HOW TO KNOW YOUR SKIN UNDERTONE?

We all know our skin tone – that light or dark shade that graces our faces. But hidden beneath lies another layer, a subtle whisper of color called our undertone. Unlike skin tone, which can shift with seasons and sun, undertone is a constant melody, a unique fingerprint of your inner glow.

Imagine skin tone as the canvas, a beautiful expanse of light or dark. Undertone, then, is the brushstroke, the hidden hue that adds depth and dimension. It could be a hint of warm peach, a cool olive whisper, or even a neutral harmony.

This inner shade plays a crucial role in your beauty game. It’s the secret language that guides you to colors that make you shine, from the perfect lipstick to the most flattering foundation. Knowing your undertone is like unlocking a treasure chest of confidence, empowering you to make informed choices that enhance your natural beauty. So, scroll down and check out how to identify your skin’s undertone for easier makeup shopping.

WHAT’S AN UNDERTONE?

Your skin’s undertone is the tone beneath the surface of your skin that harmonizes with whatever makeup you apply over it. Think of it as the harmony beneath the melody, the subtle whisper that makes your makeup sing.

Getting it right is like unlocking a magic spell. Foundation, concealer, and powder effortlessly blend, becoming one with your skin. But get it wrong, and suddenly your makeup is a walking “don’t-list.”

Here’s the beauty – undertone isn’t about labels like warm, cool, or neutral. It’s about embracing your unique color story, regardless of your skin tone! Deep, medium, or light – every shade family can sing the melody of any undertone.

THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING YOUR UNDERTONE

Ever feel like foundation shades are playing hide-and-seek? Knowing your undertone can be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for! It’s not just about finding the perfect match; it’s about creating a seamless, harmonious blend that makes your skin sing.

Think of your undertone as the hidden melody beneath your surface skin tone. It whispers of warm peach, cool olive, or even a neutral balance. Discovering this inner color story is key to choosing foundation and concealer that truly sings in tune with your complexion.

No more dreaded demarcation lines! Mismatched shades are a thing of the past when you understand undertone harmony. Imagine your foundation flowing seamlessly from your face down to your neck, canceling out redness and revealing a radiant, unified complexion.

So, why settle for neutral or cool foundations when you’re a warm soul? Or vice versa? Choosing the wrong undertone can leave your skin looking ashy, gray, or even oxidized – a beauty faux pas easily avoided with a little undertone knowledge.

TYPES OF UNDERTONES

WARM

Warm undertones have yellow, golden, or peachy hues. People with warm undertones often have hair that is naturally light to medium brown, red, or honey blonde, and eyes that are green, hazel, brown, or amber. Their skin may tan easily and have a yellowish or golden cast.

COOL

Think icy glaciers and winter skies when it comes to cool undertones. Pink, blue, and soft red hues dance beneath the surface. Their hair may be ash blonde, black, or platinum blonde, framing captivating blue, grey, or green eyes. Sun protection is key for their delicate skin, prone to a pinkish or bluish cast.

NEUTRAL

Neutral undertones embrace the best of both worlds, a harmonious blend of warm and cool pigments. This chameleon group rocks any hair or eye color, with skin tones ranging from light and milky to medium and rich, or even deep and toasty. Sun exposure can go either way, depending on the individual.

HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR UNDERTONE

THROW ON A WHITE PAPER

Find a sun-drenched spot and grab a trusty white companion, a pristine scarf or clean paper will do. Hold it near your face and let the natural light reveal its secrets. Is your skin kissed by a cool, pinkish glow? Then you’re part of the “cool-toned” crew! Think icy blues and soft berry shades. Does your complexion bask in a warm, golden light? Welcome to the “warm-toned” tribe, where golden yellows and rich olive greens will dance on your skin. But what if both white and cream sing sweetly? You might be the lucky one with the chameleon-like “neutral undertones,” at home in any shade. Remember, this is just the first chapter in your color story. Experiment, play, and discover the shades that make your confidence bloom!

CONSIDER YOUR SKIN’S REACTION TO THE SUN

Sun exposure is very telling when it comes to figuring out your skin undertone. Think rosy blushes after sunbeams? You’re likely a cool-toned soul, best friends with icy blues and berry shades. Embrace the golden tan? Welcome to the warm-toned tribe, where corals and olives dance on your sun-kissed skin. But what if you tango between burns and tans? You, my friend, might be the adaptable chameleon with neutral undertones, rocking any shade with confidence. Remember, sun exposure is just a hint, not the whole story. Veins, jewelry, and how colors make you feel weave the rest of the tale

TRY ON SOME JEWELRY

This is very subjective, but comparing how gold versus silver jewelry looks against your skin can be a helpful way to figure out your undertone. Gold jewelry tends to be most flattering on warmer skin tones while silver is mostly flattering on cool tones. If you don’t discriminate between gold or silver, then you might have neutral undertones—or maybe you just love all jewelry, which we’re not mad about.

CHECK THE COLOR OF YOUR VEINS

While checking wrist veins offers a quick hint, for a more accurate undertone assessment, peer deeper. Look for the color of veins across your face and neck. Blue veins point to cool undertones, while green (especially in olive skin) suggests warmth. If both blues and greens peek through, you’ve likely got a delightful mix of both, making you a neutral undertone chameleon!

CONSIDER FEATURES LIKE YOUR EYE AND HAIR COLOR


Feeling lost in the undertone undercurrent? Don’t worry! While veins hold clues, let’s dive deeper. Think of your stunning peepers and locks! Eye and hair color can have any undertone buddy, but here’s a tip: sun-kissed complexions and darker eye depths often lean warm, like a cozy fire. Conversely, porcelain skin and lighter eyes often gravitate towards the cool camp, like a refreshing ocean breeze. But remember, these are just generalizations, dear adventurer!

FINDING THE BEST COLOR PALETTE FOR YOUR UNDERTONE

  • Very Fair: Fair skin tends to be neutral or cooler undertones. Cooler-toned shades such as taupe, beige, and soft pinks complement this undertone.
  • Light: Skin that’s light but not as fair look best in cooler-toned shades that are more soft and neutral such as grays and deeper beiges.
  • Medium: This skin tone usually has the ability to go with both warmer and cooler colors.
  • Olive: Like medium, olive can also do both warmer and cooler shades, though Sesnek recommends adding more vivid colors, as olive skin tones can usually handle it.
  • Tan: This skin tone looks great with warmer shades like bronze as well as warmer tones such as orange.
  • Medium to Dark: Skin can go both cool and warmer in color.
  • Deep: This skin tone can go both cool and warm in color. Going more vivid with color can really pop against this skin tone

FINAL TAKEAWAY

In the same way understanding your skin undertone unlocks a world of color choices, determining your face shape empowers you to find hairstyles and glasses that flatter your features. By using the tips in this article, you can confidently determine if your undertone is warm, cool, or neutral. Remember, some people may have a combination of warm and cool tones, and that’s perfectly okay!

Mastering the Art of Applying Cool-Toned Pink Blush

If you’re in the market for a new blush, look no further than a cool-toned pink blush. This versatile shade can work on any skin tone and adds a pop of color to your cheeks without looking too bold or bright. Here, we have the best cool-toned pink blushes on the market, tips for finding the perfect shade for your skin tone, and how to apply it for a flawless finish.. Keep scrolling to know more! 

How to Choose the Right Cool-Toned Pink Blush

A cool-toned pink has blue undertones, which makes it different from a warm-toned pink that has more yellow or orange undertones. The cool-toned pink blush will have a slightly purple hue, so if you’re unsure whether a blush is cool-toned or not, check for those purplish-blue undertones.

Fair skin tones look great with light, baby pink shades, while medium skin tones suit brighter, bolder pinks. For those with deeper skin tones, try a rich berry pink for a pop of color that won’t wash you out. When testing shades, make sure to apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend until it looks natural.

Our Top Picks Cool-Toned Pink Blushes

  • Nars Blush in “Desire” – This cult-favorite blush is a vibrant cool-toned pink that instantly brightens up any complexion.
  • Milani Baked Blush in “Dolce Pink” – This affordable drugstore option has just the right amount of shimmer and a subtle blue undertone that flatters all skin tones.
  • Clinique Cheek Pop in “Pink Honey Pop” – This blush has a unique, flower-shaped design and a cool-toned pink shade with a hint of golden shimmer for a fresh, radiant look.
  • Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in “Dollface” – This long-wearing blush has a matte finish and a soft, cool-toned pink that looks natural on any skin tone.
  • Glossier Cloud Paint in “Puff” – a sheer, baby pink shade that blends seamlessly into the skin
  • MAC Powder Blush in “Well-Dressed” – a light, cool-toned pink with a satin finish
  • Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in “Luminous Flush” – a cool pink with a subtle peachy undertone and a luminous finish
  • Benefit Cosmetics Dandelion Box o’ Powder Blush – a soft, ballerina pink with a satin-matte finish
  • Bobbi Brown Blush in “Pale Pink” – a light, neutral pink with a matte finish
  • Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in “Love Glow” – a cool pink with a subtle gold shimmer
  • Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in “Rose Petal” – a soft, cool-toned pink with a semi-matte finish
  • Becca Mineral Blush in “Flowerchild” – a cool-toned pink with a golden sheen
  • NYX Professional Makeup High Definition Blush in “Baby Doll” – a light, cool-toned pink with a matte finish
  • Maybelline Fit Me Blush in “Rose” – a medium, cool-toned pink with a satin finish
  • L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Blush in “Baby Blossom” – a light, cool-toned pink with a subtle shimmer

Each of these blushes offers a different shade and finish, so it’s important to choose one that suits your skin tone and personal preferences. Remember to apply blush lightly and blend well for a natural-looking flush!

How to Apply Cool-Toned Pink Blush for a Flawless Finish

  • Prep Your Skin: Start with a well-prepped and moisturized face. Apply your foundation or base makeup as usual, making sure it is blended seamlessly. This will create a smooth canvas for your blush application.
  • Find Your Cheekbones: Smile to locate the apples of your cheeks. Then, using a fluffy blush brush, gently sweep the brush upwards and towards your temples, following the natural contour of your cheekbones. This technique helps to create a lifted and sculpted effect.
  • Build Gradually: Start with a light application of blush and gradually build up the color as desired. Remember, it’s easier to add more blush than to remove excess. Tap off any excess product from the brush before applying to avoid harsh lines or excessive pigmentation.
  • Blend for a Seamless Finish: Use circular motions or light strokes to blend the blush into your skin. This will ensure a seamless and natural-looking application. Be sure to blend the edges well to avoid any harsh lines or patchiness.
  • Consider Your Overall Makeup: Take into account your overall makeup look when applying pink blush. If you’re going for a more neutral or soft look, a subtle touch of cool-toned pink blush can complement it beautifully. For a bolder and vibrant look, you can apply the blush more intensely.
  • Highlight and Set: To enhance the luminosity of your cool-toned pink blush, consider adding a touch of highlighter to the high points of your cheekbones. This will give your skin a radiant and dewy finish. Finally, set your makeup with a setting spray to ensure longevity.

Remember, the key to applying cool-toned pink blush is to start with a light hand and gradually build up the color. By following these steps and taking your skin tone into consideration, you can achieve a flawless and natural-looking finish that enhances your features and adds a beautiful pop of color to your complexion.