Bright Winter vs Bright Spring
Bright Winter and Bright Spring are some of the rarest and most unique color seasons. Both feature vibrant, high-contrast colour palettes that share a striking clarity and intensity.
Both seasons share brightness / bright chroma (or clarity) as their primary characteristic, being able to wear bold and striking colors like no other and being washed out by colors that are too dull and muted. However, Bright Winter belongs to the Winter family and Bright Spring to the Spring family. One is neutral cool and the other is neutral warm. Bright Winter’s colours are icy and sharp, evoking a crisp, frosty morning, while Bright Spring’s colours feel more playful and warm, like the energetic colours of spring flowers in bloom. If we go back to the colour wheel, we can see that:
Bright Winter belongs to the Winter family and Bright Spring to the Spring family. If we go back to the colour wheel, we can see that:
The winter season is cool, dark, and bright.
The spring season is warm, light, and bright
The Palettes
Bright Winter: Cool, Clear, and High-Contrast
The Bright Winter palette is all about intensity and clarity, with colours that are cool and extremely vivid. These shades have an almost crystalline quality, appearing sharp, high-contrast, and slightly icy. Even the brightest colours within this palette are balanced by cool undertones, making them feel crisp and fresh. Bright Winter colours are the lightest of the three winter palettes, however, they are not as light as those of Bright Spring.
Bright Spring: Warm, Clear, and Radiant
The Bright Spring palette has a radiant warmth to it. Think of the bright colours of spring flowers. The colours are bold, fun, fresh and energetic, creating a sense of warmth and vivacity. Although Bright Spring shades are equally vibrant, they lean toward a golden warmth rather than the icy coolness of Bright Winter. Bright Spring colors are the darkest in the spring family, however, they are not as dark as those of Bright Winter.
How to Determine if You’re a Bright Winter or Bright Spring
The main difference between Bright Winter and Bright Spring lies in their temperature: Bright Winter is cool, while Bright Spring is warm. Both seasons look stunning in bright, saturated colours, but the undertones are what set them apart.
1. Assess Your Skin’s Undertone
Although both Bright Winter and Bright Spring have high clarity, their undertones differ. Some clues for determining which is your best fit:
Jewellery Test: Does silver jewelry make you look more radiant and alive (Bright Winter), or does gold jewelry give you a more vibrant glow (Bright Spring)?
Colour Comfort: Do you feel more at home in icy blues, electric purples, and cool pinks (Bright Winter), or are you more drawn to bright corals, golden yellows, and warm greens (Bright Spring)?
Complexion Glow: Does your skin look clearer and fresher in colors with a cool base, like magenta (Bright Winter), or in colors with a warm, sunny base, like coral (Bright Spring)?
2. Eye and Hair Color
Bright Winter: Bright Winters often have striking, clear eyes, such as cool blue, green, or deep brown with an intense contrast. Their hair is typically dark, with cool undertones—anything from deep brunette to black, giving an overall high-contrast appearance that enhances the coolness of their palette. Many people with luminous dark skin, hair and eyes are Bright Winters.
Bright Spring: Bright Springs have the most variety when it comes to appearance - they can literally have any hair colour and eye colour. However, they’ll always be high-contrast and have striking features. All features should have a slight warm glow about them. As with Bright Winter, many people with luminous dark skin, hair and eyes can also be Bright Springs if they have some warmth to their features.
3. The Color Test
To help determine your season, compare specific colours from the Bright Winter and Bright Spring palettes and see which ones make your skin glow and which feel less harmonious. Notice how your skin tone, eyes, lips and jawline react to each colour.
Bright Magenta vs. Bright Orange: Bright magenta (cool and intense) vs. orange (warm and bright). Which one enhances your natural colouring and brings out your radiance? If you can pull off bright orange, you’re probably a Bright Spring, since this colour is almost impossible for any cool-toned person to wear. If you look amazing in magenta, then you're probably a Bright Winter.
Icy Blue vs. Yellow: Icy blue (cool and frosty) vs. yellow (warm and vibrant). Which colour feels more in sync with your natural tones?
True Red vs. Tomato Red: True red (neutral but with cool undertones) vs. tomato red (warm and bright). Which colour complements your complexion?
This colour comparison can provide insight into which season feels more like “home” and which colours suit you best. Watch for signs that you’re on the right track:
People complimenting your glow or radiance
Feeling energized and refreshed in certain colors
Needing less makeup to look vibrant
Tips for Each Season
Bright Winter: The Cool and Vibrant Palette
The Bright Winter palette is filled with cool, bright colours that are crisp and intense. These colors are bold and high-contrast, making them perfect for those who can pull off striking, dramatic looks. Key colours include:
Electric Blue: A bold, cool blue that’s vibrant and clear.
Bright Fuchsia: A vivid, cool pink with a strong blue undertone.
Icy Turquoise: A bright, cool turquoise with a crisp, clear quality.
True Red: A classic, cool red with no yellow undertone.
Black: The ultimate deep, cool neutral that adds contrast and drama.
Wardrobe Staples: Choose bold, cool colours like electric blue, bright fuchsia, and icy turquoise. Think sharp, structured fabrics that reflect the crispness and intensity of winter.
Makeup: Opt for cool, vibrant tones in your makeup—think bright pinks, cool reds, and icy highlighters. Avoid overly muted, soft, warm or golden shades as these can dull your vibrancy.
Hair Color: Stick to cool-toned hair colours, such as black, deep espresso, or cool dark brown. You can also experiment with a vibrant platinum shade! Stay away from ashy browns, golden blondes or auburns.
Read more about Bright Winters.
More ideas on Pinterest.
Bright Spring: The Warm and Lively Palette
The Bright Spring palette is filled with warm, bright colors that are clear and lively. These colors have a sunny, energetic quality that’s perfect for those who can handle bold, vivid hues with a touch of warmth. Key colors include:
Warm Coral: A bright, warm coral with a sunny, lively feel.
Bright Orange: A vibrant, zesty, clear and warm color.
Lemon Yellow: A vibrant, warm yellow that’s clear and cheerful.
Bright Peach: A lively, warm peach that’s full of energy.
Spring Green: A vivid, warm green that feels fresh and vibrant.
Bright White: A crisp, warm white that adds lightness and contrast.
Wardrobe Staples: Choose bright, warm colors like warm coral, lemon yellow, orange, spring green, and bright peach. Opt for light, natural fabrics in these shades to create a fresh, lively look.
Makeup: Warm, vibrant tones work best for you—think bright corals, warm pinks, and sunny highlighters. Avoid anything too cool, icy or muted.
Hair Color: Embrace warm, golden tones in your hair and stay away from colors that are too cool and muted like ashy browns.
Read more about Bright Springs.
More ideas on Pinterest.
