Getting the Ethnic Look Right

Ten years ago, one would never expect to see an Asian or African on the fashion stage. The industry was dominated by Caucasians, and the standard for beauty was white skin and blond hair. But times have changed. Both advertisers and the public have opened up to the idea of ethnic beauty, many even choosing mixed-race models for their ads. If you look ethnic or have a few ethnic features, now's the perfect time to make the most of it.

Skin color is the first thing that sets the ethnic look apart, so it makes sense to draw attention to your skin. Many companies now offer makeup designed specifically for ethnic women. Start with a foundation that matches your skin tone; if you have oily skin, go a shade or two lighter as the oil can make it look darker.

For the rest of your makeup, you can experiment with colors or go with brighter or darker shades of your natural skin. If you're feeling bold, try going for contrast: use dark shades to bring out pale skin, and bright colors to enhance dark skin. It all depends on the situation, of course-if you're going to a more formal event, it's probably better to use traditional colors. Brown, peach, and plum usually look good on everyone.

Ethnic hair also has different needs, although it varies from thin and delicate to thick and curly. In any case, the added coloring makes it more resilient to sun damage but more prone to oiliness. Use a mild shampoo for day-to-day washing, and once in a while, apply some conditioner to replenish the lost moisture. Don't try to straighten curly hair-most methods cause permanent damage and don't really look natural.

Finally, choose a personal style that suits you, not your race or skin color. Instead of letting your ethnicity define you, use it to develop a style that's entirely your own. Choose clothes you feel comfortable in and accessories that make you more confident. As long as you feel good about your appearance, that confidence is going to shine through, no matter what color your skin is.