The Easiest Monochromatic Makeup How-To Ever

We like anything that makes life more convenient and monochromatic makeup is one of those trends that does exactly that. Choosing one color family to work with across lids, cheeks, and lips can really streamline the whole process. The best part? You can choose any color—that’s what makes the trend so versatile across skin tones. It's also easy to modify depending on the “it” color of the moment.

To show you how simple it is to do, Milk Makeup designer Taylor Mew tried the trend herself. She based the look around Lip + Cheek shade Quickie, a pretty berry hue. The results? A quick and very pretty makeup look you can wear all winter long—and beyond. Below, a breakdown of this easy monochromatic makeup, step by step.

Prime

Use a primer before applying the rest of your products to create a smooth base and help your makeup last longer and go on more evenly. Taylor used our best-selling Hydro Grip Primer to anchor the look.

Foundation + Concealer

Because you want this monochromatic makeup look to be all about the color, keep your foundation on the lighter side in terms of coverage.Apply all around your face, concentrating on areas you want a little more coverage.

To ensure your eyeshadow color really stands out, hit your under eyes with our Future Fluid All Over Cream Concealerto even out any darkness. “Future Fluid is more of that medium-to-full coverage skin finish, not too dewy but not matte,” notes Sara Wren, Milk Makeup’s Director of Artistry.

Using Future Fluid only where you need it will let you keep your base looking natural, but allow you to up the ante on coverage in the areas you want it. Future Fluid’s crease-proof, natural finish formula brightens and covers dark circles, all while hydrating the delicate skin around the eyes.

Add Color

Just like the skin on your face, your eyelids need a little something to ensure your makeup stays on all day without creasing or fading. Hydro Grip Eye Primer does just that without drying out your eyes. “Skin prep, especially around the eye area, can be make or break for your look,” Sara says.

Once your lids are prepped, use an eyeshadow brush or just apply Color Chalk in Bounce (a plum) directly to your lids and your lower lash line. Lightly blend it out with the same brush, or again, your fingers. You can stop with just one shade or turn it up a notch with a lighter color in the same family to add some dimension to the look. Taylor used Color Chalk in Dodge Ball (a dusty pink) in the middle of her lids and at the inner corners of her eyes to add some more brightness.

Liner + Lashes

Add a little drama to your eyes by lining them with Infinity Long Wear Eyeliner in Limitless. The waterproof, long-wearing brown shade complements the berry hues in the eyeshadow.

Eye makeup just doesn’t feel finished without a few swipes of mascara. KUSH Mascara adds definition and eye-opening volume, all while its conditioning formula leaves lashes feeling soft—never crunchy.

Blush + Lips + Highlight

Lip + Cheek in Quickie ties the whole look together. Swipe the plum shade across your cheeks and the bridge of your nose for a healthy-looking flush. Lightly blend with your fingers and add more if needed.

Use the same Lip + Cheek on your lips. It goes on creamy and stays put as a comfortable lip color.

Take your Color Chalk in Dodge Ball from earlier and use it to highlight the tops of your cheeks, the tip of your nose, and anywhere else you want extra glow. This multi-use powder pigment color can also be used on your lips. Simply apply a small amount to the middle of the lips and blend.

Set + Finish

Finish with Hydro Grip Set + Refresh Spray to lock in your makeup and give you a boost of dewy moisture.

Easy-peasy. Now that you know the easy way to do it, we can’t wait to see what monochromatic looks you come up with.

Meet the Expert:

Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.