Asian women tend to have two different common types of skin colorings. In some Asian cultures, having very pale skin is celebrated and was, in historical contexts, seen as a sign of affluence and social standing; the skin did not get colored from the sun, because the individual was never exposed to any kind of labor. Although it is still a popular practice for Asian women to bleach or lighten their skin, the most beautiful women will celebrate their skin tone, and bring it out with the most appropriate types of Asian skin makeup.

Most skin colorings can be divided into two categories: Those with cool undertones, and those with warm ones. Asian women can fall into either of these categories. Those with cool skin tones will be able to bring out the porcelain quality of their skin with cool colors, such as purples, shimmery blues, and pinks. Women with warm skin tones will benefit the most from warmer makeup tones, such as corals, browns, greens, and golds.

There is a simple test to determine what type of skin you have. In a room that is adequately lit, simply hold up two different colored fabrics to your face; a cream colored fabric, followed by a pure white one. The color of fabric that makes your skin appear to glow and highlights all of your features the most effectively will determine your skin type. Those that look the best against the pure white can safely assume that they have cool colorings (and should use foundations that either have a pink or blue base,) and those that look the best against the cream colored fabric have warm colorings, in which case, foundation and powder makeup bases should be yellow.