Light Technique

When you have good natural light, you can be more subtle with everything:

Base makeup:

• Use thin layers of foundation
• Blend thoroughly since you can see every streak
• Use concealer sparingly
• Set lightly with powder

Eyes:

• Build eyeshadow slowly
• Use a light hand with dark colors
• Blend edges carefully
• Natural light shows every mistake

Cheeks and lips:

• Use your valid color preferences
• Build color gradually
• Natural light is forgiving with blending

LED Light Technique

LED lights can be very bright, so you need to adjust your approach:

For warm LEDs:

• Use slightly more product than in natural light
• Focus on cool-toned colors to balance the warmth
• Check your work in different lighting if possible

For cool LEDs:

• Colors appear more intense, so use less
• Warm up your look with bronzer or warm blush
• Be careful with dramatic colors

Fluorescent Light Survival Technique

This is for people who have to apply makeup under fluorescent lights or will be spending their day under them:

Preparation:

• Use a color-correcting primer
• Choose foundation one shade warmer than normal
• Set everything well to prevent shine

Application:

• Use more products than feel natural
• Focus on warm tones
• Check your work with a phone camera if possible
• The camera can sometimes show you what others see

Color Theory for Different Lights

Understanding basic color theory has made me a better makeup artist, and it can help you, too. You don’t need to become an expert, but knowing a few basics will improve your makeup dramatically.

Warm vs. Cool Undertones

Warm undertones work best with:

• Warm lighting (golden, yellow)
• Colors like gold, bronze, coral, warm reds
• Yellow-based foundations

Cool undertones work best with:

• Cool lighting (blue, white)
• Colors like silver, gray, pink, berry
• Pink-based foundations

Neutral undertones:

• Work in most lighting
• Can wear both warm and cool colors
• Most versatile for changing lighting situations

Color Temperature Matching

This is a professional trick that most people don’t know about:

Match your makeup temperature to your lighting:

• Warm lighting = warm makeup colors
• Cool lighting = cool makeup colors
• Mixed lighting = neutral colors

Phone Camera Test

Your phone camera can be a helpful tool for checking your makeup in different lighting. Take a selfie in your makeup area, then compare it to how you look in person. If there’s a big difference, your lighting might be off.

What to look for:

• Does your foundation match your neck?
• Do your eyeshadow colors look muddy or disappear?
• Is your blush visible?
• Do your lip colors look natural?

Specific Makeup Looks for Different Environments

Based on my experience doing makeup for people in various professions and situations, here are some specific recommendations:

Office Makeup (Usually Fluorescent)

The 9-to-5 Face:

• Foundation one shade warmer than natural
• Peachy or coral blush
• Brown or bronze eyeshadows
• Warm red or coral lipstick
• Well-set to last all-day

Why this works: Fluorescent lights drain warmth from your Face, so adding warmth back with your makeup choices creates a natural, healthy look that photographs well and looks good in person.

Evening Out Makeup (LED Restaurant/Bar Lighting)

Night Out Face:

• Slightly more dramatic than the daytime
• Depends on the venue’s lighting style
• Generally can handle more color
• Focus on long-wearing formulas

Outdoor Event Makeup (Natural Light)

The Fresh Air Face:

• Use your natural color preferences
• Focus on sun protection
• Waterproof formulas, if needed
• Less is more in bright sunlight

Video Call Makeup (LED Computer Screen)

This has become incredibly important since 2020:

Zoom-Ready Face:

• Slightly more color than you’d typically wear
• Avoid shimmery products that can look odd on camera
• Focus on defining features that might get washed out
• Test your look on camera before important calls

Product Recommendations by Lighting Type

After testing hundreds of products under different lighting conditions, these are the ones that consistently perform well:

Universal Products (Work in All Lighting)

Foundations:

• Neutral undertones work everywhere
• Medium coverage is the most versatile
• Matte or natural finish (avoid too much glow)

Eyeshadows:

• Neutral browns
• Soft mauves
• Bronze and copper tones
• Cream eyeshadows blend well in any light

Lip Colors:

• Neutral pinks
• Berry tones
• Classic reds with balanced undertones

Warm Light Specialists

Best for LED warm/incandescent:

• Cool-toned blushes (rose, pink)
• Cool eyeshadows (grays, taupes, cool browns)
• Blue-based red lipsticks
• Pink-toned foundations

Cool Light Specialists

Best for LED cool/fluorescent:

• Warm-toned blushes (peach, coral)
• Warm eyeshadows (gold, bronze, warm brown)
• Orange-based red lipsticks
• Yellow-toned foundations

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

These are the mistakes I see over and over again, and they’re usually lighting-related:

Mistake 1: Applying Makeup in Poor Lighting

• The problem: You can’t see what you’re actually doing, so you either apply too much or too little product.
• The fix: Invest in better lighting for your makeup area, even if it’s just a $25 ring light.

Mistake 2: Not Checking Your Makeup in Different Lights

• The problem: Your makeup looks great in your bathroom but terrible everywhere else.
• The fix: Always check your finished look in at least two different types of lighting before you leave the house.

Mistake 3: Using the Same Makeup Routine in All Lighting

• The problem: What works in natural light might not work under office fluorescents.
• The fix: Develop different versions of your routine for different environments.

Mistake 4: Choosing Colors Based Only on How They Look in the Pan

• The problem: That gorgeous purple eyeshadow might look muddy under your office lights.
• The fix: Test colors in the lighting where you’ll actually be wearing them.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Undertones

• The problem: Using the wrong undertones for your lighting situation makes everything look off.
• The fix: Learn to identify warm and cool tones, then match them to your lighting.

Seasonal Lighting Changes

Something most people don’t think about is how lighting changes throughout the year and how this affects your makeup routine.

Summer Lightning

• Stronger, brighter natural light
• More time spent outdoors
• Can handle-less makeup overall
• Focus on sun protection and waterproof formulas

Winter Lighting

• Weaker natural light
• More time spent under artificial lighting
• May need slightly more makeup to look vibrant
• The skin often looks paler and might need a different foundation shade

Spring and Fall

• Changing light conditions
• Good time to reassess your routine
• Natural light becomes longer or shorter
• Adjust makeup intensity accordingly

Psychology of Lighting and Makeup

There’s a psychological component to how lighting affects our makeup choices that I find fascinating. Over the years, I’ve noticed patterns in how people feel about their appearance under different lights.

Confidence and Lighting

Good lighting makes people feel:

• More confident
• More attractive
• More willing to take photos
• More Social

Poor lighting makes people feel:

• Self-conscious
• Tired-looking
• Less photogenic
• Like avoiding mirrors

Makeup Adjustment Effect

I’ve observed that people automatically adjust their makeup when they consistently spend time in certain lighting:

• Office workers often wear more blush (fighting fluorescents)
• People who work under LEDs tend to prefer neutral colors
• Those with great natural light often wear less makeup overall

Professional Tips for Special Situations

Wedding Makeup and Lighting

Weddings involve multiple lighting situations throughout the day. Here’s my approach:

For the ceremony:

• Consider the venue’s lighting
• Natural light venues: stick to your routine
• Indoor venues with artificial light: adjust accordingly
• Always do a lighting test beforehand

For photos:

• Slightly more makeup than you’d typically wear
• Professional photographers often use additional lighting
• Focus on definition and long-wearing products

Job Interview Makeup

Most interviews happen in office buildings with fluorescent lighting:

• Foundation one shade warmer than normal
• Peachy blush instead of pink
• Neutral, professional colors
• Well-groomed appearance, over-dramatic colors

Stage and Performance Makeup

This is an extreme example, but it illustrates the importance of lighting:

• Stage lights are incredibly bright and wash out everything
• Performers wear 3-4 times more makeup than normal
• Colors must be much more intense
• Everything is exaggerated to be visible from a distance

Technology and the Future of Makeup Lighting

The lighting landscape is constantly changing, and makeup needs to adapt:

Smart Bulbs

New LED bulbs can change color temperature throughout the day:

• Warm in the evening
• Cool during the day
• Apps can control it
• Allow you to match your makeup routine to consistent lighting

Color-Correcting Lighting

Some new lighting systems claim to make everyone look their best:

• Adjust automatically based on skin tone
• Still being developed
• Expensive but promising

Augmented Reality Makeup Apps

These use your phone’s camera to show how makeup will look:

• Can simulate different lighting conditions
• Helpful for testing colors
• It is not perfect, but improving rapidly

Building Your Lighting-Adapted Makeup Kit

Instead of having just one makeup routine, consider building a flexible kit that adapts to different lighting situations:

Core Products (Use Everywhere)

• Neutral foundation that works in most lights
• Basic eyeshadow palette with warm and cool tones
• Two blush options (warm and cool)
• Versatile lip colors

Warm Light Add-ons

• Cool-toned blush
• Gray or taupe eyeshadows
• Blue-based red lipstick

Cool Light Add-ons

• Warm-toned blush
• Gold or bronze eyeshadows
• Orange-based red lipstick

Emergency Touch-up Kit

• Compact mirror
• Blotting papers
• Lipstick or gloss
• Small blush compact

Practical Daily Routines

Here are some realistic routines based on different lighting situations you might encounter:

Office Worker’s Routine

Morning (at home in natural light):

• Apply base makeup normally
• Use slightly warmer colors than you prefer
• Set everything well for longevity

Midday touch-up (under office fluorescents):

• Add more blush if you look washed out.
• Reapply lipstick
• Check that your makeup still looks even.

Flexible Schedule Routine

For people who move between different lighting throughout the day:

• Start with a neutral base.
• Carry a small touch-up kit.
• Focus on products that look good in multiple lights.
• Please keep it simple but polished.

Work-from-Home Video Call Routine

For video conferences:

• Test your look on camera first.
• Avoid shimmery products
• Define your features more than you usually would
• Ensure your lighting setup is consistent.

Troubleshooting Common Lighting Problems

Problem: Your makeup looks different every time you leave the house

Solution: Your home lighting doesn’t match the outside world. Try checking your makeup in natural light near a window before you leave.

Problem: You look washed out at work

Solution: Your office probably has fluorescent lights. Try using warmer colors and more blush.

Problem: Your makeup looks too dramatic in some places

Solution: You might be applying it under very bright lights. Try using a lighter hand or dimming your makeup lights slightly.

Problem: Colors never look like you expect them to

Solution: You need more consistent lighting. Consider investing in color-accurate LED bulbs for your makeup area.

Problem: You look great in photos but not in person (or vice versa)

Solution: Camera flashes and phone cameras have their own “lighting.” Try taking selfies in different lights to see how you really look.

Science Behind Color Rendering

For those who want to understand the technical side, here’s a simplified explanation of why different lights make makeup look different:

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

This measures how accurately a light source shows colors compared to natural sunlight:

• 100 = perfect (natural sunlight)
• 90+ = excellent (high-quality LEDs)
• 80+ = good (decent LEDs)
• 70+ = fair (cheap LEDs)
• Below 70 = poor (old fluorescents)

Practical Application

When buying bulbs for your makeup area, look for:

• CRI of 90 or higher
• Color temperature around 5000K-6500K (daylight)
• “Full spectrum” if available

Cultural and Historical Perspective

Makeup and lighting have always been connected throughout history:

Historical Context

• Ancient Egyptians used kohl partly because it looked good in desert sunlight.
• 1920s makeup was designed for the harsh lighting of early photography
• 1980s makeup was partially a response to fluorescent office lighting becoming common
• Modern makeup trends often reflect our LED-dominated world.

Cultural Differences

Different cultures have different lighting preferences:

• Some prefer warm, cozy lighting.
• Others prefer bright, efficient lighting.
• Makeup trends often reflect these preferences.

Environmental and Sustainability Considerations

The shift to LED lighting has environmental benefits, but it also changes how we need to think about makeup:

LED Benefits

• Use less energy
• Last longer
• It can be dimmed and color-adjusted
• Better for the environment

Makeup Adaptation

• Need to learn new color relationships.
• May need different products than previous generations
• Opportunity to be more flexible with color choices

Professional Makeup Artist Secrets

Here are some insider tips that I use with clients:

Two-Mirror Test

I always have clients look in two different mirrors with different lighting:

• One with warm light
• One with cool light
• This shows how their makeup will look in different situations.

Phone Flash Test

Taking a photo with a flash can reveal problems:

• Foundation that doesn’t match
• Powder that’s too reflective
• Colors that don’t work together

Distance Test

Step back from the mirror:

• Close-up makeup often looks too intense from a distance.
• Most people see you from 3-6 feet away, not 6 inches.

Movement Test

Turn your head side to side under your makeup light:

• This reveals harsh lines.
• Shows areas that need more blending
• Helps you see what others see

Advanced Techniques for Light-Responsive Makeup

Color Switching Technique

Use products that look different under different lights:

• Duochrome eyeshadows that shift color
• Lipsticks that adjust to your pH and lighting
• Foundations with light-reflecting particles

Strategic Highlighting

Place highlighter where it will catch the light in your specific environment:

• Natural light: traditional high points work well
• Artificial light: you might need different placement
• Multiple light sources: keep highlighting subtle

Adaptive Blending

Blend differently based on your lighting:

• Soft light: can get away with less blending
• Harsh light: need perfect blending
• Changing light: blend for the harshest light you’ll encounter

Makeup for Specific Age Groups and Lighting

Teenagers and Young Adults

• Often dealing with school fluorescent lighting.
• May have limited makeup experience
• Benefit from simple, foolproof techniques
• Should focus on good basics rather than trends

Working Professionals

• Need makeup that works in office environments.
• Often dealing with video calls and artificial lighting.
• Want efficient routines that don’t require touch-ups.
• Benefit from investment in good lighting at home

Mature Adults

• May have vision changes affecting makeup application
• Need good lighting more than ever.
• Might prefer simplified routines
• Benefit from techniques that work in various lighting conditions

Conclusion: Finding Your Light

After fifteen years of working with makeup and lighting, I’ve learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best makeup routine is one that works for your specific lifestyle, lighting situations, and personal preferences.

My seven-year-old self thought makeup was magic, and in a way, she was right. But the real magic isn’t in the products themselves – it’s in understanding how light interacts with those products to create the look you want.

The key lessons I want you to remember are:

• Start with good lighting in your makeup area. This single change will improve your makeup more than any expensive product.
• Understand the lighting in your daily environment. If you spend eight hours a day under fluorescent lights, your makeup routine should account for that.
• Be flexible with your color choices. What works in natural light might not work under LEDs, and that’s okay.
• Test and adjust. Check your makeup in different lighting whenever possible, and don’t be afraid to make changes.
• Invest in versatile products. Build a collection that can adapt to different lighting situations rather than having a different routine for every possible scenario.

The lighting world will continue to change as technology advances, but these principles will remain the same. Whether we’re dealing with new types of LEDs, smart bulbs, or technologies we haven’t even invented yet, the basic relationship between light and color will stay consistent.

Remember that makeup should make you feel confident and comfortable, regardless of the lighting situation. Don’t let poor lighting discourage you from wearing makeup if you enjoy it, and don’t feel pressured to wear makeup just because the lighting is unflattering.

Your seven-year-old self might have thought makeup was magic, but now you know the real secret: it’s all about understanding light. And that knowledge is the most powerful tool in your makeup kit.

Quick Reference Guide

Best Makeup Colors by Lighting Type

Natural Light:

• Use your valid color preferences
• All colors work well
• Focus on good application technique

Warm LED/Incandescent:

• Cool-toned blush (pink, rose)
• Cool eyeshadows (gray, taupe, cool brown)
• Blue-based red lipsticks
• Pink-undertoned foundation

Cool LED:

• Warm-toned blush (peach, coral)
• Warm eyeshadows (gold, bronze, warm brown)
• Orange-based red lipsticks
• Yellow-undertoned foundation

Fluorescent:

• Peachy blush
• Brown and bronze eyeshadows
• Warm red or coral lipsticks
• Yellow-undertoned foundation (one shade warmer than usual)

Emergency Lighting Fixes

• Looking washed out? Add more blush.
• Colors looking muddy? Try warmer tones.
• Is everything looking too intense? Use a lighter hand.
• Is the foundation looking wrong? Check your undertones against the lighting.

Shopping for Lighting-Friendly Makeup

• Test products in the store’s lighting
• Ask about return policies
• Consider buying samples first
• Take photos in different lighting when possible

This guide should help you navigate the complex world of makeup and lighting with confidence. Remember, practice makes perfect, and every lighting situation is an opportunity to learn something new about how to make yourself look and feel your best.