Using the colours you wear to make your skin glow

Have you ever heard someone say 'I can never wear that colour', or 'it doesn’t suit my skin tone'? Do you know they might actually have a point? There will be colours that will pop with your skin tones and others that will make you look tired, flat and pale. So how do you determine which colours are best for you? We'll tell you how in just a moment but try to remember that these rules aren't set in stone. If you love a colour that isn't necessarily something you could pull off in your whole outfit, it doesn't mean you have to stop wearing it! Consider using it as an accent colour with a belt, scarf, shoes, or handbag instead of wearing it head-to-toe.

Identify your skin tone

Since it all starts with your skin tone let’s look there first. We all know that the surface of your skin can change with exposure to the sun, reactions to medications, or even skin conditions such as rosacea. These can cause confusion about undertones versus surface colour and this can be part of the reason that we pick the wrong foundation or powder. We have all been there before thinking it’s the right shade but then only applying it and seeing a horrible clash.  We’ve found a great, more in-depth article on how to work out your skin tone if you’d like to take this further!

Where do I start?

First make sure that your face is free of any lotions and cosmetics. It’s important if you have just washed your skin to wait about 15-30 minutes until any redness from scrubbing fades. Make sure you use natural light when you are looking at your skin as artificial lighting can slightly change and alter the appearance to your skin’s undertones. Try this simple test using a plain piece of paper, hold it up to your face and compare how your skin looks in contrast. If your skin appears yellowish, greenish, or light brown, then you likely have a warm skin tone. If your skin appears grey or ashen, then you are a neutral skin tone. If you have a skin condition like acne, rosacea, or if you are extremely tanned, ask a friend to use the paper test on the crease behind your ear instead, which is less likely to be affected by these variables. The way that your skin reacts to the sun can also be shed some light on the type of skin you have. If you tan easy instead of burn then you most likely have a warm skin tone. People that burn easily rather then tan will have cool skin tones.

Choosing the right colours

There's a handful of colours that will look great on any skin tone because they provide the perfect balance of warm and cool that won't clash with your skin. Pure white goes great with everyone's skin. If you find that a white garment doesn't look quite right on you, take a look at it in natural light and make sure it doesn't actually have cool or warm undertones that might not have been as obvious on the rack.  It’s possible that a cream might work better with your skin over a white. Light blush pink brightens any skin tone and brings out the natural glow of your face. Teal with a perfect mix of blue and green can be worn by anyone and is a great summer or winter shade. If you want to go dark, try eggplant purple, which acts like a neutral and accentuates your skin without overpowering it.

Feel a million bucks!

Check out our website for our range of Premium Linen in a wide range of colours and styles to suit everyone, no matter your skin tone.  The best thing about our range of clothing is you can add any colour you like to our neutrals, and create an outfit that pops, one that you will feel a million bucks wearing.  Our Linen ranges will last for decades if looked after, and they are perfect regardless of the season you are in!

Time to shop?  See what’s new! www.annglinen.com.