9 Best Tools to Flawlessly Identify Skin Tone Colors

WhatColors

Dante Kim

April 21st, 2024

Get your color analysis done
in 60 seconds with WhatColors!

Get your color analysis done in
60 seconds with WhatColors!

Get your color analysis done in 60 seconds with WhatColors!

Skin tone colors can be quite challenging to work with, particularly when you are making a decision about a project. Whether you are redesigning a space or selecting an outfit to wear, the hues that harmonize with your skin tone make a significant difference. The colors which work well with your appearance can make your appearance radiant while unsuitable colors can make you look pale and tired. So, discover your skin tone and the best hues to complement it in this post.

Overview of Skin Tones and Undertones

woman enjoying sun bath - Skin Tone Colors

Understanding Skin Tone and Undertones: The Key to Finding the Perfect Makeup Match

Skin tone and undertones are two critical factors that influence how makeup products look on your skin. Skin tone refers to the visible color on the surface of your skin. It can vary from fair to deep, with individuals falling into different categories based on how light or dark their skin is. On the other hand, undertones are the colors hidden beneath the skin's surface that can significantly impact how the skin looks when you wear makeup.

The Diversity of Skin Colors and Undertones

Skin tones come in various shades and undertones, and understanding both is essential for selecting the right makeup products. Regardless of whether you have fair or deep skin, your undertones are determined by the natural hues underneath the surface. While fair skin might have warm undertones, deeper skin tones can have cool undertones. Some individuals have neutral undertones, where the undertones align closely with their skin color.

Why Skin Colors and Undertones Matter

Selecting a lipstick or foundation based on color alone can lead to a mismatch once you try it on. This is because the undertones of your skin play a significant role in how makeup products appear on your skin. Makeup products that don't match your undertones won't blend correctly with your natural hues, affecting the overall look. To choose the right makeup products, it's crucial to consider both your skin tone and undertones.

The Three Traditional Undertones

There are three fundamental undertones – warm, cool, and neutral – that can help you determine what makeup products suit you best. Warm undertones span from peach to yellow and golden hues, with sallow skin often falling within this category. Cool undertones, on the other hand, include pink and bluish hues. If you have a neutral undertone, your undertones are similar in color to your skin tone, making it easier to find products that match.

While your skin color naturally influences how makeup products look on your skin, your undertones play a crucial role in determining the best makeup match. Understanding your skin's undertones is key to finding the perfect foundation and selecting the ideal color palettes that complement your unique hue. By considering both your skin tone and undertones, you can ensure that your makeup seamlessly blends with your natural hues, enhancing your overall look.

How Do I Know My Skin Tone Color?

Check out your veins

If you can see your veins, you may be able to use their color to identify your undertone. For example, if your veins look greenish, then you may have warm undertones. People with blue or purplish-looking veins usually have cooler undertones. If you have neutral undertones, then your veins may appear colorless or match the color of your skin.

Assess your jewelry

Many people are more attracted to silver or gold jewelry because of how it looks against their skin. If you like the way traditional yellow gold looks on your skin, you’re more likely to have warm or olive undertones. Silver, platinum, and rose gold tend to flatter cooler undertones. You may have neutral undertones if you tend to look good in both silver and gold and base your choice more on your outfit than your skin color.

Throw on something neutral

Neutral-colored clothing can also indicate your undertones. True white tends to favor cooler undertones, while warm undertones look better in off-white. Warm undertones also tend to complement brown hues, while cooler tones look better in black. Like jewelry, if you have neutral undertones, you can wear all colors without affecting your overall look.

Think about your eye and hair color

Although you might play with different hair dye colors and eyeshadows, your natural eye and hair color may provide some insights into your undertones. Platinum and ash-colored dyes tend to complement cooler undertones, while mahogany and golden dyes usually look better if you have warmer undertones. This is all important information if you’re deciding on a new hair color.

Look for ashen or gray tones

If your skin appears more ashen or gray, then you could have a natural olive tone. This isn’t as common as warm, cool, or neutral, but is instead a combination of undertones. Olive skin has both neutral and warm undertones along with green, an undertone that is considered unique to olive skin only. If you have olive skin, then you might find that certain colors in all three undertones suit your skin.

Using color analysis apps

Color apps enable users to explore color combinations, analyze color harmony, and test color schemes digitally before implementation. From basic color wheel tools to advanced color editing and palette-building features, these apps provide a digital workspace for experimenting with colors efficiently. With color apps, users can quickly visualize how different hues, tints, and shades work together.

Professional color analysis consultation

Professional color consultants bring extensive training in color theory, psychology, and trends to provide personalized color advice. Whether for interior design, product development, or branding, these experts evaluate a client's needs and objectives to recommend optimal color palettes and color story. Color consultants leverage their knowledge of colors' emotional impacts, cultural associations, and technical aspects to deliver targeted color strategies.

Personalized Color Analysis with WhatColors

WhatColors helps you find what colors to wear based off of your skin tone. Get your season based off on our skin tone, thanks to our patented color match technology. Get the perfect colors based off on your season. Avoid colors that are a definite no. Based off on your skin, eye and hair color find the perfect nail colors with our WhatColors Nail Color Generator.

Unlock your colors and transform your style for free today with WhatColors’ AI Personal Color Analysis app. Download our app for free today on the App Store or Google Play store.

Unlock your colors and transform your style for free today with WhatColors’ AI Personal Color Analysis app. Download our app for free today on the App Store or Google Play store.

9 Tools for Analyzing Skin Tone Colors

person scrolling through tools - Skin Tone Colors

1. WhatColors

2. Colorwise.me

This platform allows you to upload a selfie and uses your natural colors to generate a personalized color palette. It provides a unique feature where you can customize your palette by adding hues from your favorite items or even from your wardrobe. This makes it not only a tool for personal color analysis but also a versatile companion for style and wardrobe planning.

3. StyleDNA

This app requires just a selfie to analyze your features and reveal colors that enhance your natural beauty. It provides a detailed analysis based on color temperature, depth, and saturation, helping you to choose clothes that match your color type. The app offers a convenient way to keep your unique palette on hand, making shopping and style decisions easier.

4. ColorEnalysis

This free online tool has been a trusted source for personal color analysis for over 18 years. By answering a series of questions about your hair color, eye color, and skin tone, it helps you find the best colors for you, offering over 4,300 possible combinations. This platform is ideal for those looking to understand their color code and discover flattering colors.

5. Neutone

Neutone is an app designed specifically for makeup artists and anyone looking to find the perfect foundation match for their skin undertone. This app uses a machine learning model to accurately detect the skin undertone. With Neutone, users can take a simple photo and receive as a result their skin undertone. This eliminates the guesswork and frustration often associated with finding the perfect shade of makeup, saving time and money in the process.

6. Color Analysis - Dressika

Dressika is a personal AI shopping assistant and color style consultant. The app has a unique feature - automatic personal color analysis. Just take a selfie to find out your season color, seasonal color palettes and make-up colors. Use a virtual dressing room to create perfect outfits.

7. My Color Palette

Explore twelve seasonal color categories and discover which hues complement your unique skin tone and hair color. Answer a few simple questions to generate your personal color palette. Choose from over a hundred colors to see which ones make you shine.

8. The C Color App

Determines which of the four C Color Spectrums a person belongs to based on their innate DNA preferences and provides personalized color consulting.

9. Unotone

This app analyzes your skin tone from a photo and suggests matching foundation products. It is available on iOS and Android.

How Skin Tone Colors Affect Beauty Product Selection

Choosing the Right Foundation Shade

When selecting a foundation for your skin, it's crucial to consider your undertones. Cool skin tones should opt for colors like pinks, mauves, plums, and cool browns to complement their complexion. Avoid yellow-based products as they can wash out your skin. When trying out foundations, it's best to get samples and test them in natural light to ensure a perfect match.

Determining the Right Shade Intensity

For those with strong pink undertones, selecting a foundation that matches their jawline and balances with their body's color is essential. Sometimes, opting for a more neutral base can help blend the foundation seamlessly into your skin.

Color-Correcting Foundations

If you have redness in your face compared to your neck and chest, consider using a green color-correcting lotion before applying foundation. This step can help achieve a cohesive look across your face and neck.

Choosing the Best Bronzer

After finding the right foundation shade, adding a bronzer can provide a sun-kissed glow. Cool skin tones should avoid bronzers with golden or orange tones and opt for neutral shades to maintain a natural look.

Selecting Eye, Cheek, and Lip Colors Based on Skin Tone

For fair skin tones with cool undertones, lighter pinks, and mauves work well for lips and cheeks. When it comes to eyes, pale pinks, grays, or plums can create a stunning daytime or evening look.

Medium Skin Tones

Medium skin tones with cool undertones can experiment with a range of colors such as berry tones for lips and plum, purple, or lavender for eyes. Bronzes also complement this skin tone beautifully.

Dark Skin Tones

Dark skin tones with cool undertones can rock shades like deep plums, smoky charcoal, and navy blue for a striking makeup look. Opt for sheer washes of cool colors to enhance your features without overpowering your complexion.

Special Tips for Blue Eyes

Cool-toned girls with blue eyes can play with warmer shades like gold, bronze, or coral for a captivating contrast. Pairing these shades with cool-toned makeup can create a unique and flattering look for blue-eyed individuals.

Experimenting with Makeup

Embracing cool tones that complement your skin tone can enhance your natural features and create versatile daytime and nighttime makeup looks. Adding a hint of warmth here and there can add dimension to your makeup routine.

Matching Fashion With Your Skin Tone Color

woman with a red attire - Skin Tone Colors

Find Your Best Colors According to Your Skin Tone

Once you’ve determined your skin tone, you need to decipher what color palettes will look best on you. There are generally four categories of skin tones based on seasonal color analysis: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

For each of these tones, different colors will look best. Spring skin tones will look best in warm, bright, clear colors that are light to medium in depth. Summer tones will look best in cool, soft, muted, and light to medium in value. Autumn tones will look best in warm, muted, and medium to deep in depth. Winter tones will look best in cool and bright colors that are deep in value.

Choose Accessories that Complement Skin Tone

Accessories are a great way to add a pop of color and can work wonders for your overall look. Just like your clothing, choosing the right accessories can enhance your skin tone or completely wash you out.

For spring tones, opt for jewelry and accessories that mirror the colors in their clothing: light, bright, and warm. Think yellow gold, turquoise, and coral.
Summer tones might look best in cool, silvery metals like white gold or platinum, along with cool-toned pearls or brightly colored gemstones.
Autumn tones might look best in gold and copper metals, along with gemstones in warm colors.
Winter tones will look fabulous in silver and other cool metals, along with gemstones that are clear and bright.

Choosing Accessories that Complement Skin Tone

When it comes to choosing accessories, you need to keep in mind how they will complement your skin tone. Choosing the right accessories can enhance your skin tone or completely wash you out. For instance, people with spring tones might want to choose jewelry and accessories that mirror the colors in their clothing. These colors are light, bright, and warm. Think yellow gold, turquoise, and coral.

Summer tones might look best in cool, silvery metals like white gold or platinum, along with cool-toned pearls or brightly colored gemstones.
Autumn tones might look best in gold and copper metals, along with gemstones in warm colors.
Winter tones will look fabulous in silver and other cool metals, along with gemstones that are clear and bright.

Try AI Personal Color Analysis For Free Today

WhatColors is an innovative app that helps individuals find the perfect colors to wear based on their skin tone. With our patented color-match technology, you can finally identify your season and enhance your style effortlessly. By analyzing your skin, eye, and hair colors, WhatColors provides personalized recommendations to unlock the perfect palette for your wardrobe.

Avoid colors that clash with your natural tones and instead, opt for shades that enhance your features. Our Nail Color Generator suggests ideal nail colors based on your skin tone for a complete head-to-toe look.

Download the WhatColors app for free on the App Store or Google Play store and transform your style with confidence.

Overview of Skin Tones and Undertones

Understanding Skin Tone and Undertones: The Key to Finding the Perfect Makeup Match