Pink is a universally flattering color that exudes warmth, playfulness and femininity. But not all shades of pink are created equal. Warm pink is a specific variety of pink that flatters most skin tones and conveys a sense of warmth and joy. So what exactly is the name for this happy hue? Let’s explore the origins, technical names, and common names for warm pink.
Technical Names for Warm Pink
In color theory, warm pink sits between red and white on the color wheel. It tends to have more red undertones compared to cool pinks that lean towards blue and purple. Here are some of the technical names used to refer to warm shades of pink:
Salmon
Salmon is a pinkish orange color, like the flesh of a salmon fish. It sits close to red on the color wheel and contains strong orange undertones. Salmon pink has a warm, peachy quality that flatters warm skin tones.
Coral
Like salmon, coral is a reddish pink shade that borders on orange. It is named after the sea coral, which comes in pinkish-orange hues. Coral pink flatters warm and olive skin tones.
Melon
Melon pink is a soft peachy pink inspired by the inside of a ripe melon. It has a warm yellow undertone that gives it a glowing, summery look. Melon pink flatters medium or tan skin tones.
Peach
Peach is a warm pink shade with strong yellow-orange undertones, named after the fruit peach. It has the same warmth and vibrancy as peach skin. Peach pink brings out warm undertones in fair to medium skin.
Apricot
Apricot is a vivid pinkish-orange color inspired by apricot fruit. It sits between salmon and peach on the color wheel. Apricot pink has bright orangey undertones that complement warm complexions.
Watermelon
Watermelon pink is a juicy reddish pink reminiscent of watermelon flesh. It has strong red-orange undertones with a joyful, summery vibe. Watermelon pink flatters warm skin with golden undertones.
Common Names for Warm Pink
Beyond technical color names, warm shades of pink also have some common nicknames:
Baby Pink
Baby pink is a soft, light pink with a touch of peach that mimics a newborn’s complexion. It has more warmth than bubblegum pink. Baby pink flatters fair, rosy skin.
Ballet Pink
Ballet pink is a muted, creamy pink color associated with ballet costumes and pointe shoes. It is softer and less orange than tutu pink. Ballet pink suits peachy medium skin tones.
Blush Pink
Blush pink gets its name from the natural flush in the cheeks. It is a soft reddish pink that mimics a natural blush on fair to medium skin. Blush pink brings out the rosiness in warm complexions.
Candy Pink
Candy pink is a scrumptious shade that looks good enough to eat. It sits between baby pink and watermelon pink with a brighter, bolder hue. Candy pink pops against warm golden skin.
Carnation Pink
Carnation pink is named after the flowers, which can range from peach to bold pink. In fashion, carnation pink leans warm with orangey undertones. It complements tanned, olive and medium brown skin.
Desert Rose
Desert rose is a dusty pink shade with warm undertones reminiscent of a rose thriving in the desert. It is earthier and more muted than barbie pink. Desert rose complements medium to tan skin with pink undertones.
Unique Color Names for Warm Pink
Some more obscure and poetic names are also used to describe the prettiest warm pink shades:
Tea Rose
Tea rose pink is a muted reddish pink, like a delicate pink tea rose. It is more muted than cherry blossom pink. Tea rose pink is an elegant, vintage choice for fair to light skin.
Sunbasque
Sunbasque is a sunny peachy pink named after the seaside town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz in France. This vibrant, warm pink looks gorgeous on sunkissed summer skin.
Tutti Frutti
Tutti frutti pink is a juicy melon color that evokes a mixture of fruits. It sits between watermelon and peach on the color wheel. Tutti frutti pink is playful pop of color on warm medium to tan skin.
Georgia Peach
Georgia peach is a vibrant pinkish peach inspired by the juicy fruit grown in Georgia. It has a delicious warmth perfect for tanned skin with peachy undertones.
Tango Pink
Tango pink is a passionate reddish pink, like the bold moves of the tango dance. It is warmer and spicier than ballet pink. Tango pink complements olive and brown complexions.
Warm Pink Gemstone Names
Some warm pink gemstones also lend their names to beautiful shades of pink:
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz pink is a dusty, rosy pink that mimics the semi-precious gemstone treasured for its pink hue. It has a soft, romantic feeling suited to fair, freckled skin.
Morganite
Morganite is a precious peach-pink stone that gives its name to a lush, peachy shade of pink. Morganite pink looks gorgeous on medium warm skin with golden highlights.
Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite is a vibrant orangey pink mineral whose color is reflected in a bold reddish pink tone. Rhodochrosite pink makes brown eyes and olive skin glow.
Rhodonite
Rhodonite pink is named after a mineral that ranges from rose to raspberry pink. In cosmetics, rhodonite pink is a medium rosy tone that flatters peachy warm complexions.
Pink Opal
The delicate pink shades found in pink opal gemstones inspire a soft, pearly shade of pink. Pink opal is ideal for fair cool skin with pink undertones.
Warm Pink Color Codes
These warm shades of pink can also be defined by their hex codes:
| Color Name | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Salmon | #FA8072 |
| Peach | #FFDAB9 |
| Melon | #FFA07A |
| Carnation Pink | #FFA6C9 |
| Apricot | #FDD5B1 |
| Blush | #DE5D83 |
These hex codes allow warm pink to be precisely recreated digitally on websites, graphic designs, and more.
Warm Pink in Fashion and Beauty
Warm shades of pink are hugely popular in the fashion and beauty worlds. Here’s a look at how this happy hue is used:
Clothing
Warm pinks like peach, melon and carnation look beautiful in feminine clothing like dresses, blouses, and skirts. These shades complement the warm skin tones of models on the runway.
Makeup
Cosmetic brands use warm pinks like tea rose, tutu and watermelon in lipsticks, blushes, and eyeshadows. These shades help create a healthy, lively glow on warm and olive skin.
Nail Polish
Manicurists frequently reach for warm pink polishes to enhance tanned fingers and toes. Shades like morganite, tango pink and desert rose make nails pop against bronzed summer skin.
Hair Dye
Hairstylists use warm pink dyes like peach, melon and salmon on blonde and brown hair to create a fun, playful look. These shades complement clients with warm skin tones.
Home Decor
Interior designers incorporate warm pink paint colors and textiles like rose quartz and watermelon to create welcoming, feminine spaces. These shades bring energy into living spaces.
Warm Pink Color Palettes
Warm pink can be mixed and matched with other colors to create stunning palettes. Here are some examples of colors that go beautifully with warm shades of pink:
Peach + Sage Green + Cream
This palette pairing peach pink with earthy sage green and creamy white/beige has a soothing, natural feel. It works well in bedrooms, spas and outdoor spaces.
Watermelon + Sky Blue + White
For a playful, summery vibe, watermelon pink looks gorgeous alongside bright sky blue and clean white. Use it in kids’ spaces, kitchens and bathrooms.
Salmon + Terracotta + Ivory
Mixing salmon pink with terracotta orange and creamy ivory has a bohemian feel. This color scheme is perfect for living rooms, patios and workspaces.
Coral + Seafoam Green + Sand
Coral pink complements contrasting seafoam green and beige-y sand beautifully. This coastal combo is ideal for bedrooms, porches and reading nooks.
Conclusion
Warm pink encompasses a wide range of peachy, orangey shades that convey happiness, energy, romance and nostalgia. From muted tea rose to vibrant tutti frutti, warm pinks complement and enliven warm and olive skin tones beautifully. Whether it’s clothing, makeup, interiors or artwork, warm shades of pink add a pop of joy wherever they are used.