Shopping? How To Know What Colors Look Best On Your Skin Tone

It's no secret that the human skin color ranges from the darkest brown to the lightest hues, which is caused by variation in pigmentation #melanin. A result of our genetics plus exposure to the sun. Have you ever wandered up and down the cosmetic aisle looking for that new powder or blush, yet you are stuck asking yourself, "how do I determine my skin tone?" Trying to determine your skin tone can be overwhelming, and no this doesn’t apply to skincare products alone.

Ever heard people talk about how green is their color because they look good in it, or how they look awful in a certain color? The surface of your skin tone, or the first thing you see when you look in the mirror plays a role in determining how an outfit may or may not look on you. Also, understanding the color wheel is an important piece in your closet puzzle. But this doesn’t mean that because a color isn’t flattering on your skin you must stop wearing it. If you love a color that isn’t best for you, consider using it as an accent color with a bag, belt, scarf, or shoes instead of wearing it heat-to toe.

Determining your skin tone involves looking skin deep. Your skin tone is determined by the undertones that come through. Are you warm or cool? To put in simple terms, what colors look best on your skin tone?

The first step in choosing what colors look best on your skin tone is to first determine your skin undertone.

• Look at the appearance of your veins beneath your skin in natural light. If your veins appear blue or purple, you have a cool skin tone. If your veins look green or greenish blue, you have a warm skin tone. If you can’t tell whether your veins are green or blue, you probably have a neutral skin tone.

• Does silver complement your skin better than gold? You have a cool skin tone. If you have a warm skin tone, gold will likely look better.

• Examining the way your skin reacts to sun rays can also help determine your skin tone. Those who tan easily have a medium or dark skin tone, while those who burn easily likely have a very fair skin tone. People who are neutral may fall into either group with regards to burning or tanning.

Now that you know how to determine your skin tone, it’s time to find what colors look best on your skin tone to help you achieve that colorful wardrobe you desire.

Best colors to wear for those with a cool tone.

Draw your inspirations from the cool end of the color spectrum. We should be thinking sky blues, emerald greens, cobalt, frosty purples, grays, pink. You can also incorporate colors such as ruby, bright rosy red, and pale yellows. Try to avoid orange, strong yellows, and tomato red because these colors clash completely with your skin.

Best colors for those with a warm tone.

Your inspiration should be drawn from the warm end of the color spectrum. You should be thinking fiery reds, oranges, rusty tones, camels, earth tones. If you love cool hues, opt for warmer versions of the cool colors like olives, violet, fuchsia and orchid. Neutral colors to consider include taupe, cappuccino, mushroom gray and cream. Try to avoid colors like icy blue, sapphire, or amethyst because they wash you out and make your skin look gray.

Best colors for those with a neutral tone.

Remember, those with neutral undertones will have a bit of difficulty discerning if they are warm or cool based on the guidelines above. This is because they are usually a combination of both. Let’s call them a hybrid of cool and warm tones. The good thing about being a hybrid in this case is that you will look great in most colors. You will have access to the entire color spectrum so count yourself lucky! #skingoals

The only thing here is, try to avoid colors that are too neon or oversaturated because they will throw your neutral skin tone off balance.

What colors look best on every skin tone?

We have talked about colors that look best on specific skin tones. That said, there are colors that look good on literally everyone. This is because they are perfect balance of warm and cool making it suitable for every skin tone. For starters, pure white goes with everyone’s skin. This makes it every closet favorite after the little black dress. If you find a white outfit that doesn’t look good on your skin tone, look at it in natural light to make sure it doesn’t have cool or warm undertones that may not have been as obvious on the rack.

Blush gives you that #glow no matter who you are plus it pairs well with everything. Teal, a perfect mix of blue and green can be worn by anyone. It is also a great shade for both summer and winter seasons so why not?

Another color which is a closet favorite is black. There’s a reason why most stylish women reach this color over and over. It has an ultra-slimming reputation and the ability to play well with all colors, making it a go to color for when you can’t decide on what to wear.

Now that you know what colors will look best on your skin tone, what colors will you be adding to your wardrobe as we prepare for the fall? Let me know in the comments below.

“When in doubt, wear red.” ~ Bill Blass

xo.