How to Look Paler

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Pale skin has made a comeback in a big way. Think Kristen Stewart and Liv Tyler. If you want to mimic their porcelain looks, you'll need to lose or disguise that tan you worked on this summer. The best way to look paler is to combine excellent skin care, sun avoidance and clever makeup and styling tricks.

  • Exfoliator
  • Moisturizer
  • Sunscreen
  • Foundation
  • Buffing brush
  • Concealer
  • Light eyeshadow
  • Lipstick

1 Practice excellent skin care

Practice excellent skin care. Start with regular exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and let the luminous you shine through. After removing your makeup, moisten your hands and apply an exfoliant to your skin. Gently massage it in, using a circular motion. Remove the exfoliant with a damp washcloth or splash warm water on your face. Repeat this process twice a week.

2 Apply a moisturizer to your squeaky-clean skin

Apply a moisturizer to your squeaky-clean skin. Moisturizers keep skin looking healthy and hydrated, so it provides a supple canvas for your pale makeup. If your skin is dull and dry, your makeup can't go on smoothly.

3 Apply a sunscreen before going outside

Apply a sunscreen before going outside. This is no time to work on your tan, and your skin will thank you for the protection.

4 Choose a lightweight foundation

Choose a lightweight foundation that is one or two shades lighter than your customary shade. Apply a light layer to your face with a makeup brush.

5 Use concealer on any dark circles or spots

Use concealer on any dark circles or spots. Opt for a concealer that is one shade lighter than the foundation. Pat it on problem areas using your fingertip.

6 Select a sheer lipstick shade

Select a sheer lipstick shade in a color that is just slightly darker than the natural color of your lips. For a night out, opt for a deep berry or red shade that makes your skin color appear pale by contrast.

7 Apply a light-toned eye shadow

Apply a light-toned eye shadow. Pale cream and pink shades make the eye area appear pale. Combine this with barely there eyeliner and a light application of mascara. For a more dramatic look, go with a dark smoky eye.

8 Wear dark clothing

Wear dark clothing that contrasts with your pale skin. Black, navy and deep berry shades worn near the face make your skin appear paler by contrast.

9 Dye your hair a rich tone

Dye your hair a rich tone. Black or dark brown hair adds an illusion of fairness to your face. Pull your hair back or put it up to show off as much of your pale skin as possible. If you are lucky enough to have white-blond hair naturally, go with it instead of dying it a dark color.

10 Accessorize with jewel tones and black

Accessorize with jewel tones and black. Choose necklaces, bracelets and earrings in dark colors for dramatic contrast. If you just aren't into dark colors, use pastel colors near your face to emphasis your pale skin -- a pale pink ribbon around your throat that matches your light eye shadow will do the trick.

Celeigh O'Neil has been writing professionally since 2008. She has a Bachelor of fine arts from the University of Ottawa, as well as degrees in fashion illustration/design, digital arts and certification in hair and makeup artistry. O'Neil was a frequent contributor to Toronto's "Dialog" newspaper and has worked as an instructional writer, creating lessons in fashion, art and English for students of all ages.

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