Cool or Warm Undertone: Easy 3-Step Test

The difference between surface tone and skin undertone

Surface skin tone ranges from fair to medium or deep, whereas undertones always fall into three main categories: cool, warm, and neutral. Women with a cool undertone carry hints of pink, red, or bluish undertones beneath the skin. Conversely, a warm undertone is characterised by golden, peachy, and yellow notes that impart an instant visual radiance when paired with the right palette.

To test accurately, prepare your face and space properly. First, remove all makeup and wait fifteen minutes for your facial circulation to settle. Second, test exclusively in natural indirect daylight by a window, avoiding direct sunlight which can distort colour perception. Steer clear of artificial lighting, as yellow or fluorescent bulbs dramatically alter how tones appear against your skin.

If you are in a room with brightly coloured walls or curtains, the light bounce can cast unwanted tones onto your skin. It is best to perform the test against a plain white wall or a neutral background.

Step 1 – The inner wrist vein test

If your veins appear distinctly blue or purple, it is a clear indicator of a cool undertone. Your skin naturally contains more pink and bluish pigments, making cool, crisp shades look effortlessly fresh on you. If your veins look olive green or dark green, your undertone is warm. The green illusion happens when naturally blue blood vessels are viewed through skin rich in yellow and golden melanin pigments.

It is very common to see a mix of both blue and greenish veins, or to feel unsure which shade dominates. Should that be the case, do not worry—this is the telltale sign of a neutral undertone, giving you enviable flexibility when styling.

Step 2 – The jewellery test: Gold or silver

Notice which metal makes your skin look vibrant, smooth, and radiant, and which renders it sallow, tired, or overly flushed. Silver, platinum, and white gold instantly flatter a cool undertone. These metals harmonise with pink tones, conferring a rested, bright appearance without drawing attention to subtle imperfections.

Yellow gold, on the other hand, creates a gorgeous visual harmony with a warm undertone. The rich golden sheen highlights your skin's natural peachy warmth, bestowing a sun-kissed glow even in the depths of winter. If rose gold looks sublime on you, or if gold and silver look equally flattering, you have further confirmation of a neutral base.

Step 3 – The white paper test

If your skin appears distinctly pink, rosy, or slightly bluish against the stark white paper, you undoubtedly have a cool undertone. Pure white enhances your natural freshness without making you look washed out.

If your face casts a yellowish, golden, or creamy hue beside the white paper, your undertone is warm. Knowing how your skin reacts to pure white is invaluable when building a wardrobe—women with warm undertones look far more luminous in ivory, cream, or soft warm champagne than in optic white.

• Cool undertone: Your face appears pink or bluish against white paper; optic white clothing looks striking on you.
• Warm undertone: Your skin reveals a golden or creamy glow beside white paper; soft ivory and warm cream suit you far better.
• Neutral undertone: Your complexion looks balanced without pronounced yellow or pink casts against a white backdrop.

What if your undertone is neutral?

A neutral undertone is wonderfully versatile because it strikes a harmonious balance between warm and cool pigments. It does not mean every shade under the sun is equally flattering, but rather that extreme tones (like vivid fluorescent orange or icy electric blue) may feel harsh, whereas soft, muted, and nuanced shades look effortless.

When curating your look, you can effortlessly mix yellow and white metals, as well as wear chic neutral shades like blush pink, taupe, soft olive, and sandy beige without fear of looking dull.

How to apply your test results to your personal style

The first transformation occurs in your makeup bag. Knowing you have a cool undertone means seeking foundations with pink or neutral notes, whilst a warm undertone calls for golden and warm yellow undertones. To avoid the dread of a foundation line at the jawline, explore our guide on how to choose a foundation for your skin undertone. The same logic applies to lip colour—discover which lipstick suits me to ensure your lips always brighten your teeth and illuminate your skin.

The second application is your wardrobe. When selecting garments worn close to your face (jumpers, scarves, shirts), the right hues will awaken your eyes and soften dark circles. Learn how to build a capsule wardrobe for your skin undertone and experience the quiet confidence that comes with a harmonious colour palette.