What are complementary colors?

Complementary colors are defined as colors that are located directly opposite one another on the color wheel. This arrangement means that when mixed together, complementary colors create a neutral tone, such as gray or brown, because they effectively cancel each other out. In design and art, using complementary colors can create vibrant contrasts and enhance visual interest.

For example, a common pair of complementary colors would be red and green or blue and orange. These pairs not only provide contrast but also allow for various creative applications, such as highlighting certain features in nail art or makeup. Understanding complementary colors is essential for achieving balance and harmony in color schemes, particularly in fields like cosmetology where aesthetics are key.