As a SEO writer assistant, I will provide quick answers to your question in the opening paragraphs and expand on them throughout the article using headings and tables as requested. Knowing your undertones is key for choosing the most flattering colors that will complement your complexion.
What are undertones?
Undertones refer to the subtle color underneath your skin. There are three main types: warm, cool, and neutral. Those with warm undertones have hints of yellow, peach or gold. Cool undertones lean towards pink, red or blue hues. Neutral means your skin has equal parts warm and cool undertones.
To determine your undertones, check the color of your veins. If they appear greenish, you likely have warm undertones. Bluish or purple veins indicate cool undertones. Can’t tell? You probably have a neutral undertone.
How to tell if you have blue undertones
Blue undertones are a type of cool undertone. Some signs you have blue undertones include:
- Your veins appear purple or blue
- Silver jewelry flatters you more than gold
- Your skin looks pink, red or ruddy, especially your cheeks
- You sunburn easily
- Your natural hair color is ash blonde, brown or black
- Black makes you look washed out
If several of these apply to you, chances are you have a blue undertone to your skin. Blue undertones are common in fair skin, but can occur in darker complexions as well.
Best color palette for blue undertones
Certain colors will harmonize beautifully with blue undertoned skin while others can make you look sallow or washed out. Here are the best colors to try:
- Cool reds – Choose blue-based reds with a berry, pink or purple undertone over orangey reds.
- Emerald greens – Deep jewel tones flatter blue undertones.
- Royal blues – From cobalt to sapphire to navy, these rich blues enhance your undertone.
- Electric blues – Vibrant shades like turquoise and teal pop against cool skin.
- Plums – Try eggplant, wine and marsala shades.
- Pinks – Opt for rosy mauves over bubblegum pink.
- Classic red – A blue-red looks modern and vibrant.
- Lavender – Pale purples give a pretty, delicate glow.
- Gray – From soft dove gray to charcoal, gray brings out blue undertones.
- Metallics – Silvery grays, steel blue and icy pastels flatter you.
Colors to avoid with blue undertones
On the flip side, certain shades can accentuate sallowness or ruddiness in blue undertone skin:
- Orange and peach
- Mustard yellow
- Gold
- Earth tones like rust and salmon
- Black
These warm colors tend to clash with cool undertones and can make blue undertones look dull or sickly. If you love these colors, use them as accents rather than head-to-toe.
How colors interact with different complexions
Blue undertones can occur across many different complexions from fair to dark. Here’s how the same colors may look different depending on your skin tone:
| Fair skin | Medium skin | Olive skin | Dark skin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft rosy pinks | Magenta | Wine | Raspberry |
| Icy blues | Royal blue | Navy | Cobalt |
| Lavender | Orchid | Eggplant | Deep purple |
| Soft gray | Pewter | Charcoal | Gunmetal |
As you can see, the same undertone can harmonize with both lighter and deeper shades of similar colors. Keep these variations in mind when selecting colors that complement your unique skin tone.
Best finishes for blue undertones
Color isn’t everything – the textures and finish of fabrics impact how hues look against your skin. Here are flattering finishes to try:
- Matte – Matte fabrics look modern and sleek against cool undertones.
- Satin – The subtle sheen is flattering without being overpowering.
- Metallic – Opt for silver, steel and icy metallics over gold tones.
- Leather – Edgy black or blue leather jackets suit blue undertones.
- Velvet – The plush finish enhances the cool tones in your skin.
- Lace – Delicate neutral or blue lace adds romance.
- Sheer – Light, airy fabrics in layers create an ethereal vibe.
Meanwhile, shiny or glittery textures can overwhelm blue undertones. Stay away from frosted or jewel finishes.
Clothing color combinations
You don’t have to wear head-to-toe blue to suit your undertone. Combining both cool and warm colors in the right balance is key. Try pairing:
- Navy and white
- Burgundy and gray
- Royal blue and camel
- Eggplant and olive green
- Teal and black
These combinations use blue undertone friendly colors as the main shades, with warm neutrals like tan, brown or olive green to provide balance. Avoid wearing strong warm tones like orange next to strong cool shades.
Makeup colors for blue undertones
Like clothing colors, makeup shades can either emphasize the best or worst of your blue undertones. Here are some makeup tips:
- Eyeshadow – Taupe, gray, silvery purple and navy blue shadows complement blue eyes
- Eyeliner – Try black, blue, plum or gray liner on upper and lower lash lines
- Mascara – Black or brown-black mascara defines eyes without being too harsh
- Blush – Stick to cool berry and rose shades of blush
- Lipstick – Bluish reds, plums, roses and pinks work best
- Nails – Go for classic reds, deep plums, icy pinks or navy
Stay away from peach, coral and orange based shades which can look garish next to blue undertones. Always test makeup in natural lighting before purchasing.
Hair color ideas
Hair color can either enhance or clash with your skin undertones. Here are flattering options for blue undertones:
- Ash brown or blonde
- Chestnut brown
- Dark chocolate brown
- Black
- Caramel blonde with cool undertones
- Rose gold
- Dark auburn with blue/purple tones
Avoid hair colors with warm yellow, orange or red undertones as these will likely fight with your skin. Ask your colorist to add some cool tones to neutralize unwanted brassiness.
Jewelry metals for blue undertones
When it comes to jewelry, stick to metals that are similar to your undertones:
- Sterling silver – This classic metal flatters and contrasts with cool skin.
- Platinum – The icy hue looks clean and modern.
- White gold – A touch warmer than silver, but still harmonizing.
- Titanium – This gray metal has an edgy, masculine vibe.
Avoid yellow gold, which can look too brassy against blue undertones. Rose gold can work for some, but look for shades with cool undertones.
Bonus tips for rocking blue undertones
- Add warmth with self tanner or bronzer to prevent looking washed out.
- Try monochromatic looks in cool shades of one color family.
- Colder environments can emphasize ruddiness, so keep warm.
- Opt for contrasts like pairing light tops with dark bottoms.
- Don’t be afraid to wear white year-round – it flatters fair, cool skin.
- Add pops of color near your face with scarves, jewelry or blazers.
Conclusion
Having a blue undertone gives you a gorgeous palette of flattering colors to play with. You can’t go wrong emphasizing cool jewel tones, pretty lavenders, icy pastels and regal blues. By understanding your undertones, you can look radiant in colors that enhance your natural beauty.
