A lot may feel lost, Taurus, and it is absolutely okay to mourn your journey and feel the heaviness in your heart. But remember, wise people learn from mistakes and look at missed opportunities and seeming failures as lessons that move them in new directions. You are now in a place where you are willing to find a way out of this limbo. You are now in a place where you are willing to try on hats that you have previously denied. You are now in a place where you are at the brink of something new and promising, and are actually willing to plunge into the pool with just your hand floats on. The truth is, Taurus, your indecision will not get things rolling. Your readiness to give something new a shot will.
Cosmic tip: Open your heart to others and give life a chance.
2. Use a dewy foundation, blending it in with a damp sponge for a second skin-like finish. Apply minimal concealer, focused only under the eyes and over any uneven tone.
3. Sweep a soft pink cream blush on the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards for a natural flush.
4. Define the brows with a fine pencil, then brush through for a clean, structured finish. Avoid colouring outside the lines.
5. Sweep a warm brown shadow across the lids and tightline the eyes with jet-black kohl. Gently smudge the kohl just below the lower lash line to elongate the gaze and finish with coats of mascara for lifted lashes.
6. Highlight the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid’s bow with an extra glittery gold hue—it’ll help with the pictures.
7. Line and fill the lips with a rose-pink matte lipstick then lightly blot for a diffused finish. Add gloss if you’re that girl.
8. Finish with a few spritzes of setting spray to keep the makeup fresh and long-lasting through hours of dancing.
Also read:
Soft glam, sculpted waves and a rose-toned lip: Bhumi Pednekar gets it right
Bhumi Pednekar’s handwoven Banarasi sari came with a bustier featuring 3D flowers
For Bhumi Pednekar, holiday fashion is all about layering accessories
Think your skin only falls into the categories of oily, dry, normal, or sensitive? You’re not alone. That’s the go-to way most of us describe our skin. But, there’s another important piece of the puzzle—one that often takes the backseat: your skin phototype.
This isn’t about breakouts, dryness, or shine. It’s all about how your skin responds to the sun. Does its tone deepen easily, or do you burn the second you’re outside? How much melanin does your skin naturally produce? These aren’t just nice-to-know facts—they can help you pick the right sunscreen, prevent dark spots and fine lines, and even lower your risk of certain skin conditions.
We sat down with Chiyoung Kang Park, ISDIN Medical Affairs Specialist, to get the full story. From what phototypes are and how to identify yours, to the best way to protect your skin—here’s everything you need to know.
So, what exactly is a skin phototype?
Phototypes classify your skin based on how it reacts to sun exposure, rather than how oily or dry it feels. As Park explains, “Instead of focusing on whether your skin is dry, oily, or sensitive, we look at how it tans, deepens, burns—or all of the above.”
It all comes down to melanin—the pigment that gives your skin, hair, and eyes their color. Melanin also acts like a natural defense against UV radiation. The more melanin you have, the easier your skin tone deepens and the less likely you are to burn. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need sun protection.
→ Your skin type (not phototype) determines how it behaves on a day-to-day basis. Have you identified yours? Check out our full guide to find out.
How are skin phototypes classified?
In 1975, renowned dermatologist Dr. Thomas B. Fitzpatrick asked a key question: Why do some people burn while others tan?
That curiosity led to what we now call the Fitzpatrick Scale. Park tells us, “It’s a simple but groundbreaking tool that changed the way dermatologists and skincare experts understand skin.”
The scale breaks skin types into six levels based on how much melanin your skin produces and how it reacts to UV exposure. It’s still used today to customize skincare, treatments, and even medical diagnoses.
→ Did you know? Thanks to the Fitzpatrick Scale, we can tailor routines, products, and sun protection to match your skin’s needs.
The six Fitzpatrick skin phototypes
“There are six skin phototypes,” says Park. “Each one is based not just on your natural skin tone, but also on how easily you burn, tan, or react to the sun in general.” Eye color and hair color can help clue you in, too.
Here’s the gist: less melanin = lighter skin = more sun sensitivity. And that usually goes hand-in-hand with lighter eyes and hair.
Phototype
Skin Tone
Eye Color
Hair Color
Sun Reaction
Type I
Very fair, pale, or white
Blue, gray, or light green
Very light blonde or red
Always burns, never tans
Type II
Fair, pink or beige
Blue, green, or hazel
Blonde or light brown
Burns easily, tans lightly
Type III
Light beige or golden
Hazel or light brown
Light to medium brown
Sometimes burns, gradually tans
Type IV
Olive or light brown
Brown
Deep brown to black
Rarely burns, tans easily
Type V
Deep brown
Deep brown
Varying shades of black
Rarely burns, tans deeply
Type VI
Very deep brown to black
Deep brown
Varying shades of black
Doesn’t burn, deepens with ease
How to care for your skin based on phototype
“Think of your phototype like a skincare roadmap,” says Park. “It helps guide you to products and habits that really suit your skin. And figuring it out? It’s actually pretty easy.” Just match your features and how your skin reacts to the sun with the chart above. Then, update your routine and sun care products accordingly.
Here’s where to start:
Phototypes I & II
“You likely have very fair, sensitive skin that burns quickly,” Park explains. The best approach? Avoid direct sun exposure, especially midday.
Make SPF 50+ your everyday must-have—even when it’s cloudy. Look for gentle, fragrance-free formulas with lightweight textures and soothing ingredients like vitamin E and hydrating emollients. And don’t forget to reapply!
→ Did you know: Ever felt itchy or red after your first sun exposure of the season? You might have a common type of sun allergy.
Phototype III
“You’re right in the middle,” says Park. “You can tan, but don’t let that fool you—burns can still happen.” So, stay proactive.
Reach for SPF 30 to 50, and reapply at least every two hours when you’re in the sun. Plus, give your skin some love with deep hydration.
How? Opt for skin and sun care with hyaluronic acid to support your skin barrier and restore balance.
Phototypes IV, V & VI
“Your skin may have more melanin,” says Chiyoung, “but it’s still vulnerable to sun damage and even skin cancer.”
→ Did you know? Higher phototypes may develop fewer wrinkles, but they’re more prone to pigmentation concerns like melasma or post-inflammatory dark spots.
Your questions, answered
Can a dermatologist tell me my phototype?
Usually, no need! The Fitzpatrick Scale is self-assessed and visual, so you can likely figure it out on your own. That said, if you have unique skin conditions or want extra guidance, a dermatologist can always help personalize your care.
Can my phototype change over time?
Not really. Your phototype is genetic. While your skin can react differently to the sun or treatments, how it actually responds to UV—burning or deepening—stays pretty steady throughout life.
Does my phototype affect my skin cancer risk?
Yes, absolutely. The lighter your phototype, the more sun-sensitive your skin is, and the greater the risk of serious skin conditions. But deeper skin isn’t immune—everyone needs daily sun protection, no matter their skin tone.
That’s why protecting your skin is so important, every single day.
More than a type
As Park puts it, “Your skin isn’t just a label or a number—it’s a part of your story.” It changes with you, reflects your lifestyle, and deserves care that meets it where it is.
Understanding your skin phototype isn’t about boxing yourself in. It’s about empowering yourself to care smarter—with science, intention, and personalization. Because sun care isn’t just about how your skin looks. It’s about your health. It’s about prevention. And it’s one of the simplest ways to show your skin some love.
With the right ingredients and a daily routine that fits your lifestyle, you can give your skin exactly what it needs—calming textures, smart protection, and everyday support.
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Editorial Team
Our namesake embodies the spirit of embracing life and all its wonder. As wellness journalists, we explore topics that invigorate the senses and keep curiosity alive. We believe that glowing skin is the result of a healthy body and mind. Weaving beauty with science, we aim to inspire you to live young at every age.
Chiyoung Kang Park
Chiyoung is a pharmacist with a great passion for cosmetics. Also graduated in Business Administration and with a Master’s Degree in Dermopharmacy and Cosmetics, she combines her passion for outdoor sports with skincare. Always active, she lives and appreciates both Spanish and Korean cultures, fusing her knowledge and roots in her professional and personal life.
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