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

The main difference between the Skims Mica and Clay shades lies entirely in their tone and who they are designed for. Mica is a light, neutral beige with warm undertones created for fair to light skin, whereas Clay is a deeper, earthy shade with warm brown undertones ideal for medium to tan complexions. Both shades are part of Skims' core collection, ensuring the same quality and fit across every product.

Here's a detailed comparison to help you find your perfect "nude" and decide which shade is right for you.

Skims Mica

Mica is one of Skims' foundational neutral shades, positioned at the lighter end of the spectrum. It's designed to be a true "nude" for those with fair and light skin tones, offering a seamless look under clothing without showing through. Its warm, subtle undertones prevent it from looking stark or ashy on paler complexions.

• What it is: A light, neutral beige shade offered across Skims' shapewear, underwear, and basics collections.
• Key features: Warm undertones designed to blend invisibly with fair and light skin tones. Perfect for wearing under white, sheer, or light-colored fabrics.
• Price: Price varies by product (e.g., bodysuits range from $38-$68), but the color does not affect the cost.
• Materials/Construction: Made from Skims' signature soft, stretchy blend of nylon and spandex for a comfortable, body-hugging fit.
• Pros: A go-to shade for fair-skinned shoppers. Blends seamlessly under white and pastel clothing. Has warm yet neutral undertones that work with multiple fair skin types. A classic "nude" option.
• Cons: May look too light or create contrast on medium or deeper skin tones. Might not be a perfect match for those with very cool or pink undertones.

This shade offers an excellent, nearly invisible base layer for those with fair to light skin who primarily wear light-colored clothing.

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

Skims Clay

More saturated and warmer than Mica, Clay is a versatile mid-tone nude with rich, earthy undertones. It was created to provide a true skin-like match for individuals with medium, olive, or tan complexions, offering them a flattering neutral base layer that doesn't look ashy or washed out.

• What it is: A rich, mid-tone nude shade with warm, earthy undertones available in core Skims basics and shapewear.
• Key features: Deeper tone designed for medium to tan complexions. Blends effectively into the skin, preventing stark lines or color contrast under outfits.
• Price: Same price as any other color for a given item, typically ranging from $38 to $68.
• Materials/Construction: Utilizes the same high-quality, seamless nylon and spandex fabric blend known for its second-skin feel and lasting stretch.
• Pros: A perfect nude for tanner and olive skin tones. Warm, earthy hue that is extremely flattering. Versatile enough to be worn under both light and dark clothing for those complexions.
• Cons: Generally too dark for fair-skinned individuals. May not be deep enough for dark complexions, who might find a better match with shades like Sienna or Ochre.

Choose this shade if you have a medium, tan, or olive skin tone and find traditional beige shades look pale or unnatural against your skin.

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

Skims Mica vs. Clay Comparison

Color Tone & Undertones

The most telling difference is in the depth and undertone of each shade. Mica is a light beige with a subtle dose of warmth, making it ideal for skin that is naturally fair or light. It functions as a classic nude, meant to disappear and neutralize.

In contrast, Clay has a more saturated, earthy base with pronounced brown and warm undertones. It's visibly richer and deeper, created to match the natural coloring of tan or medium skin. For these complexions, Clay is the true nude, whereas Mica would appear too light and ashy.

Versatility & Styling

When it comes to styling, Mica's primary strength is its performance under sheer, white, and light-colored clothes. For someone with fair skin, it creates a true invisible effect that other colors cannot achieve.

Clay offers versatility for a different reason. Because it matches medium-to-darker skin tones so well, it functions as a seamless base under almost any color of clothing, from a light t-shirt to a darker dress. While Mica is chosen based on clothing color, Clay is chosen to match the wearer’s skin, freeing them to wear it with nearly anything in their wardrobe.

Materials & Quality

There is absolutely no difference in quality, construction, or materials between Mica and Clay. Both are made from the same buttery-soft, high-stretch blend of materials that Skims is known for. Both shades are colorfast, designed to retain their elasticity and form after many washes and wears. Your choice has no impact on the performance or longevity of the garment you are buying.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both shades are excellent staples in the Skims collection, but they serve distinctly different customers.

Choose Mica if:

• You have a fair or light skin tone with neutral to warm undertones.
• You need an invisible base layer to wear under white, sheer, or very light clothing.
• You find that most "nude" shades are too dark or orange for your complexion.
• You're looking for that perfect, classic beige neutral.

Choose Clay if:

• You have a medium, olive, or tan skin tone.
• Standard beige or light nude options tend to look ashy or pale on you.
• You want a warmer, deeper nude that truly blends into your skin.
• You're looking for a versatile shade you can wear under almost any color.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The main difference is the skin tone they are designed for. Mica is a light, neutral beige for fair skin, while Clay is a much warmer, deeper, earthy tone for medium to tan skin.

Is Skims Mica good for pale skin?

Yes, Mica is specifically designed for fair to light skin tones. It has warm undertones that help it blend seamlessly without looking too stark or cool.

Does Skims Clay work for tan skin?

Absolutely. Clay is the ideal option for medium, olive, and tan skin tones. Its rich, earthy notes provide a natural, skin-like finish for those complexions.

Are Mica and Clay priced differently?

No. At Skims, the price is set for the garment style (e.g., a bodysuit, a bralette), not the color. Mica and Clay versions of the same product will always cost the same.

How do I know which Skims color to choose?

The best way is to look at the models on the product pages of the Skims website. They show each shade on a variety of skin tones, which gives you a strong visual guide for making your decision.

Are the materials the same for Mica and Clay products?

Yes, both colorways are made from the same high-quality, signature stretch fabrics. The color does not change the feel, fit, or function of the item.

Do these colors fade easily?

No, Skims products are made with high-quality, colorfast dyes. With proper care (machine wash cold, tumble dry low), both Mica and Clay will maintain their color through many washes.

Which Skims color is darker than Clay?

Shades darker than Clay include Ochre, Sienna, and Umber, which are designed to complement deeper skin tones. Skims offers a wide range of nudes to match as many complexions as possible.