Ask Jill – Bronze on Tan

Tati asks: "What types of eyeshadow look good on someone with a dark complexion?"

Well, Tati. I could answer that here. But how about I show you instead?
(Disclaimer: All photos were taken with my phone and shaky hands.)

This is my good friend and neighbor, Tati.

Her go-to makeup items are mascara and eyeliner. She rarely wears foundation and lip gloss and never wears eyeshadow. Tati wanted a simple, everyday look. Here's what we did.

Step 1: Apply a lightweight foundation over entire face using a foundation brush.

Step 2: Use a mineral concealer to cover up any dark circles or blemishes.

Step 3: Apply blush just under the cheekbone and back into the hairline for a natural look.

Step 4: Follow up with a mineral powder to set the foundation.

Step 5: Pat on a cream eyeshadow in bronze all over the eyelid and up to the brow.

Step 6: Apply a light, shimmery shadow on the brow bone and just above the cheekbones to draw light toward the eye.

Step 7: Brush a glittery brown shadow in the crease and the outer corner of the eyelid.

Step 8: With a black eye pencil, draw a fine line toward the inner corner of the eye and thicken the line toward the outer corner. Extend the line further for a winged look.

Step 9: Apply black mascara to both upper and lower lashes.
Step 10: Finish lips with a nude lipstick and a dab of lip gloss.


Here's Tati after I curled her hair with a flat iron. (My favorite way to curl medium-length hair.)

Start to finish, this look takes about 30-40 minutes. That's including hair. It's the perfect style for the mom-on-the-go.