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

The Skims Ochre color is a warm, earthy yellow-brown, giving pieces a sunlit, vibrant feel ideal for warmer skin tones. Skims Clay, in contrast, is a cooler, more muted beige-taupe that offers a classic 'second-skin' look and suits a wider variety of undertones for unparalleled versatility. The core difference lies in their undertone and temperature - Ochre is warm and golden, while Clay is cool and neutral.

Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the right neutral from Skims for your wardrobe and skin tone.

About Skims Ochre

Skims Ochre is a rich, warm neutral designed for those who want their basics to have a touch of sunny personality. Evoking the look of natural, sun-kissed earth, this color features distinct yellow and brown notes that add warmth and vibrancy to any piece from the collection, making it an excellent statement neutral.

• What it is: A warm, earthy yellow-brown color offered in popular collections like Fits Everybody and Soft Lounge.
• Undertone: Warm, with prominent yellow and golden notes.
• Best for skin tones: A great match for medium, tan, and darker skin tones with warm or golden undertones.
• Styling aesthetic: Works well as a sophisticated pop of color that still functions as a neutral. It pairs beautifully with olive green, rust, cream, and other earthy tones.
• Pros: Offers a unique, sunlit look compared to traditional beiges. Exceptionally flattering on warmer complexions. Looks sophisticated and modern.
• Cons: Less versatile than a true neutral like Clay. Can potentially wash out cooler or very fair skin tones.

This shade is perfect for those with warm undertones seeking a rich, sun-kissed neutral that stands out more than a traditional beige.

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

About Skims Clay

Skims Clay is the quintessential minimalist neutral, offering a soft, muted beige-taupe hue that mimics the look of natural clay. Its cool, understated tone is engineered for versatility, providing a seamless, ‘barely there’ foundation that feels like a second skin under clothing or works as a standalone minimalist piece.

• What it is: A soft, muted beige or light taupe shade designed to act as a foundational neutral.
• Undertone: Cool and neutral, with a soft beige base without strong yellow or pink notes.
• Best for skin tones: Highly adaptable across a broad spectrum of skin tones due to its neutral base, from fair to deep.
• Styling aesthetic: Embodies a minimalist and understated chic. Ideal for creating an invisible look under clothing or for sleek, monochrome outfits.
• Pros: Extremely versatile and pairs well with almost any color. Creates a seamless, skin-like effect. A timeless and foundational color.
• Cons: Can feel too understated for those preferring a bit of warmth or color. May appear slightly dull in certain lighting without complementing tones.

Ideal for anyone needing a true, foundational neutral for an invisible 'second-skin' effect or a timeless minimalist aesthetic.

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

Ochre vs. Clay Comparison

Color Tone & Undertone

The primary distinction is the undertone. Ochre is unequivocally warm with its robust yellow-brown character, giving it a lively, sunlit finish. Imagine warm terracotta or a sandy desert at golden hour - that’s the feeling Ochre imparts. It reflects light with a golden sheen and adds warmth wherever it is worn.

Clay is on the opposite side of the spectrum. It's a cool-toned, muted neutral beige. It offers a soft, grounding color with a much more subdued appearance, similar to a smooth stone or natural pottery. It absorbs light in a softer way, ensuring it quietly blends in rather than stands out.

Skin Tone Compatibility

Your skin’s undertone is a huge factor in choosing between these two. Ochre is particularly flattering on individuals with warm, olive, or golden undertones. It enhances the natural warmth in the skin, creating a beautiful and harmonious glow. While it can be worn by others, it shines brightest on warm complexions.

Clay is famously adaptable. Its neutral-cool base makes it a great choice for a very wide range of skin tones. For those with fair skin and cool undertones, it acts as a subtle perfecting layer. For deeper skin tones, it provides a soft contrast without clashing. If you want a ‘nude’ effect but find traditional nudes too pink or yellow, Clay is often the perfect solution.

Aesthetic & Styling

When styling, think about the final look you want. Ochre makes a statement. It’s a neutral, but it has presence. It pairs extremely well with other earthy hues - think olive greens, deep browns, rust, and creams. Worn alone, Skims loungewear in Ochre has a luxurious and intentional look perfect for a chic at-home set.

Clay is the ultimate discreet companion. It’s perfect for shapewear or bodysuits you intend to layer under light-colored, sheer, or white clothing. It’s designed *not* to be seen. As a fashion choice, it communicates a minimalist, effortless style that is clean and modern. It pairs with anything from classic black and white to bold, bright colors where you need a grounding element.

Which Color Should You Choose?

Both shades are beautifully designed, but they function very differently in a wardrobe.

Choose Ochre if:

• You have a warm, olive, or golden skin undertone you want to complement.
• You prefer your neutrals to have a bit of warmth and personality.
• You enjoy styling with other earthy tones like terracotta, rust, and olive green.
• You're looking for a standout color for a loungewear set or visible basic top.

Choose Clay if:

• You need an ultra-versatile neutral that works with everything in your closet.
• You want seamless foundation pieces that will be invisible under sheer or light clothing.
• You have a cool or neutral skin undertone and want a true 'nude' effect.
• You embrace a minimalist aesthetic and prefer understated, foundational colors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Skims Ochre and Clay?

The main difference is their undertone and temperature. Ochre is a warm, yellow-brown color that adds a sunlit glow, while Clay is a cool-toned, neutral beige designed for a seamless, discreet look.

Is Ochre more of a yellow or a brown?

Ochre is a balanced blend of both. It's best described as a golden, earthy brown with strong yellow undertones, similar to the pigment it's named after.

Is Clay a cool or warm tone?

Clay is a distinctly cool-toned neutral. It sits in the beige and taupe family and lacks the yellow, peach, or pink notes found in warmer neutrals.

Which color is better for fair skin?

Clay is generally a more flattering and versatile choice for fair skin, especially for those with cool or neutral undertones, as it provides a subtle, perfecting "second skin" effect. Ochre can sometimes appear "too" yellow against very fair complexions.

Which color is better for olive or tan skin?

Ochre is an excellent choice for olive, tan, and deeper skin tones with warm undertones. Its golden notes beautifully complement the natural warmth in the skin, creating a radiant look.

Can I wear Ochre under white clothing?

While possible, Ochre has enough color presence that it may show through thin, white fabrics. For a truly invisible feel under light clothing, Clay is the recommended choice.

How do I know what my skin’s undertone is?

A simple way to check is to look at the veins on your wrist in natural daylight. If they appear mostly green, you likely have warm undertones (a great fit for Ochre). If they look blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones (a great fit for Clay). A mix of both suggests a neutral undertone, which can suit Clay well.

Do these colors look different in person than they do online?

Yes, screen settings and lighting can alter how colors appear. Ochre might look more golden in sunlight and more brown indoors. Clay might shift between looking like a soft beige or a light, grey-toned taupe. Viewing them on Skims' site on multiple models can help give you a better idea of how it appears on different skin tones.