UndertonaCool undertone
A cool undertone means the hue beneath the surface of your skin leans pink, red or blue. It has nothing to do with how light or dark your skin is: very fair and very deep skin can both be cool. Cool undertones glow in blue-based color and look flat in golden, orange-based shades.
Signs you have a cool undertone
- The veins on your inner wrist look blue or purple.
- Silver and white gold look brighter on you than yellow gold.
- You burn easily or tan to a rosy rather than golden shade.
- Pure white looks clean next to your face; cream can look dingy.
- Orange and mustard make your skin look sallow or grey.
Best colors to wear
- Raspberry#B83A67
- Sapphire#0F52BA
- Emerald#009B77
- Lavender#B19CD9
- Cool pink#E07BA1
- Periwinkle#7F8FD6
- Navy#141E46
- Blue grey#8A96A3
Colors to avoid
- Orange#F28C28
- Mustard#D4A017
- Camel#C19A6B
- Rust#B7410E
Foundation
Look for shades labeled cool, pink, rosy or with a C in the shade code. Swatch on the jawline in daylight; a shade that looks yellow or orange will turn grey on cool skin as it oxidizes.
Lipstick shades
- Blue red#B0102E
- Berry#9C3A5E
- Cool rose#C9657F
- Fuchsia#C71F7A
Hair colors
- Ash blonde#C2B39A
- Ash brown#7A6A5E
- Cool espresso#2E2523
- Soft black#1C1A1A
Jewelry and metals
Silver, platinum, white gold and pearls. If you love gold, choose white or rose gold.
Color seasons with this undertone
Cool Summer
Cool, calm and elegant, with soft blue-based color.
True Winter
Icy, crisp and pure: the coolest, clearest colors.
Light Summer
Airy, cool and gentle, like a watercolor sky.
Soft Summer
Muted, misty and sophisticated, cool leaning but never icy.
Deep Winter
Dark, cool and striking, with jewel toned drama.
Bright Winter
Electric, clear and high contrast, with a cool edge.
Cool undertone FAQ
Can dark skin have a cool undertone?
Yes. Undertone is separate from depth. Deep skin with a cool undertone often looks best in jewel tones, silver and blue-based reds.
Which seasons have cool undertones?
The summer and winter seasons lean cool. Cool Summer and True Winter are the coolest; Light Summer, Soft Summer, Deep Winter and Bright Winter lean cool with a second quality.
What foundation undertone should I buy if I am cool?
Choose cool or pink labeled shades, or neutral if you find pure pink shades look too rosy. Avoid golden or yellow labeled shades.
Other undertones: Warm undertone · Neutral undertone · Olive undertone