Perhaps the most annoying (and challenging) aspect of picking out any complexion product is figuring out which undertone shade you are, and most of the time it just feels like a “best guess” type of situation—but it doesn’t have to be.
So, let’s take it back to the basics. To begin, what even are undertones? They’re the subtle hues beneath the surface of your skin that never change, no matter how much sun you get. Think of them as your skin’s permanent shade—cool (pink, red, or blue), warm (yellow, peachy, or golden), neutral (a balanced mix of both cool and warm), or olive (a mix of green hues).
Knowing your undertone is essential when it comes to choosing the right shades for your complexion. It’s not just about what shade catches your eye on a makeup shelf—it’s about knowing what actually works best for you. The right match enhances your natural glow, while the wrong one can throw everything off… and make it *very* noticeable you’re wearing the wrong shade of makeup.
Your undertone can impact everything from foundation and concealer to blush, lipstick, and even highlighter. That perfect rosy blush or nude lip? It hits different when it complements your undertone. Bottom line: understanding your undertone results in makeup that looks like it was made just for you.
What’s the Difference Between Skin Tones and Undertones?
Here’s the scoop: skin tones and undertones are not the same thing, but they’re often confused! Your skin tone is the outer layer—the shade of your skin that changes with the seasons. It can be fair, light, medium, tan, deep, or rich, and it’s the colour that’s most noticeable to the eye.
Undertones, like we mentioned, are the sneaky hues hiding underneath your skin that never change, no matter how much sun you soak up. Undertones are the real secret to picking the perfect makeup shades.
We like to think of it this way: your skin tone is like the outfit you wear, and your undertone is the style that brings it all together. Understanding both is key to getting that flawless, natural glow.
What are the Different Kinds of Undertones?
Once you’ve figured out which undertone category you fall into, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to create a flawless, natural makeup look. Let’s break down the four main types of undertones, so you can discover which one you are and elevate your makeup routine to the next level:
Cool Undertones: lean towards blue, red, or pink hues. People with cool undertones often have skin that shows a rosy or pinkish tint, and their veins may appear blue or purple. If you’re cool-toned, your skin may burn more easily in the sun rather than getting an easy tan, which is something to keep in mind when choosing sun protection.
Warm Undertones: are all about peachy, yellow, or golden hues. If you have warm undertones, your skin may have a yellow or golden appearance, and your veins can appear greenish. People with warm undertones tend to tan more easily and may develop a golden or bronzed glow in the sun.
Neutral Undertones: are a blend of both cool and warm tones. Those with neutral undertones will notice a balance of pink and yellow hues in their skin, making them versatile in terms of makeup choices. If you’re neutral, you’ve probably noticed you tan evenly without leaning too much towards red or golden.
Olive Undertones: have a unique mix of green, ashy, or greyish hues. Olive undertones are typically more subtle and may appear cool, but they have an undertone of green that sets them apart from purely cool or warm tones. Olive-toned skin often tans quickly and easily, and while it can appear cool, the subtle greenish undertone allows it to maintain a natural, even tan in the sun.
How to Find Your Undertone
There are so many ways to identify your skin’s undertone, and we're going through each one to help you pinpoint yours!
Let’s start with the Vein Test: Look at the veins on your inner wrist or forearm. If they appear blue or purple, you’ve got cool undertones. If they appear green, you're rocking warm undertones. A mix of both? You’re likely neutral.
Next, there’s the Jewellry Test. Cool-toned people tend to gravitate towards silver jewellry, while those with warm undertones often prefer gold. If you can’t choose between the two or find yourself mixing metals, you’ve probably got neutral undertones.
Want another check? Try Natural Light. Head outside or stand near a window and take a good look at your skin. If you notice a pink or rosy hue, you’re cool. A golden or yellowish hue? Warm. No clear lean? That’s neutral!
Finally, hold White Paper or a white tee next to your skin. If you notice a pinkish tint, you’re cool; yellowish? Warm. Neither? You’re neutral. Now you’re just a step away from figuring out your perfect makeup match!
What are the Different Kinds of Undertones?
While we love the thrill of throwing new, fun makeup products into our shopping bag without really thinking about it, knowing your skin’s undertone helps you make sure you’re buying the right makeup products that will actually compliment your skin. Have you ever noticed how a foundation or lipstick can look perfect on someone else, but may not look quite right on you? That’s because those colours might not match your undertone.
Understanding your undertone helps you choose the right makeup shades and get that flawless, natural finish. It’s not just about picking any foundation; it’s about picking the one that seamlessly blends with your skin. From concealer to blush, knowing your undertone helps you pick the shades that work best for your complexion, making it easier to look and feel your best
And whilst we’re at it, knowing your undertone isn’t just helpful for makeup—it impacts your entire colour palette! When you know what hues, tones, and shades complement your skin, you’ll feel more confident choosing hair colours, clothing, and even accessories that enhance your natural beauty.
How to Use Your Undertone to Help Shade Match
Now that you know how much your undertone can impact your makeup choices, we’re here to tell you how to find a flawless match that truly enhances your complexion!
If you’ve ever noticed your foundation looking too orange or too ashy, it’s probably because it doesn’t match your skin’s undertone. A warm-toned foundation may turn orange on cool skin, while a cool-toned one might look too grey on warm skin. That’s where your undertone comes in—it helps guide you to the shades that will melt seamlessly into your skin, giving you a natural, even tone.
By identifying your undertone, you’re able to pick out makeup shades that are more tailored to you, making it easier to achieve that perfect shade match. It’s all about selecting the right shades that complement your unique complexion, so every day can be a really good makeup day.
In this image, Aline is wearing our Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50 in shade 9 Medium Cool. After identifying that she has a cool undertone to her skin, she was able to choose which skin tint shade best fits her unique skin undertone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Undertones:
What are undertones?
Skin undertones are the subtle hues beneath the surface of your skin that affect how colors look against your complexion. Unlike your skin's surface tone (which can change due to sun exposure, redness, or other factors), undertones remain consistent throughout your life.
Knowing your undertone helps you select makeup products that enhance your natural coloring rather than clash with it. Foundation that matches your undertone will blend seamlessly, while the wrong undertone can make your makeup appear ashy, orange, or unnatural.
How many different undertones are there?
Generally, there are 4 different undertones: cool, warm, neutral, and olive. It’s important to remember that within the main undertones, there can be variations between how cool or warm leaning you may be, and how the undertones appear underneath different skin tones.
Can undertones change over time?
No, while your skin tone may vary throughout the seasons, your undertones will always remain the same. Even as your tan may get darker in the summer, or fade in the winter, your undertones will always remain consistent no matter how much your skin tone may vary throughout the year.