How To Match Colors To Skin Tone

Testing With Neutrals

Although this test is far less popular than testing with vein color and with jewelry, determining skin tone by comparing which neutrals look better is yet another way to help match your skin tone with appropriate colors. Now, neutral colors can match with just about anyone, but it comes down to their shades and undertones that truly matter. Blacks, straight greys, and bright whites tend to highlight those with cool skin tones better, and off-whites, tan, and chocolatey brown tend to highlight warm skin tones. You can easily test this with fabric swatches or actual pieces of clothing.

Skin Under The Sun

When you spend just a little too much time in the sun, what happens to your skin? Does it tend to burn or tan? Your skin’s reaction is a clear indicator of what tone you likely have. Those with a cool skin tone typically burn rather than tan, although someone with a cool-medium rather than a cool-fair skin tone may get a tan after the initial burn fades. Individuals with a warm skin tone are far more likely to jump straight to a golden-brown tan, though they may still burn afterward if they continue spending too much time in the sun.