White pigment is more versatile than you think, and works on a wide array of skin tones! The pallid color is mostly known in color theory as the light counterpart to shadow. Pure white and black pigments are used together on stage to create structure when bright theater lights flatten any dimension on your face. But besides its iconic role as highlighter and eye lashes (thanks Twiggy!), white makeup serves a multitude of uses for anyone experimenting with their look.
LIGHT BRIGHT
Many brands have developed white foundation formulas to custom mix. Good news if you’ve ever purchased a base that’s a touch too dark. Blend the formula on your hand—start with your original foundation and slowly drop in white until you reach the desired true-to-your-hue finish. But if you’re dying for Kristen Stewart’s Twilight pallor, slather the milky formula generously on its own.
BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS
MAC Face and Body Foundation in White
DOLLED UP
Rim the waterline of your eyes with a creamy white pencil and your peepers will look so bright they’ll seem artificial. Most Beauties choose nude liner instead of white to achieve a similar effect, but we dig the stark contrast. Smudge the white crayon on both inner and outer corners for a sharper, wide-eyed effect.
BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS
Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in 1811 Pure White
BASE BLEACH
We love colorless eye primers as much as our community does (Urban Decay’s Primer Potion has over 600 reviews!), but sometimes you need a truly blank canvas to work with vibrant color on your lids. Use a creamy white base to ensure the richest color payoff.
BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS
Inglot Cosmetics Matte Collection AMC Eyeliner Gel in White 76
SKETCH-IT
Just as tailors use chalk for hemlines, makeup artists use white pigment to outline their designs. Before any experimental makeup look, it’s a great idea to delineate any major borders and lines with soft white liner before going in with messy, heavy pigment. The invisible silhouette provides easy-to-follow guidelines that are easily covered up.
BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
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Comments
Jul 30, 2012
Alexis R.
Oh man it never occurred to me to use Inglot gel liner as an eyeshadow base!!!! Have any of you used it that way?? Results??
Jul 29, 2012
Kaci W.
Since I live in such a small town, the only place I can go to for makeup is Walmart, otherwise online. I seriously need to see if they've got that Rimmel liner!
Jul 09, 2012
Helen K.
I love white eyeshadow on my lid, brown on my crease and nicely blended out, adding a winged out eyeliner and with some mascara my favourite eye look is done. And onestly, the white can't be too strong for me. I like to use a cheap german branded eyeshadow I bought some months ago, sometimes over the nyx eye pencil in milk. I love white and brown eye makeup soo much, classic and soo beautiful!
Apr 04, 2012
Terri B.
I have been using white for years to line the inner corners of my eyes. It really opens them up and makes them look younger and brighter.
Apr 04, 2012
Ayesha N.
I read in "style eyes" that black women should use off white or pigments with slight yellow undertones (think pastel yellow) to avoid chalkiness, any feedback on that idea?
Apr 04, 2012
Tiara T.
Apr 08, 2012
Elysia J.
Jun 30, 2012
Nicole Iris C.
Apr 04, 2012
Taylor V.
I started using white and love it... great advice... its a must have.
Apr 04, 2012
Alexirisha G.
Really love this advice, thanks. Very helpful!
Apr 03, 2012
Brenda R.
i like white bases for eyeshadow, i've been trying to find a more skin toned color for eyeliner
Apr 03, 2012
Cici G.
I'm not sure about anyone else but my eyes are so white that they have a light blue tint ._.
Apr 03, 2012
Lorena A.
I like using white eyeliner on my waterline better than nude cos sometimes nude reminds me of skin and that makes me think there is skin on the waterline. I don't know, I'm weird, but yea I agree with adri a. I usually go with Cottage Cheese because it mimics my eyeball more than a plain white, if that makes sense....whatever nevermind(: