Looking glass: Going pro-mono

Monochromatic makeup, as the name suggests, is the technique of using one shade range on your eyes, lips and cheeks.

To pull off this look it's better to stay within a shade or two of the tint, either lighter or darker, with the same undertone. This look minimises your prep time and you can still achieve a day or an evening look.

Opt for sheer in one area and a bold in another. Textures like satins, creams, shimmers and mattes can be used, to balance and make it appear as normal as possible.

Burnt rust or peach works best for warm skin tones; for cooler ones, burgundy, purple or magenta work best.

How to do the look:

• Make sure your prep your skin with a primer and moisturiser.
• Use corrector, concealer and foundation to even out the skin tone.
• For you eyes, use a colour that compliments your eye colour. A power or cream shadow can be applied over the lids. Make sure you blend well. Liner can be used to define the eyes. And don't forget to apply mascara! Don't dramatise the eyes too much.
• For cheeks, you can use the same shade that you used on your eyes. Apply the same eye shadow on the cheeks and highlight the cheekbone.
• For lips - use a simple nude or different tints and shades of the same colour family. A gloss can be used to finish off the look.

 — The writer is a Bengaluru-based make-up artist