There are benefits to getting settled into a good routine, whether it's conquering a regular gym schedule (victory!) or landing on a skincare regimen that makes our complexions glow (score!). But when it comes to color, routines are made to be broken. If you find yourself slipping into a makeup rut, here are six color switches to freshen things up:


1. Trade black eyeliner for colored.

For centuries, women have been highlighting their eyes with dark eyeliner, and for good reason: It looks great. But to enjoy the full, eye-enhancing effects of eyeliner, trade your go-to black for a fun color. We love experimenting with eggplant, like Lancôme Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner in Aubergene or a navy, such as Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Radium.

2. Trade brown eye shadow for khaki.

Every girl should have a neutral eye shadow palette in her makeup arsenal, and it might be time to show some of the lesser-used colors in yours some love. Try replacing a taupe with a golden khaki, like NYX Cosmetics Glam Shadow in Over the Top or Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Baked or Half Baked.

3. Trade a red lip for tangerine or magenta.

Have you mastered the perfect red pout? Awesome! Now try having as much fun with other shades. We love the effect of something with a bit more orange, like Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Mattes in Craving Coral, or something more pink, like NYX Cosmetics Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in Shiva.

4. Trade bronzer for peach blush.

We tend to either choose face-slimming bronzer or cheek-enhancing pink blush. But we can have the best of both worlds: a peach blush blended all over cheeks for a surprisingly pretty flush. Genius! We love a shade like Lancôme Blush Subtil in Shimmer Peach Lingerie.

5. Trade a pink lip gloss for a purple-tinted hue.

We love a pucker-plumping lip gloss, but basic pink can get a little boring, no? Instead, play with a hint of purple for a bit more fun, like or L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Le Gloss in Plus Rush.

6. Trade burgundy nail polish for navy.

A deep nail polish instantly adds a level of sophistication we're totally addicted to. We'll always be devoted to our favorite red, but occasionally we cheat on it with its slightly more surprising cousin: navy. It's still demure enough to be taken seriously, but bold enough to breathe new life into our mani. Essie After School Boy Blazer or L'Oréal Paris Colour Rich Nail in After Hours are great shades.

What's the one makeup color you'll never give up? Tell us in the comments below.

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