Skims Soot vs. Onyx: What's the difference?

While both staples in the Skims color palette, the Soot and Onyx shades serve distinct purposes. Soot is a rich, warm-toned dark brown, offering a softer and more muted alternative to traditional black, while Onyx is a deep, cool-toned true black that delivers a classic, bold look.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide which of these foundational shades is suitable for your style and skin tone.

About the Skims Soot Shade

The Soot shade is Skims' answer to a deep, dark neutral that is not black. It’s a sophisticated dark brown with noticeable warm undertones, designed to blend naturally with medium-to-deep skin tones or provide a softer contrast for those who find true black too harsh.

• What it is: A rich, warm-toned dark brown colorway.
• Key features: Warm undertones that give it depth and softness, making it less severe than a pure black.
• Price: The color does not affect the price, products are priced based on style and material, typically ranging from $30-$80.
• Materials/Construction: Offered across Skims’ signature nylon and elastane fabric blends, with colorfast dyes designed to maintain their richness and resist fading over time.
• Sizing/Fit: Available across the brand’s full and inclusive size range, from XXS to 4X, for most products.
• Pros: A beautiful and subtle alternative to black. Complements warm skin tones perfectly. Versatile enough for everyday wear. Looks less stark under some clothing compared to black.
• Cons: Not a true black for those seeking a classic look. May not be as universally versatile as black for certain wardrobes.

This color is ideal for anyone looking for a dark, foundational shade that feels softer and more natural than a stark black, especially if you have warm undertones.

Shop this shade: skims.com/collections/brown

About the Skims Onyx Shade

Onyx is Skims’ quintessential black. It is an intensely dark, deep black with cool undertones, delivering the classic and timeless look that makes black a wardrobe staple. This shade is designed for a sleek, striking, and universally flattering effect.

• What it is: A deep, cool-toned, classic black shade.
• Key features: True black pigment with cool undertones for a bold, sleek aesthetic.
• Price: Product prices are consistent across all colorways, Onyx is part of the standard pricing structure for each item.
• Materials/Construction: Skims uses colorfast formulas to ensure the Onyx dye stays deep and true across its range of high-performance, comfortable fabrics.
• Sizing/Fit: Consistently available in all sizes, from XXS to 4X, across the majority of Skims collections.
• Pros: Timeless, classic, and pairs with everything. Creates a sleek, slimming silhouette. Perfect for a bold, chic statement. Flattering on cool and neutral skin tones.
• Cons: Can appear harsh against certain paler or warmer skin tones. Can sometimes show more visibly under very light-colored fabric compared to a nude tone.

This shade is perfect for anyone who wants a foundational, true black for a bold, classic aesthetic that is endlessly versatile.

Shop this shade: skims.com/collections/black

Soot vs. Onyx Comparison

Color &, Undertone

The primary difference between these two shades lies in their color and undertone. Soot is unequivocally brown - a deep, espresso-like shade with a warm base that gives it a softer feel. It pairs well with other warm colors and offers a muted, earthy foundation for outfits.

Onyx, on the other hand, is a pure, cool-toned black. It lacks any brown or warm elements, making it crisp and intense. This shade is your go-to for a classic black that provides sharp contrast and a sleek foundation. For skin tones, those with warm or olive undertones may find Soot more flattering, while those with cool or neutral undertones often gravitate towards Onyx.

Style &, Aesthetic

Your choice also depends on your style goals. Soot aligns with a softer, more natural aesthetic. It’s perfect for creating understated, monochromatic looks with other earthy tones or for an everyday basic that feels less severe than a true black.

Onyx provides a bolder, more classic and definitive statement. It's the foundation for a sleek, modern, or evening-appropriate look. It reads as more formal and traditionally chic, making it a reliable choice for shapewear under dark dresses or as a standalone top in a bold loungewear set.

Versatility

Both colors are highly versatile, but they excel in different areas. Onyx is the ultimate chameleon in any wardrobe. As a true black, it pairs with nearly any color, from vibrant brights to muted pastels and other neutrals. It is the safest bet if you need one color to do everything.

Soot offers a more nuanced versatility. It blends beautifully into wardrobes built around creams, tans, olives, and other warm colors. While it might not pair with *every* color in the same way black does, it serves as a sophisticated neutral that adds warmth and depth to an outfit where black might feel too sterile.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both shades are staples, but your final decision comes down to your personal coloring and style.

Choose Soot if:

• You have warm or olive undertones in your skin and find black unflattering.
• Your wardrobe is built around other warm, earthy tones like cream, tan, and olive green.
• You prefer a softer, more muted alternative to a harsh black.
• You want a rich, dark neutral that looks more like a natural shadow on your skin.

Choose Onyx if:

• You're looking for a classic, timeless, true black.
• You have cool or neutral undertones in your skin.
• You want a bold, sleek foundation for your outfits that provides a sharp silhouette.
• Your wardrobe requires a versatile dark neutral that matches everything from brights to pastels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Skims Soot and Onyx?

The main difference is the color and undertone. Soot is a dark brown with warm undertones, while Onyx is a true black with cool undertones. Soot offers a softer appearance, whereas Onyx is bold and classic.

Is Skims Soot a brown or a black shade?

Soot is definitively a warm dark brown. It's one of the darkest brown shades offered by Skims but it is not black.

Is Skims Onyx a true black?

Yes, Onyx is a deep, pure black with cool undertones. It’s the brand's standard and most popular black shade.

Which color is better for fair skin?

This depends entirely on your skin's undertones. If you have fair skin with warm or peachy undertones, Soot might be a more flattering dark neutral. If you have cool undertones (pink, blue), Onyx will likely complement your skin well.

Which shade is better for deep skin tones?

Both are excellent options. Soot can beautifully complement deep skin with warm undertones for a seamless, blended look. Onyx provides a striking, classic look that works well with both deep cool and neutral undertones.

Do items in Soot and Onyx fade after washing?

Skims products are made with high-quality, colorfast dyes designed to minimize fading. To preserve the color, always follow the specific care instructions on the garment tag, which usually involves cold water and gentle cycles.

Can you see Soot or Onyx under white clothing?

Yes, as with any dark garments, both Soot and Onyx are likely to be visible under light-colored or sheer clothing. For a seamless look under white or light fabrics, it is best to choose a Skims shade that more closely matches your skin tone.

Does the price change between colors like Soot and Onyx?

No, the price of a Skims item is determined by its style, collection, and material, not the color. Soot and Onyx are standard color options and do not cost extra.