teint

Teint is the French noun for complexion, referring to the overall color and vitality of the skin. It encompasses hue, brightness, and evenness, and is influenced by melanin concentration, blood flow, lipid content, and health status. The term is widely used in cosmetics, dermatology, and everyday language to describe skin tone and its variation across individuals and populations.

Descriptors in French describe teints by intensity and undertone: teints clairs (fair), teints moyens (medium), teints foncés (dark). Undertones may be chaud (warm), froid (cool), or neutre; additional descriptors include teint rosé (rosy), doré (golden), olive. In cosmetics, the concept of teint is central to shade matching, with produits such as fond de teint (foundation), correcteur, or poudre designed to harmonize the teint with desired coverage or effect.

Teint can reflect health conditions. A pallor or pale teint may signal fatigue or anemia; a yellowish teint can indicate jaundice; flushing or redness reflects blood flow or irritation. Pigmentary conditions such as hyperpigmentation, melasma, or vitiligo produce uneven teint. Dermatology sometimes uses standardized scales, such as the Fitzpatrick scale, to classify skin phototypes that relate to teint and sun sensitivity.

Culturally, teint carries social meaning and beauty norms that vary by region and history. Discussions of teint may intersect with topics such as colorism and representation. In art and photography, accurate depiction of teint depends on lighting, camera white balance, and color management.