Neutral Undertones 101: How to Choose the Best Makeup and Colors for Your Skin

Have you ever bought a foundation that looked perfect in the bottle but turned too orange or too pink once applied? You're not alone. Many people struggle to find a shade that seamlessly blends into their complexion. The secret? Understanding your undertone—the subtle hue beneath your skin’s surface that influences how makeup and clothing colors appear on you.

If you have a neutral undertone, shopping for makeup and clothes becomes much easier. Unlike cool or warm undertones, a neutral skin tone has a balanced mix of both, meaning you can wear a wide range of shades without clashing. But how do you know if you have a neutral undertone? And what colors suit you best?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about neutral undertones, from identifying them to choosing the perfect neutral undertone makeup and neutral skin tone colors for your wardrobe.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to enhance your natural beauty with the best neutral undertone colors—so you can finally say goodbye to mismatched foundation and unflattering outfits.

Understanding Skin Undertones: Warm, Cool, and Neutral

When choosing makeup or clothing, many people focus on their surface skin color—fair, medium, tan, or deep. However, what truly determines how colors look on you is your skin undertone. Your undertone is the subtle hue beneath your skin that doesn’t change, even if you get a tan.

The Three Main Undertones

• Warm undertones have golden, yellow, or peach hues. People with neutral warm skin tones may notice that gold jewelry complements them better than silver.
• Cool undertones have pink, red, or blue hues. Those with cool undertones often find that silver jewelry looks best on them.
• Neutral undertones have a balanced mix of warm and cool tones, making them more versatile when it comes to makeup and clothing choices. If you have a neutral skin tone, you can usually wear both gold and silver jewelry without either clashing.

Quick Test: Do You Have a Neutral Undertone?

Not sure if you have neutral undertone skin? Try these simple tests:

1. Vein Test – Look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue, you may have cool undertones; if they look green, you likely have warm undertones. If they seem like a mix of both or you can’t tell, you probably have a neutral undertone.
2. Jewelry Test – Hold gold and silver jewelry against your skin. If both look equally flattering, you likely have a neutral skin color.
3. White vs. Off-White Test – Try wearing a pure white shirt versus an off-white one. If both look good on you without making you look washed out or sallow, your undertone is likely neutral.
4. Sun Reaction Test – Do you tan easily but rarely burn? While not a definitive test, many people with neutral undertones tend to tan gradually rather than burning quickly like those with cool undertones.

By understanding whether you have a neutral undertone or lean toward warm or cool, you’ll have an easier time selecting the best neutral undertone makeup and neutral undertone colors for your wardrobe. Now that you know your undertone, let’s explore how to choose the perfect shades for your skin!

How to Find the Right Neutral Undertone Foundation

Finding the perfect foundation can feel like an endless cycle of trial and error, especially if you have a neutral undertone. Many foundations are either too yellow, making you look sallow, or too pink, giving your skin an unnatural flush. The key to a flawless match? Choosing a foundation with a balanced mix of yellow and pink pigments, designed specifically for neutral undertone skin.

Foundation Matching Tips for Neutral Skin Tones

1. Look for ‘Neutral’ in the Shade Name – Many brands now label their foundation shades with "N" for neutral undertones. This is a great starting point when shopping for makeup.
2. Swatch in Natural Light – Always test foundation on your jawline in natural daylight to ensure it seamlessly blends into both your face and neck.
3. Avoid Extreme Warm or Cool Tones – Foundations labeled "warm" (W) may contain too much yellow, while "cool" (C) foundations may have an excess of pink or red. Stick to shades that have a neutral balance.
4. Test on Multiple Areas – Swatch foundation on your jawline, wrist, and chest to ensure consistency across different parts of your skin.

Why Neutral Undertones Need a Balanced Mix

Unlike warm or cool skin tones, which can lean heavily toward yellow or pink, neutral skin color sits right in the middle. This means foundations with too much of one pigment will stand out rather than blend naturally. The best neutral undertone makeup provides a harmonious blend of warm and cool tones, complementing the skin without making it look too golden or too rosy.

Top Foundation Picks for Neutral Undertones

If you're looking for a foundation that enhances your neutral skin tone, here are two great options from 100% PURE:

• For Light Coverage: Our Fruit Pigmented® Tinted Moisturizer – This lightweight formula evens out neutral skin tone colors while keeping the skin hydrated. It provides a natural, dewy finish without overpowering your complexion.
• For Full Coverage: Our Fruit Pigmented® 2nd Skin Foundation – A serum-based foundation that mimics the texture of real skin, offering buildable coverage while maintaining a balanced neutral undertone color.

With the right foundation, your neutral skin color will look effortlessly radiant. Next, let’s explore the best neutral undertone colors for clothing and makeup!

The Best Makeup Shades for Neutral Undertone Skin

When you have a neutral undertone, the key to looking your best is finding makeup shades that enhance your natural balance. For neutral skin tones, it's all about versatility and harmony—choosing products that complement both warm and cool elements. Below, we’ll explore the best makeup shades for your neutral undertone skin, from face products to eyeshadows and lip colors.

Face Products – Blush, Bronzer, and Highlighter

For those with neutral undertone skin, blush, bronzer, and highlighter should offer a balanced mix of warmth and coolness. Avoid overly warm or too cool-toned products; instead, look for formulas that provide a natural flush without skewing too yellow or pink.

• Blush: Soft peach, rose, and mauve blushes work best for neutral undertones. These shades add a natural flush of color that enhances your complexion.
• Bronzer: A neutral bronzer is perfect for neutral skin tones—not too orange or red, just a natural warmth. Our Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer is a great option, as its rich cocoa shades provide a beautiful balance, giving you a sun-kissed glow without overwhelming your skin tone.

Eye Makeup – Best Neutral Eyeshadows for a Balanced Look

For eyeshadows, neutral undertone skin can pull off a wide range of shades, but the key is to avoid colors that are too bold or too muted. Neutral, earthy tones like taupe, soft browns, and golds work beautifully.

• Eyeshadow: Opt for warm neutral shades or cool-toned hues that sit comfortably between the two extremes. Our Rose Gold Palette is an ideal choice for neutral undertones, offering a mix of rose golds, pinks, and warm browns that create a balanced, glowing eye look without leaning too far into warm or cool tones.

Lip Colors – Classic Nudes, Dusty Roses, and Muted Mauves

The right lip color can enhance your neutral undertone skin by complementing your complexion without overpowering it. Classic nude shades, muted mauves, and dusty roses are excellent choices for neutral skin tones, offering a natural yet sophisticated look.

• Lip Color: Our Pomegranate Oil Lipstick in Calendula is a fantastic option for neutral undertones. This beautiful shade of muted rose provides a natural flush of color that complements both warm and cool tones in your skin, ensuring your lips stand out in the most flattering way.

With these makeup products, you'll enhance your neutral undertone skin beautifully, creating a balanced, polished look from head to toe. Ready to discover more ways to highlight your neutral undertones? Stay tuned for the next section!

Neutral Undertones vs. Neutral Warm Skin Tone: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to understanding undertones, there’s often confusion between neutral undertones and neutral warm skin tones. While both are considered balanced, there are subtle differences that can make a big impact on your makeup choices.

How a Neutral Warm Skin Tone Leans Slightly Golden

A neutral warm skin tone combines elements of both warm and cool undertones but leans slightly more toward golden rather than pink or red. People with neutral warm skin tones typically have a soft, warm glow that isn't overly yellow or orange, but still carries a hint of warmth. Unlike neutral undertone skin, which has a perfect balance of both warm and cool elements, neutral warm skin may look a bit more sun-kissed due to its subtle golden undertone.

This delicate balance can make it trickier to find the perfect foundation, but understanding the subtle warmth in your skin can help you choose products that highlight your natural radiance.

Choosing the Right Foundation for Subtle Warmth

If you have a neutral warm skin tone, you’ll want to choose foundations that enhance the golden aspect of your complexion without exaggerating it. Look for foundations that have a neutral base but with just a touch of warmth—enough to complement your skin’s natural glow without making you look too yellow.

When selecting neutral undertone makeup for a neutral warm skin tone, opt for shades that contain a slight golden or yellow undertone, but steer clear of foundations that are too rich in yellow pigments. A foundation with the label “neutral warm” or "golden neutral" can work wonders for providing the perfect match, offering that balanced warmth without making your skin appear overly bronzed.

Fashion and Style Tips for Neutral Undertones

If you have neutral undertones, you're in luck when it comes to fashion and style! Your neutral skin tone is incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with a wide range of colors and styles. Here are some essential tips to help you choose the best clothing, accessories, and jewelry to enhance your natural beauty.

Neutral Undertone Colors That Enhance Skin Tone

The beauty of neutral undertones is that you can pull off a variety of colors without them clashing with your complexion. Unlike people with cool or warm undertones, who are more limited to specific shades, neutral undertone skin can wear both warm and cool hues. Here are a few key colors that will naturally enhance your neutral undertone skin:

• Earth Tones – Shades like olive, camel, and taupe work beautifully on neutral undertones, bringing out the natural warmth of your skin without overwhelming it.
• Jewel Tones – Rich, vibrant colors like emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple complement neutral undertone skin beautifully. These colors add depth and contrast without being too bold.
• Neutrals – Classic shades like charcoal gray, crisp white, and beige are perfect for neutral skin tones. These colors create a sophisticated, clean look that doesn’t compete with your complexion.
• Soft Pastels – Soft shades like mint, lavender, and blush pink also work well, offering a delicate balance that doesn’t overpower your natural tone.

By experimenting with these neutral undertone colors, you’ll discover the shades that make your complexion pop and give you that natural radiance.

Best Jewelry Choices—Mixing Gold and Silver

One of the most significant advantages of having neutral undertones is that you can effortlessly pull off both gold and silver jewelry. Unlike those with warm undertones who typically lean toward gold or those with cool undertones who gravitate toward silver, neutral skin tones can wear both metals with ease.

• Gold Jewelry: Gold enhances the natural warmth in neutral undertone skin, giving it a soft glow. It’s especially flattering in necklaces, rings, and bracelets like this Rolo Chain Charm Bracelet from Mejuri.
• Silver Jewelry: Silver, with its cooler undertones, provides a sleek and modern contrast that complements neutral undertone skin beautifully, offering a more polished, sophisticated look.
• Mixing Metals: The ultimate luxury for neutral skin tones is the ability to mix gold and silver jewelry seamlessly. The combination enhances the harmony of your complexion and offers endless styling options.

FAQ Section

What is a neutral skin tone?
A neutral skin tone refers to a balanced complexion that doesn't lean too much toward warm (yellow/golden) or cool (pink/blue) undertones. People with neutral undertone skin have a mixture of both warm and cool tones, making it versatile and easy to match with a variety of makeup and clothing colors. This means neutral undertones can wear both warm and cool hues without them looking off or too contrasting.

Is neutral undertone better than warm or cool?
There is no "better" undertone—it’s all about what suits you! Neutral undertones are incredibly versatile, as they allow you to wear both warm and cool colors in makeup, clothing, and jewelry. However, it’s essential to embrace your natural undertones and choose products and styles that enhance your unique complexion. People with warm undertones might look better in warm colors, and those with cool undertones might shine in cool hues. Neutral undertones offer the benefit of blending both worlds, giving you more flexibility in your fashion and beauty choices.

What foundation shades work for neutral undertones?
For neutral undertones, look for foundation shades that are labeled “neutral” or “N,” which indicate a balance of warm and cool pigments. These shades typically have neither an overpowering yellow (warm) nor pink (cool) base. When selecting a foundation, try to avoid overly warm (yellow or orange) or overly cool (pink or red) tones, and opt for a foundation that is a true neutral or has a balanced mix of both to complement your neutral skin tone.

How do I know if I have neutral warm skin tone?
A neutral warm skin tone leans slightly toward warmth but isn’t overly yellow or orange. It has a subtle golden undertone but still maintains a balance that isn’t too pronounced. To determine if you have a neutral warm skin tone, look for a soft warmth in your complexion—your skin will have a gentle glow, without looking too yellow or overly bronzed. If you notice a bit of golden undertone but still feel balanced, you likely have a neutral warm skin tone.

Can people with neutral undertones wear both silver and gold jewelry?
Yes! One of the best features of having neutral undertones is the ability to wear both gold and silver jewelry seamlessly. Unlike those with predominantly warm undertones, who may lean toward gold, or those with cool undertones, who gravitate toward silver, neutral undertone skin can pull off both metals effortlessly. Whether you prefer the warmth of gold or the sleekness of silver, both will complement your complexion beautifully. In fact, mixing both metals together can create a unique and balanced look for neutral undertones.

Conclusion

Embracing your neutral skin tone is all about celebrating the unique balance of warm and cool undertones that make you, well, you! With neutral undertones, you have the freedom to experiment with a wide range of colors in makeup, fashion, and jewelry—making it easier than ever to find the perfect look that enhances your natural beauty. Whether you’re choosing a foundation, selecting makeup shades, or picking out your favorite accessories, your neutral undertone skin allows for versatility and endless style possibilities.

So, why not embrace your natural complexion and feel confident in every choice you make?

Discover the best neutral undertone makeup at 100% PURE and enhance your natural beauty!