Which yellow best suits your skin tone?

If you’re trying to find some spring-like cheer amidst the gloom of this “second” winter, yellow is one colour you might turn to. But we all know it, yellow’s one tricky shade. Choosing the right variation for you is crucial, as a tinge more warm or cool is the difference between a knockout look or a total washout.

Whether you have fair, olive, or dark skin, there’s a shade of yellow out there that will make you glow like the most beautiful summer day. If you’re confused, just follow our handy-dandy guide below!

If you’re fair (i.e. pink/blue undertones), you don’t want anything too cool, because this will wash you out more, but a bright yellow or mustard should perfectly compliment your colouring. Pastel and cooler yellows should be worn away from the face, in the form of a purse or a pair of shoes. Another trick to styling light yellow with your fair complexion is to pair it with a colour that looks great on your skin, like navy blue, caramel, or jewel tones.

If you’ve got medium to olive skin, opt for golden, almost orange tones, pastels, or anything bright and bold. Unlike light and fair skin tones, we recommend you steer clear of mustard and other green-toned shades: they might look too similar to the olive tones in your complexion and wear you out.

If you have brown, tan, or dark skin, it’s your lucky day: every shade of yellow looks amazing on you! Much like many other bright colours—pinks, greens, oranges…—yellow seems to be made to compliment your skin tone and is guaranteed to look spectacular on you. Just use your powers wisely!

Original text and content: Steph King