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Greys - warm, cool or what?

gardenchick

Veteran

I was inspired by Angie's post on wearing greys with grey hair. Here are some greys that match my complexion according to the "color lady" who did my colors many years ago. (My hair was brown at that point but these shades probably still work) I don't know exactly how to describe these greys-- warm? cool?

My skin tone is olive--as you can see I wear a lot of richer colors such as blues, browns, purples, etc.

Grey comes in so many different shades! Some are not at all flattering, and I haven't figured out how to find the good ones.

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14 replies

Latest reply was from gardenchick

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It's really hard to judge from a photo like this where the lighting isn't natural. Did your colour person specify a "season" that you fall into?

I don't see greys in the swatches so much as taupe and some browns, or maybe I am missing something? There's one that is a bit hidden, I think? (Or maybe it's my old eyes and tiny screen!)

Sal

Veteran

They look browner greys rather than cooler greys.

I found out how hard grey was when painting my fireplace and matching wallpaper - some tend purple,others brown, others blue and some even to green.

i Can see these brown greys working well as a neutral with wines and teals - on their own they are not my favourite but really nice as part of an outfit.

gardenchick

Veteran

Thanks for weighing in. There are five shades of grey on the bottom of the photo, none are hidden. Anyway here's another image which might be clearer? It's a grey day here in Northern California so not so easy to get a lot of natural light.

Suz - yes, I'm 70% spring and 30% winter, which is why I do well with all the bright colors.

Sal - "browner greys" might be a helpful way to think about it.

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Sal

Veteran

In this pic they look much cooler without much brown at all - undertone is tricky to pick!!

anchie

Veteran

It is also very difficult to judge the color on the screen. This greys look very different in this two pictures. But they look like they belong in the same color family. Are they all unflattering?

Canada

70% spring, which looks best in warm colors, and 30% winter, which looks best wearing cool jewel tones? Hmmm. Does this make your best colors neutrals? I'm not good with colors but I don't blame you for being confused. More often than not, either a warm or a cool color against your face is the preferred choice for hunting flattering tones. I always ask my husband because he has a great eye for colors. ( buy item, bring home, throw it over my shoulder so it hangs near my face. " can I wear this color?" A nod yes or a no and my choice is done!) Is there anyone you trust who could help narrow your color selections?

shiny

Veteran

I'd try taking the photo with the swatches on a white background. The yellow flooring will cast yellow on the swatches.

It's weird that in your first photo the grey swatches are definitely reading brown, whereas in the second photo they look more blue toned. I think this is because in the first photo the swatches are next to red swatches.

I suck at colors but I do know they are relative to what's around them!

Canada, the 70/30 thing makes some sense to me. I veer much farther towards cool tones (summer) but can get away with some autumn colors. And with the L'Oreal True Match foundation I absolutely need the neutral shade -- the cool shades read too pink on me. Plus when I get highlights they need to be neutral -- neither too warm/golden nor too cool/ashy. I'd say I'm primarily cool toned though.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This pic looks completely different! They look cooler!

gardenchick

Veteran

Thanks everyone for chiming in. Probably the second photo is more accurate since it is taken with natural light whereas the light may have been a little yellow for the first shot.

The greys in the swatch are supposed to flattering shades. I just don't completely understand how to distinguish them from the unflattering shades of grey!

Overall I wear warm and cool colors. It's more about finding colors that have enough vibration (that's the word I use, someone else may have a better one) to be flattering. Eg earth tones are too muddy, black washes me out. This photo shows my whole color wheel --mostly not neutrals, as you see.

Bright color is a big part of how I dress, but I'm interested in mastering greys too

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Gigi

Veteran

It looks like some of the grays have a purply or greenish cast to them, if that is helpful at all.

I have a hard time with gray too. I pretty much try to stay away from lighter grays, which I think are tougher to match if you wear deep colors well. I stick to medium and dark grays, and then I just have to try them on to see what works. I also find that the right makeup can help me wear a not-so-perfect gray. If the gray is too cool, I wear cooler makeup.

gardenchick

Veteran

Gigi - that is helpful. And you're right about the lighter greys-- they don't seem to go with anything else I own or am interested in buying.

I like the idea that these might be purplish or greenish greys.

DonnaF

Veteran

Your colors look a lot cooler than mine, but your grays look similar if that makes any sense. I am about 70% spring (neutral), 20% autumn (warm) and 10% winter (cool). I can wear a lot of grays, but I would say they are neutral or cool, not warm brownish ones. I started off with brownish black or off black hair if that makes any difference. My brown eyes are coolish.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Gardenchick, is your hair a cooler or warmer grey? You can probably wear both.

gardenchick

Veteran

Thanks Angie! I believe it’s a cool grey.