Choosing the right colors to wear can dramatically enhance your appearance. The colors you wear affect how others perceive you and how you feel about yourself. Finding colors that complement your natural coloring is key to looking your best.
Determine Your Skin’s Undertone
The first step in finding your best colors is determining your skin’s undertone. There are three main undertones:
- Warm – Yellow, peachy, golden undertones
- Cool – Pink, red, blue undertones
- Neutral – A mix of warm and cool undertones
Here are some ways to determine your skin’s undertone:
- Look at the veins on your wrist – greenish hue means warm, blueish means cool.
- Do you tan easily or burn easily? Warm skin tans more, cool skin burns.
- Does your skin look pinkish, red, or blueish? This indicates a cool undertone.
- Does your skin look yellowish, peachy or golden? This indicates a warm undertone.
- Neutral skin doesn’t obviously lean warm or cool.
Identifying your undertones will help you find colors that complement your skin.
Best Colors for Warm Skin Tones
If you have a warm skin undertone, these are some of the best colors for you to wear:
- Yellow
- Gold
- Peach
- Coral
- Chestnut
- Camel
- Orange
- Rust
- Cinnamon
Warm, rich colors enhance warm skin tones beautifully. Stay away from cool pastels and blues which can make warm skin appear dull or ruddy.
Best Colors for Cool Skin Tones
If your skin has a cool pinkish undertone, these colors will be most flattering:
- Blues
- Purples
- Emerald Greens
- Greys
- Pinks
- Plums
- Magenta
- Lavender
- Navy
Cooler undertones are complemented by bolder, deeper cool colors. Stay away from orange, yellow and terracotta which can overwhelm cool skin.
Best Colors for Neutral Skin Tones
If your skin is more neutral-toned, you can wear a wide range of colors. Some of the best include:
- Teal
- Periwinkle
- Olive Green
- Moss Green
- Royal Blue
- Sage Green
- Taupe
- Beige
- Slate
Neutral skin doesn’t have an obvious undertone so can handle a wider range of colors. However, the most flattering shades will be rich yet muted.
Test Out Some Colors
Once you have a sense of what color families suit your skin tone, it’s time to try them out. Look at clothing and makeup in those shades to see what you feel most confident and comfortable in. Some tips for testing colors:
- Try out different shades of clothing near your face and look in the mirror to get a sense of how they work with your skin.
- Look for any colors that seem jarring or wash you out – those are ones to avoid.
- Think about how certain colors make you feel. Confident colors will enhance your skin, not compete with it.
- Have a color-savvy friend help you pick out shades.
Trust your instincts. Notice how your skin glows in your best colors. The right shades will make you look healthy and vibrant.
Consider Your Eye Color and Hair Color
In addition to your skin’s undertone, your natural eye color and hair color can also impact what shades look best. Some guidelines:
| Undertone | Eye Color | Hair Color | Flattering Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm | Brown | Brunette | Camel, copper, olive green |
| Cool | Blue | Blonde | Royal blue, pink, lavender |
| Neutral | Hazel | Strawberry blonde | Emerald, teal, plum |
Aim for colors that complement, without matching, your eye and hair color. Contrast can help make your features pop.
Take Your Color Season Into Account
Your ideal colors also may vary by season based on how your skin responds to light. The color seasons are:
- Spring – Warm undertones with medium contrast. Best in clear, warm colors.
- Summer – Cool undertones with low contrast. Best in soft, cool colors.
- Autumn – Warm undertones with high contrast. Best in rich, earthy colors.
- Winter – Cool undertones with high contrast. Best in bold, cool colors.
Consider lightening and brightening your palette in spring and summer when sunny weather brightens your complexion. In the fall and winter, embrace deeper, moodier shades.
Focus On Your Best Features
Use color strategically to play up your best features. For example:
- Bright lipstick to accentuate your lips.
- Eye colors to make eyes pop.
- Blush or clothing in colors that flatter your skin tone.
Choose where you want color to grab attention and make that focal point shine.
Mix and Match Colors
While choosing colors that suit your personal coloring is important, you don’t need to wear one flattering color all over. Feel free to mix complementary tones.
For example, pair:
- Navy and pale pink
- Camel and forest green
- Burgundy and teal
Clashing colors can actually create visual interest. Just stay within the color families that enhance your undertones.
Trust Your Instincts
Even with all this advice, your own instincts about colors are powerful. Pay attention to how certain colors make you feel. Notice when you get compliments wearing a certain shade. If you feel energized and confident in a color, it’s likely a winner for you.
Your best colors are ones that make you look vibrant, healthy and authentically you. Let your inner guide lead you to tones that make you glow.
Conclusion
Finding your most flattering, confidence boosting colors is part science and art. Consider your undertone, eye color, hair color and season when selecting shades. But also realize your color palette is unique to you. Experiment, notice how colors make you feel, and build a wardrobe featuring the hues that reflect the real you.