Colour Theory: How To Find The Shades That Work For You
One of the best things about discovering your personal style is that there are no hard or fast rules that you need to follow. However, there is something to be said for choosing and wearing pieces in colour shades that harmonise and complement your skin tone.
Not only is it an effortless way to enhance your complexion, eyes, and smile, but by selecting shades that work with your natural colouring and focusing on hues that consistently work for you, you can streamline the process of building a wardrobe that you truly love.
If you’ve ever hesitated over which shade Lou Lou pieces to purchase because you weren’t sure what would work for you the best, this one's for you! We’ve put together some tips on how to find your undertone, as well as a comprehensive list of the patterns and colour ways we offer and which undertone they work best with. Scroll on!
Finding Your Undertone
The key to discovering the best colour palette for your skin tone lies with identifying your skin’s undertone - that is, the subtle hue beneath the surface of your skin that influences your overall complexion.
In skin colour theory, undertones are categorised into three groups: warm, cool, and neutral. By pinpointing your undertone you’ll be able to determine which colours will flatter your complexion most because your undertone dictates which shades will enhance your features - making your eyes shine, your skin glow, and your smile appear brighter.
It can seem like a daunting task, but luckily there are some reliable methods to help you figure out whether you’re warm, cool, or neutral toned!
The White Paper Test
The “white paper test” is one of the easiest ways to identify your undertone. For the most accurate results, start with a clean, makeup-free face in natural light.
Hold a sheet of pure white paper next to your face and observe how your skin appears in contrast to it - if you see gold, yellow, green, or light brown hues beneath your skin, you likely have a warm undertone. If your complexion leans towards blue, pink, or rosy tones, you have a cool undertone. If your skin looks to be more ashen or grey, your undertone is neutral.
Certain skin conditions, like acne or rosacea, can make it harder to identify your undertone. In such cases, try holding the white paper near a less affected area, like the crease behind your ear, for a clearer observation.
The Vein Test
The vein test is a more straightforward way to determine your undertone, requiring nothing more than a glance at your wrist and hand. Simply observe the colour of your veins!
If your veins appear blue or purple, you likely have a cool undertone. If they seem more green, this points to a warm undertone. Can’t quite tell if they’re either? That’s a good indication of a neutral undertone.
The Jewellery Test
While not as reliable as the previous two tests, the jewellery test is another simple method to uncover your skin’s undertone. Hold a piece of silver jewellery and a piece of gold jewellery close to your face, then observe which one flatters your complexion most.
If gold jewellery gives your skin a radiant glow, you likely have a warm undertone. On the other hand, if silver jewellery enhances your features, it’s a sign of a cool undertone.
The Best Colours For Warm Skin Tones
If you’ve identified that you possess a warm undertone, you should opt for colours that reflect its natural golden hue. Rich shades like our Cumin, Noosa Pucci, Toffee, Nougat, and Chocolate Stripe will beautifully enhance your complexion’s warm, radiant quality.
This doesn’t mean you have to avoid traditionally cooler shades like blue and green. Instead, choose variations with warm undertones, such as Olive or Black Leaf, which complement warmer skin tones. For neutrals, Cream, Bronze, and Chicory Coffee are your best bets.
Joplin Ribbed Bamboo Wide Leg in Chocolate
Turner Long-Sleeve T-Shirt Dress in Chocolate
Sassoon Cashmere/Bamboo Scarf in Olive
Adele Long Sleeve Bamboo Top in Cream
The Best Colours For Cool Skin Tones
If your undertone is cool, we recommend you gravitate towards classic cool shades like our Marlin Blue, Cobalt, Emerald Green, Palm Leaf, and Mint. For warmer tones, such as pink and red, choose those with blue undertones—think Fuchsia or Rose Violet—to complement your complexion.
When it comes to neutrals, prioritise crisp and timeless colours like Navy, Crystal Pink and the classic Grey Stripe to create a polished and flattering look.
Demi Oversized Bamboo Box Tee in Ikat
James Bamboo Bike Shorts in Cobalt
Janis Short Sleeve Bamboo Tee in Crystal Pink
Ellie Sleeveless Bamboo Singlet Top in Cobalt
The Best Colours For Neutral Skin Tones
If you have a neutral undertone, you’re lucky to suit a wide range of colours! However, you’ll shine brightest in shades that strike a balance—neither overly bright nor intensely bold.
Opt for neutrals like Black, White, Charcoal, and Tie Dye to beautifully enhance your features.
Camila 3/4 Sleeve Top in Black & White Stripe
Maxi Whitney Tube Skirt in Steel Leopard
Janis Short Sleeve Bamboo Tee in Steel
Maxi Whitney Tube Skirt in Black and White Stripe
Janis Short Sleeve Bamboo Tee in Black and White Stripe
Discovering and embracing your undertone is the first step to unlocking a world of colours that enhance your natural beauty! Use these tips as a guide, but don’t be afraid to play, mix, and experiment with different shades to see what truly makes you glow. Your personal style is a reflection of you - so have fun, trust your instincts, and let your true colours shine brightly!