UndertonaSeason comparison
Cool Summer vs Soft Summer
Cool Summer: Cool, calm and elegant, with soft blue-based color. Soft Summer: Muted, misty and sophisticated, cool leaning but never icy.
Cool Summer
Soft Summer
At a glance
| Cool Summer | Soft Summer | |
|---|---|---|
| Defining quality | Cool | Soft |
| Undertone | cool | neutral cool |
| Depth | medium | medium |
| Chroma | medium | muted |
| Contrast | medium | low |
| Best neutrals | Soft white, Blue grey, Charcoal blue | Soft white, Taupe grey, Cocoa |
| Signature lipstick | Raspberry | Rosy nude |
| Best hair color | Cool mid brown | Soft ash brown |
How to tell them apart
- Cool Summer is defined by being cool, while Soft Summer is defined by being soft. Ask which quality is most obvious in your coloring at first glance.
- Undertone: Cool Summer is cool and Soft Summer is neutral cool. Hold raspberry and dusty rose under your chin in daylight; the one that evens out your skin points to your season.
- Chroma: Cool Summer wears medium color and Soft Summer wears muted color. If saturated brights make your eyes sparkle, you are closer to Cool Summer; if they look loud and dusty shades look expensive, you are closer to Soft Summer.
- Contrast: Cool Summer has medium contrast and Soft Summer has low contrast between hair, skin and eyes. A black and white photo of your face makes contrast easy to judge.
- Metals: Cool Summer suits silver, platinum, white gold and pewter, while Soft Summer suits pewter, brushed silver, rose gold and matte white gold.
Colors both seasons can wear
These shades sit close to both palettes, so they are safe while you decide.
- Spruce#4E8A8B
- Soft white#F4F4F2
- Blue grey#8A96A3
- Charcoal blue#4A5563
- Rose brown#8E6E6E
- Soft navy#36456B
Cool Summer colors
- Raspberry#B83A67
- Cool pink#E07BA1
- Watermelon#D6456B
- Soft plum#8E4A7E
- Periwinkle#7F8FD6
- Cornflower#6495ED
- Cool teal#3C8C9E
- Spruce#4E8A8B
- Lavender#B19CD9
- Powder blue#A3C1DA
- Soft fuchsia#C8508B
- Soft sapphire#3F5FA8
Soft Summer colors
- Dusty rose#C99AA0
- Mauve#B784A7
- Soft plum#8D6A8A
- Slate blue#6A7FA0
- Sage#9CAF88
- Soft teal#5E8E8C
- Grey blue#8497B0
- Muted raspberry#A8506A
- Soft lavender#A99BBD
- Eucalyptus#7FA39A
- Rose brown#A07E7A
- Denim#6F8FAF
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Cool Summer and Soft Summer?
Cool Summer is defined by being cool, while Soft Summer is defined by being soft. Ask which quality is most obvious in your coloring at first glance.
Which colors can both Cool Summer and Soft Summer wear?
Spruce, Soft white, Blue grey, Charcoal blue, Rose brown, Soft navy sit close to both palettes, so they are safe choices while you decide.
Can a Cool Summer be mistaken for a Soft Summer?
Yes, they are common mix-ups because they share traits. Compare how orange and black look near your face: each season's worst color is the other's clue.