Thinking about what outfit to wear for that upcoming concert or for that upcoming job interview? Questions to consider: What is my undertone? What colors look best on me? This guide is for you!
Knowing your undertone is the key to finding the most flattering makeup, clothing, and even hair colors. Whether you’re trying to pick the perfect foundation, the right shade of red lipstick, or the best jewelry tones, your undertone plays a crucial role.
What Are Skin Undertones?
Your undertone is the subtle hue beneath your skin’s surface that doesn’t change, even if your skin tone gets lighter or darker due to sun exposure or seasonal changes. There are three main undertones:
1. Cool Undertones
🔹 Characteristics:
• Skin has a pink, red, or bluish tint.
• Veins on the wrist appear blue or purple.
• Silver jewelry looks more flattering than gold.
• You tend to burn easily before tanning.
• White clothing suits you better than off-white.
🔹 Best Makeup & Fashion Colors
• Foundation Shades – Look for cool, neutral, or pink undertones in foundations.
• Lipsticks – Blue-based reds, berry pinks, mauves, and deep plums.
• Eyeshadows – Soft pinks, icy blues, purples, and cool browns.
• Clothing Colors – Jewel tones like sapphire, emerald, and cool grays.
2. Warm Undertones
🟡 Characteristics:
• Skin has a golden, yellow, or peachy hue.
• Veins on the wrist appear green or olive.
• Gold jewelry looks more flattering than silver.
• You tan easily and rarely burn.
• Off-white and cream clothing suit you better than pure white.
🟡 Best Makeup & Fashion Colors:
• Foundation Shades – Look for warm, golden, or peach undertones.
• Lipsticks – Coral reds, warm nudes, orange-based reds, and peachy pinks.
• Eyeshadows – Bronze, warm browns, golds, olive greens, and copper.
• Clothing Colors – Earthy tones like mustard, warm reds, olive, and brown.
3. Neutral Undertones
🟢 Characteristics:
• A mix of both warm and cool undertones (balanced). Lucky You!
• Veins on the wrist appear a mix of blue and green.
• Both gold and silver jewelry look good on you.
• You can tan but may burn first.
• Both white and off-white clothing look fine.
🟢 Best Makeup & Fashion Colors:
• Foundation Shades – Look for neutral or balanced undertones.
• Lipsticks – Classic reds, neutral pinks, rose, or brown-nude shades.
• Eyeshadows – Taupes, soft browns, mauves, and mixed warm/cool palettes.
• Clothing Colors – Almost anything works! Try soft pastels, jewel tones, or neutrals.
How to Find Your Undertone
Try these quick tests:
✅ The Vein Test – Look at the veins on your wrist.
• Blue/Purple = Cool Undertone
• Green/Olive = Warm Undertone
• Mix of Both = Neutral Undertone
✅ The Jewelry Test – Hold silver and gold jewelry against your skin.
• Silver looks better = Cool Undertone
• Gold looks better = Warm Undertone
• Both look good = Neutral Undertone
✅ The White vs. Off-White Test – Hold both fabrics near your face.
• White looks better = Cool Undertone
• Off-white/cream looks better = Warm Undertone
• Both look fine = Neutral Undertone
Final Thoughts
If self-testing does not well for or you are still unsure there are many resources to help you find your undertone and your skins best color palette. With the world today full of technology, there are a host of apps and websites that offer help (mostly with a fee and none sponsoring me currently). I also suggest looking in your area for those who do color analysis, who can give you the face-to-face IRL (in real life) experience with color. Technology is good but the difference effects of our device cameras, screens, etc. may cause issues with virtual tools.
If you are interested near Central/Southern IL, please send a message via the contact page with Color Analysis as the subject line. You will be placed on waiting list for an in person color analysis with me.
Once you identify your undertone, choosing the right makeup, clothing, and hair colors becomes effortless! If you’re still unsure, go for neutral shades, as they work for almost everyone.