Plum, that delicious and versatile fruit, also lends its name to a family of gorgeous, complex colors. From deep, wine-stained purples to lighter, almost lilac shades, plum can be incredibly flattering. But does it truly shine on cool skin tones? Let’s delve into the nuances of plum, cool undertones, and how to find the perfect plum shades for your complexion.
Understanding Cool Skin Tones
Before we dive into the world of plum, it’s crucial to understand what defines a cool skin tone. Knowing your undertone is the foundation for choosing colors that will enhance your natural beauty, not clash with it.
Identifying Your Undertone
Cool skin tones are characterized by pink, red, or blue undertones. These undertones are subtle hues beneath the surface of your skin that influence how colors appear on you. Unlike surface skin tone (fair, medium, dark), undertones remain consistent regardless of tanning.
There are several ways to determine your undertone:
- Vein Test: Look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones. Green veins usually indicate warm undertones.
- Jewelry Test: Consider which metal complements your skin better. Silver tends to look more flattering on cool skin tones, while gold looks better on warm skin tones.
- Neutral Colors Test: Think about how you look in neutral colors like white, gray, and beige. Cool skin tones often look best in true white, cool gray, and blush beige. Warm skin tones tend to favor off-white, warm gray, and camel beige.
- Sun Reaction: How does your skin react to the sun? Cool skin tones tend to burn easily and may not tan as readily. Warm skin tones often tan easily.
Celebrities with Cool Skin Tones
Many celebrities have cool undertones, providing excellent examples of how different colors can complement this complexion. Think of stars like Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, and Lucy Liu. These women often sport colors that enhance their natural coolness and radiance.
The Plum Spectrum: A Color for Everyone?
Plum isn’t a single color; it’s a spectrum. This range is essential because not all plum shades are created equal, especially when it comes to cool skin tones.
Deep and Rich Plums
These are the shades that truly scream “plum.” Think of colors like eggplant, dark mauve, and wine. These deep, saturated hues can be incredibly striking, but they can also be overwhelming if not chosen carefully.
Lighter and Muted Plums
On the lighter end, you’ll find shades like lavender, lilac, and dusty rose. These softer plums are more delicate and can be easier to wear, especially for those with lighter cool skin tones.
Plum with Cool Undertones
The key to finding the right plum shade for cool skin is to look for plums that also have cool undertones. This means the plum should lean slightly towards blue or purple rather than red or brown.
Plum and Cool Skin: A Perfect Match?
Generally, plum colors can look fantastic on cool skin tones, but the secret lies in selecting the right shade.
The Power of Contrast
Cool skin tones often have a natural coolness and clarity. Plum shades, particularly those with a cool base, can enhance this clarity and create a beautiful contrast. The richness of plum can make cool skin appear brighter and more vibrant.
The Risk of Washout
The biggest risk when wearing plum on cool skin is the potential for looking washed out. This is especially true with lighter plum shades if your skin is very fair. To avoid this, ensure the plum shade has enough pigment and isn’t too close to your natural skin tone.
How to Wear Plum: Tips and Tricks
Here are some specific tips for incorporating plum into your wardrobe and makeup routine if you have cool skin tones:
Plum Clothing
- Darker Plums for Contrast: Deep plum shades like eggplant or wine can look stunning as dresses, tops, or skirts. Pair them with neutral colors like gray, silver, or black for a sophisticated look.
- Lighter Plums for a Subtle Touch: Lavender or lilac can be beautiful choices for blouses, sweaters, or scarves. These softer shades work well with other pastels or with deeper colors like navy or charcoal.
- Consider the Fabric: The fabric’s texture can also influence how the plum color appears. A matte fabric will create a more subdued look, while a shimmery fabric will enhance the richness of the color.
Plum Makeup
- Plum Eyeshadow: Plum eyeshadow can be incredibly flattering on cool skin tones, bringing out the natural coolness of the eyes. Experiment with different shades and finishes, from matte plums for a smoky eye to shimmery plums for a more glamorous look.
- Plum Lipstick: Finding the right plum lipstick can be transformative. Darker, berry-toned plums can create a dramatic effect, while lighter, mauve-toned plums can be perfect for everyday wear.
- Plum Blush: A plum blush can add a natural flush to cool skin. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone and apply it sparingly for a healthy, radiant glow.
Plum Accessories
- Jewelry: Plum-colored gemstones like amethyst can be stunning accessories. They complement cool skin tones beautifully and add a touch of elegance.
- Scarves: A plum scarf can be a great way to add a pop of color to your outfit. Choose a shade that complements your overall look and drapes well.
- Bags: A plum handbag can be a stylish and practical accessory. Choose a shade and style that suits your personal taste and lifestyle.
Pairing Plum with Other Colors
- Neutrals: Plum pairs exceptionally well with neutrals like gray, silver, black, and white. These colors provide a clean backdrop that allows the plum to shine.
- Cool Tones: Combining plum with other cool tones like blue, green, and purple can create a harmonious and sophisticated look.
- Metallics: Silver and platinum metallics complement plum beautifully, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication.
- Avoid Warm Tones: Be cautious when pairing plum with warm tones like orange, yellow, and gold. These colors can clash with the coolness of plum and create a jarring effect.
Specific Plum Shades and Cool Skin Tones
Let’s break down some specific plum shades and how they tend to work with various cool skin tones:
Fair Cool Skin
- Best Plum Shades: Lighter plums like lavender, lilac, and dusty rose are generally the most flattering for fair cool skin. These shades provide a subtle touch of color without overwhelming the complexion. Avoid very dark plums, which can make fair skin appear pale and washed out.
- Makeup Tips: Opt for plum eyeshadows and lipsticks with a sheer or satin finish to avoid a heavy look.
Medium Cool Skin
- Best Plum Shades: Medium cool skin tones can handle a wider range of plum shades, including medium-toned plums and berry-toned plums. Deeper plums like eggplant can also work, but it’s essential to balance them with lighter elements in your outfit or makeup.
- Makeup Tips: Experiment with different finishes for eyeshadows and lipsticks, from matte to shimmer.
Dark Cool Skin
- Best Plum Shades: Dark cool skin tones can rock the deepest and richest plum shades. Eggplant, wine, and dark mauve are all excellent choices. These colors create a striking contrast and enhance the natural radiance of dark skin.
- Makeup Tips: Don’t be afraid to go bold with plum eyeshadows and lipsticks. A glossy finish can add extra dimension and luminosity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing the Wrong Undertone: As mentioned earlier, ensure the plum shade has cool undertones to complement your skin. Avoid plums that lean too much towards red or brown.
- Overdoing It: Wearing too much plum can be overwhelming, especially if you have fair skin. Balance plum with neutral colors and avoid wearing too many plum-colored items at once.
- Ignoring Your Hair Color: Your hair color can also influence how plum looks on you. If you have cool-toned hair (e.g., ash blonde, silver, black), plum will likely complement your overall look. If you have warm-toned hair (e.g., golden blonde, red, warm brown), you may need to be more careful when choosing plum shades.
- **Forgetting About Your Eye Color: Plum shades can enhance certain eye colors. For example, plum eyeshadow can make blue eyes appear even bluer.
Beyond Clothing and Makeup
Don’t limit plum to your wardrobe and makeup bag. Consider incorporating it into your home decor. A plum-colored throw blanket, accent pillow, or piece of artwork can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your living space.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Plum Power
Plum can be a truly stunning color on cool skin tones when chosen and worn correctly. By understanding your undertone, considering the shade’s depth and undertone, and following these tips, you can unlock the plum’s potential and create a look that’s both flattering and stylish. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the plum shades that make you feel confident and beautiful. The key is to have fun and embrace the power of plum!
FAQ 1: What exactly defines a “cool” skin tone?
Cool skin tones are generally characterized by having undertones of pink, red, or blue. You can often identify a cool skin tone by examining the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones. Another indicator is how your skin reacts to the sun; cool skin tones tend to burn easily and tan less readily compared to warmer tones.
Furthermore, individuals with cool skin tones often find that silver jewelry complements their complexion better than gold. In terms of coloring, those with cool undertones frequently have blue, green, or grey eyes and naturally ash-blonde, brown, or black hair. These traits, while not definitive, offer valuable clues in determining your skin’s undertone.
FAQ 2: Why is matching makeup (like plum) to skin tone important?
Matching makeup colors to your skin tone is crucial for achieving a harmonious and flattering look. When you choose colors that complement your undertones, your skin appears brighter, more even, and healthier. Conversely, selecting shades that clash with your undertones can make your skin look dull, washed out, or even emphasize imperfections.
The right makeup shades can enhance your natural beauty and create a cohesive overall appearance. By understanding your skin’s undertones and selecting makeup that aligns with them, you can avoid creating a jarring or unbalanced look and instead showcase your best features. It’s about working with your skin’s natural coloring, not against it.
FAQ 3: How does plum makeup enhance cool skin tones specifically?
Plum, a color that combines purple and red hues, often contains cool undertones that beautifully complement cool skin tones. The purple aspect can accentuate the blue or purple undertones in the skin, while the red adds a touch of warmth that prevents the overall look from appearing too flat or ashen.
On cool complexions, plum shades can create a natural-looking flush and a healthy glow. It adds depth and dimension without overwhelming the skin, making it a versatile choice for various makeup products like eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick. The key is to find the right plum shade that aligns perfectly with your specific cool undertone (pink, red, or blue) for optimal results.
FAQ 4: What plum shades work best for cool skin tones with pink undertones?
For cool skin tones with noticeable pink undertones, plum shades with a stronger berry or red base tend to be particularly flattering. Think of shades like raspberry plum or wine-stained plum, which echo the natural pinkness in your skin and create a harmonious, unified look. These shades enhance the skin’s natural rosiness rather than clashing with it.
Avoid plums with too much brown or grey, as they can make pink undertones appear muddy. Instead, opt for shades that offer a vibrant and fresh appearance, bringing out the radiance in your complexion. A plum with a slight shimmer can also add a luminous touch, further enhancing the overall effect.
FAQ 5: What if my cool skin tone has blue undertones? Should I still wear plum?
Absolutely, plum can still look stunning on cool skin tones with blue undertones! In this case, look for plums with a greater emphasis on the purple side of the spectrum. These purplish plums will complement the blue undertones beautifully, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look. Think of shades like lavender plum or violet plum.
Avoid plum shades that lean too heavily on the red or warm side, as these might clash with the cooler blue undertones. The goal is to find a plum that harmonizes with the blue rather than fighting against it. A matte finish can also work well, offering a modern and elegant finish.
FAQ 6: Can plum be worn for all occasions on cool skin tones?
Yes, plum is a versatile color that can be adapted for various occasions on cool skin tones. For everyday wear, sheer or muted plum shades in lipsticks or blushes can provide a subtle hint of color that enhances your natural complexion without being too overpowering. Consider a tinted plum lip balm or a light plum blush for a fresh, daytime look.
For evening events or more formal occasions, deeper and richer plum shades can create a dramatic and sophisticated effect. Think of a bold plum lipstick or a smoky plum eyeshadow look. You can also play with different textures, such as a metallic plum eyeshadow or a glossy plum lip, to add dimension and glamour to your overall appearance.
FAQ 7: What other makeup colors pair well with plum for cool skin tones?
When incorporating plum into your makeup look, consider pairing it with other cool-toned colors for a harmonious and balanced effect. Silvery grey, cool browns, and soft pinks are excellent choices for eyeshadows and blushes that complement plum. These colors create a seamless transition and enhance the overall cool aesthetic.
For a complete makeup look, consider using a cool-toned highlighter to accentuate your cheekbones and a cool-toned contour to define your features. When choosing your base makeup, ensure that your foundation and concealer have cool undertones to match your skin and avoid clashing with the plum shades you’ve chosen.