Light complexion, blonde hair, blue eyes: At first glance, the Light Summer and Light Spring color types appear very similar. This is why they're often confused. A closer look reveals subtle but crucial differences that can significantly influence your personal style.
In this article, you will learn how to recognize which of the two color types you are, which colors suit you best, and how to perfectly match your wardrobe and makeup to your color type.

Light Summer vs. Light Spring – The most important differences
Both color types belong to the so-called light color types, which tend to focus on lighter colors. Nevertheless, they are based on two different seasonal palettes that differ in their color temperature, saturation, and contrast.
Skin undertone
The skin undertone is arguably the most important aspect in differentiating between the two light color types. While Light Summer is characterized by a cool, rosy undertone, Light Spring radiates more warmth. The skin of Light Summer types often appears fresh, delicate, and slightly bluish, giving it a powdery appearance. In contrast, Light Spring is characterized by a golden, sunny complexion. These differences are particularly noticeable in daylight or when comparing different color shades.
An easy way to test your skin undertone in everyday life is to compare it with jewelry and fabric colors. For example, hold a silver and a gold piece of jewelry up to your face: if your skin radiates fresher and more harmoniously with silver, this indicates a cool undertone. If, on the other hand, gold appears more natural and flattering, this indicates a warm skin type. Fabrics in different shades can also help: Try a soft, cool pink and compare it to a warm peach tone. If the pink makes your skin appear clear and balanced, while the peach makes you look pale or dull, you are probably a Light Summer. If, on the other hand, the warm peach suits you better and gives you a healthy glow, you tend to be a Light Spring.

Hair color
Hair color is another important indicator for determining color type. Light Summer types usually wear ashy blonde to light brown tones with a silvery shimmer. The hair appears rather cool and matte, without golden highlights. Light Spring types, on the other hand, often have golden blonde or warm light brown hair with a golden sheen that makes the hair appear warm. These subtle nuances make all the difference in the overall effect of the appearance.
Eye color
Eye color also provides insight into color type. Light Summer types typically have light, clear shades of blue, gray, or green, characterized by a gentle, cool expression. The colors appear more muted and soft. Light Spring types, on the other hand, often have light blue or green eyes with a golden shimmer or warm flecks. These warm light reflections give the eyes a more radiant appearance.

Your colors, your charisma
Although Light Summer and Light Spring are both light color types, their color palettes differ significantly in their temperature and intensity.
Light Summer belongs to the summer palette, which is characterized by cool, powdery, and soft colors. The colors are always slightly muted and contain a cool undertone with a hint of gray or blue. Typical colors for this color type are pastel blues, lilacs, cool rose tones, delicate lavender, powdery mint, and muted turquoise. Cool, light grays and soft berry tones also fit perfectly. The entire palette appears harmonious, soft, and elegant—never too bright or too warm. If silver jewelry suits you better, this can also be a deciding factor in the cool color palette.
In contrast, the Light Spring color palette radiates much more warmth. Light Spring belongs to the spring palette, which includes warm, clear, and bright colors. The colors are light, but have a golden or yellowish undertone and appear fresher. Soft apricot, warm pale yellow, delicate coral tones, peach, creamy beige, and light turquoise are typical colors for this color type. Even the blues in this palette have a warm tendency, reminiscent of aquatic colors with a hint of green. The color palette overall radiates more freshness and warmth—they are never muted or cool. If gold jewelry suits you better, this can be a deciding factor for the warm color palette.
For the perfect color selection, we recommend our Light Summer Color Guide and Light Spring Color Guide. Both digital guides include over 100 perfectly matched colors, makeup recommendations, and specific brand suggestions—helping you curate your Capsule Wardrobe and makeup products with even more precision.
Discover which colors enhance your natural beauty and start your journey toward a stylish, harmonious wardrobe today!