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!

30 BEST SUN KISSED HAIR BRUNETTE IDEAS 

Sun-kissed brown hair is a timeless look that adds dimension, warmth, and a touch of summer glow to brunette locks. Whether you crave a subtle kiss of sunshine or a more dramatic bronzed effect, there are endless possibilities to achieve the perfect sun-kissed hair for your unique style.

This collection dives into 30 of the most stunning sun-kissed brunette hair inspirations, showcasing a variety of highlighting techniques, shades, and styles. From balayage and ombre to classic highlights and babylights, prepare to be dazzled by the range of sun-kissed looks that flatter all skin tones and hair textures.

BEST SUN KISSED HAIR BRUNETTE

BEACHY HIGHLIGHTS

Beachy highlights are the epitome of sun-kissed hair, mimicking the natural lightening effect of spending days by the ocean. This technique uses a hand-painted approach, often with balayage or ombre methods, to create subtle, dimensional highlights that are lighter towards the ends and frame the face. Unlike traditional highlights with stark lines, beachy highlights are blended seamlessly, creating a natural, sun-kissed look that flatters a wide range of brunette shades, from cool espresso to warm chocolate. For those seeking inspiration, hair color ideas for brunettes, beachy highlights offer a carefree, effortless vibe that evokes the feeling of summer days spent basking in the sun.

DIRTY BLONDE SOMBRÉ

Achieve a natural, sun-kissed look by adding cascading blonde highlights to your brown-blonde hair. This creates the effect of sun-kissed, “sun kissed brown hair,” with lighter pieces framing the face for a brightening effect and on the ends for a dimensional finish. Scatter random blonde strokes throughout the mid-lengths for a seamless blend. This subtle transition creates a flattering ombré effect that beautifully complements your existing brown-blonde base.

DARK BROWN WITH BABYLIGHTS

For a touch of subtle dimension and natural-looking highlights, consider adding babylights to your dark brown hair. These ultra-fine, ultra-delicate blonde highlights mimic the way sunlight naturally lightens hair, adding a subtle sparkle and multi-tonal depth to your dark base. This technique doesn’t involve stark contrast or harsh lines, but rather creates a seamless blend that adds a touch of brightness and warmth to dark brown locks, without drastically changing your overall color. The result is a gorgeous, sun-kissed effect that enhances your natural hair color with a touch of understated glamour.

SUNLIT HONEY BLONDE

Sunlit honey blonde hair, with its captivating warmth reminiscent of a sun-kissed glow, captures the essence of summer effortlessly. This stunning shade blends warm golden tones with subtle amber accents, evoking the rich color of honey. Imagine the sun’s golden rays gently kissing your hair, leaving behind a luminous, sun-kissed masterpiece. This dimensional blonde, akin to warm caramel balayage honey, flatters a wide range of skin tones, particularly those with lighter complexions. Sunlit honey blonde adds a touch of brightness and warmth to natural brunette hair, creating a multi-tonal effect that enhances its natural beauty. This hair color radiates a natural, effortless beauty, perfect for those seeking a touch of summer sunshine year-round.

CARAMEL LOWLIGHTS

Brunette hair with caramel highlights adds a touch of warmth and dimension to any brunette base. The rich, golden tones of caramel perfectly complement the darker hues, creating a multi-tonal effect that mimics the natural way sunlight plays on hair. This combination adds a touch of brightness and richness, offering a sophisticated and dimensional look that flatters a wide range of skin tones. Whether incorporated through subtle balayage or bolder highlights, caramel lowlights add a touch of sun-kissed magic to brunette hair.

SANDY BROWN

Soft blended blonde perfectly complements this rich warm brown, and we’re loving the bright pop of color it gives, especially around the face. If you want a sandier finish, start with a lighter brown base. For those seeking more depth and dimension, incorporating highlights and lowlights into brunette hair can enhance the overall look, adding subtle variation and interest to the color palette.

VERSATILE HIGHLIGHTS

The versatility of the illuminated brunette technique makes it an excellent choice for individuals with naturally dark hair. In this method, highlights dynamically shift in visibility depending on the wearer’s head movements, adding a captivating dimension to their look.

BALAYAGE BRUNETTE HAIR

Brunette balayage is a stunning technique that adds natural-looking dimension and sun-kissed highlights to brunette hair. The hand-painted application creates seamless transitions, often starting with darker tones at the roots and gradually lightening towards the ends. This creates a beautiful play of light and shadow, mimicking the way the sun naturally lightens hair. Brunette balayage offers endless customization, allowing you to choose from subtle, barely-there highlights to bolder, contrasting tones. Whether you have light, medium, or dark brown hair, balayage can add a touch of warmth, brightness, and effortless beauty to your locks.

BLONDE MONEY PIECE

If you’re looking to add a touch of brightness to your ash brunette hair dye, consider requesting blonde face-framing pieces. These highlights are expertly blended primarily into the frontside of your mane, providing just enough lift to enhance your overall look without requiring high maintenance.

ILLUMINATED BRUNETTE

Morenas iluminadas” translates to “lightened brunettes” in English, and it’s designed to delicately enhance your hair without completely departing from your natural color. This technique entails applying gentle, warm bronde balayage highlights to a naturally dark base, resulting in a subtle, sun-kissed transition of color.

FACE-FRAMING HONEY

For a low-maintenance summer hair color for brunettes, maintain your natural brown roots and most of your hair. Introduce significant face-framing highlights in a matching blonde tone. For instance, a warm honey blonde beautifully complements a warm medium brown base.

TONS OF HIGHLIGHTS

The auburn hair trend has become incredibly popular throughout Brazil, and its widespread appeal is clear. With Instagram serving as a reliable barometer for hair trends, it’s evident that salons around the world are adopting the style as well, even incorporating variations like brunette hair with blonde highlights. This further demonstrates the versatility of the auburn trend, showcasing its ability to be adapted and personalized to suit individual preferences.

BALAYAGE BRUNETTE

Another suitable name for this color could be “brunette balayage,” as it entails highlighting the hair with hand-painted strokes of color that ascend from the ends up to the mid-lengths of the hair. While balayage is often linked with blonde hair transformations, this trend demonstrates its suitability for brunettes as well.

SUN-KISSED WAVES

Sun-kissed waves evoke the carefree feeling of beach days and summer sunshine. This hairstyle features loose, textured waves that mimic the natural bend hair gets after a day spent by the ocean. They are effortlessly chic, with a touch of tousled texture that adds volume and movement. Sun-kissed waves pair perfectly with sun-kissed hair color, whether it’s natural highlights, a touch of balayage or ombre, or even caramel brunette hair color. The combination creates a cohesive, beachy look that radiates a relaxed and sun-kissed vibe. Whether you have long, flowing locks or shorter, layered hair, sun-kissed waves offer a universally flattering and effortlessly stylish option.

ROSE BROWN BALAYAGE

Move over rose gold, there’s a new brunette trend taking the spotlight: rose brown. This stunning shade infuses classic brown hair with warm, rosy tones, creating a rich, almost metallic dimension. It’s the perfect update for brunettes seeking a touch of trendy warmth and undeniable glamour.

RICH ESPRESSO

The light brown hair color trends encompasses various shades. Whether you have naturally light chestnut hair, dark coffee locks, or even exceptionally blue eyes, it works great. Blue eyes with brunette hair, why not?

BUTTERY BLONDE ON CARAMEL CURLS

Buttery blonde highlights dancing across caramel curls create a dimensional and warm hair look. The buttery blonde adds a touch of brightness and richness, while the caramel base provides a deeper, luxurious feel. This combination is perfect for those who want to add light and interest to their curls without going full-on blonde. The contrast between the two shades emphasizes the texture of the curls, making them appear even more voluminous and defined. It’s a sun-kissed, beachy look that flatters many skin tones and adds a touch of glamour to any hairstyle.

BRUNETTE HAIR PURPLE HIGHLIGHTS

Brunette hair with purple highlights and sun-kissed brunette strands creates a dimensional and playful look. The sun-kissed highlights, often in shades of caramel or honey, add warmth and natural dimension to the overall brunette base. The purple highlights, strategically placed throughout the hair, inject a pop of unexpected color. This combination can range from subtle and whimsical, with just a few purple strands peeking through, to bolder and more dramatic, with a stronger presence of the purple. 

DIRTY BLONDE BOB

This beachy bob is the epitome of sun-kissed hair. Warm blonde highlights are expertly blended throughout, creating a natural, sun-kissed look that only gets more radiant with time spent under the sun.

CHOCOLATE BROWN

This technique can be applied subtly to add dimension and shine to brunette hair. The result is a head of hair that appears full and lustrous, just like the stunning example shown here.

SHADOW ROOT BLONDE

Even for those who prefer cool hair tones, the beachy look is achievable! This technique uses cool blonde balayage to refresh a cool brown base, creating a dimensional and sun-kissed effect without sacrificing the overall cool color palette.

CARAMEL BRUNETTE

Caramel brunette hair color is a stunning blend of warm brown and golden blonde tones, reminiscent of the rich sweetness of its namesake.  It flatters a wide range of skin tones, adding a touch of sun-kissed dimension and vibrancy to brunette locks.  Caramel brunette hair can be achieved through all-over coloring, highlights, or balayage, creating a look that’s both sophisticated and universally flattering.

CARAMEL PIECES ON CHESTNUT BROWN

Forget salon-perfect precision, this chestnut brown bob embraces effortless summer vibes with the subtlest touch of caramel balayage. Delicate, almost invisible highlights dance throughout the rich base, adding a touch of sun-kissed dimension without screaming “professionally done.” It’s the perfect balance of natural beauty and summery flair.

BLONDE OMBRÉ

Blonde ombre hair is a stunning color technique that creates a gradual transition from darker roots to lighter blonde ends. This creates a beautiful, dimensional effect that mimics the sun naturally lightening hair. The shades of blonde used can vary greatly, from warm honey tones to cool platinum hues, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences and skin tones. Ombre is a versatile style that can be worn on any hair length, adding depth and brightness to natural or colored hair.

GOLDEN BRUNETTE HAIR

It features a rich, chocolatey base infused with subtle golden highlights, creating a luminous and dimensional effect. This hair color flatters a wide range of skin tones, adding warmth and brightness without appearing too light. Golden brunette can be achieved through all-over coloring, balayage, or highlights, offering versatility and a natural, sun-kissed look that’s both sophisticated and universally flattering.

COFFEE BRUNETTE

Coffee brunette hair is a rich, sophisticated shade that evokes the warmth and depth of a freshly brewed cup. It’s a deep brown color with subtle red undertones, adding a touch of dimension and richness to the overall look. This shade flatters a wide range of skin tones, particularly those with warm or neutral undertones. Coffee brunette hair can be worn solid for a classic, timeless look, or enhanced with subtle highlights in caramel or golden tones for added dimension and a touch of sun-kissed warmth.

HONEY CARAMEL

It evokes the sweetness of its namesake, adding a touch of sun-kissed dimension and vibrancy to any hair color. This versatile shade can be achieved through all-over coloring, highlights, or balayage, creating a natural, multi-dimensional look. Honey caramel hair flatters a wide range of skin tones, particularly those with warm undertones, and offers a touch of brightness without venturing into full-on blonde territory. For a stunningly dimensional effect, brunette hair with caramel balayage highlights is a perfect choice, adding warmth, sun-kissed glow, and effortless style.

LOADS OF SHINE

Loads of shine isn’t just a hair trend, it’s a statement. Healthy, glossy hair reflects light beautifully, creating a luxurious and eye-catching effect. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, from using hair masks and specialized shampoos to incorporating shine-enhancing styling products like glosses or serums. Hair with loads of shine isn’t just aesthetically pleasing, it also signifies healthy, well-cared-for locks, adding a touch of glamour and polish to any hairstyle.

DIRTY BLONDE COLOR MELT

A dirty blonde color melt is a stunning hair coloring technique that creates a seamless transition between darker, natural-looking roots and lighter blonde ends. It achieves a beautiful, dimensional effect that mimics how hair naturally lightens in the sun. Unlike harsh lines or blocky highlights, the color melt blends seamlessly, creating a soft, natural look. This technique often incorporates various shades of dirty blonde, a mix of light and dark blonde tones with subtle ash or golden undertones, adding depth and richness to the overall look. 

MAHOGANY BRUNETTE

It evokes the deep, luxurious color of its namesake wood, adding warmth and depth to natural brunette locks. Unlike a straight red hair color, mahogany brunette retains a dominant brown base, with the red highlights adding vibrancy and dimension. This versatile shade flatters a wide range of skin tones, particularly those with warm or olive undertones. Mahogany brunette can be achieved through all-over coloring, highlights, or balayage, offering a range of intensities and variations, from subtle red accents to a more dramatic, auburn-like effect.

CONCLUSION 

Discover lots of ideas to color your brown hair like the sun kissed it. Find the perfect shade that looks great on you and feels like summer. You can choose soft highlights or a bold balayage. There are so many options! To get that sunny look, make sure the colors blend well together and look natural. Also, take care of your hair by using good products and massaging your scalp to help your hair grow. Try out these ideas and see how beautiful your brown hair looks in the sun!