Have you ever had the experience of seeing someone wearing something they look really great in, say a bright green top and then when you have tried something similar on, it has not looked anywhere near as good? This is probably due to the fact that the colour does not suit your skin tone, but how do you know what skin tone you are and what will suit that skin tone?

Basically there are four categories of skin tone, Winter, Summer, Autumn and Spring and they all have specific characteristics and colours that suit them best. There are also colours that should definitely be avoided by each skin tone.

Below will give you the four skin tones, their characteristics and the colours that suit them. In order to determine which one you are look at the colour of the skin on your under arm in natural daylight and decide which description fits it best.

Winter

If the inside of your arm has blue or pink/rosy undertones then you have a winter skin tone. Generally your skin can be pale and porcelain white, yellowish-olive or dark. You will have a lot of depth to your colouring and there will be a large contrast between your hair colour, eye colour and skin tone. Usually people with a winter skin tone will be brunettes with deep coloured eyes.

The colours you should wear should be sharp, stark and clear. Some of the best ones are black, navy blue, red and bright pink. If you want to wear lighter colours then stick to bright white or icy pastels like cool blues, pinks and yellows.

Colours that should be avoided by you are earthy tones and subdued colours like beige, orange and gold. Also stay away from light-medium browns and camel.

Summer

You are a summer tone if the inside of your arm has blue or pink undertones with very pale and pink skin. This skin tone usually occurs in natural blondes and pale skinned brunettes with pale eyes.

You should stick to muted colours with cool undertones as well as soft neutrals and pastels. The colours that will work best with your skin tone are powder blue, dusty pink, mauve, lavender, plum and pale yellow.

The colours you should stay away from are intense, vivid hues as well as earthy tones. In particular you should try and avoid both black and orange.

Autumn

You are an autumn tone if the inside of your arm has golden undertones like a pale peach, golden beige or golden brown. Usually people with this skin tone will be redheads and brunettes with golden brown eyes as well as golden blonde and black hair colouring, and can tend to have dark eyes.

The best colours for someone with an autumn skin tone to wear are rich golden, spicy and earthy tones. You should also stick to muted and rich warm colours such as camel, beige, olive, orange, gold, dark brown and grey.

The colours to avoid are clear bright colours, in particular black and white should be avoided. It is also a good idea to stay away from pastels and any blue tones.

Spring

You are a spring tone if the inside of your arm has subtle golden undertones, and are usually creamy white or peach with extremely light, ivory skin colour. This skin tone is usually seen in natural golden blondes, auburn or strawberry blond redheads. You will most likely have very clear light blue and green coloured eyes with freckles and rosy cheeks.

You should try and stick to pale, soft colours, such as peach, camel, golden yellow, golden brown, aqua, ivory, bright greens, true reds, clear blues and coral. Fabric textures should have a refined finish, crisp linens, gabardines, and polished cottons.

You should stay away from dark and dull or muted colours. As with autumn you should avoid black and white as these are too harsh for your skin tone.

Spending this time to know what skin tone you are and what colours are best for you is well worth it. Now when you go into a shop you will know what to buy to make the most of what you have instead of hiding behind a colour that does not suit you.