How to Identify Your Skin Undertones

Many of us have fallen in love with a lipstick or dress of a specific color shade that does not suit us when we come home. The secret is not your skin tone; it lies beneath your skin, its undertone. 

Skin undertone remains the same even after your skin gets tanned. Recognizing your skin undertone allows you to select color shades that can ultimately enhance your personality. 

Besides choosing the best colors to wear, it also helps you to select your makeup products like skin foundation and concealer. In this guide, we will learn how to identify your skin undertone and which products best suit you. 

General Types of Skin Undertone People Have

There are three types of skin undertone: warm, neutral, and cool. Take a look at the table for a quick overview of skin undertone types:

Let us now dive deeper into their details: 

1. Warm Undertone

A warm skin undertone showcased a golden, red, peachy, and yellow glow. This undertone brings a natural brightness and a sun-kissed look. 

Celebrities like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez are famous for their warm undertones.

2. Neutral Undertone

A neutral undertone is a blend of warm and cool skin undertones and showcases both properties. This is the most wanted skin undertone and has a wide range of colors that suit people with this tone. 

However, people with neutral undertones may experience occasional sunburn. Celebrities like Sandra Bullock, Julianne Moore, Selena Gomez, and Kerry Washington are known for their stunning neutral skin tones.

3. Cool Undertone

Cool undertones have pink and blue shades in their appearance. This is the coolest and brightest skin undertone among all others. 

However, it tans quickly with minimal sun exposure and is often sensitive to synthetic products. If you have a cool undertone, opt for natural products like balms and honey scrubs and give your skin the extra care it needs.

Celebrities who have a cool undertone include Will Smith, Anne Hatheway, Nicole Kidman, and Adele.

How to Identify Skin Undertone?

Since skin undertone and skin tone are different, they require different identification methods. Here are some simple ways to help you determine your skin undertone.

1. Use the Vein Test

Using the vein test is the first method to check your wrist veins under natural light. Green veins suggest a warm undertone, while blue or purple indicate a cool undertone. 

If you have a blend of properties of both warm and cool undertones, you have a neutral one. However, neutral skin tone veins are problematic to identify as they have both properties.

2. Check the Shades of Jewelry

Experimenting with gold and silver jewelry to identify your skin undertone is the 2nd method on our list. 

If gold enhances your natural glow, your undertone is warm. If silver complements your skin more, you likely have a cool undertone. 

If both options appear equally appealing, you might have a neutral undertone. 

3. Notice Your Skin’s Response to Sunlight 

Consider how your skin responds to sun exposure. If you tan easily without burning, you probably have a warm undertone. 

If you tend to burn or blush before tanning, your undertone is likely cool. Notably, neutral undertones can experience a combination of both.

4. Compare It With White Paper

To identify your skin undertone, you may also position a plain white sheet of paper beside your face in natural light. 

If your skin looks yellowish or golden compared to the paper, you likely have a warm undertone. 

You have a cool undertone if it looks pink, rosy, or bluish. On the other hand, if your skin appears balanced without leaning heavily in one direction, your undertone is neutral.

5. Clothing Color Test

Lastly, observe which colors of clothing make you feel your best. Warm undertones tend to look good in earthy colors like mustard and olive, while cool undertones shine in jewel tones like emerald and sapphire. 

On neutral undertones, all colors suit equally. 

Which Color Suits Your Skin Undertone?

Once you have identified your skin undertone, it is time to know which colors will go with it and make your look eye-catching. 

• If you have a warm undertone, gold, bronze, and orange colors make your skin glow. Warm reds, yellows, and peaches will also look great on you.

• People with cool undertones should choose sapphire, emerald, and ruby. Soft blues, purples, and icy pinks also work well.

• If you have a neutral undertone, you are lucky because almost every color suits you. Soft tones like beige and blush look great, and bold colors like teal or crimson make your features prominent.

How to Choose the Right Makeup Shades for Your Skin Undertone?

Choosing the right makeup shades that look good with your skin tone is crucial to enhancing your look. Here are some tips for different skin undertones that will elevate your appearance correctly.

For Warm Undertones

• Foundation: Look for shades with golden, yellow, or peachy undertones. Avoid cool or pink-based foundations.

• Blush: Warm peach, coral, and terracotta shades naturally glow your cheeks.

• Lipstick: Opt for warm reds, oranges, or brown-based nudes.

• Eyeshadow: Earthy tones like bronze, gold, copper, and warm browns work beautifully.

For Cool Undertones

• Foundation: Choose shades with pink, red, or blue undertones. Avoid yellow-based products that may look unnatural.

• Blush: Cool pinks, soft berries, and rosy shades brighten your complexion.

• Lipstick: Stick to blue-based reds, mauves, and soft pinks.

• Eyeshadow: Jewel tones like sapphire, amethyst, and cool grays enhance your look.

For Neutral Undertones

• Foundation: Use shades that balance pink and yellow tones for a natural look. Neutral foundations often work best.

• Blush: Both warm and cool blush tones, like peach or soft rose, can suit you.

• Lipstick: Try versatile colors like soft pinks, mauves, or beige nudes.

• Eyeshadow: Neutral browns, taupes, and versatile shades like champagne are flattering.

All in All

After a detailed discussion, we understand now that skin tone is not the only thing that needs to be considered; but the colors and shades of your clothes, makeup, and jewelry should also be considered.

Besides, skin undertones greatly impact your looks. Identifying your undertones is an exciting thing, and you can easily do it using our methods mentioned above, whether you have cool or warm undertones. This will help you to choose hues that complement your skin color and make you more attractive.