Dear Budget Fashionista:

I have a very pale complexion, and recently I heard someone say that women with pale skin should wear mainly darker/more intense colours, because it creates a better contrast with their skin. So, my question is: should I stay away from pastel colours?

AYou can wear pastel even if you are fair of skin. In fact, back in the 1980’s, when everyone was totally into the whole “season” look and getting color analyzed, you would have been classified as a “winter”—someone with fairer skin with blue/purple undertones and encouraged to wear pastels. 


The key is pulling off the pastel look when you have pale skin is make-up. Create a more dramatic, color intense mouth (darker pinks), define your eyes with brown eyeliner, and add a smidgen of blush to your cheeks for a little extra coloring. Try make-up from reliable sources like Avon or MAC. If you are unsure how to wear the make-up head over to cosmeticconnection.com or to celebrity make-up artist Elke Von Freudenberg’s Beauty Newsletter, for cosmetic tips.