Understanding a Winter Person

Winter is usually thought of as a time of cold and darkness. You can always see your breath, your shoes and the bottoms of your pants get wet, and you run out of windshield wiper fluid at the time when you're driving down the freeway and slush is kicked up onto your car. Despite some of the more unfortunate characteristics of winter, the season can be a beautiful time. Picture freshly fallen snow, clear, blue skies, and the cold air that fills your lungs with freshness—that's where the beauty of winter is. Those people whose appearance works best with winter colors give life a cool breath of fresh air, one that wakes you up and sheds new light on beauty.

People who look best in winter colors usually have dark hair, dark eyes, and maybe even dark skin, however there are striking winter beauties with very fair skin. Like the summer palette, winter colors are cool and winter people work best with colors that have a silver or blue undertone. People with really dark hair and really blue eyes (e.g. Frodo Baggins) are usually winters.

The defining characteristic for winters is contrast. Because usually their physical features have contrast, their wardrobes need contrast as well. The stark contrast between jet black and pure white works well with those who have winter complexions; the other seasons have a harder time pulling the black and white look off, but winters don't even have to think about it! Other colors that look great on winters are variations on the primary colors and deep jewel tones.

The difference between summer and winter palettes is the intensity of the color. While both palettes are cool, winter colors are deep and intense, while summer colors are more laid back and muted. Winters can wear bright and vibrant colors, but need to make sure they are still cool colors and don't encroach on the warmer bright colors of spring—that would make for an unattractive look for a winter!

There aren't too many rules regarding makeup for the winters, however they probably wouldn't look the best in earthy toned makeup; earthy tones tend to be too warm for winters and you want the makeup to accentuate and highlight your features. Winters also should approach their hair with caution. Highlights or reddish lowlights will do a lot to harm your winter look—embrace your dark hair and have fun with that! Also with winter hair, keep it shiny. Shiny hair, especially when contrasting with an alabaster complexion, completes the winter style and makes for a stunning and striking look.