How to Identify Your Skin Undertones, According to Experts

Ever bought a foundation that looked perfect in-store but turned orange or ashy in natural light? The culprit is often a mismatch in skin undertones. While your skin tone refers to the surface color (fair, medium, deep), your undertone is the subtle hue beneath the skin that never changes—and it plays a huge role in how makeup and clothing colors look on you.

Whether you’re trying to choose the right foundation shade, lipstick, or even the most flattering clothing colors, understanding your undertone is key. In this expert-approved guide, we’ll help you decode whether you’re warm, cool, or neutral, plus how to use that knowledge for flawless styling and makeup choices.

What Are Skin Undertones?

Your skin undertone is the underlying color that influences your overall complexion. Unlike your surface tone, which can change with tanning or exposure, undertones stay consistent throughout your life.

There are three main types of undertones:

• Warm: Golden, yellow, or peachy hues
  
  

• Cool: Pink, red, or bluish hues
  
  

• Neutral: A balance between warm and cool tones
  
  

The Difference Between Skin Tone and Undertone

It’s easy to confuse skin tone with undertone, but they’re not the same:

• Skin tone refers to how light or dark your skin is (fair, medium, deep).
  
  

• Undertone is the hue beneath the surface.
  
  

For instance, two people can have the same medium skin tone, but one may have a warm undertone while the other is cool—making different makeup and clothing shades suit them best.

How to Determine Your Skin Undertone

Here are some expert-approved ways to identify your undertone at home:

1. The Vein Test

Look at the veins on your wrist in natural light.

• Blue or purple veins: You likely have a cool undertone.
  
  

• Greenish veins: You have a warm undertone.
  
  

• A mix of both: You’re neutral.
  
  

2. The Jewelry Test

Try both gold and silver jewelry.

• Gold complements warm undertones best.
  
  

• Silver flatters cool undertones.
  
  

• If both look equally good, you’re neutral.
  
  

3. The White vs. Cream Test

Hold a piece of pure white and an off-white or cream fabric against your skin.

• If white looks better, you’re likely cool-toned.
  
  

• If cream enhances your glow, you’re warm-toned.
  
  

• If both work, you’re neutral.
  
  

4. Sun Reaction Test

Think about how your skin reacts to the sun:

• If you tan easily, you’re likely warm or neutral.
  
  

• If you burn first, your undertone is probably cool.
  
  

5. Foundation and Clothing Clues

• Warm undertones shine in earthy shades like orange, coral, gold, and olive.
  
  

• Cool undertones pop in jewel tones like sapphire, emerald, and fuchsia.
  
  

• Neutral undertones can wear nearly anything effortlessly.
  
  

Warm vs Cool Tone: How to Tell the Difference

Warm Undertones:

Your skin has hints of yellow, peach, or golden hues.
Celebrities with warm undertones: Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and Priyanka Chopra.

You look best in:

• Gold jewelry
  
  

• Earthy tones (terracotta, coral, mustard, warm beige)
  
  

• Warm-toned makeup—think peach blush and bronze highlighter
  
  

Best foundation shades:
Look for names with “golden,” “honey,” “beige,” or “warm”.

Cool Undertones:

Your skin has pink, red, or bluish hues.
Celebrities with cool undertones: Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, and Emma Stone.

You look best in:

• Silver jewelry
  
  

• Cool tones (navy, emerald, plum, icy blue)
  
  

• Rosy blushes and pink lip colors
  
  

Best foundation shades:
Choose tones labeled “rose,” “porcelain,” “cool beige,” or “neutral pink.”

Neutral Undertones:

You have a mix of warm and cool hues, often making your skin look balanced.
Celebrities with neutral undertones: Zendaya, Meghan Markle, and Selena Gomez.

You look best in:

• Both silver and gold jewelry
  
  

• A wide range of colors, from soft pastels to jewel tones
  
  

• Balanced makeup shades like nude pinks or peachy browns
  
  

Best foundation shades:
Search for descriptors like “neutral,” “ivory,” or “beige-neutral.”

How Your Undertone Affects Makeup

Knowing your undertone simplifies every makeup decision—foundation, lipstick, blush, and even eyeshadow.

Foundation:

A matching undertone prevents oxidation (when makeup turns orange) and ensures a natural finish.

Lipstick:

• Cool undertones: Go for blue-based reds and pinks.
  
  

• Warm undertones: Opt for coral, peach, or brick reds.
  
  

• Neutral undertones: You can experiment with both!
  
  

Blush:

• Cool tones: Rosy or mauve shades.
  
  

• Warm tones: Apricot or peach tones.
  
  

• Neutral tones: Soft pinks and warm roses.
  
  

Using Undertones for Fashion and Style

Your undertone doesn’t just guide your makeup—it can also help you choose the most flattering clothing colors.

If You Have a Warm Undertone:

• Choose warm colors: yellow, orange, olive green, warm red, and cream.
  
  

• Avoid icy tones like silver-gray or stark white.
  
  

If You Have a Cool Undertone:

• Look amazing in cool colors: navy, lavender, emerald, and fuchsia.
  
  

• Skip overly warm tones like mustard or rust.
  
  

If You Have a Neutral Undertone:

• You’re lucky—you can wear both! Try muted tones like taupe, dusty rose, or jade for effortless balance.
  
  

Quick Summary: Warm vs Cool vs Neutral

Final Thoughts

Your undertone is your ultimate beauty compass—it guides everything from your foundation shade to your wardrobe palette. Once you know if you’re warm, cool, or neutral, you’ll never second-guess your makeup or outfit choices again.

💄 Pro Tip: Always test products in natural light, as indoor lighting can alter how your undertone appears.

Suggested Internal Links:

• Find your perfect foundation match
  
  

• Explore our latest skincare and beauty essentials
  
  

• Shop flattering shades for your undertone
  
  

Suggested External Links:

• Mayo Clinic: Understanding skin tones and sun protection
  
  

• Allure: How to figure out your undertone for makeup and fashion