7 Ways to Wear Coral Makeup

OK ladies, hear us out. We love hot pink and bold red lipstick paired with a neutral cat eye as much as you do, but don’t you think it’s about time to try a new beauty look? One of the top beauty trends of the season, coral makeup, allows you to do just that. In fact, coral is the unofficial makeup color of the year, we’re calling it. Whether you’re hoping to switch up your lipstick, eye shadow, or blush, you’re in for a treat. Here, we show you how to use face makeup, lip makeup, and eye makeup to achieve a handful of coral makeup looks that are fit for the season and, if you’re feeling adventurous, the whole year.

coral makeup idea #1. CORAL LIPS

Ready to give your trusted red lip color a much-needed break? Reach for a tube of coral lipstick instead! For a high shine look, we especially love the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Shine Lipstick in Luminous Coral, which creates soft color that still pops. Another option that offers a glossy look is the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Paints/Lip in Cool Coral, but if you’d rather rock a coral lip with a matte finish, try the L'Oréal Paris Infallible PAINTS/LIPS Matte in Peach Pit.

But wait—before you apply any of the above, start your lip look with a little buffing action. Use the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Smooth & Glow Grapeseed Scrub to slough your pout and get rid of any buildup on your lips so that when you pucker up they appear super-smooth and your coral lip color can shine.

coral makeup idea #2. CORAL LIDS

Neutral lids are pretty but so are bold pops of color. Thankfully, you can use coral to pull off both looks. Incorporate coral into your smoky eye if you’re feeling bold, or, if you prefer natural makeup looks, get a soft look with a wash of light coral across your lids. Whichever option you choose, the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Scented Eyeshadow Palette will stock you with the shades you’ll need to create your look.

coral makeup idea #3. CORAL LASH LINES

Since under-eye makeup is super big right now, why not have a little fun on your lower lash lines? Again, you can use our eye shadow palette to bring your look to life—only this time you’ll want to use an extra dense eye makeup brush to shift the focus to your lower lash line.

coral makeup idea #4. CORAL CHEEKS

In case you were wondering, coral is one of those blush colors that’s universally flattering. Simply dust a coral blush onto the apples of your cheeks and watch as it brings your entire beauty look to life. To get the look, try using the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Enchanted Fruit Scented Blush Makeup in Fantastical. Not only will you love the color, but the fruity scent is pretty sweet, too!

coral makeup idea #5: Coral cream blush

If powder blush isn’t your thing, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the coral blush trend altogether. Instead, use a cream blush formula, like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Blush Shaping Stick in Cheeky Dimension, which you can easily swipe on thanks to its take-anywhere shape and size.

coral makeup idea #6. coral eyeliner

Coral eyeliner is perfect for achieving a bright eye makeup look, sans any eye shadow. So, if you haven’t quite mastered blending and buffing your eye shadows yet, this is the ideal coral makeup look to try. Simply grab a coral-hued eyeliner pencil and trace a thin line across your upper and lower lash lines, or amp up the drama factor with a more graphic eyeliner look instead.

coral makeup idea #7: A CORAL COMBO

Love all of these coral looks? The great thing is that you can combine them all into one monochromatic look and, unlike some other color palettes, it won’t totally overwhelm your features. Sound like something you’d like to try? Pick your coral eye makeup, blush, and lip color, then follow the step-by-step face makeup tutorial below to create the base for your completely coral look.

STEP 1: PRIME YOUR COMPLEXION

No matter the color scheme you’re working with, the best way to ensure your makeup pops is to take extra steps to make sure it lasts throughout the day. That’s where face makeup primer comes into play. Depending on the finish you’re aiming to achieve (matte or glowing), you can use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Lock Makeup Primer or L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Lock Makeup Primer. Simply blend a dime-sized amount of whichever primer you prefer onto your skin, then move onto the next step.

STEP 2: APPLY FOUNDATION

Next up, a little coverage. Depending on the finish you settled on, choose between the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation or L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation. Instead of using a face makeup brush to apply your foundation, reach for a makeup blender, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender, for a more airbrushed effect.

STEP 3: CONCEAL ANY DISCOLORATIONS

Even when you apply foundation, there’s still a chance that discolorations can shine through. Whether you’re experiencing redness, dark circles, or a pesky breakout, a few dabs of the right color-correcting shades (from the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Total Cover Color Correcting Kit) will do the trick. Simply dot it on and use your makeup blender to blend it out, then follow with a concealer that matches your skin tone.

STEP 4: CONTOUR

It’s time to give your bone structure a boost. Believe it or not, a little contouring makeup can go a long way, helping to accentuate everything from your forehead to your jaw. To get the look, swipe one of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Longwear Foundation Shaping Sticks (choose one that’s a couple shades darker than your natural skin tone) onto the hollows of your cheeks and along the edge of your forehead and jaw, as well as down the bridge of your nose and just under your lower lip. Use your makeup blender to smooth it all out and you’ll see just how angular your face appears.

STEP 5: HIGHLIGHT

Glazed-donut glows are all the rage this season. The best part? The super-sweet look is simple to achieve. Open up one of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Crushed Foils Metallic Highlighters and use a fluffy angular highlighting brush to dust the light-reflecting powder onto your cheekbones, above your cupid’s bow, and on the tip of your nose. So pretty!

STEP 6: SET YOUR LOOK

After putting in the work to create the ultimate base for your coral makeup masterpiece, you better believe you’ll want it to last. Instead of relying on constant touchups, finish your face makeup routine with an all-over dusting of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Sweep & Lock Loose Setting Powder. This face powder goes on super-sheer to lock in your look for hours.

STEP 7: ACCENTUATE YOUR LASHES AND LASH LINES

Even if you’re rocking coral lids or under-eyes, you can still add a swipe of eyeliner if you’d like. For an extra-summery touch, try using the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Liquid Eyeliner in Rose Gold. After applying your eyeliner, prime your lashes with the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Primer/Base and follow it up with a coat of the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara in Mystic Black.

Finally, add in your coral elements and you’re ready to show off your elevated makeup look!

bonus: coral hair color

Still don't have enough coral in your life? We don’t blame you. This pretty hue isn’t just perfect for makeup looks, it also makes for a stunning hair color. Swap out your current hue for a head-turning coral hair color! Book an appointment with your hairstylist and come prepared with inspiration pictures to match your request, or do your research and pick up the perfect at-home coral hair color kit.

Next: How to Create an Aesthetic Makeup Look