8 Makeup-Application Tips for Pale Skin, According to Beauty Pros

As someone whose foundation shades range from “porcelain” and “ivory” to “fair” and “fairly light,” I’m no stranger to the unique struggle that is having pale skin. For those of us who are naturally fair-skinned all year round or those who lose pigment during the winter months, feeling and looking “pale” can be quite the challenge.

Celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist Danni Katz—whose clients include Priyanka Chopra, Lea Michele and Cara Delevingne—understands that pale skin tones can be tough. “In the winter, we lack that sun-kissed glow,” she says, which is so commonly associated with health and beauty, so it’s easy to look washed out.

And then there’s the fine line you can cross between defining your features and looking like a clown, which Dermstore esthetician and makeup artist Christine Walsh (another pale-skinned beauty) understands, firsthand. "Pale complexions can be challenging because the colors can often be too pigmented and harsh," says Walsh. "When it comes to foundations, they can often look too pink or too yellow. And most bronzers are often too red or too intense."

Below, Katz and Walsh share their tips for every step of your makeup application so you can embrace or counteract your pale skin and achieve a beautiful, natural finish.

1. Dermalogica AGE Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF 30 (0.75 fl. oz.)

Dermalogica AGE Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF 30 (0.75 fl. oz.)

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While fair skin is less prone to hyperpigmentation, its lack of pigment and thinner structure makes it more vulnerable to sun damage and photoaging. That’s why Katz recommends beginning your makeup application with a skin-protecting primer like Dermalogica AGE Smart SkinPerfect Primer SPF 30. Not only does this primer create a smooth and even canvas, it also firms and regenerates skin—all while defending skin from UV rays.

6. Illamasqua Firework Mini Lip Trio (Worth $36.00)

Illamasqua Firework Mini Lip Trio (Worth $36.00)

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While lip colors are mostly about personal preference, you can’t go wrong with a classic nude lip. For the most flattering shade of nude, choose the one that closely matches your lower lip. Pro tip: If you’re opting for a darker or flashier shade, let your lips take center stage and keep the rest of your makeup simple.

7. Perricone MD No Makeup Bronzer (0.3 fl. oz.)

Perricone MD No Makeup Bronzer (0.3 fl. oz.)

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While bronzer is a great tool for contouring, warming up the complexion or adding a subtle glow, Katz recommends stepping away from the warm tones (to avoid looking orange) and reaching for a cool-toned bronzer instead. Katz notes a cooler tone is “good for your skin and not too orange for even pale skin tones!” The formula is very concentrated, so you only need a little bit to achieve a natural glow. For a more subtle bronze effect, mix a few pumps into your moisturizer or serum and apply as desired.

8. Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse - Medium (4.22 fl. oz.)

Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse - Medium (4.22 fl. oz.)

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Whether to combat lifeless winter skin or to up our game for a special occasion, we’ve probably all had our moments when we’d like our skin to have a bit more color. Though self-tanners are great for these times, they can also be tricky. You want to find one that doesn’t smell weird, is easy to use and won’t stain your clothes or sheets. Not only does Vita Liberata’s pHenomenal 2–3 Week Tan offer those benefits, it also helps you avoid the dreaded streaky or orange finish. And I can say from personal experience, your “tan” will actually look natural. I used this twice in the week leading up to a big event and I looked like I had just spent a couple hours at the beach—a subtle, healthy glow. Not sure how to apply it? We’ve got you covered.