In the world of professional color analysis, pure black and stark white are the "home turf" of the Winter family. But let’s be real: black and white are fashion staples that aren't leaving our closets anytime soon.
If you belong to the other 9 sub-seasons—the Springs, Summers, and Autumns—these high-contrast colors can often feel like they are "wearing you" instead of the other way around. Here is how to use makeup to balance the scales and look radiant in black and white, no matter your sub-season.
The Spring Seasons (Light, True, & Bright Spring)
Springs are defined by warmth and clarity. Black is the polar opposite of the "glowy" Spring vibe, often making these types look a bit "ghostly."
• The Strategy: Re-inject warmth. Use a gold-toned highlighter and a peach-based concealer to combat the shadows black fabric can cast on the face.
• The Power Lip: Don't go for a nude lip, which will make you disappear. Instead, reach for Bright Coral, Warm Watermelon, or Apricot.
• Eye Makeup: Avoid heavy black soot. Use a warm chocolate brown or bronze liner to give the eyes definition without the "harshness" of a Winter look.
The Summer Seasons (Light, True, & Soft Summer)
Summers have a cool, muted elegance. The high contrast of black and white is often too "loud" for their soft features.
• The Strategy: Soften the transition. Since black can make Summer skin look a bit grey, use a cool pink or berry blush to bring back a flush of life.
• The Power Lip: Stick to your "English Rose" roots. A muted mauve, dusty rose, or soft plum lipstick provides enough color to stand up to the black dress without looking like a costume.
• Eye Makeup: Opt for Slate Grey or Navy eyeliner instead of liquid black. It creates the "illusion" of a dark contrast while staying harmonious with your softer iris color.
The Autumn Seasons (Soft, True, & Deep Autumn)
Autumns are the kings and queens of earth tones. Black can strip the "golden hour" glow from an Autumn’s skin, leaving them looking sallow.
• The Strategy: "Spice" it up. Use a matte bronzer to keep the warmth in your skin. If you’re wearing a crisp white shirt—specifically cream white or oyster white (not stark optic white), use a cream-colored eyeshadow base to bridge the gap between your skin and the fabric.
• The Power Lip: This is your time for a statement. A Burnt Orange, Terracotta, or Brick Red lip will dominate the black/white outfit and keep the focus on your face.
• Eye Makeup: Use Copper, Olive, or Deep Espresso tones. These rich colors provide the "weight" needed to match a black outfit while keeping you firmly in your warm palette.
3 Universal Hacks for All 9 Non-Winter Seasons
1. Mind the "Buffer Zone": If you are a warm season (Spring/Autumn), try wearing a statement necklace in Gold or a scarf in your true seasonal colorbetween the black fabric and your face.
2. Beef Up the Brows: High-contrast clothes (Black/White) require more facial "structure." Even if you usually go for a "no-makeup" look, filling in your brows slightly darker than usual helps your face keep up with the outfit.
3. Finish Matters: If you are a Soft Summer or Soft Autumn, avoid high-gloss "wet" looks with black clothes. Opt for velvet or satin finishes in your makeup to match your naturally blended features.
On a side note, it is certainly not "doomsday" for every non-Winter subtype. Two specific groups—Deep Autumns and Bright Springs—act as the closest "neighbors" to the Winter family. Because these seasons share Winter’s traits of high depth or high clarity, they can typically handle black near the face much better than a delicate Light Spring or a muted Soft Summer. For these individuals, the minimalist black-and-white aesthetic isn't an obstacle—it's a versatile extension of their natural intensity.
