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How to Find Cool Undertone Skin

Featured image for the article 'How to Find Cool Undertone Skin,' showcasing three circles with cool undertone colors (cool pink, lavender, icy blue) alongside a torn photo of two women with cool undertone skin, emphasizing diverse skin tones and stylish elements.

Finding the perfect colors to enhance your cool undertone skin can make a world of difference in your overall look. 

Cool undertone skin, often characterized by hints of blue, pink, or red beneath the surface, can glow beautifully with the right shades. 

Understanding your skin’s undertone is essential for selecting makeup, clothing, and accessories that truly complement your natural beauty. 

By the end, you’ll know how to determine your skin undertone and use this information to your advantage.

What Are Cool Undertones?

Diagram illustrating different skin undertones. The diagram features four columns labeled Warm, Cool, Neutral, and Olive. Each column has four color swatches that represent typical hues for each undertone category. The colors for Warm undertones are yellow, peach, warm pink, and terracotta. Cool undertones are shown with teal, pink, lavender, and lilac. Neutral undertones include ivory, soft pink, light lavender, and soft brown. Olive undertones are represented by olive green, peach, warm brown, and deep brown. The background is a white, crumpled paper texture.

Understanding your skin’s undertone is the key to unlocking the perfect wardrobe and makeup routine. If you’ve ever wondered why certain colors make you glow while others seem to wash you out, the secret likely lies in your undertones.

Characteristics

Cool undertones are typically characterized by hints of blue, pink, or red beneath the skin. Unlike your surface skin tone, which can change with sun exposure or other factors, your undertone remains constant throughout your life. Identifying your undertone can help you make more informed decisions about the colors that suit you best.

Key Characteristics of Cool Undertones:

  • Veins: People with cool undertones often notice that their veins appear blue or purple when viewed under natural light.
  • Reaction to Sun: If you have cool undertones, your skin is more likely to burn before it tans. This sensitivity to the sun is a hallmark trait.
  • Hair Color: Natural hair colors that complement cool undertones include platinum blonde, ash brown, and jet black.
  • Eye Color: Common eye colors for those with cool undertones are blue, gray, or green.

Common Traits

Identifying your undertone involves looking for specific traits:

  • Veins: Check the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones.
  • Sun Reaction: Reflect on how your skin reacts to sun exposure. Those with cool undertones tend to burn more easily and tan minimally.
  • Natural Hair and Eye Colors: Cool undertones are often paired with natural hair shades like platinum blonde, ash brown, or jet black, and eye colors such as blue, gray, or green.

Difference Between Cool Undertones and Other Undertones

It’s essential to distinguish between cool undertones and other types:

  • Warm Undertones: Characterized by yellow, golden, or peachy hues, people with warm undertones have greenish veins and usually tan easily.
  • Neutral Undertones: A mix of both warm and cool hues, neutral undertones are versatile, and both gold and silver jewelry complement their skin equally well. Their veins might appear blue-green.
  • Olive Undertones: Olive undertones have a greenish hue and can have both warm and cool characteristics. People with olive undertones tan well and rarely burn, and their veins often appear green.

By understanding these differences, you can better determine your undertone and make more informed beauty and fashion choices.

Examples and Tips

Collage of beauty and fashion items tailored for cool undertones, featuring products like silver jewelry, green dress, blue dress, and makeup items in cool shades such as pink blush, gray eyeshadow, and berry lipstick.

To help you apply this knowledge, here are some practical tips:

  • Jewelry: Opt for silver jewelry to enhance your cool undertones. Silver will bring out the natural blue and pink hues in your skin.
  • Makeup: Choose foundations with blue or pink bases, and go for blushes in cool pinks, mauve, or plum. Eyeshadows in silver, gray, cool blues, and cool purples will enhance your natural radiance.
  • Clothing: Embrace jewel tones like sapphire, emerald, and amethyst. Icy shades such as lavender, pink, and blue also complement cool undertones beautifully.

How to Determine If You Have Cool Undertones

Understanding your skin’s undertone can significantly enhance your fashion and beauty routine. Identifying whether you have cool undertones helps you select the right colors for clothing, makeup, and accessories, ensuring you always look your best. Here are several methods to determine if you have cool undertones.

1. Vein Test

A close-up image of a wrist under natural light showing greenish veins.

One of the simplest ways to determine your undertone is by examining the color of your veins.

How to Perform the Vein Test

  • Find a natural light source, like a window, to examine your wrists.
  • Look at the veins on the underside of your wrist.

Interpretation

  • If your veins appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones.

2. Jewelry Test

Side-by-side comparison of gold and silver jewelry on a model's wrist.

Another method involves using jewelry to determine your undertone.

How to Perform the Jewelry Test

  • Hold a piece of silver jewelry and a piece of gold jewelry against your skin.

Interpretation

  • If silver jewelry looks more flattering on your skin, you have cool undertones.

3. Reaction to Sun

A before-and-after image showing the difference between tanned skin and burned skin.

Your skin’s reaction to sun exposure can also provide clues about your undertone.

How to Observe Sun Reaction

  • Think about how your skin behaves in the sun.

Interpretation

  • If your skin burns easily and tans minimally, you likely have cool undertones.

4. Paper Test

A woman holding a white piece of paper next to her face in natural light, used to demonstrate the paper test for determining cool skin undertones.

A simple white paper test can help reveal your undertone.

How to Perform the Paper Test

  • Hold a white piece of paper next to your face in natural light.

Interpretation

  • If your skin appears pinkish or rosy against the white paper, you have cool undertones.

5. Hair and Eye Color

Diagram showcasing different skin undertones with color swatches: warm (yellow, peach, brown), cool (blue, pink, purple), neutral (beige, ivory, gray), and olive (green, peach, brown). Each undertone category has three representative colors.

Certain hair and eye colors are often associated with cool undertones.

Common Traits

  • Hair Color: Natural shades of platinum blonde, ash brown, or jet black.
  • Eye Color: Shades of blue, gray, or green.

Makeup Tips for Cool Undertones

Finding the right makeup to complement your cool undertones can elevate your beauty routine to new heights. Whether you’re selecting foundation, blush, lipstick, or eyeshadow, choosing colors that harmonize with your natural hues is essential. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the best choices:

Foundation and Concealer

When it comes to choosing foundation and concealer, opt for products with blue or pink bases. These shades complement the cool undertones in your skin, providing a natural and harmonious look.

Recommendations:

  • Blue-based or Pink-based Products: Look for labels indicating cool or pink undertones. Brands like MAC, Fenty Beauty, and NARS have extensive shade ranges suitable for cool undertones.

Blush

Infographic showcasing blush colors for cool undertones with swatches in cool pinks, soft rose, mauve, and plum, complemented by a NARS blush product on the left.

Blush is a great way to add a touch of color to your cheeks, and certain shades can enhance your cool undertones beautifully.

Suggested Colors:

  • Cool Pinks (#FF69B4): Perfect for a subtle, everyday look.
  • Soft Rose (#FFC0CB): Adds a gentle flush to your cheeks.
  • Mauve (#E0B0FF): Ideal for a more dramatic, evening look.
  • Plum (#8E4585): Provides depth and richness to your complexion.

Lipstick

Infographic titled 'Cool Undertones Colors' featuring a selection of lipstick shades ideal for cool undertones. The shades displayed are Blue-based Reds, Berry Shades, Plum, Pink, and Cool Nude. An image of lips with neutral lipstick is partially visible on the left side.

Lipstick is the finishing touch to any makeup look. For cool undertones, certain shades can make your lips pop and complement your skin tone.

Ideal Shades:

  • Blue-based Reds (#B22222): Classic and bold.
  • Berry Shades (#8A2BE2): Adds a rich, vibrant color.
  • Plum (#8E4585): Perfect for a sophisticated look.
  • Pink (#FFC0CB): Versatile and fresh.
  • Cool Nude (#C2B280): Great for a natural, everyday style.

Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow can transform your look, and the right colors can highlight your cool undertones.

Best Colors:

  • Silver (#C0C0C0): Adds a metallic shine.
  • Gray (#808080): Perfect for a smoky eye.
  • Cool Blues (#5F9EA0): Enhances blue or gray eyes.
  • Cool Purples (#9370DB): Adds a touch of mystery.
  • Icy Shades (#AFDBF5): Brightens the eyes.
  • Pink (#FFC0CB): Adds a soft, romantic touch.

Clothing Colors for Cool Undertones

Understanding the best clothing colors for cool undertone skin can dramatically enhance your look, bringing out your natural beauty and making your outfits pop. Here’s a guide to the most flattering shades for those with cool undertones.

Jewel Tones

Jewel tones are rich, vibrant colors that look stunning on cool undertones. These shades enhance the natural coolness in your complexion, making your skin look radiant and healthy.

Sapphire Blue

Sapphire blue is a deep, rich color that brings out the coolness in your skin. This shade works perfectly for evening wear or as a statement piece in your wardrobe.

  • Example: A sapphire blue cocktail dress or a tailored blazer.

Emerald Green

Emerald green is another jewel tone that complements cool undertones beautifully. It adds a pop of color to your wardrobe while highlighting your skin’s natural undertones.

  • Example: An emerald green blouse or a pair of statement earrings.

Amethyst Purple

Amethyst purple is a luxurious color that pairs well with cool undertones. This shade is perfect for both casual and formal outfits, adding a touch of elegance to your look.

  • Example: An amethyst purple sweater or a sleek dress.

Icy Shades

Icy shades are light, cool colors that enhance the natural coolness in your complexion. These colors are perfect for creating a fresh, clean look that highlights your skin’s undertones.

Icy Blue

Icy blue is a light, refreshing color that looks great on cool undertones. It’s perfect for casual wear and can be dressed up or down.

  • Example: An icy blue cardigan or a light scarf.

Lavender

Lavender is a soft, romantic color that complements cool undertones beautifully. This shade adds a touch of femininity to your wardrobe.

  • Example: A lavender blouse or a flowy dress.

Cool Pink

Cool pink is a vibrant yet soft color that works well with cool undertones. It brightens your complexion and adds a playful touch to your outfits.

  • Example: A cool pink sweater or a pair of ballet flats.

Neutrals

Neutral colors are essential in any wardrobe, and there are specific shades that work best for cool undertones. These colors provide a solid foundation for your outfits, allowing you to mix and match with ease.

Charcoal Gray

Charcoal gray is a versatile neutral that complements cool undertones. It can be used as a base color for various outfits, providing a sleek and polished look.

  • Example: A charcoal gray blazer or a pair of trousers.

Cool Black

Cool black is a deep, elegant color that works perfectly with cool undertones. It’s a classic choice for any wardrobe, offering endless possibilities for styling.

  • Example: A little black dress or a pair of jeans.

White

White is a crisp, clean color that looks stunning on cool undertones. It provides a fresh, bright look that can be dressed up or down.

  • Example: A white button-down shirt or a pair of white sneakers.

Conclusion

Understanding your cool undertone skin unlocks a new level of confidence and style. 

By selecting colors that harmonize with your natural hues, you can enhance your beauty effortlessly. 

Remember to look for the blue, pink, or red undertones, use silver jewelry to your advantage, and choose makeup shades that bring out the best in your complexion. 

Now that you’re equipped with this insider knowledge, it’s time to refresh your wardrobe and makeup collection. Experiment with jewel tones, icy shades, and the perfect cool-toned makeup to elevate your look. 

Embrace your cool undertone skin and let your natural beauty shine.