Understanding undertones is an important part of choosing flattering makeup and clothing colors. An undertone refers to the tone that underlies your complexion. There are three main undertones: warm, cool, and neutral. A yellow or cool undertone means your skin leans towards the yellow and cool side of the color spectrum. This article will explore what a yellow or cool undertone is, how to tell if you have one, and tips for makeup and clothing colors.
What is an Undertone?
Your undertone is the color that comes through your skin from underneath the surface. It mixes with your overall skin color to create your unique complexion. Undertones fall into three main categories:
| Undertone | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Warm | Golden, peach, yellow |
| Cool | Pink, red, blue |
| Neutral | Balanced mix of warm and cool |
These undertones can range from very warm to slightly warm, very cool to slightly cool, or be balanced neutral. Your ethnicity and genetics determine your undertone. While some characteristics may point to a certain undertone, the only way to be sure is by trying on colored clothing, makeup, and jewelry.
What is a Yellow or Cool Undertone?
A yellow or cool undertone means your skin leans towards the yellow and cool side of the color wheel. Here are the key characteristics of a yellow/cool undertone:
– Your veins appear bluish or purple rather than green. This indicates a cool undertone.
– Silver jewelry is more flattering on you than gold jewelry. Silver has cool undertones.
– You tan less and burn more easily in the sun. Cool undertones have less melanin.
– You were born with blonde, red, or black hair. These cooler hair colors match a cool undertone.
– Clothing with cool blue, pink, or purple tones makes your complexion look lively. Warm yellow clothing washes you out.
– Makeup with yellow/pink foundations suit you better than orange/beige ones.
Not all these traits must apply for you to have a yellow/cool undertone. But the more that match your coloring, the higher the likelihood your undertone leans cool. Overall, a yellow/cool undertone means your skin has a subtle yellow, golden hue with hints of pink and red rather than orange or peach.
How to Determine Your Undertone
Below are some simple ways to help determine if you have a yellow, cool undertone:
Jewelry Test
Try on a gold piece of jewelry, like a necklace or bracelet. Next try on the same style in silver. Which metal makes your skin look brighter and luminous? The more flattering metal indicates your undertone. Gold has warm yellow undertones, while silver is cool-toned. If silver looks better, you likely have a cool undertone.
Veins Test
Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural light. Do they appear greenish or bluish? Greenish veins indicate a warm undertone, while bluish or purple veins point to a cool undertone. Difficulty determining the color can mean you have a neutral tone.
Red Lipstick Test
Wear a bold red lip. Does it make your teeth look whiter and skin glow? Or does the shade look a bit off on you? Red with blue undertones complements cool skin tones. If classic blue-reds work for you, you most likely have a cool undertone. Orangey reds suit warm undertones better.
Color Drapes Test
Drape different colored fabrics like scarves around your neck and view in sunlight. Does white make you look washed out while richer cobalt blues or jewel tones flatter you? Cooler colors enhancing your complexion signals a cool undertone. Warm peach, yellow, or olive drapes warming up your skin point to warm undertones.
Foundation Test
When you’re color matched for foundation, do you match best to foundations with pink, red, or yellow undertones? Pink or red-based foundations work best for those with cool undertones. Yellow-based or golden foundations complement warm undertones. If you’re not sure about your matching foundations, that could indicate a neutral tone.
Makeup Tips for Yellow/Cool Undertones
Determining your undertone helps immensely when choosing the most flattering makeup shades. Here are makeup tips for those with a yellow or cool undertone:
Base Makeup
Look for foundations and concealers with pink, red, or yellow undertones rather than orange and golden tones. Cool-toned bases blend seamlessly into cool skin and cancel out any ruddiness. Popular shade ranges like L’Oreal True Match or MAC Studio Fix have shade descriptions indicating cool, neutral or warm undertones.
Blush
Cool-toned blush in soft plummy pinks, mauves and berries look most natural on cool yellow skin. Avoid bronzy peach blushes which may appear too brassy.Contour with an ashy taupe contour powder rather than warm shades to chisel your features
