How To Pick The Right Warm Skin Tone Colors For Every Occasion

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Dante Kim

April 24th, 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!

Are you looking to enhance your natural beauty and highlight your warm skin tone colors? Discover how to select the right clothes and makeup to complement your Skin tone colors with our latest guide. Understanding your skin tone colors will make you feel more confident, and you will radiate your inner beauty. Let's dive in and find out more about how to choose the best warm skin tone colors!

Overview of Skin Tones and Undertones

woman with a xl shirt - Warm Skin Tone Colors

In makeup, you may not always find your one true match, but you can get pretty close. As makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran says, undertones (and understanding them) can "unlock the code to your complexion." Skip any makeup faux pas by knowing exactly how undertones work. Thinking you have the wrong one can bring visible lines of mismatched foundation shades or bright blushes washing you out.

Curating your color palette of blues, oranges, or whatever suits you slims down the search for products in a fun way. Matching makeup to your undertones can help put your favorite features forward and bring out a more radiant complexion. "If you know your undertones, you will be able to get the perfect shade of foundation and concealers," says makeup artist Keita Moore. "You will [also] be able to choose the palettes that work the best for you."

Make colorful flecks in your eyes pop or accentuate darker features by selecting complementary eyeshadow palettes or lipstick colors. To get started, we spoke with makeup artists on their best tips and tricks on how to find your skin undertones as well as how to play with makeup to your advantage.

Different Skin Undertones

Undertones refer to the hue or tone present within the skin. There are three types: Warm, cool, and neutral. Think traces of gold and red when it comes to warm tones, says makeup artist Keita Moore. That includes golden, yellow, or peachy hues. Cool tones carry hints of pink, plus red or bluish hues.

A neutral undertone usually includes an equal mix of both warm and cool hues, he adds, or on the contrary, neither hue is distinctly visible. And yes, there is a difference between skin tone and skin undertone.

Skin tone usually refers to those shades that span fair to tan to deep. "A person’s undertone will not change in different seasons like the shade of your skin may," Jaikaran says. "For example, during the summer, a person’s foundation shade will likely be darker than their shade during the winter due to sun exposure. However, your undertone will always remain the same."

What Are the Best Warm Skin Tone Colors in General?

woman after shopping - Warm Skin Tone Colors

Let’s delve on the best colors for warm skin tones:

Earth Tones

Earth tones are colors like olive, beige, and amber that work well for warm skin tones. These hues mimic the natural warmth of the skin, creating a cohesive and flattering look that brings out the best in your complexion. When worn by people with warm skin tones, earth tones help to enhance the natural glow of the skin, providing an overall radiant and harmonious appearance.

Warm Reds

Shades of brick, cherry, raspberry, and crimson are ideal for warm skin tones. These warm red hues bring out the golden tones in the skin, adding vibrancy and warmth to your complexion. By wearing warm red colors, you can enhance the natural warmth of your skin, making it appear more radiant and lively.

Coral

Coral hues are perfect for warm skin tones because they have a mix of warm and cool tones. These colors complement the warm undertones of the skin, providing a fresh and flattering look that enhances your natural beauty. By wearing coral shades, you can create a harmonious and balanced appearance that makes your skin look fresh and radiant.

Cream

Cream is a soft and warm color that compliments warm skin tones beautifully. This elegant and sophisticated hue enhances the natural warmth of the skin, providing a touch of sophistication to your overall look. By wearing cream colors, you can add a sense of elegance to your appearance while enhancing the natural radiance of your complexion.

Peach

Peach tones are soft and warm, making them perfect for warm skin tones. These hues enhance the natural warmth of the skin, creating a fresh and youthful appearance that brings out the best in your complexion. By wearing peach colors, you can add a touch of warmth and vitality to your overall look, making your skin appear fresh and radiant.

How Do I Know if My Skin Tone Is Warm or Cool?

woman under sun light - Warm Skin Tone Colors

Let’s delve on how to identify the warm skin tone colors below:

Veins Test

If your veins appear blue or purple, you likely have a cooler undertone. Green veins are indicative of a warmer undertone, while difficulty discerning between blue and green could mean you have a neutral undertone.

White Background Test

Stand near a window and hold a white shirt or sheet of paper up to your face. If your skin appears pink or red, you look cool-toned. A yellow hue signifies a warm undertone. If there's no discernible shift, you may have a neutral undertone.

Jewelry Test

Gold jewelry tends to flatter warmer tones, while silver is more complementary to cooler tones. If both metals look good on you, you may have a neutral undertone.

Sun Reaction Test

Skin that tans easily indicates a warm undertone, while redness or burns suggest a cooler undertone. Individuals with neutral undertones develop an olive shade in the sun.

Color Analysis Apps

Color apps analyze your photo for a personalized color palette. Use them in natural light for the most accurate results.

Professional Color Consultation

For a detailed analysis, consider a session with a professional color consultant. They use fabric draping and other tests to determine the colors that best suit you.

Unlock Your Colors and Transform Your Style with WhatColors’ AI Personal Color Analysis app. Download it today on the App Store or Google Play store.

What Are Some Color Combinations That Work Well for Warm Skin Tones

helping friend understand Warm Skin Tone Colors

Below are the successful color pairings for warm skin tones:

Earth Tones

Earth tones are a reliable and timeless choice for individuals with warm skin tones. Colors such as terracotta, camel, beige, and various shades of brown create a harmonious palette that is not only attractive but also gives off a natural and grounded vibe.

Rich Warm Colors

If you're looking to bring out the natural warmth in your skin, rich warm colors like burnt orange, deep red, mustard yellow, and olive green can be stunning choices. These bold hues are not only complementary to warm undertones but also add a touch of elegance to your attire.

Jewel Tones

Although jewel tones are often recommended for cool skin undertones, warm skin tones can also pull off certain jewel-toned colors like amber, golden yellow, and warm greens. These shades intensify the golden flecks in your eyes and give off a luxurious vibe.

Neutrals with Warm Underpinnings

Soft peach, creamy white, and muted taupe stand out as versatile neutrals that perfectly compliment warm skin tones. When combined correctly, these shades create a subtle yet sophisticated appearance suitable for various occasions.

Warm Pastels

Warm skin tones can shine in pastels with a yellow or orange undertone, such as peach, apricot, and a soft, warm pink. These warm pastels are especially flattering during the spring and summer months.

Metallics

For a radiant glow, metallic colors like gold, bronze, and copper are fantastic choices for warm skin tones. These hues reflect light, adding a touch of sparkle to your look, be it for everyday wear or special occasions.

Example Color Combinations

Burnt Orange and Olive Green

Combining burnt orange with olive green results in a bold yet earthy appearance. This pairing works well for both casual and formal wear, creating a unique and eye-catching ensemble.

Camel and Deep Red

When you combine camel and deep red, you achieve a classic and warm color palette that exudes sophistication. This combination is ideal for office wear or elegant events, offering a touch of warmth and refinement in your attire.

Peach and Creamy White

Pairing peach with creamy white creates a soft and romantic look that is perfect for daytime events or summer outings. The combination of these two shades results in a gentle and elegant appearance that is easy on the eyes.

Gold and Amber

Accentuating your outfit with gold and amber accessories adds sparkle and warmth to your overall ensemble. These metallic hues work excellently as accents, contributing to a radiant and luxurious appearance.

What Are Some Color Combinations to Avoid for Warm Skin Tones

Make sure to avoid the below color mixes for warm skin tones:

1. Cool Pastels

Light pastels like baby blue, pale lavender, and mint green may not be the best choice for those with warm skin tones. These cooler shades lack the warmth necessary to complement golden or yellow undertones, potentially making the complexion appear sallow or washed out.

2. Neon Colors

Bright neon shades such as electric blue, hot pink, or fluorescent green can be too overpowering against warm skin tones. The intensity of these colors may clash with the natural warmth of the complexion, creating an unflattering contrast.

3. Cool Grays

Cool-toned grays can appear dull on warm skin tones, potentially diminishing the natural glow. Instead, opt for warmer grays or taupe shades that can harmonize better with the warm undertones.

4. Dark Cool Colors

While dark colors like navy or charcoal can work well with warm skin tones, overly cool dark shades like deep purple or frosty blue might not complement the natural warmth. These colors could create a stark contrast that doesn’t enhance the complexion.

5. Black and Silver Combination

While black is a versatile color, pairing it predominantly with silver accents may lean too cool for warm skin tones, especially if the silver elements dominate the outfit. Instead, consider incorporating gold or bronze accessories, which are more complementary to warm undertones.

5 Makeup Tips for Warm Skin Tones

woman getting tips on Warm Skin Tone Colors

Let’s delve on the recommended shades for warm skin tone colors:

1. Foundation Shade

L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Makeup in one of the 15 options for warm skin tones.

2. Lipstick Shade

L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract in Ecstatic Mulberry or the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 8 Hour Pro Lip Gloss in Undeniable Mauve.

3. Eyeshadow Shade

L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Eyes Shimmer Liquid Eye Shadow Makeup in Bronze Light or L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Matte Chill.

4. Highlighter Shade

L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glow Amour Glow Boosting Drops in Golden Hour.

5. Blush Shade

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Satin Blush with Camellia Oil in Amber or Rosewood.

Try AI Personal Color Analysis For Free Today

One of the key factors in determining the most complementary colors for your skin tone is understanding your "season." Your season is based on the colors that naturally occur in your skin, eyes, and hair. Warm skin tones typically have hints of yellow, peach, or gold undertones. These individuals fall into the "spring" or "autumn" categories when using the seasonal color analysis.

Spring types have warm and clear colors, while autumn types have warm and muted colors. Discovering your season will help you figure out which colors look best on you, bringing out your natural features.

Avoiding Certain Colors Based on Your Skin, Eye, and Hair Color

Once you have identified your season, you can avoid colors that don’t compliment your warm skin tone. For instance, cool colors like bright blues, pinks, and purples can clash with warm undertones, making them less flattering. Instead, opt for warm colors like earthy tones, olive green, mustard yellow, and warm reds. These hues will enhance your natural warmth and radiance. By steering clear of colors that wash you out, you can ensure that your outfits always flatter your skin tone.

Finding Your Perfect Nail Colors with WhatColors Nail Color Generator

Your journey to finding the best colors for your warm skin tone doesn’t stop at clothing. The same rules apply when you’re choosing nail polish shades. With WhatColors, it offers a Nail Color Generator that helps you find the perfect nail colors to complement your skin, eye, and hair color. By selecting nail colors that align with your season, you can elevate your style and make a statement with your manicure. Embrace warm neutrals, soft shades, and earthy tones to enhance your overall look.