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Kori Fields started her blog, Colour By Numbr, in 2011 as a way to simply explore her interest in vibrant style. After gaining a reputation for her acute sense of color, the metro Detroit makeup artist is now making her mark in the beauty industry as a product developer at Detroit-based cosmetics company The Lip Bar.

The 31-year-old’s curiosity of makeup began at a young age. “I wasn’t leaving the house with a full face, but I remember finding my mom’s blush and lip gloss,” Fields says. “I used to do my friend’s makeup for prom, I did theater makeup, anything. I started viewing it as more of a hobby in college.”

After graduating from The Fashion School of Kent State in 2010 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing, she attempted to move back home because she was worried that she wouldn’t be able to pay her rent. “My mom said absolutely not,” Fields recalls. “My parents really wanted me to stand on my own two feet.” This financial stress led her to a MAC Cosmetics counter in 2013. Training with the beauty company was the first time she was able to experiment with color in a professional setting. “Color is huge at MAC. When you work at a counter, you’re able to build up your confidence and expand your vision.”

Using her degree, Fields eventually added product development to her resume when she joined The Lip Bar. While developing lip colors, bronzers, highlighters, and more for the vegan and cruelty-free company, Fields has been able to learn about color in a way she hadn’t considered before. “It’s more than just blues, reds, and pinks,” she says. “You start looking at the consumer. How is this going to mesh with certain skin tones? Is there a way we can make this color work for everybody?” This year, a bronzer and highlighter duo she co-created for the company was featured on Teen Vogue.

Fields still periodically posts on her blog and she goes by the name Colour By Numbr on Instagram, where she has over 5,000 followers. In between her work for Colour By Numbr and the positions at MAC and The Lip Bar, she dabbles in other creative projects related to interior design, writing, and styling. While she’s undoubtedly kept herself busy after all these years in a range of roles, one thing remains: her love of color.�� “I’ve always been drawn to color and texture,” she says. “I’ll play with makeup, fashion, interior design, I don’t care. All I see is color.”

Kori Field’s Fall Beauty Tips

Don’t run from color

Whether it’s a bright lip or a smoky eye, color can be scary. Fields assures her clients that it doesn’t have to be intimidating. “Fall is full of so many pretty colors like murky greens and bright oranges. If you’re feeling iffy about it, pop color in your waterline or try a blush you haven’t experimented with before. It doesn’t have to be too extreme to make a real impact.” More daring makeup wearers can play with monochromatic lids, ombre lips, and cut creases.

Skin is in

“Skin is huge right now,” Fields says. “You want a nice, smooth base, especially if you’re adding bright colors on top.” Despite her belief in a strong base, Fields notes that there’s no such thing as a flawless base. “Finding people’s skin quirks is one of my favorite parts of doing makeup. Take your discoloration or texture and turn it into something beautiful.” This idea may seem challenging, but adding color is her favorite way to do it. If you have dark eyelids, use purples to smoke out an interesting look.

Strong lips never go out of style

This lip trend is making a comeback in a major way. “Natural makeup is great, but you can always take it to the next level with a popping lip color.” For fall, try vampy reds, bright oranges, and even mysterious purples. As the season sets in, remember to keep your lips hydrated with a thick balm or a tinted gloss. This will make your color more vibrant and create a long-lasting effect.

Step out of your comfort zone

“My favorite thing is when my freelance clients allow me to play around with color,” Fields says. “I know trying something new can be scary, but it all washes off at the end of the day.” If this tip sounds scary, take it slow! Fields recommends pointing out one aspect of your makeup routine and doing the opposite. If a neutral eye is your go-to, pop a neon on your inner corner.

This story is part of Makeup in Metro Detroit, an ongoing web series that focuses on fall 2019 beauty trends. Continue to visit hourdetroit.com as we introduce more local makeup artists and share their seasonal tips.