The Four Types of Winter in Colour Analysis
In the 16-season personal colour analysis system, the Winter season is one of the most striking and vibrant categories. This season is characterized by its cool undertones, high contrast, and intense colours. Within the Winter category, there are four sub-types: True Winter, Cool Winter, Deep Winter, and Bright Winter.
By understanding the value, intensity, and undertone of each Winter type, you can select the perfect colours for your wardrobe and makeup, ensuring you always look your best.
Already familiar with the Winter categories? Check out my posts on the different types of Summer, Autumn, and Spring seasons.
True Winter
True Winter is the original, purest form of the Winter seasons. The hues are extra intense, striking, and cold; and True Winter individuals shine in high-contrast and saturated colours.
Value: High contrast between icy and dark
Intensity: Bright and vivid
Undertone: Cool (blue-based)
Colours within True Winter: True Winter colours are cool, bold, and crisp, and includes icy blues, emerald greens, and stark whites. Black and true red are also within this palette.
Colours to avoid: True Winters should avoid warm and muted tones, such as beige, orange, and warm browns, as these can make their complexion look dull or sallow.
True Winter makeup colours:
Lips: Cool reds, berry tones, and fuchsia
Eyes: Charcoal, black, cool blues
Blush: Cool pinks, berry
Cool Winter
Cool Winter sits between Winter and Summer, with colours that are softer than True Winter. Cool Winter individuals can handle a mix of medium and high contrasts.
Value: Medium contrast; light to dark
Intensity: Medium (softer than True Winter)
Undertone: Cool
Colours within Cool Winter: Cool Winter shares some of True Winter’s cool tones, but leans slightly softer. Colours include cool navy, royal blue, cool greys, and pinks.
Colours to avoid: Cool Winter individuals should avoid overly warm shades like orange, yellow, and warm browns.
Cool Winter makeup colours:
Lips: Raspberry, cool and soft pinks
Eyes: Slate grey, navy, cool browns
Blush: Soft pink, rose
Deep Winter
Deep Winter is a transition season between Winter and Autumn, sharing some of the depth and richness of Autumn, but with cooler undertones. The colours are deeper and slightly warmer than True Winter.
Value: Low to medium contrast with deep and dark colours
Intensity: High
Undertone: Neutral leaning cool
Colours within Deep Winter: Deep Winter colours are rich and dark, such as deep plums, dark greens, navy, and black. These colours are intense and highly pigmented.
Colours to Avoid: Deep Winter individuals should avoid light, pastel, and overly bright hues like peach, light yellow, and soft pinks, which can make them look “washed out”.
Deep Winter makeup colours:
Lips: Deep berry, wine, dark red
Eyes: Deep plum, charcoal, navy
Blush: Deep rose, wine
Bright Winter
Bright Winter lies between Winter and Spring, incorporating some of the bright, clear qualities of the latter. This palette features tints that are warmer than True Winter.
Value: High
Intensity: Very high
Undertone: Neutral, leaning cool
Colours within Bright Winter: Bright Winter colours are crisp and clear, such as electric blues, bright pinks, icy yellows, and clear whites. These colours are highly saturated and attention-grabbing.
Colours to Avoid: Bright Winter individuals should avoid muted, earthy, or overly dark shades like olive, mustard, and dark brown.
Bright Winter makeup colours:
Lips: Bright fuchsia, vibrant red, hot pink
Eyes: Bright blue, clear turquoise, bright black
Blush: Vivid pink, bright coral