A warm undertone is a skin color with golden, peachy, or yellow undertones, typically contrasting with cool undertones that lean pink or blue. This subtle coloring affects how makeup, clothing, and even jewelry appear on your skin.
Undertones are the subtle hues beneath your skin's surface color. Warm undertones occur when melanin and hemoglobin in your skin reflect light differently, creating a golden or yellow cast. This is distinct from your surface skin color, which can range from very pale to very dark.
Warm undertones are most noticeable in natural light. Fluorescent lighting can distort them, making it harder to identify your true undertone. To test yours, hold up a white cloth near your face in natural light. If your skin looks brighter against a cream or gold cloth, you likely have warm undertones.
Undertones fall into three categories: warm, cool, and neutral. Warm undertones are further divided based on intensity:
| Type | Characteristics | Example |
|---|---|---|
| True Warm | Golden or yellow undertones | Olive skin tones |
| Neutral-Warm | Balanced mix of warm and cool undertones | Light skin with slight golden hints |
| Deep Warm | Rich golden or caramel undertones | Dark skin with warm, golden reflections |
Cool undertones lean pink or blue, while neutral undertones balance both warm and cool hues. Many people have neutral undertones, meaning they can wear colors from both warm and cool palettes.
Warm undertones influence makeup, clothing, and even hair color choices. Makeup for warm undertones often includes golden highlighters, peachy blushes, and warm-toned foundations. Clothing in earthy tones, such as olive green, mustard yellow, or terracotta, tends to complement warm undertones best.
Identifying your undertone helps avoid colors that wash you out. For example, someone with warm undertones might look tired in cool-toned makeup or clothing that emphasizes pink or blue hues. Conversely, warm tones can make their skin glow.
Many people confuse warm undertones with surface skin color. A fair-skinned person can have warm undertones, just as a deep-skinned person might have cool undertones. Surface color doesn't determine undertone-it's about the subtle hues beneath.
Another mistake is assuming all warm undertones are the same. As shown in the table above, warm undertones vary in intensity. Some people have barely noticeable warmth, while others have a strong golden cast. Testing in natural light helps clarify your specific undertone.
To determine if you have warm undertones, try the jewelry test. Hold up silver and gold jewelry near your face in natural light. If gold makes your skin look brighter and healthier, you likely have warm undertones. Silver may make your skin look dull or washed out.
Another method is the vein test. Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist in natural light. If they appear greenish, you likely have warm undertones. Blue or purple veins suggest cool undertones, while a mix indicates neutral undertones.
For a more precise test, apply foundation shades in warm and cool tones. The shade that blends best with your skin likely matches your undertone. I've seen clients change their appearance by switching to makeup that matches their undertone-it's notable how much of a difference it makes.
Makeup for warm undertones should improve the golden or peachy hues in your skin. Look for foundations with warm undertones, such as NARS' "Siberia" or Fenty Beauty's "220." Blushes in peach or coral shades, like Glossier's "Dusk," work well. Highlighters with golden tones, such as Charlotte Tilbury's "Goldgiggle," add a healthy glow.
Clothing in warm tones complements warm undertones. Earthy colors like olive green, mustard yellow, and terracotta are flattering. Avoid cool-toned colors like pastel pink or baby blue, which can make warm skin look dull. Instead, opt for rich, warm colors that harmonize with your undertones.
Warm undertones are subtle golden, peachy, or yellow hues beneath your skin's surface color. They influence makeup, clothing, and jewelry choices, helping you look your best. Testing your undertone in natural light with jewelry or the vein test can clarify whether you have warm, cool, or neutral undertones. Once identified, choosing makeup and clothing that match your undertone can improve your natural beauty.