Bright Winter vs Deep Winter
The whole question of bright winter vs deep winter turns on a single thing: does your face come alive in clear, icy shades, or in deep, dark ones?
The one test that settles it
Do dark plum and black lose out to crisp snow white plus bright cyan on you?
You're Bright Winter if bright cyan and snow white make your face glow, while dark plum all over gives you a heavy look.
You're Deep Winter if black and dark plum suit your rich coloring, yet bright cyan is too loud on your skin.
Bright Winter and Deep Winter side by side
Bright Winter
Signature colors
- Bright Magenta
- Bright Cobalt
- Bright Emerald
- Bright True Red
- Icy Aqua
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- Soft Coral#DA8F7C
- Mahogany#742F25
- Dusty Apple Green#90B07F
- Denim#4C73A5
- Soft Rose#C68C98
- Teal#00787D
Deep Winter
Signature colors
- Deep Burgundy
- Deep Emerald
- Dark Violet
- Deep Cherry
- Sapphire
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- Bright Copper#D56400
- Pale Coral#FFC4B5
- Soft Coral#DA8F7C
- Dusty Apple Green#90B07F
- Mahogany#742F25
The two seasons share neutral cool undertones and wear strong contrast far better than muted pastels.
Both seasons sit on the cool side, and the test below helps you find which type of cool you are.
- Deciding test: Do crisp snow white paired with bright cyan suit you better than dark plum and black?
- Bright Winter if: Icy white and bright cyan flatter you
- Deep Winter if: Dark plum and black suit your deep coloring
Bright Winter and Deep Winter under other names
Clear winter simply means Bright Winter, and dark winter simply means Deep Winter. The names change, the comparison stays the same.
Bright Winter is winter at its clearest: cool undertones with high contrast. Deep Winter is the dark, cool one, made for rich, shadowy shades.
Comparing the palettes
| Bright Winter | Deep Winter | |
|---|---|---|
| How deep the shades sit | Medium | Deep |
| Metals | Shiny polished silver and white gold | Silver, platinum, gunmetal |
| Top neutral | Black | Black |
| Standout shades | Bright magenta, cobalt, emerald, true red and icy aqua | Dark violet, deep cherry, deep burgundy, deep emerald and sapphire |
| Shades to pass on | Mahogany, soft coral, denim, dusty apple green and soft rose | Bright copper, pale coral, dusty apple green, soft coral and mahogany |
Trying both palettes at home
Park yourself near a bright window in daylight with no makeup on, so your skin shows as it truly is. Daylight works better than indoor bulbs, which change how skin looks.
- Drape tops in snow white and bright cyan beneath your chin.
- Study your reflection, then trade those for dark plum and black.
- Weigh the two against each other. Note the shadows under your eyes, any gray tint, and whether your skin appears even.
The stronger set leaves your skin smooth and rested. The weaker set drains you, leaving you looking weary, washed out or heavy.
How to tell you're a Bright Winter
You probably lean Bright Winter when snow white and bright cyan flatter you while all dark plum weighs you down. More signs:
- Pure black and pure white look crisp on you rather than washing you out.
- A shirt in bright magenta or cobalt makes your eyes stand out at once.
- Muted, earthy shades such as olive or mustard leave your skin gray and tired.
- Silver jewelry sits well on your skin, while yellow gold reads brassy.
- Soft pastel lipstick leaves your face pale and somehow unfinished.
Signs you are a Deep Winter
You probably lean Deep Winter when deep plum and black suit your coloring while bright cyan feels too loud. More signs:
- Black sitting just below your chin leaves your skin looking clear and smooth.
- Light pastels drain color from your face and leave it pale.
- Warm orange and golden brown turn your skin yellow or muddy.
- Dark berry lipstick wakes up your face without reading as heavy makeup.
- Silver and dark gunmetal jewelry suit you better than yellow gold does.
Where do the two overlap?
Each one has neutral cool undertones, so the tone under your skin leans cool. Each handles strong contrast far better than muted pastels. Black works as the best neutral for both. Soft Coral, Mahogany and Dusty Apple Green appear on both lists of colors to avoid.
If you're still between them
Put on an outfit that's all black. A Deep Winter usually looks rested in black from head to toe. A Bright Winter usually wants snow white or icy aqua close to the collar, or black can feel heavy.
Lipstick on bare skin works too. Try a bright true red, remove it, then try a deep cherry. The shade that smooths out your skin tone reveals your season.
Treat any quiz or home test as a first step. A mirror check in daylight, or an in-person draping session, can settle it.
Questions people ask
Is it fine to borrow shades from the other winter palette?
It is. Let your own strongest shades stay nearest your face. Wear borrowed shades below the waist, away from your face.
What makes yellow gold jewelry unflattering for both seasons?
Cool is the common thread, so metals in the silver family suit you better. Bright Winter glows with polished silver or white gold. Deep Winter glows with silver, platinum or gunmetal.
Is dark hair and dark eyes a requirement for winter?
No. Undertone and the way your coloring responds to color decide it, not hair and eye color by themselves. The daylight mirror test is the more reliable guide.