UndertonaSeason comparison
Light Summer vs Cool Summer
Light Summer: Airy, cool and gentle, like a watercolor sky. Cool Summer: Cool, calm and elegant, with soft blue-based color.
Light Summer
Cool Summer
At a glance
| Light Summer | Cool Summer | |
|---|---|---|
| Defining quality | Light | Cool |
| Undertone | neutral cool | cool |
| Depth | light | medium |
| Chroma | medium | medium |
| Contrast | low | medium |
| Best neutrals | Soft white, Light grey, Rose beige | Soft white, Blue grey, Charcoal blue |
| Signature lipstick | Soft rose | Raspberry |
| Best hair color | Ash blonde | Cool mid brown |
How to tell them apart
- Light Summer is defined by being light, while Cool Summer is defined by being cool. Ask which quality is most obvious in your coloring at first glance.
- Undertone: Light Summer is neutral cool and Cool Summer is cool. Hold powder blue and raspberry under your chin in daylight; the one that evens out your skin points to your season.
- Depth: Cool Summer is medium and Light Summer is light. If dark, rich shades look natural rather than heavy on you, lean Cool Summer; if they overpower you and lighter shades look fresh, lean Light Summer.
- Contrast: Light Summer has low contrast and Cool Summer has medium contrast between hair, skin and eyes. A black and white photo of your face makes contrast easy to judge.
- Metals: Light Summer suits silver, white gold, platinum and soft rose gold, while Cool Summer suits silver, platinum, white gold and pewter.
Colors both seasons can wear
These shades sit close to both palettes, so they are safe while you decide.
- Powder blue#B0C8E8
- Sky blue#9CC3E6
- Light raspberry#D6608A
- Soft white#F7F5F2
- Cool taupe#A89F9E
- Soft navy#4F5D7A
Light Summer colors
- Powder blue#B0C8E8
- Lavender#C4B5E0
- Soft pink#F2B8C6
- Rose pink#E89AB0
- Periwinkle#A5B4E6
- Sky blue#9CC3E6
- Soft aqua#8FD1D0
- Cool mint#A8DCC6
- Lilac#C8A2C8
- Light raspberry#D6608A
- Pale lemon#F3EDA0
- Soft teal#6FB3B8
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
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Light Summer and Cool Summer?
Light Summer is defined by being light, while Cool Summer is defined by being cool. Ask which quality is most obvious in your coloring at first glance.
Which colors can both Light Summer and Cool Summer wear?
Powder blue, Sky blue, Light raspberry, Soft white, Cool taupe, Soft navy sit close to both palettes, so they are safe choices while you decide.
Can a Light Summer be mistaken for a Cool Summer?
Yes, they are common mix-ups because they share traits. Compare how black and orange look near your face: each season's worst color is the other's clue.