What undertone means
Undertone is the underlying hue that sits beneath your skin's surface. Unlike your surface skin tone (which changes with sun exposure), your undertone remains constant throughout your life.
Undertone is the single biggest factor in whether colors make you look clear and vibrant or dull and washed out.
Understanding your undertone helps you make better decisions about:
- Clothing colors that enhance your natural glow
- Makeup bases and blush tones that blend seamlessly
- Hair color choices that complement your complexion
- Jewelry metals that brighten your appearance
The three undertone families
Warm Undertone
Characterized by golden, peachy, or yellow hues beneath the skin.
- Veins appear greenish
- Gold jewelry is more flattering
- Cream and warm white look better than pure white
Cool Undertone
Characterized by pink, red, or bluish hues beneath the skin.
- Veins appear purplish or blue
- Silver jewelry is more flattering
- Pure white and jewel tones look best
Neutral Undertone
A balanced mix of warm and cool undertones.
- Veins appear blue-green
- Both gold and silver jewelry work well
- Most colors look good on you
How to identify your undertone
Use at least two of these tests in natural light for the most accurate results:
Always perform these tests in natural daylight (near a window, but not in direct sunlight). Artificial lighting can distort colors and lead to incorrect results.
Vein Color Test
Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural light.
- Greenish = Warm undertone
- Purplish/Blue = Cool undertone
- Blue-Green = Neutral undertone
Jewelry Test
Hold gold and silver jewelry against your skin (one at a time).
- Gold looks better = Warm undertone
- Silver looks better = Cool undertone
- Both look good = Neutral undertone
Fabric Test
Compare pure white against cream or off-white fabric near your face.
- Cream looks better = Warm undertone
- Pure white looks better = Cool undertone
- Both work = Neutral undertone
The most reliable indicator is consistency across multiple tests. If two or more tests point to the same result, you can be confident in your undertone classification.
Why undertone matters in real life
Understanding your undertone transforms how you approach color choices:
Clothing Colors
When you wear colors that match your undertone, your skin appears:
- More even and smooth
- Naturally radiant
- Healthy and vibrant
Makeup Selection
The right undertone match in makeup means:
- Foundation that disappears into your skin
- Blush that looks like a natural flush
- Lip colors that enhance rather than clash
Hair Color Choices
Your undertone helps determine whether warm or cool hair colors will:
- Brighten your complexion
- Make you look tired or washed out
- Create harmony with your natural coloring
Common mistakes to avoid
- Testing in artificial light - Always use natural daylight
- Relying on a single test - Use at least two methods for accuracy
- Confusing surface tone with undertone - Tan or fair skin doesn't determine undertone
- Ignoring seasonal changes - Your undertone never changes, even if your tan does
What to read next
After confirming your undertone, explore these resources:
- Type Pages: Visit your specific undertone page (warm, cool, or neutral) for detailed guidance
- Color Guides: Discover which specific colors work best for your undertone
- Outfit Hubs: Get practical outfit ideas tailored to your coloring
Ready to find your undertone? Take our interactive undertone test for a guided experience, or explore the warm, cool, and neutral type pages for detailed information.