Hey guys! Have you ever heard the term "neutral undertone" and wondered what it actually means? Understanding your skin's undertone is super important, especially when you're trying to find the right makeup or even choosing clothing colors that complement your complexion. So, let's dive into what a neutral undertone is all about!

Understanding Skin Undertones

Before we get into the specifics of a neutral undertone, let's quickly recap what skin undertones are in general. Your skin's undertone is the subtle hue underneath the surface of your skin that affects its overall color. Unlike your surface skin tone, which can change due to sun exposure, skin conditions, or even the seasons, your undertone remains constant.

There are generally three main categories of undertones:

• Warm: Warm undertones usually lean towards yellow, golden, or peachy hues.
• Cool: Cool undertones have hints of pink, red, or blue.
• Neutral: And that brings us to our main topic! Neutral undertones are a balance of both warm and cool hues.

Understanding your undertone helps you choose the right foundation, concealer, lipstick, and even hair color. When you pick colors that work with your undertone, your skin looks more radiant and even.

What Exactly is a Neutral Undertone?

So, what does it mean to have a neutral undertone? Simply put, it means that your skin doesn't lean strongly towards either warm or cool shades. People with neutral undertones have a balance of both warm (yellow/golden) and cool (pink/blue) hues in their skin. This balance can make it a little trickier to identify at first, but it also means that a wider range of colors will typically look good on you.

With neutral undertones, you might not immediately notice a distinct yellow or pink cast to your skin. Instead, your skin appears to be more of an even, balanced tone. This doesn't mean your skin is without any color; it just means that the underlying hues are neither dominantly warm nor cool. People often describe neutral undertones as being more of an olive or beige color.

Why is this important? Well, knowing you have a neutral undertone can be a game-changer when selecting makeup. For example, if you have a strong warm undertone and you use a foundation that's designed for cool undertones, your skin might look ashy or dull. Conversely, if you have a cool undertone and use a foundation that's too warm, your skin might appear orange. But if you have a neutral undertone, you have more flexibility!

How to Determine if You Have a Neutral Undertone

Okay, so now you're probably wondering, "How do I know if I have a neutral undertone?" Here are a few tests and observations you can do at home to figure it out:

1. The Vein Test

Look at the veins on your wrist under natural light. What color do they appear to be?

• Blue or purple veins: Suggest a cool undertone.
• Green veins: Suggest a warm undertone.
• Blue-green veins: This often indicates a neutral undertone. Since you're seeing a mix of both blue and green, it suggests that you have a balance of cool and warm hues in your skin.

The vein test is a quick and easy way to get a general idea of your undertone. However, it's not foolproof, so it's best to combine it with other methods for a more accurate assessment.

2. The Jewelry Test

Think about which type of jewelry looks best on your skin. Do you find that gold or silver jewelry is more flattering?

• Gold jewelry: Tends to complement warm undertones.
• Silver jewelry: Tends to complement cool undertones.
• Both gold and silver look equally good: This is a strong indicator of a neutral undertone. If you can rock both gold and silver without either one washing you out or making you look sallow, you likely have a neutral undertone.

3. The White vs. Off-White Test

Try holding up a piece of pure white fabric and then a piece of off-white or cream fabric next to your face. Observe how your skin looks next to each color.

• Your skin looks better next to pure white: You might have a warm undertone.
• Your skin looks better next to off-white: You might have a cool undertone.
• Your skin looks good with both: This suggests a neutral undertone. If neither color makes your skin look dull or sallow, you likely have a balance of warm and cool hues.

4. Observe How Your Skin Reacts to the Sun

Pay attention to how your skin tans or burns in the sun. This can also provide clues about your undertone.

• You tan easily and rarely burn: This often indicates a warm undertone.
• You burn easily and don't tan much: This often indicates a cool undertone.
• You tan somewhat easily but can also burn: This can suggest a neutral undertone. People with neutral undertones often have a mixed reaction to the sun, tanning to a degree but still being susceptible to burning.

5. Consider Your Overall Complexion

Take a step back and look at your overall complexion in natural light. Do you notice any dominant colors in your skin?

• Yellow, golden, or peachy hues: Suggest a warm undertone.
• Pink, red, or blue hues: Suggest a cool undertone.
• No dominant hues, a balanced, even tone: Suggests a neutral undertone. If your skin appears to be a balanced mix of colors without a strong presence of warm or cool tones, you likely have a neutral undertone.

Makeup Tips for Neutral Undertones

If you've determined that you have a neutral undertone, congrats! This means you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to makeup. However, there are still a few tips that can help you enhance your natural complexion:

• Foundation: Look for foundations that are specifically labeled as "neutral." These foundations are formulated to balance both warm and cool tones, providing a natural-looking finish. You might also find that foundations designed for warm or cool undertones work for you, but it's best to start with a neutral base.
• Concealer: Similar to foundation, opt for neutral-toned concealers. These will blend seamlessly with your skin without looking too yellow or too pink.
• Blush: You can experiment with a wide range of blush colors, from peach and coral to pink and berry. However, for a natural look, try a rosy beige or a muted mauve. These shades will add a touch of color without overpowering your complexion.
• Eyeshadow: Neutrals are your best friend! Think browns, taupes, grays, and champagnes. These shades will enhance your eyes without clashing with your undertone. You can also play with pops of color, but stick to muted or dusty versions for a more harmonious look.
• Lipstick: Again, you have a lot of options! Nude lipsticks with a beige or rosy tone will look beautiful on neutral undertones. You can also rock reds, pinks, and berries. Just be mindful of the intensity of the color. Muted shades tend to be more flattering for everyday wear, while bolder shades are perfect for special occasions.

Clothing Colors for Neutral Undertones

It's not just makeup – knowing your undertone can also help you choose clothing colors that flatter your complexion. If you have a neutral undertone, you're in luck because a wide range of colors will likely look good on you. However, there are a few shades that tend to be particularly flattering:

• Neutrals: Gray, beige, olive green, and navy are all excellent choices. These colors won't clash with your undertone and will create a balanced, harmonious look.
• Soft Colors: Dusty rose, muted lavender, and soft peach can also be very flattering. These colors add a touch of color without being too overwhelming.
• Jewel Tones: Emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red can also work well, especially for evening wear. Just be sure to choose shades that aren't too bright or neon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a neutral undertone, there are a few common mistakes to avoid when choosing makeup and clothing:

• Choosing the Wrong Foundation: Even if you have a neutral undertone, it's still possible to choose a foundation that doesn't match your skin. Be sure to test foundation shades in natural light and look for formulas that are specifically labeled as "neutral."
• Wearing Colors That Are Too Intense: While you can wear a wide range of colors, it's important to avoid shades that are too bright or neon. These colors can overwhelm your complexion and make you look washed out.
• Ignoring Your Surface Skin Tone: Your surface skin tone (light, medium, dark) also plays a role in which colors will look best on you. Be sure to consider both your undertone and your surface skin tone when choosing makeup and clothing.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your skin's undertone, especially if it's neutral, is a fantastic way to enhance your natural beauty. By using these tips, you can choose makeup and clothing colors that complement your complexion and make you look and feel your best. So go ahead, experiment with different shades and find what works best for you. You've got this!