Any color significantly deeper or darker than the client's skin tone is called what?

• A. Base color
• B. Highlight color
• C. Contour color
• D. Accent color

Answer: (C)

Contour color is the darker shade used to create the illusion of depth by simulating shadows on the face. This shading defines features like the hollows of the cheeks, the sides of the nose, the jawline, and sometimes the temples, giving the face more sculpted dimension. The base color is the foundation that evens out skin tone, so it’s not meant to create depth. The highlight color is lighter than skin and brings forward areas you want to appear closer, like the tops of cheekbones and the center of the forehead. Accent color refers to additional tones used for emphasis or warmth, not for carving out shadows. So the color significantly deeper or darker than the skin tone is used specifically to contour and define the face.