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peachesnjamm · 1 year ago

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Words for Skin Tone | How to Describe Skin Color

We discussed the issues describing People of Color by means of food in Part I of this guide, which brought rise to even more questions, mostly along the lines of “So, if food’s not an option, what can I use?” Well, I was just getting to that!

This final portion focuses on describing skin tone, with photo and passage examples provided throughout. I hope to cover everything from the use of straight-forward description to the more creatively-inclined, keeping in mind the questions we’ve received on this topic.

Standard Description

Basic Colors

Pictured above: Black, Brown, Beige, White, Pink.

“She had brown skin.”

This is a perfectly fine description that, while not providing the most detail, works well and will never become cliché.

Describing characters’ skin as simply brown or beige works on its own, though it’s not particularly telling just from the range in brown alone.

Complex Colors

These are more rarely used words that actually “mean” their color. Some of these have multiple meanings, so you’ll want to look into those to determine what other associations a word might have.

Pictured above: Umber, Sepia, Ochre, Russet, Terra-cotta, Gold, Tawny, Taupe, Khaki, Fawn.

Complex colors work well alone, though often pair well with a basic color in regards to narrowing down shade/tone.

For example: Golden brown, russet brown, tawny beige…

As some of these are on the “rare” side, sliding in a definition of the word within the sentence itself may help readers who are unfamiliar with the term visualize the color without seeking a dictionary.

“He was tall and slim, his skin a russet, reddish-brown.”

Comparisons to familiar colors or visuals are also helpful:

“His skin was an ochre color, much like the mellow-brown light that bathed the forest.”

Modifiers

Modifiers, often adjectives, make partial changes to a word.The following words are descriptors in reference to skin tone.

Dark - Deep - Rich - Cool

Warm - Medium - Tan

Fair - Light - Pale

Rich Black, Dark brown, Warm beige, Pale pink…

If you’re looking to get more specific than “brown,” modifiers narrow down shade further.

Keep in mind that these modifiers are not exactly colors.

As an already brown-skinned person, I get tan from a lot of sun and resultingly become a darker, deeper brown. I turn a pale, more yellow-brown in the winter.

While best used in combination with a color, I suppose words like “tan” “fair” and “light” do work alone; just note that tan is less likely to be taken for “naturally tan” and much more likely a tanned White person.

Calling someone “dark” as description on its own is offensive to some and also ambiguous. (See: Describing Skin as Dark)

Undertones

Undertones are the colors beneath the skin, seeing as skin isn’t just one even color but has more subdued tones within the dominating palette.

pictured above: warm / earth undertones: yellow, golden, copper, olive, bronze, orange, orange-red, coral | cool / jewel undertones: pink, red, blue, blue-red, rose, magenta, sapphire, silver.

Mentioning the undertones within a character’s skin is an even more precise way to denote skin tone.

As shown, there’s a difference between say, brown skin with warm orange-red undertones (Kelly Rowland) and brown skin with cool, jewel undertones (Rutina Wesley).

“A dazzling smile revealed the bronze glow at her cheeks.”

“He always looked as if he’d ran a mile, a constant tinge of pink under his tawny skin.”

Standard Description Passage

“Farah’s skin, always fawn, had burned and freckled under the summer’s sun. Even at the cusp of autumn, an uneven tan clung to her skin like burrs. So unlike the smooth, red-brown ochre of her mother, which the sun had richened to a blessing.”

-From my story “Where Summer Ends” featured in Strange Little Girls

Here the state of skin also gives insight on character.

Note my use of “fawn” in regards to multiple meaning and association. While fawn is a color, it’s also a small, timid deer, which describes this very traumatized character of mine perfectly.

Though I use standard descriptions of skin tone more in my writing, at the same time I’m no stranger to creative descriptions, and do enjoy the occasional artsy detail of a character.

Creative Description

Whether compared to night-cast rivers or day’s first light…I actually enjoy seeing Characters of Colors dressed in artful detail.

I’ve read loads of descriptions in my day of white characters and their “smooth rose-tinged ivory skin��, while the PoC, if there, are reduced to something from a candy bowl or a Starbucks drink, so to actually read of PoC described in lavish detail can be somewhat of a treat.

Still, be mindful when you get creative with your character descriptions. Too many frills can become purple-prose-like, so do what feels right for your writing when and where. Not every character or scene warrants a creative description, either. Especially if they’re not even a secondary character.

Using a combination of color descriptions from standard to creative is probably a better method than straight creative. But again, do what’s good for your tale.

Natural Settings - Sky

Pictured above: Harvest Moon -Twilight, Fall/Autumn Leaves, Clay, Desert/Sahara, Sunlight - Sunrise - Sunset - Afterglow - Dawn- Day- Daybreak, Field - Prairie - Wheat, Mountain/Cliff, Beach/Sand/Straw/Hay.

Now before you run off to compare your heroine’s skin to the harvest moon or a cliff side, think about the associations to your words.

When I think cliff, I think of jagged, perilous, rough. I hear sand and picture grainy, yet smooth. Calm. mellow.

So consider your character and what you see fit to compare them to.

Also consider whose perspective you’re describing them from. Someone describing a person they revere or admire may have a more pleasant, loftier description than someone who can’t stand the person.

“Her face was like the fire-gold glow of dawn, lifting my gaze, drawing me in.”

“She had a sandy complexion, smooth and tawny.”

Even creative descriptions tend to draw help from your standard words.

Flowers

Pictured above: Calla lilies, Western Coneflower, Hazel Fay, Hibiscus, Freesia, Rose

It was a bit difficult to find flowers to my liking that didn’t have a 20 character name or wasn’t called something like “chocolate silk” so these are the finalists.

You’ll definitely want to avoid purple-prose here.

Also be aware of flowers that most might’ve never heard of. Roses are easy, as most know the look and coloring(s) of this plant. But Western coneflowers? Calla lilies? Maybe not so much.

“He entered the cottage in a huff, cheeks a blushing brown like the flowers Nana planted right under my window. Hazel Fay she called them, was it?”

Assorted Plants & Nature

Pictured above: Cattails, Seashell, Driftwood, Pinecone, Acorn, Amber

These ones are kinda odd. Perhaps because I’ve never seen these in comparison to skin tone, With the exception of amber.

At least they’re common enough that most may have an idea what you’re talking about at the mention of “pinecone."

I suggest reading out your sentences aloud to get a better feel of how it’ll sounds.

"Auburn hair swept past pointed ears, set around a face like an acorn both in shape and shade.”

I pictured some tree-dwelling being or person from a fantasy world in this example, which makes the comparison more appropriate.

I don’t suggest using a comparison just “cuz you can” but actually being thoughtful about what you’re comparing your character to and how it applies to your character and/or setting.

Wood

Pictured above: Mahogany, Walnut, Chestnut, Golden Oak, Ash

Wood can be an iffy description for skin tone. Not only due to several of them having “foody” terminology within their names, but again, associations.

Some people would prefer not to compare/be compared to wood at all, so get opinions, try it aloud, and make sure it’s appropriate to the character if you do use it.

“The old warlock’s skin was a deep shade of mahogany, his stare serious and firm as it held mine.”

Metals

Pictured above: Platinum, Copper, Brass, Gold, Bronze

Copper skin, brass-colored skin, golden skin…

I’ve even heard variations of these used before by comparison to an object of the same properties/coloring, such as penny for copper.

These also work well with modifiers.

“The dress of fine white silks popped against the deep bronze of her skin.”

Gemstones - Minerals

Pictured above: Onyx, Obsidian, Sard, Topaz, Carnelian, Smoky Quartz, Rutile, Pyrite, Citrine, Gypsum

These are trickier to use. As with some complex colors, the writer will have to get us to understand what most of these look like.

If you use these, or any more rare description, consider if it actually “fits” the book or scene.

Even if you’re able to get us to picture what “rutile” looks like, why are you using this description as opposed to something else? Have that answer for yourself.

“His skin reminded her of the topaz ring her father wore at his finger, a gleaming stone of brown, mellow facades.”

Physical Description

Physical character description can be more than skin tone.

Show us hair, eyes, noses, mouth, hands…body posture, body shape, skin texture… though not necessarily all of those nor at once.

Describing features also helps indicate race, especially if your character has some traits common within the race they are, such as afro hair to a Black character.

How comprehensive you decide to get is up to you. I wouldn’t overdo it and get specific to every mole and birthmark. Noting defining characteristics is good, though, like slightly spaced front teeth, curls that stay flopping in their face, hands freckled with sunspots…

General Tips

Indicate Race Early: I suggest indicators of race be made at the earliest convenience within the writing, with more hints threaded throughout here and there.

Get Creative On Your Own: Obviously, I couldn’t cover every proper color or comparison in which has been “approved” to use for your characters’ skin color, so it’s up to you to use discretion when seeking other ways and shades to describe skin tone.

Skin Color May Not Be Enough: Describing skin tone isn’t always enough to indicate someone’s ethnicity. As timeless cases with readers equating brown to “dark white” or something, more indicators of race may be needed.

Describe White characters and PoC Alike: You should describe the race and/or skin tone of your white characters just as you do your Characters of Color. If you don’t, you risk implying that White is the default human being and PoC are the “Other”).

PSA: Don’t use “Colored.” Based on some asks we’ve received using this word, I’d like to say that unless you or your character is a racist grandmama from the 1960s, do not call People of Color “colored” please.

Not Sure Where to Start? You really can’t go wrong using basic colors for your skin descriptions. It’s actually what many people prefer and works best for most writing. Personally, I tend to describe my characters using a combo of basic colors + modifiers, with mentions of undertones at times. I do like to veer into more creative descriptions on occasion.

Want some alternatives to “skin” or “skin color”? Try: Appearance, blend, blush, cast, coloring, complexion, flush, glow, hue, overtone, palette, pigmentation, rinse, shade, sheen, spectrum, tinge, tint, tone, undertone, value, wash.

Skin Tone Resources

List of Color Names

The Color Thesaurus

Skin Undertone & Color Matching

Tips and Words on Describing Skin

Photos: Undertones Described (Modifiers included)

Online Thesaurus (try colors, such as “red” & “brown”)

Don’t Call me Pastries: Creative Skin Tones w/ pics I

Writing & Description Guides

WWC Featured Description Posts

WWC Guide: Words to Describe Hair

Writing with Color: Description & Skin Color Tags

7 Offensive Mistakes Well-intentioned Writers Make

I tried to be as comprehensive as possible with this guide, but if you have a question regarding describing skin color that hasn’t been answered within part I or II of this guide, or have more questions after reading this post, feel free to ask!

~ Mod Colette

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peachesnjamm · 1 year ago

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MariBug/Ladynette

In which Chat Noir and Ladybug get into an argument… and some false conclusions are drawn.

• Ladybug is trying to convince Chat Noir to go see Marinette Dupain-Cheng by himself, for whatever reason, and he gets peeved because she seems to always be avoiding Marinette. Ladybug lies and says the reason is because she and Marinette… don’t really get along.

• Which, to Chat, makes no fucking sense. He’s literally daydreamed about how well the two of them would get along if they ever met each other, so for Ladybug to outright say she doesn’t like Marinette Dupain-Cheng is the most baffling thing ever.

• “How could you not like Marinette??? Are you crazy? She’s literally the nicest person ever, she’s popular with everyone, she’s always willing to lend a helping hand— Which, by the way, you know that because she literally volunteered herself to help capture a fucking AKUMA—”

• “Oh my god Chat, I just don’t like her, let it GO.”

• He doesn’t let it go. In fact, he’s weirdly peeved and moody about it, despite apparently only having met Marinette a handful of times. The next three akuma battles are tense and filled with whiny comments and Ladybug is quickly getting sick of Chat’s bullshit. They start arguing about it again in the middle of the next akuma battle.

• “I don’t have to like everybody, Chat! It’s none of your business who I do and don’t like! Why are you acting like such a child over this?!”

• “I’m a child?! I’m not the one who can’t even face her! I seriously don’t get you, you and Marinette like the same things and have similar personalities, I just don’t understand how you could hate her enough that you can’t even bother to properly protect her! Is that why you just left me by myself during the Evillustrator incident?”

• “I don’t hate her, I just— Look, my reasons for not wanting to face her are my own, dammit Chat, just drop it!”

• He refuses to drop it the entire fight, which is annoying not only because they’re busy fighting, but because Alya’s on the sidelines taking a live video of the whole thing, so at this point everyone can kind of garner what it is they’re talking about. When they purify the akuma, instead of bumping their fists, Chat crosses his arms and pouts like a petulant kid.

• “If you don’t hate Marinette, then why do you have such a difficult time being anywhere near her? And now that I think about it, you totally clam up whenever she’s mentioned, except that one time when you sent me a picture of her and asked me if—”

• He stops, and his eyes go wide. Ladybug can practically see the wrong idea popping up in his head, and she holds back a frustrated groan. Or a laugh. She can’t tell which, she’s, like, too stressed and exhausted to tell.

• “Oh my god, you asked me if I thought Marinette was cute.”

• Alya’s creeping closer now, while the two are distracted, getting better audio on their conversation, and zooming in on the looks on their faces.

• “My lady… Do you have a crush on Marinette Dupain-Cheng?”

• It’s laughter. She’s holding back laughter. Oh, the irony. She has to take a moment to mentally pull herself together, but Chat takes her silence and her carefully neutral expression as a sign of confirmation.

• “You DO!!!”

• Alya’s gaping behind her phone screen as Chat Noir starts raving about how much sense that makes, pointing out literally all the indications that pointed towards Ladybug having a crush on her best friend. She belatedly realises that she just broadcasted Ladybug’s crush on her best friend to the entirety of Paris. INCLUDING HAWKMOTH.

• Ladybug’s earrings beep, and she just zips away without saying anything. Alya finally comes to her senses to shut off the video, at the last second catching Chat’s expression as he turns towards her and realises oh shit he fucked up—

• The video goes viral in seconds, and Alya isn’t fast enough to delete it before it’s already being posted on multiple other websites, and even being broadcasted on news stations. The word is out— The Girl Who Holds The Key To Ladybug’s Heart: Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

• It’s a disaster. There’s literally no coming out of this. Even if she were to deny it now, there’s, like, no way anyone would genuinely believe her. Paris is convinced that Ladybug has a huge lesbian crush on a sweet little bakery girl, and… they’re loving it.

• A surprising amount of people dropped Ladynoir like a hot potato and hopped onto the Maribug/Ladynette bandwagon overnight. There’s fan art. Marinette loves herself, sure, but not this much.

• She angrily calls Chat that night and tells him to meet her at the Eiffel Tower. Immediately.

• She doesn’t even get to tell him off before he’s apologising.

• “I’m so sorry, My Lady, I didn’t see the Ladyblogger there and it was so stupid of me to think that fighting about something like that in public was a good idea, if it’s— If it’s any consolation, I totally understand why you’d have a crush on Marinette. It’s, like, nothing to be embarrassed about. Pretty much everyone has a bit of a crush on Marinette it’s not that surprising, honestly I couldn’t think of a better girl for you—”

• He’s making it really difficult for her to be angry at him.

• “I’m not angry at you for outing my crush, Chat. I’m angry at you because I don’t have a crush on Marinette Dupain-Cheng, and now the entirety of Paris thinks I do.”

• He looks like he doesn’t believe a single word she says. Which is fair, because she’s pretty sure she wouldn’t believe herself either if the positions were reversed.

• Their talk really doesn’t go anywhere. At the end of the day, Chat still thinks Ladybug has a crush on Marinette, and Ladybug can’t convince anyone that she doesn’t. The only thing the talk serves to do is tell her that Chat pretty much thinks the world of her as Marinette and somehow can’t find it in himself to be angry at her for supposedly stealing his Lady’s heart. Which is… wow.

• Marinette is pretty much bombarded both at home and at school, both by her peers and reporters alike. Her classmates, for the most part, are the least most infuriating out of the bunch— a lot of them apparently just pity Ladybug for choosing a girl who’s already got the hots for some other major celebrity.

• Things get… worse.

• Adrien seems weirdly supportive about the whole thing and is somewhat pressuring her into having a go with Ladybug, which… actually sort of pisses her off. Like, a lot. He didn’t even stop to ask if she’d genuinely be interested in dating Ladybug, or if she’s even into girls at all. (She does like girls, but he certainly didn’t know that.)

• Alya, who is aware that Marinette also like girls, keeps giving her glances even though she’s trying really freaking hard not to tell her to go for it. At the very least, she’s trying. It’s sort of the least she could do after accidentally broadcasting that whole conversation. Plus, she’s still team Adrienette all the way, so…. She’s gonna have to force her idol to deal with it. She’s not gonna scheme in Ladybug’s favour.

• Akumas start going after her at first, but they quickly realise that whenever they do that, Ladybug doesn’t come around. They come to the conclusion that Ladybug gets massively shy around her crush, and can’t even work up the guts to fight the damn akuma if Marinette is around. (WHICH IS SO FUCKING RIDICULOUS, MARINETTE CAN’T HANDLE THE IDIOCY OF ALL THIS!!!)

• The hype doesn’t necessarily calm down, although at some point photographers and reporters realise that they won’t be getting anything no matter how long they loiter around the front of the bakery. (Marinette had to take extra care in not transforming into Ladybug in her house, instead sneaking out if there’s an akuma.)

• When it seems like all the reporters and photographers are gone, Chat makes a personal visit to her civilian self to apologise. Which was a mistake. A massive mistake.

• Marichat is trending by tomorrow morning. There’s a picture going around of Chat Noir supposedly “getting friendly” with the bakery girl, leaning against the railing of her balcony and eating a jelly cookie. How is this her life?

• She’s done. There’s no fixing this. This is the end. She’s fucking done. Might as well let this happen. Let it run its course. Oh well.

#Marichat #Ladynoir #miraculous ladybug

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