> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ideogram.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ideogram.ai/prompting/vocabulary/describing-skin-tones.md).

# Describing Skin Tones

Words for skin tone depth, undertone and finish that give more precise results than broad color names.

"Light skin" or "dark skin" leaves a lot to chance. Describe skin with three things: how deep the tone is, its undertone, and how it catches the light.

## Depth

From lightest to deepest:

* **Very light:** porcelain, alabaster, ivory, pale
* **Light:** fair, light beige, cream, peach
* **Light to medium:** beige, sand, light golden, light olive
* **Medium:** golden, olive, honey, tan, warm beige
* **Medium to deep:** bronze, caramel, amber, light brown, copper
* **Deep:** brown, rich brown, mahogany, chestnut, dark brown
* **Very deep:** deep brown, ebony, deep mahogany

## Undertone

Add one of these to pin down the color beneath the surface:

* **Cool:** pink, rosy or blue-ish undertones
* **Warm:** golden, yellow or peach undertones
* **Neutral:** a balance of warm and cool
* **Olive:** a green-gold undertone

## Finish and light

* **Sun-kissed** or **freckled** for skin that shows time outdoors
* **Luminous**, **dewy** or **glowing** for a fresh, lit look
* **Matte** for skin without shine
* **Weathered** for older skin with texture

## Examples

> * A portrait of a woman with deep brown skin and warm undertones, soft window light
> * A fisherman with weathered, sun-kissed olive skin
> * A teenager with fair, freckled skin and cool undertones
> * Two friends laughing, one with light golden skin, the other with rich mahogany skin

Name the tone directly rather than relying on a nationality or ethnicity to imply it. People of every background have a wide range of skin tones.