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April 24, 2025

Easy Ways to Do Skin Tone Analysis at Home With Your Kid

We’ve all been there, momma. The closet's overflowing and somehow your kid insists that neon green leggings go with a sparkly orange top… again. That’s where skin tone analysis comes to the rescue, and yes, you can totally do it from your kitchen table. No makeup counters, no fancy appointments, just you, your little style star, and maybe a snack bribe or two.

At Lola and the Boys, we’re moms, too. We get the chaos, the creativity, and the sass. So we’re breaking down how to help your kid rock colors that make them shine with easy tips you can try while sipping your second coffee (or third, we’re not judging).

Why Skin Tone Analysis is a Mom Hack You’ll Love

Before you think this means following fashion “rules,” let us stop you right there. This is really to help our kids feel good about what they wear and make it easier for us to pick clothes, because shopping for kids should be fun, not stressful.

Here’s what a little skin tone analysis can do for you and your mini-me:

  • Helps kids choose outfits faster (yes, even the picky ones)
  • Makes shopping simpler by knowing what shades work best
  • Builds confidence. Kids can actually feel the difference when colors flatter them
  • Cuts down on outfit meltdowns (theirs... and yours)
  • Creates space for more creativity and self-expression

We’re not here to box your kid in. We’re here to help them shine in the colors that love them back.

Step 1: Start With Natural Light and a Clean Face

Skip the overhead lighting and head for a sunny window. Midday light is your best friend here. Have your kiddo sit near the light with no makeup, tinted sunscreen, or distracting colors around the face. Pull the hair back, and let that natural glow show.

Now the fun part: grab a white shirt or towel and drape it under their chin. Then hold up something off-white or beige and compare.

  • If white looks better, your child likely has cool undertones.
  • If the beige is more flattering, you’re probably working with warm undertones.
  • Can’t tell the difference? You might have a neutral on your hands!

It’s not scientific, it’s mom-sense, and we’re here for it. Knowing your kid’s tone makes it easier to find the best colors for kids’ skin tone—think blush pinks for cool tones or warm corals for warmer skin. It’s a whole vibe!

Step 2: The Vein Test That Actually Works

Sounds weird, but trust us on this. Have your kid extend their arm and look at the veins on the underside of their wrist.

  • Bluish or purple veins? That’s usually a sign of cool undertones.
  • Greenish veins? You’re likely looking at warm undertones.
  • Can’t decide? Then you might have a neutral-toned superstar.

This is another quick mom trick to support your skin tone analysis at home, and it’s oddly satisfying when it all clicks.

Step 3: Try the Gold vs. Silver Test

Raid your jewelry drawer or hit up your accessories bin. Hold both gold and silver near your child’s face—no need to actually wear them.

  • Silver pops? Cool undertones.
  • Gold glows? Warm undertones.
  • Both look great? Lucky you, that’s neutral.

This trick also doubles as a way to help kids choose outfits when accessories come into play. Now when your daughter wants to wear that sequin jacket, you’ll know which color tee underneath will really make her shine.

Step 4: Make It a Dress-Up Day

Here’s where the magic happens. Grab a bunch of their tops or accessories in different shades and make it a game. Try these categories:

  • Warm tones:mustard yellow, coral, olive, peach, brick red
  • Cool tones: lavender, teal, royal blue, rose pink, icy gray
  • Neutrals:soft white, blush, taupe, denim blue, classic black

Ask your kid how they feel in each; let them be the mirror. Do their eyes pop? Does their skin look fresh? Are they grinning in that electric blue tee? That’s your cue.

Step 5: What Works for Each Undertone

Now that you’ve cracked the code with skin tone analysis, it’s time for the fun part, figuring out which shades will have your kid looking like a total style icon (without you fighting them on their outfit choices every morning).

🌸 For Cool Undertones

Cool undertones love colors that mirror their natural undertone, think icy, crisp, and blue-based shades. These colors brighten up cool-toned skin and make features pop.

Best color picks:

  • Lavender, lilac, and icy pink
  • Sky blue and navy
  • Cool-toned greens like mint or teal
  • Crisp white and charcoal gray
  • Jewel tones: emerald, sapphire, amethyst

🌸 For Warm Undertones

Warm undertones glow in earthy, sunny, and golden hues. These colors bring warmth to their skin and make them look vibrant and full of energy.

Best color picks:

  • Coral, peach, and golden yellow
  • Olive, mustard, and khaki
  • Warm browns and creamy beige
  • Tomato red and sunset orange
  • Off-white over pure white

🌸 For Neutral Undertones

Neutrals are the lucky ones. Most colors look great on them, especially muted or balanced tones—not too warm, not too cool.

Best color picks:

  • Soft pink, blush, and taupe
  • Denim blues
  • Light gray and soft navy
  • Classic red and true green
  • Ivory and dusty pastels

Step 6: Build a Go-To Color Cheat Sheet

Now that you know what colors complement your child’s skin tone, it’s time to simplify the chaos. We’re talking about that moment when you’re already running 10 minutes late and they can’t decide which of their seven graphic tees to wear.

Create a quick cheat sheet (or even let your child draw theirs if they’re the artsy type). List:

  • Their best base colors for tops
  • Accent colors for accessories or layering
  • "Yes, please!" colors that light up their whole vibe

Keep this color list taped inside the closet or in a drawer so your kid can grab and go. This little hack empowers them to help choose outfits, all while sticking to shades that work best for their skin tone.

And if your kid lives in graphic tees like ours do, we recommend checking out the It’s Me, Hi Sequin Shirt. it's edgy and perfect for kids who know their style.

Step 7: Let Them Break the “Rules” with Confidence

The goal of skin tone analysis is self-expression with a boost of know-how. We want to raise kids who feel good in what they wear, who understand what works for them, and who aren’t afraid to add a little glitter when the mood hits.

Let them play with contrast. Layer those wild shades. Add a pastel tutu over camo pants if that’s their thing. Use skin tone analysis as the foundation, but don’t let it stop the fun.

Step 8: Shopping Smarter with Skin Tone in Mind

Once you've got a solid handle on your child's undertone, shopping becomes so much easier. No more impulse buys that end up buried at the bottom of the drawer. No more color battles or morning chaos. With skin tone analysis in your back pocket, you can shop with purpose, not panic.

Here’s how we do it at Lola and the Boys (with coffee in one hand and a cart full of sequins in the other):

Know Your Kid’s Power Colors

These are the go-to shades that light up your child’s face, match their personality, and give them that “I’ve got this” glow. Keep these shades top of mind when:

  • You’re shopping for photo day
  • Grabbing special occasion outfits
  • Picking seasonal wardrobe staples
  • Shopping ahead for growth spurts

A great example? Our Kaleidoscope Sequin Bomber works like a charm for cool tones, but honestly, it’s got that universal sparkle that even neutral and warm-toned kids can pull off.

Step 9: Growth Spurts Are Real, So Shop With Flexibility

They grow overnight—literally. One day it’s size 6, the next you’re checking your closet for missing hoodies. When using skin tone analysis to plan ahead, focus on:

  • Layering pieces in their power colors, sized up for longer wear
  • Stretchy styles and elastic waistbands for comfy transitions
  • Timeless tones that’ll still flatter as they grow

Step 10: Get Your Kid Involved in Their Own Style

Now that you’ve done the behind-the-scenes mom work, let your kid join in. Skin tone analysis helps them learn how to choose outfits that make them feel confident and seen.

Let them pick their weekly outfits using their best colors. It gives them a sense of control and builds awareness of how different shades make them feel. You can also show them how to mix and match colors that work well for their tone.

They’ll catch on quickly and it’s a great way to raise confident little decision-makers who look super cute doing it.

Dress Confidently with Lola and the Boys

Ready to turn your kid’s closet into a color-powered confidence zone? At Lola and the Boys, we’ve made it easy to shop by vibe, sparkle, and tone, with stylish, comfy pieces your kid will actually wear.

We’re here for the moms who want fashion that works and wows. From cool-toned jackets to warm-toned dresses and color-versatile statement pieces, you’ll find exactly what fits their look and their personality.

Shop the latest at lolaandtheboys.com and dress your child in colors that let them shine—on their terms.