The idea of a truly “neutral” skin tone in colour analysis is nuanced and often debated. While the term is frequently used, especially in makeup or colour matching contexts, skin tones in colour analysis are rarely, if ever, purely neutral. Here’s why:
1. Skin Undertone Always Leans Warm or Cool
Undertones are the subtle hues beneath the skin’s surface that affect how colours interact with it. These are typically classified as:
Warm: Golden, peachy, or yellow undertones.
Cool: Pink, bluish, or red undertones.
Neutral: A blend of warm and cool undertones, giving the appearance of balance.
However, even those labelled as “neutral skin tone” tend to have a slight leaning toward either warm or cool when analysed under specific lighting or compared to colours.
2. Relative Neutrality
Skin tones that appear “neutral” are often those that don’t strongly clash with many colours. For example, someone with a soft or muted palette (like Soft Summer or Soft Autumn) may seem more neutral because their undertone is subtle, but it will still lean slightly warm or cool.
3. The Role of Overtones
Overtones (the surface colour of the skin) can sometimes mask or blend with undertones, creating the appearance of neutrality. For example, a tan or olive overtone might appear neutral, but the undertone beneath (yellow-green or peach) will still determine the best colour harmonies.
4. In Practice
Colour analysts use draping to determine the true undertone, bypassing the illusion of neutrality. The goal is to identify which colours enhance the skin’s natural radiance and which cause it to appear dull or ashy.
5. Neutral Palettes in Analysis
When it comes to the 12- or 16-season models, these identify individuals whose palettes are “neutral” in temperature but always with a slight leaning:
Neutral-Warm: Warm tones dominate with some cool influences (e.g., Warm Autumn).
Neutral-Cool: Cool tones dominate with some warm influences (e.g., Cool Summer).
In short, while “neutral” is a helpful descriptor for some skin tones, every skin has an undertone that subtly aligns with either warmth or coolness. The goal of colour analysis is to reveal and enhance that nuance.
Find out more about Colour Analysis here: Seasonal Colour 101
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Last Updated on 3rd December 2024 by Helen Tobias
