What Colors Are Best for My Skin Tone & 7 Must-Know Color Tools
Dante Kim
May 23rd, 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!
Choosing the right skin tone colors is crucial when creating a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and stylish. The right colors for your skin tone can brighten your complexion, make your eyes sparkle, and give you a healthy glow. You can enhance your best features with the right shades and create a flattering look that suits your unique coloring. To ensure that you're choosing the best skin tone colors, follow these expert tips to enhance your look and define your personal style.
Table of Contents
What Are Skin Tones and Undertones?
Skin tones refer to the surface color or shade ranging from fair to deep. Undertones, on the other hand, relate to the subtle colors beneath the skin's surface. Undertones are categorized as warm, cool, and neutral (or olive) and can give your skin a unique pink, yellow, or both, glow. Determining your undertone is crucial when selecting makeup products as it can significantly affect how specific colors look on your skin.
Determining Your Skin’s Undertone
You can use a skin undertones chart to determine your skin's undertone. Undertones can be warm, cool, or neutral, and knowing your undertone is crucial when choosing makeup products. Undertones are more important than overall skin tone as they determine the color family your skin belongs to.
Once you know your undertone, it is easier to find your overall skin tone, which typically falls within a 2-3 shade window. Skin tone categories include fair, light, medium, dark, and dark-deep to help determine your complexion match.
Related Reading
• Best Colors For Pale Skin
• Color Theory Fashion
• Colors That Look Good On Brown Skin
• Warm Skin Tone Colors
• Best Colors For Cool Skin Tone
• Clothing Colors For Pale Skin
How Do I Know My Skin Tone?
Determining your skin tone is essential for choosing the right makeup, clothing, and hair color. To find your skin tone, you must consider factors like surface color, undertones, and how your skin reacts to sunlight. Understanding your skin tone can help you choose makeup that complements your complexion and select clothing and hair colors that enhance your natural features.
Look at Your Face in Natural Light
Observing your face in natural light can help you determine your surface color, which is crucial for choosing the right foundation. To do this, clean your face thoroughly and wait for at least 15 minutes before examining your jawline under natural light. Color changes affect Your jawline less, making it a good indicator of your surface color.
The Silver/Gold Test
To determine your undertones, check if silver or gold jewelry complements your skin better. If silver looks better on you, you likely have cool undertones. In contrast, if gold complements your skin, you probably have warm undertones. Knowing your undertones helps select makeup and clothing that harmonize with your complexion.
Look at Your Veins
Examine the color of your veins in natural light to identify your undertones. Blue or purple veins indicate cool undertones, while green or greenish-blue veins suggest warm undertones. If you can't determine the color of your veins, you likely have neutral undertones, which is common for individuals with an olive complexion.
How Does Your Skin React to Sun Exposure?
Pay attention to how your skin responds to sunlight. If your skin tans easily and rarely burns, you likely have a medium or dark skin tone. In contrast, you probably have a fair skin tone if you burn easily in the sun. Understanding your skin tone can guide your makeup and fashion choices to enhance natural beauty.
Why is It Useful to Know My Skin Tone?
Knowing your skin tone and undertones is beneficial for selecting makeup, clothing, and hair colors that complement your complexion. You can create a cohesive and flattering look that enhances your natural features by harmonizing your colors with your skin tone. Understanding your skin tone helps you make informed decisions about your aesthetic choices, from makeup to clothing and hair color.
Unlock Your Colors and Transform Your Style
WhatColors helps you find the best colors based on your skin tone. With our patented color-match technology, discover your season based on your skin tone. Get personalized color recommendations for clothing, makeup, and hair to enhance natural beauty.
Download WhatColors’ AI Personal Color Analysis app for free on the App Store or Google Play store and unlock your colors to transform your style.
What Colors Are Best for My Skin Tone?
For those with cool undertones, it's best to choose colors that contrast your skin tone. Darker colors like grey, brown, burgundy, bottle green, and navy work well. Cool-toned individuals look great in colors on the cool end of the spectrum, such as purples, greens, charcoal gray, and deep blues. Avoid soft pastel shades, bright colors, and neutrals like white, light beige, or stone. Instead, opt for richer shades like sand, camel, khaki, and slate grey. Red can be worn in bold shades like crimson for those with alabaster pale skin tones.
Colors for Warm Undertones
For those with warm undertones, most colors work well. Choose shades that are slightly brighter or darker than the middle ground. For light neutrals, opt for pale beige over warm sand. For purples, go for a bolder shade like magenta rather than mauve. Avoid shades of yellow or green that are too close to your skin tone to prevent blending in with your clothing. Colors like pistachio, mustard, olive, and mocha brown should be avoided. Be cautious with all-white or pastel-on-pastel looks to avoid looking washed out.
Colors for Neutral Skin Tones
Those with neutral skin tones have many colors to choose from as their skin tone complements most hues. It's important to balance bold, bright colors like jade green or cobalt blue with a color that ties the look together. Avoid yellow since it won't contrast enough with your skin. While black and navy are wardrobe staples, use them sparingly to maximize the versatility of your skin tone. Bright red is a great choice for men with neutral skin tones.
Related Reading
• Cool Skin Tone Colors To Wear
• Best Clothing Colors For Asian Skin Tone
• Brown Skin Warm Skin Tone Colors
• Best Colors For Neutral Skin Tone
• Getting Your Colors Done
• Colors For Olive Skin Tone
• Colors For Winter Skin Tone
• Warm Skin Tone Colors To Wear
• House Of Color Cost
• Olive Skin Tone Colors To Wear
• Colors For Autumn Skin Tone
• Hair Colors For Your Skin Tone
• Neutral Skin Tone Colors To Wear
• How To Do Your Own Color Analysis
• Cool Hair Colors for Your Skin Tone Chart
What Color Looks Good on All Skin Tones?
Pastel Pink Color
The pastel pink color is a versatile shade that is universally flattering for all skin tones because it closely matches our natural skin color, making it a safe and chic choice for anyone. This color is often considered the second white or black, suitable for any skin or hair type. Fair-skinned blondes may opt for a pastel pink with pink tint to avoid looking washed out.
Eggplant Color
Eggplant is a trendy and sophisticated color that can elevate any look, particularly suited for individuals with darker skin tones. Surprisingly, this shade also complements fair-skinned individuals, making it a great choice regardless of your skin tone or undertone.
Red Color
While traditionally recommended for individuals with warm undertones, red is a versatile color that anyone can wear. It is best used as an accent color in an outfit, such as red lips, shoes, or accessories, to create a striking look that flatters all skin tones.
Teal Color
Teal is a versatile color that instantly adds creativity to any outfit. It works well with cool skin tones and provides a unique contrast for warm skin types. Despite its universal appeal, many overlook this stunning hue, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to spice up their wardrobe.
Gray Color
A neutral and achromatic color, gray is a versatile choice that pairs well with any other color. It can be used as an alternative to black when you want a change in your wardrobe. Dark gray, in particular, can create a slimming effect during the summer months when black may feel too heavy.
"Denim" Color
Although a recent addition to the fashion world, denim has quickly become a staple as a base color in many wardrobes. Its neutral nature allows it to seamlessly pair with other colors, making it a versatile and timeless choice for anyone. The denim color is psychologically perceived as black and white, making it an easy and stylish addition to any outfit.
7 Innovative Color Analysis Apps for Finding Your Best Colors
1. WhatColors App
The WhatColors app utilizes patented color-match technology to determine the best colors based on your skin tone. It also helps you identify your season based on your skin tone and provides color recommendations based on your skin, eye, and hair color. The app offers a WhatColors Nail Color Generator to find the perfect nail colors. Download WhatColors for free on the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. My Best Colors App
My Best Colors App is based on the seasonal color analysis theory. It includes a Smart Color Picker to analyze garment colors, a Color Matching Mode, and an Overlay Mode to coordinate colors. It enables manual toggling between different seasons for a customized experience.
3. My Color Palette App
This app uses the seasonal color analysis approach by having users answer a questionnaire about their hair and eye color contrast and skin temperature. A personalized seasonal color palette is created for users and can be viewed on Pinterest.
4. Color Analysis Dressika App
Dressika is a personal fashion assistant and virtual fitting room utilizing the seasonal color analysis approach. Users can create a Look Book by selecting from over 100 colors in their seasonal color palette. The app also offers a virtual fitting room to try on clothes before purchasing.
5. ColorLover
ColorLover allows personal color self-diagnosis by collecting data from 2,500 people. The app offers personal color information, beauty product recommendations, and a community platform for users to interact and share information.
6. Vivaldi Color Lab
Vivaldi Color Lab provides a curated selection of digital drapes for all 12 seasons to help users understand which colors suit them best. The app gives tailored suggestions for makeup and clothing that complement the user's natural features.
7. C Color App
C Color App is the first personal color analysis app based on a color gene that quantifies intuitive color preferences. It helps users identify colors that enhance their looks, thoughts, feelings, actions, and performance. The app verifies the user's C Color Spectrum based on genetic color proclivities and recommends perfect colors.
Try AI Personal Color Analysis For Free Today
Our app, WhatColors, is designed to help you determine the best colors to wear based on your skin tone. Using our patented color-match technology, you can easily identify your season and discover the ideal colors for your complexion. With this information, you can confidently choose the perfect shades for your wardrobe and avoid any colors that might not suit you.
In addition to clothing, WhatColors also offers a Nail Color Generator, enabling you to find the most flattering nail colors based on your skin, eye, and hair color. Using WhatColors, you can unlock your personalized color palette and elevate your style effortlessly. Download our app for free today on the App Store or Google Play Store to transform your look with the perfect hues.
Related Reading
• How To Choose Clothing Colors For Your Skin Tone
• Clothing Colors For Yellow Skin Tone
• At Home Color Analysis
• Colors For Summer Skin Tone
• Best Clothing Colors For Cool Skin Tone
• Colors For Spring Skin Tone
• Best Clothing Colors For South Asian Skin Tone
Get your color analysis done
in 60 seconds with WhatColors!
Choosing the right skin tone colors is crucial when creating a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and stylish. The right colors for your skin tone can brighten your complexion, make your eyes sparkle, and give you a healthy glow. You can enhance your best features with the right shades and create a flattering look that suits your unique coloring. To ensure that you're choosing the best skin tone colors, follow these expert tips to enhance your look and define your personal style.
Table of Contents
What Are Skin Tones and Undertones?
Skin tones refer to the surface color or shade ranging from fair to deep. Undertones, on the other hand, relate to the subtle colors beneath the skin's surface. Undertones are categorized as warm, cool, and neutral (or olive) and can give your skin a unique pink, yellow, or both, glow. Determining your undertone is crucial when selecting makeup products as it can significantly affect how specific colors look on your skin.
Determining Your Skin’s Undertone
You can use a skin undertones chart to determine your skin's undertone. Undertones can be warm, cool, or neutral, and knowing your undertone is crucial when choosing makeup products. Undertones are more important than overall skin tone as they determine the color family your skin belongs to.
Once you know your undertone, it is easier to find your overall skin tone, which typically falls within a 2-3 shade window. Skin tone categories include fair, light, medium, dark, and dark-deep to help determine your complexion match.
Related Reading
• Best Colors For Pale Skin
• Color Theory Fashion
• Colors That Look Good On Brown Skin
• Warm Skin Tone Colors
• Best Colors For Cool Skin Tone
• Clothing Colors For Pale Skin
How Do I Know My Skin Tone?
Determining your skin tone is essential for choosing the right makeup, clothing, and hair color. To find your skin tone, you must consider factors like surface color, undertones, and how your skin reacts to sunlight. Understanding your skin tone can help you choose makeup that complements your complexion and select clothing and hair colors that enhance your natural features.
Look at Your Face in Natural Light
Observing your face in natural light can help you determine your surface color, which is crucial for choosing the right foundation. To do this, clean your face thoroughly and wait for at least 15 minutes before examining your jawline under natural light. Color changes affect Your jawline less, making it a good indicator of your surface color.
The Silver/Gold Test
To determine your undertones, check if silver or gold jewelry complements your skin better. If silver looks better on you, you likely have cool undertones. In contrast, if gold complements your skin, you probably have warm undertones. Knowing your undertones helps select makeup and clothing that harmonize with your complexion.
Look at Your Veins
Examine the color of your veins in natural light to identify your undertones. Blue or purple veins indicate cool undertones, while green or greenish-blue veins suggest warm undertones. If you can't determine the color of your veins, you likely have neutral undertones, which is common for individuals with an olive complexion.
How Does Your Skin React to Sun Exposure?
Pay attention to how your skin responds to sunlight. If your skin tans easily and rarely burns, you likely have a medium or dark skin tone. In contrast, you probably have a fair skin tone if you burn easily in the sun. Understanding your skin tone can guide your makeup and fashion choices to enhance natural beauty.
Why is It Useful to Know My Skin Tone?
Knowing your skin tone and undertones is beneficial for selecting makeup, clothing, and hair colors that complement your complexion. You can create a cohesive and flattering look that enhances your natural features by harmonizing your colors with your skin tone. Understanding your skin tone helps you make informed decisions about your aesthetic choices, from makeup to clothing and hair color.
Unlock Your Colors and Transform Your Style
WhatColors helps you find the best colors based on your skin tone. With our patented color-match technology, discover your season based on your skin tone. Get personalized color recommendations for clothing, makeup, and hair to enhance natural beauty.
Download WhatColors’ AI Personal Color Analysis app for free on the App Store or Google Play store and unlock your colors to transform your style.
What Colors Are Best for My Skin Tone?
For those with cool undertones, it's best to choose colors that contrast your skin tone. Darker colors like grey, brown, burgundy, bottle green, and navy work well. Cool-toned individuals look great in colors on the cool end of the spectrum, such as purples, greens, charcoal gray, and deep blues. Avoid soft pastel shades, bright colors, and neutrals like white, light beige, or stone. Instead, opt for richer shades like sand, camel, khaki, and slate grey. Red can be worn in bold shades like crimson for those with alabaster pale skin tones.
Colors for Warm Undertones
For those with warm undertones, most colors work well. Choose shades that are slightly brighter or darker than the middle ground. For light neutrals, opt for pale beige over warm sand. For purples, go for a bolder shade like magenta rather than mauve. Avoid shades of yellow or green that are too close to your skin tone to prevent blending in with your clothing. Colors like pistachio, mustard, olive, and mocha brown should be avoided. Be cautious with all-white or pastel-on-pastel looks to avoid looking washed out.
Colors for Neutral Skin Tones
Those with neutral skin tones have many colors to choose from as their skin tone complements most hues. It's important to balance bold, bright colors like jade green or cobalt blue with a color that ties the look together. Avoid yellow since it won't contrast enough with your skin. While black and navy are wardrobe staples, use them sparingly to maximize the versatility of your skin tone. Bright red is a great choice for men with neutral skin tones.
Related Reading
• Cool Skin Tone Colors To Wear
• Best Clothing Colors For Asian Skin Tone
• Brown Skin Warm Skin Tone Colors
• Best Colors For Neutral Skin Tone
• Getting Your Colors Done
• Colors For Olive Skin Tone
• Colors For Winter Skin Tone
• Warm Skin Tone Colors To Wear
• House Of Color Cost
• Olive Skin Tone Colors To Wear
• Colors For Autumn Skin Tone
• Hair Colors For Your Skin Tone
• Neutral Skin Tone Colors To Wear
• How To Do Your Own Color Analysis
• Cool Hair Colors for Your Skin Tone Chart
What Color Looks Good on All Skin Tones?
Pastel Pink Color
The pastel pink color is a versatile shade that is universally flattering for all skin tones because it closely matches our natural skin color, making it a safe and chic choice for anyone. This color is often considered the second white or black, suitable for any skin or hair type. Fair-skinned blondes may opt for a pastel pink with pink tint to avoid looking washed out.
Eggplant Color
Eggplant is a trendy and sophisticated color that can elevate any look, particularly suited for individuals with darker skin tones. Surprisingly, this shade also complements fair-skinned individuals, making it a great choice regardless of your skin tone or undertone.
Red Color
While traditionally recommended for individuals with warm undertones, red is a versatile color that anyone can wear. It is best used as an accent color in an outfit, such as red lips, shoes, or accessories, to create a striking look that flatters all skin tones.
Teal Color
Teal is a versatile color that instantly adds creativity to any outfit. It works well with cool skin tones and provides a unique contrast for warm skin types. Despite its universal appeal, many overlook this stunning hue, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to spice up their wardrobe.
Gray Color
A neutral and achromatic color, gray is a versatile choice that pairs well with any other color. It can be used as an alternative to black when you want a change in your wardrobe. Dark gray, in particular, can create a slimming effect during the summer months when black may feel too heavy.
"Denim" Color
Although a recent addition to the fashion world, denim has quickly become a staple as a base color in many wardrobes. Its neutral nature allows it to seamlessly pair with other colors, making it a versatile and timeless choice for anyone. The denim color is psychologically perceived as black and white, making it an easy and stylish addition to any outfit.
7 Innovative Color Analysis Apps for Finding Your Best Colors
1. WhatColors App
The WhatColors app utilizes patented color-match technology to determine the best colors based on your skin tone. It also helps you identify your season based on your skin tone and provides color recommendations based on your skin, eye, and hair color. The app offers a WhatColors Nail Color Generator to find the perfect nail colors. Download WhatColors for free on the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. My Best Colors App
My Best Colors App is based on the seasonal color analysis theory. It includes a Smart Color Picker to analyze garment colors, a Color Matching Mode, and an Overlay Mode to coordinate colors. It enables manual toggling between different seasons for a customized experience.
3. My Color Palette App
This app uses the seasonal color analysis approach by having users answer a questionnaire about their hair and eye color contrast and skin temperature. A personalized seasonal color palette is created for users and can be viewed on Pinterest.
4. Color Analysis Dressika App
Dressika is a personal fashion assistant and virtual fitting room utilizing the seasonal color analysis approach. Users can create a Look Book by selecting from over 100 colors in their seasonal color palette. The app also offers a virtual fitting room to try on clothes before purchasing.
5. ColorLover
ColorLover allows personal color self-diagnosis by collecting data from 2,500 people. The app offers personal color information, beauty product recommendations, and a community platform for users to interact and share information.
6. Vivaldi Color Lab
Vivaldi Color Lab provides a curated selection of digital drapes for all 12 seasons to help users understand which colors suit them best. The app gives tailored suggestions for makeup and clothing that complement the user's natural features.
7. C Color App
C Color App is the first personal color analysis app based on a color gene that quantifies intuitive color preferences. It helps users identify colors that enhance their looks, thoughts, feelings, actions, and performance. The app verifies the user's C Color Spectrum based on genetic color proclivities and recommends perfect colors.
Try AI Personal Color Analysis For Free Today
Our app, WhatColors, is designed to help you determine the best colors to wear based on your skin tone. Using our patented color-match technology, you can easily identify your season and discover the ideal colors for your complexion. With this information, you can confidently choose the perfect shades for your wardrobe and avoid any colors that might not suit you.
In addition to clothing, WhatColors also offers a Nail Color Generator, enabling you to find the most flattering nail colors based on your skin, eye, and hair color. Using WhatColors, you can unlock your personalized color palette and elevate your style effortlessly. Download our app for free today on the App Store or Google Play Store to transform your look with the perfect hues.
Related Reading
• How To Choose Clothing Colors For Your Skin Tone
• Clothing Colors For Yellow Skin Tone
• At Home Color Analysis
• Colors For Summer Skin Tone
• Best Clothing Colors For Cool Skin Tone
• Colors For Spring Skin Tone
• Best Clothing Colors For South Asian Skin Tone