UndertonaSeason comparison
Light Summer vs Soft Summer
Light Summer: Airy, cool and gentle, like a watercolor sky. Soft Summer: Muted, misty and sophisticated, cool leaning but never icy.
Light Summer
Soft Summer
At a glance
| Light Summer | Soft Summer | |
|---|---|---|
| Defining quality | Light | Soft |
| Undertone | neutral cool | neutral cool |
| Depth | light | medium |
| Chroma | medium | muted |
| Contrast | low | low |
| Best neutrals | Soft white, Light grey, Rose beige | Soft white, Taupe grey, Cocoa |
| Signature lipstick | Soft rose | Rosy nude |
| Best hair color | Ash blonde | Soft ash brown |
How to tell them apart
- Light Summer is defined by being light, while Soft Summer is defined by being soft. Ask which quality is most obvious in your coloring at first glance.
- Depth: Soft Summer is medium and Light Summer is light. If dark, rich shades look natural rather than heavy on you, lean Soft Summer; if they overpower you and lighter shades look fresh, lean Light Summer.
- Chroma: Light Summer wears medium color and Soft Summer wears muted color. If saturated brights make your eyes sparkle, you are closer to Light Summer; if they look loud and dusty shades look expensive, you are closer to Soft Summer.
- Metals: Light Summer suits silver, white gold, platinum and soft rose gold, 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.
- Lavender#C4B5E0
- Lilac#C8A2C8
- 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
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 Light Summer and Soft Summer?
Light Summer is defined by being light, while Soft Summer is defined by being soft. Ask which quality is most obvious in your coloring at first glance.
Which colors can both Light Summer and Soft Summer wear?
Lavender, Lilac, 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 Soft Summer?
Yes, they are common mix-ups because they share traits. Compare how black and black look near your face: each season's worst color is the other's clue.