When choosing colors, some people know exactly what looks good on them and what doesn’t. But for others, choosing the right colors can be a real challenge.
If you’re in the latter group, don’t worry—help is on the way! In this blog post, we’ll give you tips on finding the colors that suit you best.
Chapter Overview
The Importance of Knowing Your Skin Tone
When it comes to fashion, one of the most important choices you can make is choosing the right colors. Flattering colors will complement your natural features and make you look and feel your best.
One of the best ways to determine which colors are right for you is your skin tone. This is just one part of the equation, but it’s an important part nonetheless.
The next time you’re standing in front of a sea of color options, take a moment to figure out which ones will truly make you shine.
How to Determine Your Skin Tone
There are generally four types of skin tones that people fall into: cool, warm, neutral, and deep. Once you know your skin tone, you can start to narrow down which colors will look best on you.
Cool Skin Tone
Cool tones are characterized by pink or blue undertones. Additionally, someone with a cool undertone might have a porcelain complexion.
You can do a few simple tests at home to determine if you have a cool skin tone.
- Take a look at the veins in your wrist. You likely have a cool skin tone if they look blue or purple.
- Another test is to hold up a piece of white paper to your face. If your skin looks pink or reddish, then you probably have a cool skin tone.
- If you look good in silver jewelry, then you likely have a cool skin tone.
Warm Skin Tone
Warm skin tones tend to have yellow or golden undertones. Someone with a warm undertone might have a café au lait complexion.
Here are some things you can do to determine if you have a warm skin tone.
- One of the easiest ways to determine if you have a warm skin tone is to look at the veins in your wrists. If your veins appear green, you likely have a warm skin tone.
- People with warm tones also look better in gold jewelry and clothing with warm hues, like reds, oranges, and yellows.
- If you’re unsure whether you have a warm or cool skin tone, try holding a white piece of paper next to your face. If your skin looks yellow or olive next to the white paper, you have a warm skin tone.
Neutral Skin Tone
Neutral skin tones are considered very versatile and easy to work with when choosing colors for clothing, makeup, and accessories. They fall somewhere in between cool and warm, and they don’t lean too much in either direction.
Look at your skin in natural light to determine if you have a neutral tone. You might have a neutral skin tone if it looks even without makeup. Plus, if you can wear pretty much any color without the color washing you out, your skin is most likely neutral-toned.
Deep Skin Tone
Deep skin tones have a rich, vibrant complexion that looks healthy and youthful with very little color variation. This skin tone is beautiful and elegant and can be very striking.
If you aren’t sure whether you have a deep skin tone or not, consider how well you tan in the sun. People with deep skin tones tend to tan quickly and evenly without burning.
Best Colors to Wear According to Your Skin Tone
Now that you know your skin tone, it’s time to put that knowledge to good use by choosing the right colors. Here are some tips for finding your perfect shades.
Cool Skin Tone
If you have a cool skin tone, you’re lucky – you can pretty much wear any color! But if you’re looking for some suggestions, here are a few of the best colors to wear if you have a cool skin tone.
For starters, blues and greens are always great choices. They bring out the natural undertones in your skin and look particularly striking with green or blue eyes. Alternatively, you could try a purple or lavender shade – these colors are flattering on cool skin tones.
If you want something more daring, why not experiment with black? It’s a chic and modern color that can make your features pop. Just make sure to add a touch of color somewhere else – a colorful scarf or some statement earrings – to avoid looking washed out.
Avoid colors such as reds and oranges if you have a cool skin tone, as they can make your complexion look dull.
For hair color, cool skin tones look amazing with ash brown, platinum blonde, deep black, or cool red. If you want to add some color to your eyes with colored contact lenses, go for bright blues, greens, or purples. A reminder, though, that you would need a valid prescription to buy colored contacts.
And remember – just because you have a cool skin tone doesn’t mean you have to stick to cool colors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and shades. Experimenting with bold, vibrant hues can be a lot of fun!
Warm Skin Tone
If you have a warm skin tone, there are a few colors that you need to avoid as much as possible. These include white, black, and any color with a blue undertone.
Instead, focus on warmer colors that will compliment your skin. Warm colors that look good on you include cream, camel, gold, peach, orange, and red. This works for both hair color and colored contact lenses.
Navy can also be a good choice, as long as it is not too dark. When in doubt, stick to earth tones like brown and green.
Again, don’t be afraid to experiment. The best way to figure out what looks good on you is to try different things and see what you like best.
Neutral Skin Tone
If you’re lucky enough to have a neutral undertone, you can wear any color under the sun. But if you’re looking for some guidance on what hues will best complement your complexion, here are a few suggestions.
For a classic look, try pairing black with white or gray. Navy blue is also a great option, and it’s perfect for creating a slimming effect.
If you want to add a pop of color, go for jewel tones like emerald green or ruby red. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing and matching different prints and patterns.
If you want to wear colored contact lenses, the best color would be brown. For hair color, you can pretty much go for anything! Neutral skin tones look great with natural colors and bright and vibrant hues.
Just be sure to avoid colors that are too light or bright, as they can wash out your skin.
Deep Skin Tone
If you have a deep skin tone, you might wonder what colors work best for you. While many beautiful shades can complement your skin, there are also some colors that you should avoid.
Dark hues can wash you out, while bright colors can be overwhelming. Instead, try opting for jewel tones or other rich, saturated shades.
For clothing, try pairing navy with peach or olive green with burgundy. When it comes to makeup, experiment with different formulas and shades to find what looks best on you.
Golden blonde and dark chocolate brown are two of the most flattering shades of hair color. You could also consider a bold red or violet, but be sure to add some color to your makeup.
And, of course, don’t forget to try different colored contact lenses! A deep copper or honey-brown color would look great on you.
The Bottomline
No matter what your skin tone is, there are so many beautiful colors that you can experiment with. Remember, don’t be afraid to try something new – after all, fashion is about having fun.