Skin tones are categorized by their undertones, which are the underlying colors that influence the overall appearance of the skin. In relation to the color wheel, skin tones are all found within yellow-orange to red.
- Cool undertones lean towards red-purple. People with cool undertones often look best in colors that have a blue or purple base, such as blue, purple, teal, and green.
- Warm undertones lean towards yellow. People with warm undertones often look best in colors that have a yellow or orange base, such as yellow, orange, red, and brown.
The specific hue of your skin tone can be determined by observing its appearance in natural daylight. For example, if your skin appears more pink or rosy, you likely have a cool undertone. If your skin appears more golden or olive, you likely have a warm undertone.
It's important to note that the color theory for skin tones is not a rigid system. There are many variations within each undertone, and some people may have a combination of both cool and warm undertones.