Choosing eyeshadow often feels like a guessing game. We pick colors we’re drawn to, hoping they’ll work. But the real secret to a polished look isn’t about finding a pretty color; it’s about finding the right color for you. The most critical factor is your skin’s undertone—the warm, cool, or neutral hue that influences how makeup appears on your skin. Once you know yours, you can confidently select shades that brighten your complexion and make your eyes stand out. This guide demystifies the process, giving you the tools to find the best eyeshadow for medium skin tone every single time.

Key Takeaways

• Look Beneath the Surface to Find Your Undertone: Before choosing a color, identify the natural hue of your skin. Simple tests, like checking if your veins look greenish (warm) or bluish (cool), will guide you to the shades that were practically made for you.
• Choose Colors That Complement, Not Clash: Work with your undertone, not against it. Warm undertones shine in earthy golds, bronzes, and terracottas, while cool undertones are stunning in plums, silvers, and dusty roses.
• Master Your Application for a Polished Finish: The right technique makes all the difference. Always start with a primer for longevity, build your color in thin layers to control the intensity, and blend thoroughly to avoid any harsh lines.

Do You Have a Medium Skin Tone? Here's How to Tell

Before you can find the perfect eyeshadow, you first need to understand your canvas: your skin. If you find that you tan fairly easily in the sun and don't often burn, you might have a medium skin tone. This beautiful range sits right between light and deep, often carrying a naturally warm, golden, or olive glow. It’s a wonderfully versatile skin tone that looks amazing in a wide spectrum of colors.

But identifying your skin’s surface tone is only half the story. The real secret to choosing makeup that makes you look radiant is understanding your undertone—the subtle hue that lies just beneath your skin's surface. Your undertone doesn't change, even if your skin gets tanner in the summer. Figuring out if your undertone is warm, cool, or neutral is the key to selecting shades that truly complement you instead of clashing with your natural coloring. Let’s walk through a few simple ways to figure it out.

What a Medium Skin Tone Looks Like

Think of a medium skin tone as the gorgeous middle ground. It’s richer than fair or light skin but not as deep as dark skin tones. You might describe your skin as tan, olive, or honey-colored year-round. One of the best things about having a medium skin tone is its versatility. You can pull off a huge range of makeup colors, from soft nudes to vibrant jewel tones, without them looking overpowering. The goal is always to enhance your natural warmth and radiance, which is why finding shades that harmonize with your specific undertone is so important. It’s the difference between a good makeup look and a truly flawless one.

Find Your Skin Tone Depth in Minutes

Once you’ve identified that you fall into the medium skin tone category, the next step is to pinpoint your undertone. This is what will guide you to your most flattering shades of eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick. Your undertone is either warm (with hints of yellow, peach, or gold), cool (with hints of pink, red, or blue), or neutral (a balance of both). Knowing this is crucial for picking makeup that complements your complexion. If you’re ever feeling stuck, a one-on-one virtual beauty consultation can offer personalized advice to help you identify your undertones and find your perfect product matches.

The Jewelry Test: Gold or Silver?

One of the easiest and most classic ways to determine your undertone is the jewelry test. Grab a piece of gold jewelry and a piece of silver jewelry. In natural daylight, hold each one up to your face. Which one makes your skin look healthier and more radiant? If gold makes you glow, you likely have warm or golden undertones. If silver is more flattering and brings out the brightness in your skin, you probably have cool undertones. If you feel like you can pull off both equally well, you’re likely in the lucky neutral category.

Check Your Veins to Find Your Undertone

Another quick trick is to look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. Again, make sure you’re in natural light for the most accurate reading. If your veins appear greenish or olive, you have warm undertones. If they look blue or have a purplish tint, your undertones are cool. Can’t quite decide if they’re green or blue? If they seem to be a mix of both, you most likely have a neutral undertone. This simple observation can be a game-changer when you’re standing in front of a counter of blush or eyeshadow, trying to decide which shade will look best.

Why Your Undertone is the Secret to Perfect Eyeshadow

Have you ever tried an eyeshadow color that looked stunning in the pan but fell flat on your skin? We’ve all been there. The problem probably wasn't the eyeshadow—it was the undertone. While your skin tone is the surface color you see (like light, medium, or deep), your undertone is the subtle, natural color that comes from beneath your skin. It doesn't change with a tan or the seasons, and it’s the real secret to finding makeup shades that look like they were made for you.

Choosing eyeshadows that complement your undertone makes your eyes pop and your entire complexion look brighter and more awake. The right shades create a harmonious look, while the wrong ones can make your skin appear dull, ashy, or just slightly off. Think of it as the foundation of your entire makeup strategy. When you understand your undertone, you can select colors that enhance your natural beauty instead of fighting against it. It’s the difference between a good makeup day and a great one, and it makes shopping for new products so much easier and more successful. It’s the key to looking effortlessly put-together.

Spotting Warm Undertones

If you have a warm undertone, your skin has a natural golden, peachy, or yellow hue. A quick way to check is to look at the veins on your wrist in natural light—if they appear greenish, you’re likely warm-toned. Another classic test is jewelry; gold pieces tend to look more flattering against your skin than silver. When it comes to eyeshadow, you’ll shine in earthy and sun-kissed colors. Think rich golds, warm bronzes, champagnes, and terracotta reds. Even purples work beautifully, as long as they lean toward a warmer plum. These shades will bring out the natural warmth in your complexion for a radiant glow.

Spotting Cool Undertones

Cool undertones are characterized by pink, red, or bluish hues in the skin. If the veins on your wrist look blue or purple, you probably have a cool undertone. You’ll also find that silver jewelry complements your skin beautifully. For eyeshadow, you’ll want to reach for colors that have a blue or pink base. Shades like lavender, silver, taupe, and cool-toned browns will look incredible on you. Don’t be afraid to try a deep plum or a shimmering gray to make your eyes stand out. These colors will harmonize with your skin’s natural coolness, creating a look that’s both striking and sophisticated.

What if You're a Neutral Undertone?

If you’ve tried the vein and jewelry tests and can’t seem to land on one or the other, you might have a neutral undertone. This means you have a balanced mix of warm and cool tones in your skin. You’ve hit the jackpot because you can pull off almost any eyeshadow color! The best part is you can tailor your eye makeup to match your mood or outfit. For a soft, natural look, lean into warmer, earthier shades. If you want something more vibrant and bold, cooler tones like silver and bright purples will look amazing. It’s all about having fun and experimenting with the best of both worlds.

Why Undertone Trumps Skin Tone

Ultimately, your undertone is the most critical factor in creating a cohesive makeup look. Two people can have the exact same medium skin tone, but if one has warm undertones and the other has cool undertones, the same eyeshadow palette will look completely different on them. Understanding this is the key to building a makeup collection that truly works for you. It guides everything from your foundation to your blush and lipstick, ensuring every product you use enhances your features seamlessly. Once you know your undertone, you’ll never have to guess which shades will flatter you again.

The Best Eyeshadow Colors for Your Medium Skin Undertone

Now for the fun part. Once you’ve identified your undertone, you can choose eyeshadow shades that truly complement your complexion. Think of your undertone as your built-in color filter—it guides you toward the hues that will make your skin look its most radiant and your eyes pop. While medium skin tones are incredibly versatile, knowing your undertone helps you select colors that create a seamless, harmonious look instead of one that feels slightly off. Let’s find the perfect shades for you.

For Warm Undertones: Go for Gold, Bronze, and Terracotta

If you have warm undertones, your skin has a natural golden or peachy quality. The best way to play this up is by leaning into colors that mirror that warmth. Think rich, earthy tones that feel like a permanent golden hour. Eyeshadows in shades of gold, bronze, and copper will make your skin glow. Don’t be afraid to try warm terracottas, rich greens, or even orange-based reds like a soft rose. These hues will bring out the warmth in your complexion beautifully. Our collection of eye makeup includes gorgeous shimmering shades that are perfect for creating that sun-kissed effect.

For Cool Undertones: Try Plums, Purples, and Silvers

For those with cool undertones, your skin has subtle hints of pink, red, or blue. To complement this, you’ll want to reach for eyeshadows on the cooler end of the color spectrum. Shades of plum, lavender, and mauve are incredibly flattering and can create a sophisticated, striking look. Silvers and cool-toned browns also work beautifully, adding definition without clashing with your skin’s natural coolness. These colors provide a beautiful contrast that makes your eyes the center of attention. You can find some of these stunning shades in our best sellers.

For Neutral Undertones: The Best of Both Worlds

Having a neutral undertone is like having a free pass in the makeup world—you can wear pretty much any color and look amazing. You have a balanced mix of warm and cool tones, so your eyeshadow choice really comes down to the look you’re trying to achieve. For a soft, earthy vibe, you can pick warmer eyeshadows like champagne and taupe. If you’re in the mood for something more vibrant or bold, cooler shades like a deep plum or a shimmering silver will look just as great. Feel free to experiment and build your own collection with a mix of warm and cool shades for any occasion.

Flattering Shades for Everyone

While undertones are a fantastic guide, remember that medium skin tones are versatile and can pull off a wide range of colors. There are no hard-and-fast rules, and your personal preference is what matters most. Some shades are universally flattering and look incredible on just about everyone with a medium complexion. Think shimmering champagnes, soft taupes, and warm rose golds. These colors add a touch of light and dimension to the eyes without being overpowering. If you’re ever unsure where to start, a virtual beauty consultation can offer personalized recommendations to help you find your perfect match.

Our Favorite Eyeshadows and Palettes for Medium Skin

Once you’ve identified your undertone, the fun part begins: choosing your colors. Finding the right eyeshadows can feel overwhelming with so many options out there, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. The secret is to find a few go-to palettes and single shadows that you know will make your eyes pop, no matter the occasion. A well-chosen palette is a fantastic investment, giving you multiple shades that are designed to work together for a complete look, from a simple daytime wash of color to a dramatic evening eye.

Think of palettes as your core wardrobe, while single eyeshadows are the perfect accessories for when you want to feature a specific color. We’ve pulled together some of our favorite eye makeup options based on your unique undertone. And if you love mixing and matching, you can always build your own collection to create a palette that’s perfectly tailored to you. Let’s find your new favorites.

Palettes for Warm Medium Skin

If you have warm, golden, or peachy undertones, you’ll look absolutely radiant in earthy, sun-kissed shades. Look for palettes that feature colors like terracotta, rich bronze, shimmering gold, and warm copper. These hues enhance the natural warmth in your complexion, creating a harmonious and glowing look that never fails. They’re perfect for making your eyes look brighter and more vibrant.

Our go-to for warm medium skin is the Creator Eyeshadow Palette. It’s filled with gorgeous warm matte browns, a stunning shimmering bronze, and a beautiful terracotta that blends like a dream. These shades are incredibly versatile, allowing you to create everything from a soft, natural eye to a bold, smoky look that complements your skin tone perfectly.

Palettes for Cool Medium Skin

For those with cool undertones—think pink, red, or blue hues in your skin—your best eyeshadow shades will lean into cooler tones. Colors like dusty rose, shimmering plum, soft lavender, silver, and cool-toned browns will beautifully complement your complexion. These shades provide a sophisticated contrast that highlights your features without ever looking harsh. Richer, deeper tones also show up beautifully on medium skin, adding depth and dimension.

We recommend the Timeless Eyeshadow Palette for anyone with cool undertones. It features a stunning range of shades, including a cool matte taupe and a shimmering plum that adds the perfect touch of drama. These colors are designed to be buildable and blendable, making it easy to achieve a polished, elegant look that feels both modern and classic.

Palettes for Neutral Medium Skin

If you have neutral undertones, you’ve hit the jackpot. You have a balanced mix of warm and cool tones in your skin, which means you can pull off almost any eyeshadow color. You can play with both warm, earthy shades and cool, silvery hues. This gives you incredible freedom to experiment with your look based on your mood, your outfit, or the season. Some days you might lean into warm taupes and metallic golds, while other days you might prefer soft pinks and cool browns.

Your versatility is the perfect excuse to have more than one palette in your collection. You can confidently use both the Creator and Timeless palettes, mixing and matching shades to create custom looks that are uniquely you.

Must-Have Single Eyeshadows

While palettes are amazing for creating cohesive looks, sometimes all you need is one perfect shade to swipe across your lids for a quick and effortless touch of glam. Building a small collection of must-have single eyeshadows ensures you always have the right color on hand.

For warm undertones, a shimmering champagne like Desire or a rich gold like Gilded is essential for a bright, eye-catching look. For cool undertones, an icy silver like Provoke or a deep plum like Seduce adds instant sophistication. And for a fun pop of color that works beautifully on all undertones, a rich green like Envy can make a stunning statement. These singles are perfect for those days you want maximum impact with minimal effort.

Eyeshadow Application Tips for Medium Skin Tones

Once you’ve found your perfect shades, the next step is mastering the application. The right techniques can make your eyes pop and ensure your look is polished and put-together. Think of your eyelids as a canvas—how you apply the color is just as important as the color itself. From creating a seamless blend to choosing the right finish, these tips will help you get the most out of your eyeshadow collection and complement your beautiful medium skin tone. Let’s walk through the simple steps to achieve a flawless eye look every time.

Blend for a Seamless, Natural Finish

Blending is arguably the most important step for a professional-looking eyeshadow application. The goal is to create a soft, diffused effect with no harsh lines between colors. When you blend thoroughly, you create a seamless gradient that looks natural and effortless. Use a clean, fluffy blending brush and sweep it in gentle windshield-wiper motions along your crease and wherever colors meet. This simple technique melts the shades together, giving you a sophisticated finish that enhances your eyes without looking overdone. It’s the secret to making your eyeshadow look like it was applied by a pro.

Place Color Based on Your Eye Shape

Where you place your eyeshadow can completely transform your look and flatter your unique eye shape. A general rule is to apply darker shades to the crease to add depth, lighter shades to the lid and inner corner to brighten, and a medium transition shade in between. If you ever feel you’ve applied too much dark shadow, don’t panic. Just take a fluffy brush with a bit of light, matte nude shadow and gently sweep it over the area to soften the intensity. Playing with placement allows you to make your eyes appear larger, more defined, or more elongated.

How to Build Color Without Overdoing It

For medium skin tones, it’s best to build color gradually rather than applying a ton of pigment all at once. Highly pigmented or very dark colors can sometimes look stark, so starting with a light hand is key. Tap any excess powder off your brush before it touches your skin. Apply a sheer wash of color first, then slowly add thin layers until you reach your desired intensity. This method gives you complete control over the final look and prevents the shadow from appearing heavy or cakey. It ensures a beautifully blended, dimensional result that enhances your features gracefully.

Pick the Right Finish: Matte, Shimmer, or Satin?

The finish of your eyeshadow adds another layer of dimension to your look. Matte shadows are perfect for creating depth in the crease and are great for everyday wear. Shimmers and metallics catch the light beautifully, making them ideal for the center of the lid to make your eyes pop. Satin finishes offer a subtle, elegant sheen that’s somewhere in between. For cool undertones, try shimmery plums, silvers, and cool browns. If you have warm undertones, you’ll glow in rich golds, bronzes, and coppers. Our Nude Envie eyeshadows come in a variety of finishes so you can mix and match to create your perfect look.

Common Eyeshadow Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the perfect palette, a few common slip-ups can keep you from getting that flawless finish you’re after. The good news is that these mistakes are incredibly easy to fix. Think of them less as rules and more as simple adjustments that make a huge difference in your final look. Let’s walk through a few common eyeshadow missteps and how to correct them, so your eyes always look their absolute best.

Choosing Colors That Wash You Out

We’ve all been there: you see a gorgeous eyeshadow shade in the pan, but when you put it on, it looks… off. This often happens when a color clashes with your skin’s undertone. For medium skin, shades with ashy or icy undertones—like frosty pinks or chalky pastels—can make your complexion look dull or washed out. The key is to choose colors that create harmony, not contrast, with your natural coloring. Instead of fighting your undertone, work with it. This simple shift ensures your eye makeup always looks vibrant and intentional, enhancing your features beautifully.

Applying Eyeshadow in Unflattering Ways

Great application is just as important as the right color. One of the most common mistakes is not blending enough, which can leave harsh lines between colors. Your goal should be a soft, seamless gradient from one shade to the next. Another pitfall is applying shadow without considering your eye shape. A color placed in the wrong spot can make your eyes look smaller or closer together. Take a moment to study your eyes and place darker shades where you want to create depth (like the crease) and lighter shades where you want to highlight (like the inner corner and brow bone).

Skipping Primer and Prep Work

If you find your eyeshadow creasing or fading by midday, a lack of prep is likely the culprit. An eyeshadow primer is a game-changer. It creates a smooth, slightly tacky base that grips onto pigment, making colors appear more vibrant and helping them last all day without budging. Just a tiny amount swept over the lid before you apply shadow makes a world of difference. If you don't have a primer on hand, a thin layer of concealer set with a translucent powder can also work wonders. This step is essential for ensuring your beautiful eyeshadow application stays put from morning to night.

Forcing a Trend That Doesn't Suit You

It’s fun to experiment with new makeup trends, but not every trend works for every person—and that’s okay! Trying to replicate a look that doesn’t complement your skin tone or eye shape can feel frustrating. For example, a super dark, highly pigmented smoky eye might look overwhelming on some, while a softer, diffused version in bronze or plum would be stunning. The secret is to adapt trends to fit you. Feel empowered to build your own collection of shades that you know you’ll love and feel confident in, rather than chasing a look that doesn’t feel like you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I tried the vein and jewelry tests and I’m still not sure about my undertone? Don't worry, it can be tricky to pinpoint, especially if you fall into the neutral category. If you're feeling stuck, think about the foundation shades you’ve used in the past. Do formulas described as "golden" or "honey" blend better, or do "rose" or "cool beige" shades look more natural? If you're still unsure, a one-on-one virtual beauty consultation is a fantastic way to get a professional, personalized opinion to help you find your perfect matches.

Can I still wear eyeshadow colors that aren't recommended for my undertone? Absolutely! Think of these recommendations as a helpful guide, not a set of strict rules. The most important thing is that you feel confident and beautiful in the makeup you’re wearing. If you have a cool undertone but love a warm bronze shadow, go for it! Makeup is all about personal expression, and sometimes the most stunning looks come from breaking the rules.

My eyeshadow always seems to fade or crease by midday. What can I do to make it last? This is an incredibly common issue, and the fix is usually simple: prep your eyelids. Applying a dedicated eyeshadow primer before your shadow creates a smooth base for the color to cling to. It makes the pigment look more vibrant and locks it in place all day. If you don’t have a primer, a thin layer of concealer set with a light dusting of translucent powder works well, too.

My eyelids are a bit darker than the rest of my face. How does this affect my eyeshadow? This is very common for medium skin tones. To make your eyeshadow colors appear true to how they look in the pan, you’ll want to create an even canvas first. Applying a thin layer of eyeshadow primer or a concealer that matches your skin tone will neutralize any discoloration on your lids. This step ensures your shadow looks vibrant and doesn't get lost against your natural skin tone.

What's the single most important application tip for making my eyeshadow look good? If you only focus on one thing, make it blending. Using a clean, fluffy brush to soften the edges where colors meet is the secret to a polished, professional-looking finish. It diffuses any harsh lines and creates a beautiful, seamless gradient of color. Good blending is what separates a decent eyeshadow look from a truly stunning one.