different kinds of undertones

Undertones are defined as "the underlying, foundational color that influences the hue and temperature of skin". Think of it like paint; if you are intending to create green and you use more yellow than blue, you'll end up with a chartreuse or olive-green color, as yellow is a warm color. However, if you use more blue than yellow, you'll end up with a forest green which is deeper, darker, and cooler, because blue is a cool color.

If you're unfamiliar with warm/cool colors or need a refresher: red, orange, yellow are considered 'warm colors' on the color wheel because they are reminiscent of heat. They are considered energetic because in the natural world the sight of warm colors is extremely contrasting. The 'cool colors' on the color wheel are greens, blues, and purples, as they evoke nature and a relaxing, down-to-earth feeling. When using paint, secondary colors' warmness/coolness are often able to manipulated, such as with the green example from earlier. Lime green (75% yellow, 25% blue)would be warmer, forest green (75% blue, 25% yellow) cooler. When the secondary color is manipulated like this, it is considered a tertiary color. 

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Back to undertones. When it comes to skin, there are four main undertones; warm, cool, olive, and neutral. One's ability to look good in a specific color is indiscreetly influenced by this, and most people are unaware of the existence of undertones. In order to tell your undertones, look at the veins in your wrist, and that color will tell you.

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Warm undertones have hues of gold, yellow, & peach. They are more likely to tan compared to those with cool undertones. Their veins appear green. best colors: earthy greens, sunset shades, rich yellows, & warm browns.

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Cool undertones have hues of pink, blue, & purple. They often burn in comparison to those with warm undertones. Their veins are blue or purple. best colors: jewel tones, icy/cool pastels, & crisp neutrals.

Neutral undertones are a mix of cool and warm undertones. Their skin has hues of pink and yellow, their veins bluish-green. best colors: soft, balanced, midtoned colors that are soft accents.

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Olive undertones appear to be green/yellow. People with olive undertones are often able to tan extremely easily. best colors: rich jewel tones & warm earth tones.

xoxo, Louisa