Understanding undertones is important for finding makeup and clothing colors that are flattering. Undertone refers to the tones underneath the surface of your skin that affect your overall complexion. There are three main undertones: warm, cool, and neutral. Those with warm undertones often have a yellow, peach or golden tint to their skin. Cool undertones exhibit more pink, red, or blue hints. Neutral undertones have a balance of warm and cool tones.
Red and orange undertones fall under the warm category. They indicate your skin leans towards yellow, peach and golden shades rather than cool pinks and blues. Identifying your undertone can help you enhance your natural beauty by guiding you towards colors that brighten your complexion rather than clash with it.
What is a Red Undertone?
A red undertone means your skin has hints of ruddy, rosy color underneath. This undertone is considered a subset of warm. Those with red undertones may notice their skin looks pinkish, flushed or sunburnt year-round, not just when hot or cold. Veins on the wrist will also appear more purple or blue instead of green.
Some common traits of a red undertone include:
– Fair or medium tanned skin
– Freckles
– Red, auburn, strawberry blonde or copper hair
– Tendency to burn easily in the sun
Makeup and clothing colors that complement a red undertone include jewel tones like emerald green, ruby red and sapphire blue. Warm metallics like gold and copper are also ideal. Avoid coolerpastels and silver, which can make skin appear ruddy or washed out.
Overall, those with red undertones should stick to warmer shades that play up natural coloring without exacerbating rosiness. Testing makeup on the jawline in natural lighting is a handy way to determine whether a color accentuates your undertone or clashes with it.
What is an Orange Undertone?
An orange undertone is also categorized under warm, butwith more golden or peach shades than red. Those with orange undertones often have yellowish, golden or olive skin. Veins appear green rather than blue or purple. Other telltale signs include:
– Medium to dark complexion
– Tans easily
– Dark eyes and hair
– Yellowish skin near the temples and neck
The best makeup and clothing shades for those with orange undertones include warm, golden browns, peach, coral, cream, mocha and muted orange. Jewel tones in the warm color spectrum like citrine, peridot and topaz will be most flattering. Cool pastels and bright oranges can overwhelm an orange undertone.
Sticking to earthy, warm-toned shades brings out the glow in olive and golden complexions. As with red undertones, always test makeup colors in natural lighting to determine whether they complement orange undertones rather than compete with them.
Determining Your Undertone
It can be tricky to discern your precise undertone on your own. Here are some techniques to try:
– Examine your veins – Are they blue/purple (cool) or green (warm)?
– Compare how gold vs. silver jewelry looks against your skin. Which is more flattering?
– Think about what color clothing receives the most compliments – jewel tones, pastels, neons?
– Which tones make you look tired or washed out? Avoid those.
– Drape different colored fabrics across your chest and examine in natural lighting. See which tones brighten your complexion.
– Ask a makeup artist at department store cosmetics counter for an undertone assessment.
You can also try using an automatic foundation matcher tool online. Many cosmetics brands like MAC and Sephora offer these to help determine undertones and foundation matches digitally. This can provide a starting point in finding your most flattering shades, though in-person testing is ideal.
Makeup Tips for Warm Undertones
Once you’ve determined you have warm red or orange undertones, use these makeup tips to accentuate your natural beauty:
Foundation
– Look for foundations with yellow/peach/golden hints (avoid pink/neutral)
– formulas labeled “Warm,” “Golden” or “Yellow”
– Test shades on jawline in natural lighting
Concealer
– Peach, yellow and salmony shades counteract undereye circles without looking ashy
Blush
– Coral, peach, bronzy and apricot shades flatter warm skin
– Apply to “smile lines” and blend upwards
Eyeshadow
– Copper, gold, warm brown and terracotta
– Avoid stark whites and cool grays
Eyeliner
– Brown and bronze over black (can be too harsh)
– Olive green can make eyes pop
Mascara
– Black is universally flattering
– Brown for a softer daytime look
Lipstick
– Brick reds, coral, peach, rosewood, cinnamon
– Avoid cool-toned berries and pinks
Clothing Tips for Warm Undertones
Extend your warm undertone into your wardrobe withthese clothing tips:
Best colors
– Warm, rich tones like olive green, coral, peach, gold, orange
– Neutral earth tones like beige, cream, brown
Metals
– Gold, bronze and copper jewelry
Patterns
– Large and bright patterns like florals and abstract
– Avoid small dots/checks, can look too busy
Finish
– Matte fabrics better than shiny
Finding your undertone unlocks a whole color palette that flatters your unique beauty. Embrace your warm red or orange undertones by incorporating the above personalized makeup and clothing recommendations. You’ll look and feel your very best.
Conclusion
In summary, red and orange undertones indicate warm skin with golden, peach or ruddy hints rather than cool pinks or blues. Determining your undertone helps guide you to the most flattering makeup shades and clothing colors. Those with red undertones should choose jewel tones while orange undertones look best in earthy, warm shades. Always test makeup in natural lighting for the most accurate match. With the right colors, your natural beauty and complexion will shine.
| Undertone | Characteristics | Flattering Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Fair skin, freckles, strawberry blonde hair, purple veins | Ruby reds, emerald greens, jewel tones |
| Orange | Olive, golden or tan skin, green veins | Peach, coral, bronze, earth tones |
