Look at one of your old baby photos. Doesn’t that hair color look amazing on you? It may not be apparent at first glance, but your natural hair and skin color are the same tones.
The rule is simple – warm skin tones look best in warm colors while cool tones look best in cool colors. The goal is to pick a shade that best accentuates your natural features. Plus, knowing your skin tone helps you find your perfect makeup palette and outfit colors. So, are you warm or cool? Here’s how to find out.
Stand near a window
Using a mirror, look at the area directly beneath your eyes. Does the skin look purple or blue (cool tone) or more yellowish or green (warm tone)?
Do a blush test
Dust pink blush onto one cheek and peach blush on the other cheek. Apply it heavier than you typically would, stand near a window, and look into a mirror. Does the pink blush pick up pink tones in your skin? You’re most likely a cool one. If the peach blush picks up golden tones in the skin, you’re warm. Now look to see which blush looks better on you. Which one blends perfectly with your skin? Cool tones look best in pink, while warm tones will prefer the peach.
Check out your skin
Does it burn quickly? If it does, that’s a pretty good indication that you’re a cool tone. Warm tones tend to tan easily, leaving the skin a brownish hue.
Grab a white sheet
Drape it over your shoulders – you’ll see how your skin pops against the stark white fabric. If the sheet brings out blueish, pink tones in your skin, then you’re most likely a cool tone. Warm tones will see a yellowish, orange tint to the skin.
Flip your wrist
What color are your veins? Blue veins indicate a cool undertone, while green veins indicate a warm undertone. See both? You’re most likely neutral.
Wear a gold chain
And put a silver chain around your neck, too. Now take a step back. Which one looks better on you? Cool tones tend to look better in silver jewelry, while gold complements warm tones. Please note – this test can be a little tricky because jewelry is very subjective. Our advice – use it as a deciding factor if you’re on the fence between two tones.
Okay, now tally up your answers. Did you find out you’re neutral? Lucky you! You look good in peach and pink blush and can wear either gold or silver. You also wear the most hair color shades well!
Hair colors for cool tones
Reminder – cool skin tones look best in cool hair colors. Some words that will help you determine if a shade of hair color is cool and will work with your skin tone are “ash,” “platinum” and “champagne.” Bonus – cool tones tone down brassiness! If you have pale or more translucent skin, ash and cool tones also look great on you and so do true reds, and burgundy.
Hair colors for warm tones
Warm skin tones look best in warm hair colors. Look for names like “golden,” “bronze,” and “copper” on your hair color box. Bonus – warm tones in hair color will add warmth to your hair color, which is often seen as red or gold.
Note, cool skin tones typically have a blue or pink tint to them. While yellow, orange (and even green) indicate a warm tone. If your skin tone is ruddy, choosing ash or cool hair color can instantly tone down any redness! When in doubt, almost everyone looks fabulous in neutral hair color. Now choose your color, your perfect shade is just a click away.
