Warm vs Cool Undertone
Your undertone is the subtle hue under your skin's surface. It doesn't change with a tan, and it's the first thing color analysis looks at, because it decides which side of the color wheel flatters you.
What they have in common
Both warm and cool undertones come in every skin depth — from very fair to very deep.
Key differences
| Warm | Cool | |
|---|---|---|
| Looks like | Golden, peachy or yellow hints | Pink, rosy or bluish hints |
| Wrist veins | Greenish or olive | Blue or purple |
| Best metal | Gold | Silver |
| Best white | Cream or ivory | Crisp pure white |
| Seasons | Spring and Autumn | Summer and Winter |
How to tell which you are
- 1
Vein test: look at your inner wrist in daylight — green suggests warm, blue or purple suggests cool.
- 2
Jewelry test: hold gold and silver next to your face; the one that makes your skin glow is your side.
- 3
Paper test: hold white paper next to your bare face; yellow or golden skin reads warm, pink or rosy reads cool.
- 4
Sun test: tanning golden suggests warm; burning pink suggests cool.
If you get mixed results, you may be neutral — you can borrow from both sides, and the 'soft' and 'bright' seasons are worth a look.
Still not sure? Let the quiz decide 🎨
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Take the free color analysis quiz