I’m not the greatest of makeup artists – most of the time, I cannot be bothered with anything elaborate and even if decide that I want a full face, I go for effect over technical mastery. That said, I have a good understanding of makeup in general: what products are available, how to use them, what effects can be created, what works for my face.

My makeup has been done by many different people and I always quiz them on what they use and follow the application with great interest. And no matter how simply, I’ve still done my own makeup for more than 20 years now and have learned a thing or two in the process. I know I can carry off a bold lip, but a lighter one makes me look fresher. I ruefully acknowledge that cat-eye liner is not for me, as my eye shape is unsuited for this style. I’m not a big fan of contouring in everyday life, but evidence confirms it gives my face more definition on pictures.

So it’s not often that I’m surprised about things that are put on my face, I can almost always predict if the colour or concept is going to work. Occasionally, however, I can be wrong. I have always believed that I suit cooler tones: my eyes are light blueish-greenish grey, my skin is fair and has cool (or at least neutral) undertones, I try to keep my hair a rather cold blond. And I’ve been right: a blue red lip or silvery eyes work well on me.

When we decided to do a golden-orange-apricot eye for my latest photo shoot, I was fully on board, but I didn’t really expect it to be flattering. Sure, I know that reddish tones enhance blue eyes and I have seen it in action on myself. Still, I thought these specific colours would be too bright and clash too much with my skin to produce a conventionally beautiful effect. In the end, however, I think it looks great (you may of course disagree).

The point of all the above is not to make you say that I look pretty, but to emphasise how important it is to try things and experiment. Of course, if you have no interest in makeup, then there is absolutely no need to waste time trying on orange eyeshadow. But if you like makeup and/or like discovering new things about your face, keep an open mind. Things you thought wouldn’t work might look stunning; even things that you KNOW haven’t worked in the past may work now – the quality of products has improved so much and your taste may have changed, or your face.

Also, aren’t these colours just beautiful to look at?

MUAH Grete Madisson, image Laura Nestor, turtleneck by Feelwear.