There are a few main complexion types that people generally fall into. Complexion refers to the natural color, texture, and appearance of the skin, especially on the face. While complexions come in many variations, they can typically be categorized into a few main groups based on the amount of melanin (pigment) in the skin. Understanding the different complexion categories can help when finding makeup, skincare, and hair products that complement your unique skin tone.
Fair Complexion
A fair complexion is characterized by pale or light skin with little melanin pigmentation. Fair skin often burns easily in the sun, showing redness on the cheeks, nose, ears and other areas. Freckles are common in fair complexions. Those with fair skin usually have light hair and eye colors like blonde, red, light brown, or blue/green eyes.
Some names and descriptions for fair complexions:
- Porcelain – Very pale, almost translucent white skin.
- Ivory – Slightly warmer pale beige skin.
- Fair – Light beige skin that sometimes burns or freckles.
- Cream – Warm pale beige skin.
Medium Complexion
A medium complexion falls in the middle of the skin tone spectrum with a moderate amount of melanin. Medium skin tans more easily than fair skin but still may burn with excessive sun exposure. Light to medium brown hair colors and hazel, green, or brown eyes commonly occur with medium complexions.
Some medium complexion names:
- Beige
- Warm beige
- Honey
- Golden
Olive Complexion
Olive complexions exhibit greenish undertones in the skin from having higher levels of melanin pigment. Olive skin tans well and rarely burns. Darker hair colors like brown or black are typical for olive complexions, as well as dark brown or hazel eyes.
Names for olive skin tones:
- Light olive
- Medium olive
- Green olive
- Golden olive
Tan or Brown Complexion
Tan or brown complexions have abundant melanin with warm undertones. Tanning occurs easily and burning rarely happens. Dark brown or black hair and eyes are most common.
Descriptions of tan/brown skin:
- Tan
- Golden tan
- Caramel
- Mocha
- Brown
- Dark brown
Dark Brown Complexion
Very dark brown skin has high concentrations of melanin pigments. Dark brown complexions almost never burn in the sun. Coarse, curly black hair and brown or black eyes are typical racial features.
Names for dark brown skin tones:
- Dark chocolate
- Espresso
- Ebony
Black Complexion
A black complexion is the darkest possible skin tone with the highest melanin content. Black skin never burns and always tans very darkly with sun exposure. Tightly coiled black hair and dark brown or black eyes occur predominantly.
Some descriptions for black skin:
- Pitch black
- Jet black
Skin Undertones
In addition to darkness level, complexions also differ in their undertones, which are subtler color hues from below the skin’s surface. Knowing your undertones helps match foundations and concealers.
The main undertone categories are:
- Warm – Yellow, golden, peach
- Cool – Pink, red, blue
- Neutral – Balanced warm and cool
- Olive – Green, sallow
Here is a table summarizing the most common complexion shades and corresponding undertones:
| Complexion | Undertone |
|---|---|
| Porcelain | Cool |
| Ivory | Warm |
| Fair | Neutral |
| Cream | Warm |
| Beige | Neutral |
| Honey | Warm |
| Golden | Warm |
| Light Olive | Olive |
| Medium Olive | Olive |
| Green Olive | Olive |
| Golden Olive | Warm olive |
| Tan | Warm |
| Golden Tan | Warm |
| Caramel | Warm |
| Mocha | Warm |
| Dark Chocolate | Cool |
| Espresso | Cool |
| Ebony | Cool |
| Jet Black | Cool |
Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale
The Fitzpatrick skin typing scale is another way dermatologists classify complexions, using a 1-6 scale based on tanning ability and sun sensitivity.
| Type | Tanning Ability | Sun Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|
| I | Always burns, never tans | High sensitivity |
| II | Burns easily, tans minimally | High sensitivity |
| III | Burns moderately, tans gradually | Moderate sensitivity |
| IV | Burns minimally, always tans well | Low sensitivity |
| V | Rarely burns, tans profusely | Low sensitivity |
| VI | Never burns, deeply pigmented | Insensitive |
This scale matches up with the complexion names as follows:
- Types I-II = Fair skin
- Types III-IV = Medium skin
- Types IV-V = Tan/Olive skin
- Type VI = Dark brown/black skin
Conclusion
In summary, complexions come in a rainbow of shades based on melanin content. The main groups include fair, medium, olive, tan/brown, dark brown, and black skin. Undertones like warm, cool, and olive also influence complexion appearance. Knowing your complexion category and traits helps with finding flattering makeup and hair colors. While genetics determine your natural skin tone, always protect and nurture your skin by avoiding excessive sun exposure and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Embrace and enhance your unique complexion!
