If you use a mirror to get ready in the morning then you probably know which colors flatter you and which don't. But do you know why?
Color is science. Our perception of color is based on several different factors. One being undertones. Undertones are what allow there to be several different variations of a color. Take grey for example. You can have a blue-gray, green-gray or even a brown-gray. The color your eyes translate is partially based on the undertone.
Like color, our skin has different undertones. Have you ever put on a shirt of a certain color and just felt that you suddenly appeared sickly? This is because of the undertones of your skin in correlation with the color of the apparel. Undertones are not obvious to determine but there are a few tricks you can use to help you find your skin tone.
1. What jewelry looks best on you?
Silver and platinum metals tend to look best on those with cool toned skin. Gold and rose gold work best for those with warm undertones in their skin.
2. Check your veins
Look at the inside of your wrist. Do your veins appear blue or green? If your veins appear bluish purple then you most likely have cool toned skin. If they appear green or have a yellow cast then it is probably due to the warm undertones of your skin.
3. Do you burn or tan?
If you are someone who typically goes bright pink after a few hours in the sun then this is due to your fairer "cool toned" skin. If you turn golden brown then you can thank those warm undertones.
Don't make the mistake of assuming that fair skin and blonde hair means you have cool undertones in your skin or vice versa. You can be fair complected and still have warm undertones. You can be dark complected and still have cool undertones. There is also such thing as a neutral skin tone. If you have a neutral skin tone then you experience the blessing of looking like a treat regardless of clothing color (but you should avoid bright colors). This post is not for you.
The rest of us can use the color wheel as a guide once we have determined our skin undertones.
This is a very basic color wheel. Rest assured that you can find color wheels that offer a broader look at shades of color and give you more freedom to play around. Additionally, I would add that just because a color doesn't compliment your skin tone doesn't mean you shouldn't wear it. You should wear colors you like and enjoy. This is just a guide for those who found things weren't working for them but couldn't figure out why or what to do differently. Don't avoid your favorite color just because it isn't the most flattering on you. You just need to be careful about placement. Rather than wearing it close to your face try wearing it in your shoes a belt or a handbag. You can also try different shades of the color.
I hope this post helps you understand your skin tone a little better and gives you some guidance on how to put colors together in your wardrobe!
Commentaires