Skims Clay vs. Sienna: What's the difference?

The core difference between Skims' Clay and Sienna shades lies in their undertones and the skin tones they are designed for. Clay is a light-to-medium neutral with cool, beige undertones, making it an ideal "nude" for fair to medium skin. In contrast, Sienna is a richer, medium-to-deep shade with warm, golden-caramel undertones, created to seamlessly blend with deeper complexions.

Here’s a complete look at these two popular shades to help you find your perfect match.

Skims Clay

Clay is one of Skims' most versatile neutral shades, celebrated for its ability to function as a perfect nude for those with fair, light, and medium skin tones. It strikes a sophisticated balance between beige and soft taupe, characterized by its distinctly cool or neutral undertones that prevent it from appearing too yellow or orange.

• What it is: A foundational shade in the Skims color palette designed for light-to-medium skin tones.
• Color Profile: A soft, muted taupe-beige with primarily cool undertones. Resembles a gentle, earthy clay color.
• Best For Skin Tone: Ideal for individuals with fair, light, and medium complexions, especially those with cool (pink, red) or neutral undertones.
• Price: The price is determined by the garment, not the color. Items range from approximately $20 to over $100.
• Pros: A highly versatile neutral that disappears under light-colored clothing. Complements cool-toned skin beautifully without looking orange. Offers a chic, minimalist aesthetic.
• Cons: Can look dull or ashy on skin with very warm, golden, or deep undertones. May not provide the "nude" effect for those with medium-deep to deep skin.

This shade works best for anyone with a lighter complexion seeking a true "second-skin" neutral that remains invisible under clothing.

Shop this product: skims.com/collections/fits-everybody

Skims Sienna

Sienna is a warm and rich shade developed as part of Skims’ commitment to deep, inclusive color palettes. It's engineered to be a flawless nude for those with medium to deep skin tones, featuring prominent warm undertones that bring a beautiful vibrance. Its golden and caramel notes ensure it enhances, rather than dulls, richer complexions.

• What it is: A rich, warm nude shade designed specifically for medium-to-deep skin tones.
• Color Profile: A warm, caramel-brown shade with visible golden, tawny, or reddish highlights.
• Best For Skin Tone: Perfect for individuals with medium, tan, and deep complexions, especially those with warm (golden, olive) undertones.
• Price: The color does not affect the garment's price, fitting within the standard Skims price range.
• Pros: A beautiful and effective nude for melanin-rich skin. Provides a seamless, invisible look under clothing for deeper skin tones. Warm undertones prevent an ashy appearance. Celebrated for its inclusivity.
• Cons: Appears too dark or orange on fair and light skin tones. The warm undertones may clash with very cool-toned complexions.

This shade is the perfect match for those with warmer, deeper skin tones who have struggled to find a true nude from other brands.

Shop this product: skims.com/collections/pro-essentials

Skims Clay vs. Sienna Comparison

Color &, Undertone

The primary distinction between Skims Clay and Sienna is their color composition. Clay is a muted, cool-toned shade. Think of a subtle taupe or beige with grayish, nearly lavender undertones that give it a sophisticated and neutral finish. It lacks strong yellow or orange pigments, which makes it ideal for neutralizing against skin with pink or blue undertones.

Sienna, on the other hand, is defined by its warmth and richness. It's a vibrant caramel-brown packed with golden, tawny, and even reddish undertones. This warmth is intentional, designed to match the natural glow of deeper complexions and prevent the gray, ashy look that poorly matched nudes can create on darker skin.

Skin Tone Suitability

Your ideal choice depends entirely on your skin tone and its undertones. Clay is the go-to for fair, light, and some medium skin tones. If your skin has cool or neutral undertones and you often find nude shapewear appearing too yellow or peachy on you, Clay will likely be a perfect, seamless match.

Sienna is specifically formulated for medium-to-deep skin tones with a warm base. If other nudes look pale or ashy on you, Sienna's golden warmth will provide the right amount of depth and color to blend invisibly. It’s a celebratory shade that provides a true skin-like finish for a wider range of caramel and brown complexions.

Price, Fit &, Materials

It’s important to note that when choosing between Clay and Sienna, you aren’t choosing between different products. These are simply color options within the same product lines, like the Fits Everybody or Seamless Sculpt collections. Therefore, there is absolutely no difference in price, quality, fit, or the materials used.

A Bralette in Clay will cost the exact same and be made of the same stretchy, seamless fabric as one in Sienna. Both colors are available in Skims' renowned inclusive sizing (often from XXS to 4X), ensuring a consistent and reliable fit regardless of the shade you choose.

Which One Should You Choose?

While both are excellent neutrals, they serve completely different complexions.

Choose Clay if:

• You have fair, light, or light-medium skin.
• Your skin has cool or neutral undertones (pink, red, or beige).
• You want a subtle, sophisticated neutral that avoids leaning too warm or yellow.
• You’re looking for a shade that will disappear under white, cream, and pastel clothing on lighter skin.

Choose Sienna if:

• You have medium, tan, or deep skin.
• Your skin has warm undertones (golden, olive, or caramel).
• You often find that "nude" or "beige" shades from other brands look ashy or pale on you.
• You want a rich, warm brown that complements your skin’s natural tones.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Skims Clay and Sienna?

The main difference is color and undertone. Clay is a light-medium, cool-toned beige-taupe for fairer skin. Sienna is a medium-deep, warm-toned caramel-brown for deeper skin.

Is Skims Clay good for fair skin?

Yes, Clay is specifically designed for fair, light, and medium skin tones with cool or neutral undertones. It’s one of the best "nude" options in the line for those complexions.

Is Sienna the same as brown?

Sienna lives in the brown family, but it's more nuanced. It’s a warm brown with distinct golden and caramel undertones, crafted to match a specific range of tan and deep skin tones, rather than being a simple, flat brown.

Can I wear Sienna if I have fair skin?

While you can wear any color you like, Sienna will not function as a "nude" on fair skin. It will appear as a rich caramel color and will be visible under light clothing. If you are looking for a shade that blends in, Clay would be a better choice for fair skin.

How do I find my undertone to choose the right shade?

A quick way to check is to look at the veins on your wrist. If they look predominantly blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones (ideal for Clay). If they appear greener, you probably have warm undertones (ideal for Sienna). If you can't tell, you may have neutral undertones.

Are the colors on the Skims website accurate?

Skims does a good job of representing its colors, but screen settings and lighting can cause slight variations. It’s helpful to look at customer photos on social media using hashtags like #SkimsClay or #SkimsSienna to see the colors on different people.

Do Skims colors fade after washing?

Skims garments are known for maintaining their color well. To ensure longevity, follow the care instructions on the label - typically, this means washing on a delicate cycle in cold water and laying flat or hanging to dry.

Which Skims shade is darker than Sienna?

Shades like Cocoa and Onyx are darker than Sienna. Skims offers a deep range of nudes, with Sienna sitting in the medium-deep category, followed by several choices for even richer, deeper skin tones.