Personal Style: Makeup and Color Theory on Neutral Skin

 Personal Style: Makeup and Color Theory on Neutral Skin

Determining whether you have a neutral skin tone can be quite simple. Start by examining the veins on the inside of your wrist or underarm. If they appear green, you likely have a warm undertone. If they look blue, you probably have a cool undertone. A mix of both green and blue veins suggests that you have a neutral undertone.

Another helpful method is to consider how different types of jewelry complement your skin. If gold jewelry enhances your complexion, you likely have a warm undertone; if silver looks best on you, your undertones are cool. If you can comfortably wear both gold and silver, this is a strong indicator of a neutral undertone.

Warm Undertones:

People with warm undertones often have a golden or peachy hue to their skin. They typically look best in warm colors like orange, yellow, and warm reds. When choosing makeup, they may gravitate toward bronzers with a golden sheen and blushes in coral or peach shades.

Neutral Undertones:

Neutral skin tones are versatile and can wear a wide range of colors. This includes both warm and cool shades without clashing. Individuals with neutral undertones may find that their skin can shift slightly in appearance depending on the colors they wear, allowing for greater flexibility in makeup choices.

As someone with a neutral skin tone, I’ve found it beneficial to invest in both cool and warm shades of foundation, including a deeper shade for summer to mix and match. When applying makeup, I choose cool tones to pair with a cool foundation and warm shades with warm foundation. Personally, I prefer to avoid mixing warm and cool colors together, as it often looks off on me—even if the makeup itself is beautiful. It’s akin to having a warm wallpaper paired with a cold, gray floor that can appear ashen and lifeless when combined.

To help you find the right foundation, Shein offers “shade match cards” for their Skin Magnet High Coverage Foundation Stick, featuring six shade cards to choose from. This can be a great resource for selecting a foundation that complements your unique skin tone that you can try out home instead of guessing or browse TikTok. Or visit a beauty store with your favourite selection of foundation. Don’t be shy to ask for help! 

To determine which colors suit you best, explore TikTok and search for “12 seasons analysis,” or consider booking a professional color analysis with an expert. I identify as a Dark Winter, which makes sense, as vibrant colors like mustard yellow, olive green, deep blue, and emerald green truly enhance my complexion.

Keep these insights in mind when selecting eyeshadow palettes, blushes, and bronzers, or as you build your capsule wardrobe. 

I also prioritize purchasing colors that I love, gravitating towards pink, brown, and peach tones in my makeup. I’m particularly inspired by youthful Korean styles, opting for softer hues rather than bold, heavy colors. By understanding your skin tone and preferences, you can curate a makeup routine that complements your natural beauty and aligns with your personal style. You can keep it minimal or go all out depending on what kind of make up routine you have.