How To Find the Most Flattering Makeup for Warm Skin Tones

When it comes to finding makeup that complements your features, one of the most helpful things you can do is use your skin’s undertones as a guide. If you have warm skin —meaning your skin has yellow or golden undertones—the most flattering shades are often the ones that mirror that warmth. In other words, the key is to match like with like: choosing makeup colors with similar undertones so everything looks harmonious.

In principle, that sounds pretty simple. But in practice, sometimes finding the perfect lipstick or eyeshadow shades can feel challenging, especially when there are so many colors to choose from. Thankfully, you don’t have to go it alone. Ahead, we’ll explain how to determine if you have a warm skin tone and share our top tips for finding makeup that’ll complement—rather than clash with—your natural sunny undertones.

How To Determine Whether You Have a Warm Undertone

First things first: let’s break down what undertones actually are. Your undertone is the underlying tint or “temperature” of your skin, and unlike your surface tone, it doesn’t change with tanning or seasonal shifts. If you have warm undertones, your skin usually has a yellow or peachy tint and appears more golden than pink. Knowing this makes it easier to pick makeup shades that flatter you most.

Not sure where you fall on the warm vs. cool skin tone spectrum? Try these quick tests:

• Vein test: Look at your wrist veins in natural light. If they appear green, you likely have warm skin. If they look blue or purple, you’re more cool-toned. A mix usually indicates a neutral undertone.
• Jewelry test: If gold jewelry tends to complement your skin more than silver, you likely have warm undertones.
• Sun test: Pay attention to how your skin reacts to the sun. While warm skin can be fair, medium, or deep, it tends to tan when exposed to the sun. Cool skin, by contrast, is more prone to burning.
• Undertone finder quiz: If you’re still unsure whether you have a warm or cool skin tone, try taking our undertone quiz for help determining your skin’s overall temperature.

People with warm undertones often notice subtle hints of gold or peach in their skin, which makes makeup with similar undertones—like warm browns, corals, and golden highlights—especially flattering.

Makeup Recommendations for Warm Skin Tones

Now that you’re caught up on how to assess your undertones, keep scrolling for advice on selecting the most flattering makeup colors for warm skin tones.

Foundation and concealer for warm skin

A flawless makeup look begins with the right base. To find the most flattering foundation and concealer for your complexion, look for a shade that matches both your overtone (light, medium, or deep) and your undertone. For warm skin, that typically means selecting shades with a slight golden or yellow tint.

To make your search simple, shop from a collection with a wide range of shades, like the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation collection. The lineup includes 47 true-to-skin shades, each made with up to six pigments for a precise color match. Each also features a W, N, or C on the label to denote whether the shade is warm, neutral, or cool in tone. You can swatch a few shades on your jawline to find your perfect match, or get help narrowing down your options with our Virtual Foundation Shade Finder.

You’ll want to apply the same principles when choosing your concealer, selecting a shade that closely matches both your skin tone and undertone. The True Match Radiant Serum Concealer comes in 24 skin-like shades in warm, neutral, and cool undertones—and they’re designed to pair seamlessly with the True Match foundation for a your-skin-but-better finish.

Eyeshadow shades for warm skin

Warm-toned makeup shades are especially flattering on warm skin, and eyeshadow is no exception. Earthy neutrals such as copper, bronze, and warm brown, along with rich tones such as terracotta and deep gold, complement golden undertones beautifully.

For a subtle look perfect for daytime, try a soft gold eyeshadow, such as the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Twinkly Rose. If you’d prefer a more striking eye makeup look, deep brown and shimmering bronze work beautifully. Try blending the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Magnetic Bronze with the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Le Shadow Stick in Brown Abyss for an easy (and incredibly flattering) warm-toned smokey eye.

Blush colors for warm skin

Blush can either bring out the best in your warm skin tone or compete with it, so shade selection matters. Cool shades like icy pink or mauve can clash with your skin, throwing your look off balance. For a radiant, healthy-looking complexion, stick with warm, earthy shades, such as peach, coral, or terracotta.

The L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Blush in Subtle Sable is an excellent pick for warm skin, as it boasts a distinct warmth that’ll give your skin a sun-kissed glow. If you prefer liquid blushes, try one of the warmer shades in the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush lineup, such as Dewy Rich Coral or Glowy Gold Pink.

Bronzer and highlighter for warm skin

Bronzer and highlighter can help add dimension to your skin, but choosing the right shades is essential. Cool-toned bronzers in the taupe or gray-brown family can make your skin look ashy or flat. The same applies to highlighters: If you have warm skin, it’s best to steer clear of shades in the silver color family.

Instead, opt for shades that mimic a natural sun-kissed glow. For bronzer, caramel and terracotta tones work well. Try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer in Light Medium if you have fair skin, or opt for a richer shade, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24HR Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer in Deep Dark, if you have deep skin.

For highlighter, champagne, gold, and bronzy tones are all excellent picks. Give yourself a lit-from-within look by sweeping the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick in Glowy Golden Couture onto the high points of your face and blending the creamy formula out with your fingertips.

Lipstick colors for warm skin

Choosing the right lip color is an easy way to make your warm skin tone shine. Shades with cool undertones, like frosty pinks or blue-based reds, can clash with your natural warmth. Instead, go for lip colors that echo your golden undertones—think coral, cinnamon brown, or brick red. These hues can enhance your complexion and give your makeup a cohesive, radiant finish.

For a subtle lip look perfect for daytime, try a tinted, peachy gloss, like the L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil in Nude Macaron. If you prefer a more statement-making lip, try a rich brown lipstick, such as the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Spiced Cider. And if you’re someone who likes to stick to the classics, a red lip is always in style. Finding your perfect red can take some trial and error, but for warm-toned skin, we’re fans of the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in Le Rouge Paris.

FAQs About Warm Skin Tones

What does warm skin indicate?

Having warm skin indicates that your complexion carries golden or yellow undertones. These undertones give your skin a sun-kissed, radiant quality and usually mean you tan rather than burn. Often, those with warm skin also have warm-toned hair and eyes.

Is warm skin the same as olive skin?

Warm undertone skin is not the same as olive skin. Warm skin has golden or yellow undertones, while olive skin typically has a neutral or slightly greenish undertone. Understanding this distinction helps you pick makeup shades that complement your unique undertone rather than assuming all medium or tan skin is warm.

What colors should warm skin tones avoid?

Warm skin tones should generally avoid cool-toned colors that can clash with their natural warmth. Shades like icy pinks, blue-based reds, and cool blues may appear harsh or ashy against golden undertones. Instead, stick to warm undertone makeup shades, such as peach, reddish brown, gold, bronze, and coral.

What are the best everyday makeup shades for warm skin?

The best everyday makeup shades for warm skin are those that enhance your natural warmth and create a harmonious look. Think peachy blush, coral lipstick, and bronze eyeshadow—these shades bring out your golden undertones and give your complexion a natural-looking glow.

Next Up: How Seasonal Color Analysis Can Help You Find Your Most Flattering Makeup

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris