Have you ever tried on a color and felt like it just didn’t look right, even if you loved it on the hanger? The secret often lies in your skin’s undertone, which plays a big role in how colors look on you. By knowing which shades match your unique undertone, you can create outfits that not only suit your style but also make your natural beauty shine. In this guide, we’ll break down how to identify your undertone and choose colors that bring out the best in your look.
Understanding Undertones
Skin undertones are the subtle, underlying colors beneath your skin’s surface. They’re not the same as your skin tone (light, medium, dark), but rather the hues that affect how colors appear on you. There are three main types:
- Cool Undertone: You’ll have pink, red, or blue undertones.
- Warm Undertone: You’ll have yellow, peachy, or golden undertones.
- Neutral Undertone: A balance of both cool and warm undertones, making you versatile with colors.
How to Determine Your Undertone
Here are a few simple tests you can try at home to figure out your undertone:
1. Check Your Veins
Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist under natural light:
- Blue or purple veins: You likely have a cool undertone.
- Greenish veins: You likely have a warm undertone.
- Can’t tell if they’re blue or green? You might have a neutral undertone.
2. The Jewelry Test
Think about which metal flatters you best:
- If silver jewelry brightens your complexion, you’re likely cool-toned.
- If gold jewelry looks better on you, you’re probably warm-toned.
- If both suit you equally, you may be neutral-toned.
3. The White Fabric Test
Hold a plain white cloth up to your face in natural light:
- If your skin looks pinkish or rosy against the white, you’re cool-toned.
- If your skin appears yellowish or golden, you’re warm-toned.
- If both look good, you might be neutral.
Choosing Colors That Work with Your Undertone
Now that you know your undertone, here’s a quick guide to finding colors that complement it perfectly.
For Cool Undertones
If you have cool undertones, colors with cool hues will highlight your complexion beautifully. Think shades like:
- Blues and greens (like navy, emerald, and turquoise)
- Purples and pinks (lavender, lilac, soft pink)
- Cool grays and white (true black, gray, icy white)
For Warm Undertones
For those with warm undertones, earthy colors and warmer shades will be your best match. Try colors like:
- Reds, oranges, and yellows (like burnt orange, mustard, coral)
- Earthy greens and browns (olive, terracotta, caramel)
- Warm neutrals (ivory, camel, warm taupe)
For Neutral Undertones
If you have a neutral undertone, you’re blessed, you can pull off a wide range of colors. Consider mixing both warm and cool colors, including:
- Browns and soft pinks
- Warm blues and greens (teal, moss)
- Neutral tones (cream, beige, soft gray)
Experiment and Have Fun
Ultimately, finding your color match is about trial and error. Use these tips as a guide, but don’t feel restricted! Experiment with different shades and notice how you feel in each one. Clothing should make you feel confident and happy.
See also: Color Blocking 101 and Perfect Color Combinations Every Mama Can Rock
Let Us Know Your Color!
Found your perfect shade? Share your favorite colors or color combos that make you feel your best! Style is all about self-expression, so let’s celebrate finding that unique look that brings out the best in you.