Yup. this is a tricky one. We all struggle with it, yet we need to know what it is when shopping for foundation or concealer. So where to begin?

I like to start with which season you are. Maybe you’ve been told you’re a ‘Spring’ or a ‘Summer’. So what the heck does this mean and how can it help you find your undertone?

Everyone can be categorized into one of the seasons based on their undertones. Most people will be a Summer or a Winter with a few being Spring or Fall. Each season has colours associated with it, and those colours are either warm or cool.

When it comes to our undertones, there’s 3 categories, warm, cool, or neutral (which is a bit of both).

Summer = cool = pink & blue undertones

Winter = cool = blue undertones

Spring = warm = peach & yellow undertones

Fall = warm = yellow & orange undertones

Basically what you’re looking for are visible undertones to the skin. Do you see tones of yellow, pink, orange, or blue? For example, I’m fair with warm peach undertones, therefore I’m a Spring. My sister, on the other hand, is also fair but has cool bluish-pink undertones, therefore she’s a Summer. My mom’s a redhead with some freckles and has orange undertones, therefore she’s a Fall. My friend has dark hair, dark eyes, cool blue undertones, and looks great in navy blue, therefore she’s a Winter.

So what season are you?

Winter?

Look first for a blue undertone. Skin colour may be milky white, olive, or deep black. You most likely have dark hair with black or blue eyes. Some Winter colours: navy blue, plum, true red, silver, grey, cool browns, crisp white.

Summer?

Again, look for cooler blue-pink undertones. You may notice red or pink cheeks. Skin may appear translucent. Natural blondes that become darker with age are often Summers. You likely have blue or brown eyes. Summer colours: pink, grey, charcoal, bright blue, ash green, cool browns, white.

Spring?

Look for peach undertones. You have the most delicate of all skin types and are fair. You blush easily. You may have some freckles and you likely have green or hazel eyes. Colours: peach, coral, gold, beige, warm browns, warm pinks, warm orangy reds, aqua blue, creamy whites.

Fall?

Look for orange undertones. True redheads or those with auburn hair are always an Autumn. Freckles are common as are green or brown eyes. Even when blushing the overall appearance will still be orange, not pink. Colours: orange, warm reds, copper, rust, gold, bronze, turquoise, ivory.

When shopping for foundations, tinted moisturizers, or concealers you’ve probably noticed that the colours are grouped under neutral, warm, or cool. Once you’ve narrowed down your season based on warm, cool, or neutral undertones, you have a great place to start with shade matching your base.

If you’re not sure, pull out some silver and gold jewelry. Hold each up separately against your skin to see which one compliments you best. Silver means you have cooler undertones, gold is warmer.

Another quick test is to pull out some white clothes and hold them up to your skin in natural light, near a window. If your skin appears pink and rosy next to white, it’s cool. If it appears more yellow or peach, it’s warm. If no change, you’re most likely neutral.

Most people intuitively know which colours suit them best, but if you need a little help, try my method of determining your season first, then experimenting with the colours recommended for your season. This works for both makeup and clothes.

Have fun and keep in mind this is just a starting point. You may overlap between seasons, which means you’re neutral. Trust your gut and stick to the colours that feel good.

Tamer

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