10 Colors That Look Bad On You If You're Cool-Toned & That Compliment You
Picking The Right Shades
To avoid making your complexion look dull, uneven, or even tired, you have to be smart with the colors you wear. For all the cool-toned folk out there, there are certain colors you need to avoid, and certain ones that you should be stocking up on. Knowing that you look best in rosy, icy, or jewel-based undertones is important so that you can put together the best looks! So to make sure your style is on point, here are 10 shades that don't work well on your skin, and 10 that absolutely do.
1. Mustard Yellow
Mustard yellow already sounds like it'd rarely go well with anything, but for those with cool-toned skin, that heavy golden base clashes even harder. Instead of making you look bright, it makes your complexion seem flatter than it really is.
2. Orange
Orange is a hard color to pull off, but it's even more difficult for cool-toned people because of its definite warm, red-yellow energy. Even paler, more softer tones of this color can compete against your natural undertones, making your skin look less balanced as a whole.
3. Camel
Camel is a classic neutral color, but in the world of beiges and browns, you definitely want one that doesn't lean too warm if you're cool-toned. Wearing this color can create a washed-out effect that might just make your face seem more tired.
4. Rust
As a combination of brown, orange, and red, you're probably not surprised to hear rust suits warm-toned people much better. If you lean cool-toned this shade can make your skin seem a bit uneven, or reduce the natural clarity in your face. It just looks heavy!
5. Olive Green
Olive green can be tricky because it usually has a muddy yellow base rather than a crisp blue one. As a result, that slight warmth makes your complexion look less fresh, especially if you're in natural daylight. And whatever your eye color is, you'll find this color doesn't make them pop as much as they usually do.
6. Warm Beige
Just like camel, veering into warm territory with beige colors can look surprisingly unattractive on cool-toned skin. Because it carries a peachy, yellow, or golden undertone, it blends into your complexion in a muddled way instead of looking soft and clean.
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7. Tomato Red
Tomato red is a very specific shade that has a noticeable orange cast, which is exactly what makes it harder for cool-toned people to rock. Red can absolutely look flattering on cool-toned skin, but not this hot and warm tone.
8. Peach
Peach has a friendly, approachable look, but it's usually not ideal for cool undertones. Because it sits between pink and orange, it often lands too warm to harmonize with your coloring. Unfortunately, on some people, it can make the skin appear less bright and fresh.
9. Golden Brown
Sadly, this rich and luxurious-looking color carries too much warmth in it for it to work with a cool-toned palette. Instead of enhancing your natural coloring, it just muddles everything and makes your features look less defined and washed out.
10. Lime Green
Yes, you can rock bold colors, but maybe just not lime green. This yellow-heavy shade is bright and looks too harsh on your cool-toned skin. Because instead of creating contrast in a flattering way, it just throws off the balance of your complexion.
1. True White
One of the most reliable flattering shades out there for cool-toned folk is true white. Its crisp, clean, and effortlessly stylish, which can make your skin look clear and your features beautifully defined. Your entire appearance looks much sharper with this shade on!
2. Icy Pink
If you love pink, definitely go with an icy pink shade that works wonderfully with your undertones because of its cool and delicate nature. It supports your skin naturally, brightening up your face without adding unwanted warmth that makes you looked drained.
3. Blue-Based Red
Skip the tomato red like we mentioned and opt for a more blue-based red that works as an excellent statement color. It has wonderful depth, clarity, and a nice cool edge that livens up your complexion and makes you feel confident and classic.
4. Emerald Green
Rich, bold, and flattering for cool undertones, emerald green is a must-have color in your wardrobe. Not only does it give off such an elegant and regal vibe, it makes your skin look brighter and gives your features a stronger frame to work with.
5. Navy
Navy is a dependable neutral for cool-toned people because it gives depth without the harshness of black. It often looks refined, balanced, and very easy to style across seasons, too. It's perfect for casual and formal events.
6. Charcoal Gray
Looking for a nice neutral color that pairs easily with others? Charcoal gray is definitely your friend. This shade tends to flatter cool-toned skin because it carries a clean, smoky quality instead of obvious warmth. It can define your features in a subtle way that looks modern and composed.
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7. Cool Lavender
With its pink-blue undertones, cool lavender is a lovely feminine and delicate color for cool-toned people. It brings a softness to your look without washing you out or competing with any of your natural colors. It's fresh and sophisticated in the best way!
8. Sapphire Blue
If you like a strong color, sapphire blue gives you all that vivid coolness you want that makes your cool-toned skin look energized and clear. It pairs well with silver, gray, and white, which are all other complementary colors that work well for you.
9. Rose Pink
Not a fan of icy pink? Not to worry, rose pink works just as well with your skin tone. It can soften your overall appearance and still keep your skin looking bright. And unlike peachy pinks, it usually doesn't add unwanted warmth.
10. Plum
A mature color that carries a lot of richness and sophistication, plum is an excellent color choice for cool-toned people. It adds a lot of depth to your look, and it's a shade that feels a little more interesting than your basic neutrals.
