Having blue undertones in your skin can make finding flattering makeup and clothing colors a challenge. Blue undertones can make your complexion appear dull or ashy when paired with the wrong shades. However, the right colors can neutralize and balance out blue undertones, making your skin look vibrant and healthy.
What are blue undertones?
Your skin’s undertones refer to the subtle color that comes through from underneath the surface. Undertones fall into three main categories:
- Warm – yellow, peach, or golden undertones
- Cool – blue or pink undertones
- Neutral – a balance of warm and cool undertones
People with blue undertones have a slightly blue tint to their skin, veins that appear blue or purple, and may sunburn easily. Caucasian skin commonly has blue undertones, as does olive skin in many cases. Blue undertones tend to become more noticeable in winter when skin is paler.
Challenges of blue undertones
While undertones themselves are neutral, having blue undertones can present some color-matching difficulties:
- Pure white and black clothing can look stark and harsh.
- Pure blue-based reds, pinks, and purples may appear too bold or intense.
- Warm yellow, peach, and golden shades can overemphasize the blue tint in the skin.
The wrong makeup colors can make skin look tired, pale, or blotchy. But the right shades that counterbalance the blue will make your complexion glow.
What colors cancel out blue undertones?
You’ll want to look for colors on the opposite side of the color wheel from blue. These warm shades will neutralize and diminish the appearance of blue undertones.
Orange
Shades of orange are diametrically opposed to blue on the color wheel, making them ideal for canceling out blue undertones. Warm peachy-oranges and coral will enhance blue undertones. Orange-reds and terra cotta also flatter blue tones.
Yellow
Yellow sits next to orange on the color wheel and has a similar neutralizing effect on blue undertones. Warm golden yellows and yellow-based greens will make blue undertones recede. Mustard yellow is especially complementary.
Red
Blue’s complementary color, red, is also fantastic for balancing out blue undertones. Look for warm, yellow-based reds as opposed to cool blue-based reds. Brick reds, rusty reds, and cherry reds flatter blue undertones.
Green
While pure greens can be tricky with blue undertones, yellow-based greens pair beautifully. Olive greens, mossy greens, khaki, and chartreuse bring out blue eyes and make blue undertones less noticeable.
Best colors for makeup and clothing
When selecting makeup and clothing, look for shades in these color families to diminish blue undertones:
| Makeup | Clothing |
|---|---|
| Peach blush | Camel |
| Coral lipstick | Terracotta |
| Bronze eyeshadow | Warm red |
| Golden highlighter | Rich yellow |
| Orange-red nail polish | Olive green |
Tips for makeup
When doing your makeup, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a yellow-toned foundation to avoid looking washed out.
- Try peach, coral, or amber-toned blushes.
- Bronzer can add warmth – avoid cool-toned contours.
- Gold illuminators look natural on blue undertones.
- Red or rust-colored eyeshadow makes blue eyes pop.
- Orange-red, terracotta, and brick-toned lipsticks are most flattering.
Tips for clothing
For your wardrobe, aim for these warm, rich colors:
- Mustard yellow
- Goldenrod
- Peach
- Burnt orange
- Olive green
- Forest green
- Coral
- Rust
- Terracotta
- Brick red
Neutrals like taupe, sand, olive, and mocha are also great basics. Steer clear of stark black and white.
What about hair color?
Coloring your hair can also help minimize blue undertones. Look for shades like:
- Golden blonde
- Buttery brunette
- Rich auburn
- Warm chestnut
Cool ash blonde and brunette shades tend to enhance blue undertones, so opt for warmer hair color hues.
How to test your undertones
Unsure about your undertones? Here are some ways to tell:
- Examine the veins on your wrist – blue indicates cool undertones, green means warm.
- Do you sunburn easily? Blue undertones burn more readily.
- Does your skin look best in silver or gold jewelry? Silver signals cool tones, while gold flatters warm.
- Pay attention to which makeup and clothing shades make you glow vs. look washed out.
You can also try draping different colored fabrics against your neck to test whether they enhance or downplay your complexion.
Conclusion
Figuring out the right colors to pair with blue undertones doesn’t have to be frustrating. Look for warm shades like peach, yellow, olive green, and terracotta to make blue undertones recede. Avoid stark blacks and whites. With the right colors, your blue undertones can become an asset, not a makeup and clothing challenge.
