SOFT SUMMER: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Soft Summer is a distinctive seasonal blend that combines the cool undertones of summer with the soft, muted grace of autumn. As part of the 12-season color analysis system, it helps individuals discover the shades that truly enhance their natural beauty.

Do your features exhibit a gentle, understated coolness where no single trait stands out, yet everything works harmoniously? Are you drawn to soft, subtle colors that seem to elevate your look effortlessly? Perhaps the serene beauty of a misty morning over calm waters speaks to your soul?

If you’re nodding along, you might be a Soft Summer! This is your ultimate guide to understanding Soft Summer in the 12-season color system. From physical characteristics and ideal makeup to color palettes and wardrobe essentials, we’ve got everything you need to build your perfect Soft Summer wardrobe and create a personalized palette that suits you.

FEATURES OF SOFT SUMMER

DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS

Soft Summer is defined by three key traits: a cool hue, medium value, and muted chroma. Let’s break down each of these characteristics:

  • Cool Hue: Soft Summer’s undertone is always cool, meaning it has a blue base. However, overtones of beige or yellow can sometimes give a warmer or olive appearance, which may cause confusion when distinguishing Soft Summer from Soft Autumn.
  • Medium Value: Soft Summers generally fall in the middle of the value spectrum, from light to medium-dark. Some individuals may even have such dark features that they resemble Deep Winter. These darker Soft Summers should stick to the deeper, richer muted shades within the palette to stay aligned with their season.
  • Muted Chroma: The defining trait of Soft Summer is its muted chroma, which refers to the lack of intense, bright colors. Everything about Soft Summer is softened, with low contrast between features like skin, eyes, and hair. Bright or saturated hues should be avoided, as they overwhelm the subtle beauty of this season.

Soft Summer holds a unique place in the color spectrum with its cool blue undertones, often tempered by beige or yellow overtones, creating a neutral yet nuanced appearance.

Unlike other summer seasons, what truly sets Soft Summer apart is its muted chroma. This refers to the soft, low-saturation quality that characterizes the skin, eyes, and hair. The overall look is less about contrast and more about a harmonious, grayed softness.

In terms of value (lightness or darkness), Soft Summer offers one of the widest ranges within the Summer family. While some may lean towards lighter tones, most Soft Summers fall in the medium-dark range, making it the darkest of all summer seasons.

SOFT SUMMER FEATURES

  • Skin Tone: Soft Summer skin can vary from creamy beige or ivory to dark beige. For people of color, dark beige is common, and light-skinned Black women often fit within this season as well.
  • Eye Color: While soft blue, gray, or green eyes are frequently associated with Soft Summer, eye color can also include muted brown shades. The defining feature is the subdued quality, often showing patterns like crypts or autumnal flecks, giving the eyes depth without sharp contrast.
  • Hair Color: Hair tends to range from medium to dark brown, though lighter hair or even gray is also common. Soft Summer hair generally lacks warm highlights, often displaying an ashy, gray tone. Although hair color is less critical in determining one’s seasonal palette, it complements the overall soft, cool aesthetic of this season.

HARMONIOUS BALANCE

Soft Summer features are characterized by an overall harmony created by their muted chroma and the gentle, seamless contrast between skin, eyes, and hair. This balanced combination gives Soft Summers a soft, understated beauty that truly shines when they wear the right colors. Although their features may appear subtle or neutral at first glance, they become strikingly captivating when accentuated by the muted, cool tones that complement their natural palette.

MAKEUP FOR THE SOFT SUMMER WOMAN

To truly enhance Soft Summer features, your makeup should align with the season’s cool and muted color palette. The aim is not just to enhance beauty, but to create a seamless harmony with your natural tones. Soft, cool shades like dusty pinks, mauves, muted lavenders, and cool browns will complement your complexion and bring out your understated elegance without overpowering your features.

To enhance your Soft Summer look, choose light neutrals like icy pink, blush, and dusky blue for an effortless, everyday vibe. For more dramatic occasions, opt for rich shades such as charcoal or navy. If you want to add an unexpected pop of color, soft plum or warm teal are perfect accent hues.

When it comes to cheeks, neutral cool shades are your best friends. Look for soft hues like sand, soft pink, or rose to create a creamy, glowing complexion that aligns with the Soft Summer aesthetic.

For lips, nude tones work beautifully, along with blush pink and mauve. If you want to go bold, choose cooler shades like rose, berry, or plum.

Avoid warm tones that clash with your natural coloring, such as fiery reds, oranges, and yellows for your eyes, or bronze shades for the cheeks. Steer clear of overly dark lip colors, which can create a harsh contrast and disrupt your natural softness.

INSPIRATION: THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF SOFT SUMMER

Soft Summer is more than just a seasonal color type; it embodies an aesthetic deeply connected to the natural world. Its palette draws inspiration from the calming hues of misty mornings, serene oceans, and soft sunsets, showcasing the beauty created by the greatest Creator (Genesis 1:31).

Picture a foggy dawn over still waters—the cool grays and muted blues reflect Soft Summer’s essence. This color range includes gentle tones of gray, blue, purple, pink, and understated red.

Ocean Views: Soft Summer echoes the soft beauty of an island volcano veiled in pink and purple fog, blending seamlessly with the tranquil sea.

Mountain Scapes: A pink sunset fading into lavender mist over subdued green mountains captures the cool, muted vibe of this season.

Wintry Waters: A wintry lake scene, showcasing various muted blues, further illustrates Soft Summer’s peaceful, soft color profile.

Soft Summer’s palette is a reflection of the earth’s natural harmony, blending delicate, muted beauty with the tranquility of nature.

SOFT SUMMER COLOR PALETTE

When building a color palette for Soft Summer, start with versatile neutrals before exploring a range of colors.

Charcoal and denim are softer alternatives to harsh black, while a muted soft white works better than bright white. Add foundational shades like sage, blush, and dove gray to your wardrobe for a balanced look.

For reds, choose cool shades like ruby or soft red, and skip orange since it’s too warm. Stick to cooler yellows, such as corn or chiffon. Greens should have a touch of blue and stay in the medium range. Soft Summers can enjoy a variety of blues, from purple-blues to green-blues. Finish off with purples that have cool undertones.

Although every color may have a version that works for Soft Summer, some are harder to match. Cool pinks can sometimes look more like purples, many reds may appear too warm, and yellows without a green tint are often too warm. Blues and purples leaning more toward blue rather than red will flatter Soft Summers best.

It’s important to avoid certain colors, like stark black and white, which create harsh contrast. Bright, saturated shades can overwhelm Soft Summer’s natural softness. Medium pastel colors like rouge and steel blue are ideal choices.

Lastly, be cautious with colors from other seasonal palettes. Bright Spring, Bright Winter, and Warm Spring shades are often too vivid, warm, or high-contrast for Soft Summer, making them less harmonious with your natural tones. Stick to muted, cool shades for a balanced and flattering look.

CHOOSING PRINTS FOR SOFT SUMMER

Choosing the right prints is key to enhancing your Soft Summer look. To make sure your prints work with your color palette and personal style, consider the following:

  • Color Consistency: Ensure that at least 90% of the colors in your print come from the Soft Summer palette. This keeps your look cohesive and harmonious.
  • Scale: Opt for small to medium-sized prints. Large prints can feel overwhelming and take away from the soft, balanced nature of Soft Summer.
  • Contrast Level: Stick with low-contrast prints. Soft Summer looks best in muted, blended patterns that reflect its subtle and gentle charm.

Following these guidelines will help you choose prints that enhance your wardrobe and boost your confidence.

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS FOR SOFT AND COOL COLORING

No matter your style, there are a few key items every woman should have in her wardrobe.

Start with neutral basics, as they are the foundation of any outfit. Sticking to similar neutral shades creates a cohesive and polished look. Layering different tones of the same color adds depth and a luxurious feel.

If you prefer a more colorful style, neutrals are still essential, but you can bring in personality with vibrant accessories. Adding fun pieces in shades of pink, green, purple, or blue can give your outfits an exciting pop of color while still looking put together.

CONCLUSION

The Soft Summer color palette offers a refreshing and timeless aesthetic that suits a wide range of individuals. Its soft, muted tones create a harmonious and sophisticated look. By understanding your undertones and incorporating these colors into your wardrobe, you can enhance your natural beauty and radiate confidence. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different shades and textures to create your unique style. With a little creativity and confidence, you can effortlessly rock the Soft Summer look and feel your best.

40 STUNNING SOFT MAKEUP LOOKS FOR EVERY OCCASION

Less is often more when it comes to makeup, and soft, natural looks have never been more in vogue. Whether you’re heading to the office, a casual brunch, or a glamorous evening event, a soft makeup look can enhance your features without overpowering them. This collection of 40 stunning soft makeup looks offers inspiration for every occasion, from subtle everyday elegance to sophisticated evening glam. Get ready to discover your perfect soft makeup match!

SMOKEY WEDDING MAKEUP

A stunning choice for those with brown eyes and brown hair, this look features a gorgeous smokey eyeshadow blend. It’s a universally flattering style that pairs beautifully with a soft nude lip color for a neutral and sophisticated finish.

SOFT GLAM MAKEUP LOOK

A stunning look for women with brown eyes and brown hair, this style features a soft glow and a smokey eyeshadow blend. It’s a universally flattering choice that pairs beautifully with a subtle lip color for a neutral, elegant finish.

SHIMMERY MAKEUP LOOK

Enhance your natural beauty with a subtle yet stunning look perfect for brown eyes and hair. A wash of shimmery eyeshadow adds dimension and sparkle to your eyes, while a soft lip color completes this universally flattering style. It’s the ideal choice for a neutral, effortlessly chic appearance.

SOFT GLOW MAKEUP LOOK

Illuminate your natural beauty with this timeless look for brown eyes and hair. A soft, brown eyeshadow creates a subtle, glowing effect that complements your features. Complete the look with a nude lip for a sophisticated, understated finish.

CHOCOLATE SMOKEY LOOK

Make a striking impression with this sophisticated look designed for brown eyes and dark hair. A sultry blend of chocolate-toned eyeshadows creates depth and drama. Complete the look with a soft lip color for a balanced, effortlessly chic finish.

NEUTRAL LOOK TAN SKIN

Enhance your natural allure with this effortless look. Soft, complementary eyeshadow shades create a subtle definition that beautifully complements brown eyes and hair. Finish with a nude lip for a polished, understated appearance.

SOFT GLAM WITH MATTE PINK LIPS

A subtle blend of eyeshadow complements brown eyes and hair, while a matte pink lip adds a touch of femininity. This effortlessly chic style is perfect for any occasion.

SHIMMER SOFT GLAM FOR BLONDE HAIR

Highlight your captivating blue-green eyes with a soft, ethereal look. A delicate blend of eyeshadow enhances your natural eye color, creating a stunning contrast with blonde hair. Complete the look with a nude lip for a fresh, sophisticated finish.

SOFT GLAM WITH PINK LIPS

A subtle blend of eyeshadow complements your eye color and hair, creating a timeless and elegant appearance. Pair with a nude lip for a complete, understated style.

RETRO SOFT BLUE LOOK

Channel your inner retro glamour with this timeless look. Soft, smoky eyeshadows create a sultry, vintage-inspired eye that complements brown eyes and hair. Finish with a nude lip for a balanced, sophisticated appearance.

KIM KARDASHIAN INSPIRED MAKEUP

Get inspired by Kim Kardashian’s iconic makeup style with a look that embodies her signature nude aesthetic. Perfect for fans of Kim’s glamour, this makeup features a stunning nude tone on the lips that enhances a sophisticated and understated beauty.

SOFT MAKEUP LOOK WITH BURGUNDY LIP

This stunning look is ideal for women with blue eyes and bronde hair, featuring a soft eyeshadow blend paired with burgundy lips. Despite the bold burgundy shade, the overall effect remains strikingly elegant rather than overwhelming.

SHIMMERY SMOKEY BRIDAL LOOK

Make your green eyes pop with this striking look. A soft blend of eyeshadow complements your dark hair and enhances your eye color’s natural depth. Finish with a nude lip for a sophisticated, understated style.

BROWN EYES WITH SOFT LIPS

Soft eyeshadow shades complement your brown eyes and dark hair, creating a timeless and sophisticated appearance. Finish with a nude lip for a polished, understated style.

SMOKEY EYES & NEUTRAL LOOK

Let your green eyes shine with this effortlessly chic look. A soft blend of eyeshadow complements your eye color and brown hair, creating a harmonious and flattering effect. Complete the look with a nude lip for a polished, natural finish.

GLAM LOOK

A glam makeup look is characterized by bold, dramatic features and flawless skin. It typically involves contouring, highlighting, smoky eyes with winged eyeliner, and a bold lip color, creating a glamorous and sophisticated appearance.

NEUTRAL LOOK WITH GORGEOUS WINGED EYELINER

Elevate your green eyes with this captivating look. A soft eyeshadow blend combined with a striking winged eyeliner accentuates your gaze, creating a stunning contrast against bronde hair. Complete the look with a nude lip for a sophisticated, polished finish.

BLUE EYES & SOFT GLAM LOOK

Create a captivating look that highlights your blue eyes and brown hair. A soft, ethereal eyeshadow palette complements your features, while a peach-toned lip adds a warm, fresh touch. This versatile style is perfect for any occasion.

BROWN EYES & SOFT GLAM

A subtle blend of eyeshadow complements your brown eyes and hair, creating a timeless and elegant appearance. Pair with a nude lip for a polished, understated finish.

BROWN EYE MAKEUP LOOK

This classic look is perfect for brown eyes and hair. Choose neutral eyeshadow shades for a subtle, sophisticated finish. Complete the look with a nude lip for a timeless, polished appearance.

SOFT LOOK WITH SUBTLE SMOKEY

A soft look with a subtle smokey eye combines gentle, blended shades with just a hint of drama. This style offers a sophisticated touch, enhancing the eyes with a soft smokey effect that adds depth and allure without being overpowering.

SOFT NEUTRAL MAKEUP LOOK

A soft, complementary eyeshadow palette enhances your natural eye color and harmonizes with brown hair. Complete the look with a nude lip for a daytime-friendly option, or add a bold red lip for a classic, glamorous evening style.

SHIMMERY MAKEUP LOOK

Make your green eyes sparkle with this glamorous look. A shimmery eyeshadow palette complements your dark hair and enhances your eye color’s depth. Choose a soft nude lip for a daytime-friendly option or a bold red for a classic, vintage-inspired style.

NUDE LIPS

A soft, complementary eyeshadow palette enhances your eye color’s natural brilliance. Opt for a nude lip for a daytime-friendly look or a classic red for a bold, vintage-inspired style.

SOFT LOOK FOR BLONDE HAIR AND BLUE EYES

Create a captivating look that highlights your blue eyes and blonde hair. A soft, ethereal eyeshadow palette complements your fair complexion. Choose a nude lip for a fresh, daytime look or a bold red for a classic, glamorous evening style.

TRENDY AND ELEGANT LOOK

We love this trendy and elegant look! It features a harmonious blend of warm and cool eyeshadows, creating a stunning effect that suits everyone. Pair it with a soft peach-toned lip color for tan skin to complete the look beautifully.

STUNNING SMOKEY EYE MAKEUP

A stunning smokey eye makeup look featuring a cool blend of eyeshadows and finished with black lashes. This universally flattering style can be paired with a soft lip color for a subtle effect or a bold red lip for a vintage touch.

CHIC NEUTRAL LOOK

A super soft and chic makeup look! This style features a cool blend of eyeshadows and is finished with black lashes. It’s a stunning choice that flatters everyone.

CHIC AND MODERN MAKEUP

We love this eye makeup idea for its super soft and chic appeal! It features a cool blend of eyeshadows, complemented by a classic eyeliner flick and black lashes. This stunning look suits everyone. Pair it with a soft lip color for a subtle finish or a bold red for a vintage touch.

SMOKEY EYES

If you love a soft neutral look with a touch of smokey drama, give this style a try. The model showcases a stunning blend of smokey eyeshadow with classic eyeliner, creating a gorgeous makeup idea. Recreate this look or experiment with a different liner color, such as gold glitter, for a unique twist.

SOFT SHIMMERY MAKEUP LOOK

This gorgeous look features soft, natural, and shimmery colors on the eyelids, complemented by black liner and lashes. It’s a stunning, versatile style that suits everyone, blending vintage glam with a modern twist for a truly elegant finish.

SHIMMERY ROSE GOLD EYESHADOW

If you’re a fan of glitz and glam, this look is perfect for you. It features shimmery rose gold eyeshadow paired with soft black eyeliner wings, creating a pretty and versatile style that suits everyone.

SOFT PINK SHIMMERY MAKEUP

For this look, the eyes feature a warm blend of eyeshadow above the crease, complemented by a light shimmery shadow on the lid. This stunning style suits everyone and can be paired with a soft lip color for a subtle finish or a dark lip color for a bold vintage touch.

SOFT PEACH MAKEUP LOOK

We have a stunning makeup look featuring soft peach tones that we absolutely adore. This elegant style is perfect for any wedding theme or special occasion, offering a beautiful and refined appearance.

MAKE UP LOOK GREEN TOPAZ EYES

We have a gorgeous soft glam makeup look perfect for ladies with green eyes. This stunning style is ideal for any wedding or special occasion, offering a refined and elegant appearance.

SOFT GLAM FOR DARK HAIR

We have a stunning makeup look tailored for those with brown eyes and dark hair who prefer a simple, sleek style. This chic look pairs beautifully with hair worn down, making it an elegant choice for weddings or any special occasion.

SOFT ROMANTIC BEAUTY + EFFORTLESS WAVES

This gorgeous and glamorous makeup look features soft neutral shades with bronze accents on the inner eyes, complemented by a nude lip using Magnetic Plush Paint in St. Tropez and Gel Color Lip in Tay Tay. 

SHARP LINER + HIGH PONY

This gorgeous and modern makeup look features soft neutral shades with a subtle smokey eye, enhanced by sharp eyeliner and nude lips. It pairs perfectly with a high ponytail, making it an ideal choice for special occasions, prom, and contemporary city weddings.

SOFT MAKEUP LOOK FOR GREEN EYES

We have a beautiful makeup look for a young bride, featuring a soft and elegant style perfect for green eyes. This stunning idea is ideal for any wedding theme or special occasion, offering a graceful and timeless appearance.

NUDE GLAM MAKEUP LOOK

We have an incredibly stunning glam makeup look that features soft neutrals from eyes to lips. This elegant style pairs perfectly with hair worn down, making it ideal for any wedding or special occasion.

CONCLUSION

Soft makeup looks offer a timeless and versatile approach to enhancing natural beauty. By experimenting with different shades, textures, and techniques, you can create countless variations of this effortlessly chic style. Remember, confidence is the ultimate beauty accessory, so embrace your natural features and let your inner glow shine through.