Skip the pastels, go for jewel tones.

Deep jewel tones — emerald, navy, burgundy — look way better on pale skin than pastels or white. Pastels and light neutrals tend to wash you out, making you look more like a ghost than a glowing beach babe.

High-contrast colors work because they create definition against fair skin. Think rich, saturated shades that pop, not fade. Black is always safe. A bright coral or true red can also work if you want something warmer.

White is tricky — it makes pale skin look even paler, and once it’s wet, it’s basically see-through. Not the vibe.

Spend your money on a color you’d actually feel confident in. That’s the only rule.