Do You Shine Like a Diamond?
Not every color looks good on every person. Have you ever looked in the mirror when you’re trying on new clothes and your skin appeared green? The reason for your skin color transformation was due to wearing an unflattering color, according to your skin’s undertone.
So the next question is: Do you know your color palette? You may be a cool, a neutral or a warm. The first step to determining which of the three you are, is to discover your undertone.
While skin overtone can change based upon factors such as sun exposure, illness, or blood pressure, your undertone is defined by genetics and will never change. A simple test to determine if you’re a COOL or WARM is to put a dab of pink-based foundation on one cheek, and a dab of yellow-based foundation on the other. Spread the foundation evenly on each cheek, creating a thin layer. Check the mirror for which foundation blends in versus which one appears painted on. The one that blends is your match.
Pink means COOL and yellow means WARM. Easy peasy. If your husband or son won’t sit for this foundation test, read on to discover other ways to find undertones.
Hair Color
We are talking natural hair color, here.
If your hair is colored, let’s hope your stylist has helped to find a color that goes with your skin undertone.
You cools might rock very dark brown or black hair to sunny blonde. You have skin with a bluish undertone ranging from the fairest of the fair to very dark.
If your hair is dirty blonde, blonde with ashy streaks or warm-toned browns with highlights, these are all considered neutral. Skin tone for those of you who are true neutrals can be difficult to determine and is variable from warm to cool.
You’re probably a warm if your hair color is in the dark brown to dark blonde shades. Skin tones for warms range from greenish to yellow undertones and some have an olive complexion.
For those sporting red hair, the shade of red lets you move between color palettes, but you’ll typically roam within the Neutral Undertones.
What to Wear?
Cool Undertone
- Cool colors will include bright to royal and sapphire blues, emerald greens, and moderate to deep purples, like amethyst or shades of lavender.
- Warm colors might include ruddy hues, such as rose and reddish pinks to tomato.
- For neutrals, your best bet is pure white, navy and grays.
- Don’t you dare do oranges or yellows.
Neutral Undertone
- You look fabulous in peachy hues, and jade green to muted turquoise.
- Pinks, such as soft rose and blush-toned pinks are your BFFs.
- Icy blues should also be included in your fashion choices.
- Burgundy and fire engine red (don’t be shy) will look amazing on you.
- Taupe, grey, and off white, like eggshell and ivory, are super when you want to go neutral.
- Bright (red is the exception) and vibrant colors can overwhelm neutrals.
Warm Undertone
- Your best warm colors are oranges, reds, golden yellow, amber, and honey gold.
- Cool colors that work equally well on warm skin tones are greens and blues.
- Olives, deeper turquoise, green moss, fern, pesto, red purples like magenta and orchid are also good choices.
- If your chosen portrait scheme is more neutral, stick with taupe, light chocolates, off whites and wheat.
- Colors to avoid are light blues and jeweled tones.
Color is fun to consider in your wardrobe. However, it is important to keep comfort first. If you are dressed comfortably, you will act more naturally during the photo session. By focusing on colors and styles that look best, you will confidently enjoy the process and the portraits will shine…like a diamond.
I am a Southern California based Portrait, Commercial and Fine Art Photographer who sees the world a bit differently.
You can view more of my work here > Donna Edman Photography.
If you’d like to book a session, I’d be honored > Contact Me.
Together, we can Capture YOUR Life, One Image at a Time!
Donna Edman Photography 