Difference Between NW and NC (With Table)

For most of you people out there these two terms or abbreviations (NW and NC) can be new because these terms are used when we are talking about cosmetics-related subjects. NC stands for neutral cool whereas NW stands for neutral warm. Both might be confusing sometimes but they are different in some ways or other.

If you have enough knowledge about cosmetics then these terms might be familiar to you. However, cosmetics manufacturers use these kinds of terms and abbreviations so that they can classify their different cosmetics products.

NW vs NC

The difference between NW and NC is that NC is for warm, yellow undertones whereas NW is for cool and pink undertones. NW and NC are terms that are usually used to classify skin products like foundations and concealers. If one needs to determine the perfect foundation or concealers then that depends on the skin tone of an individual.

Each person has got a skin tone and undertones and a person’s skin tone and undertone can be determined just by looking at the veins near the wrist. One of the easiest ways to determine one’s skin tone and undertone is this way only.

Comparison Table Between NW and NC

Parameters of ComparisonNWNC
Stands forNeutral WarmNeutral Cool
IndicatesIt is a terminology used by cosmetics brands and industries to determine a product’s shade or colour.This is also a terminology used by cosmetics brands and industries.
NumbersNumbers are used to show the various range of shades like pale shade and dark shade.This also has the same case as of NW showing various numbers to show the depth of a cosmetic product’s shade or colour.
ForNW stands for neutral warm and is for warm toned people and undertones.Neutral cool is for cool toned people undertones.

What is NW?

NW stands for neutral warm. NW is a term used by cosmetics brands and manufacturers and often people get confused with the term NC. Whenever a cosmetic manufacturing company launches their various skin products like foundations then the NC term is used.

It is especially the females who have the knowledge about which cosmetics brands to use. However, it is the skin tone and undertones that help in determining which cosmetics should be the best for someone.

Cosmetics have become a massive part of our life because people need to look good whenever they are outside their house. The makeup industry have flourished and has become a huge industry in today’s world because people want to look perfect whenever they go to offices or any occasion and such.

Now, distinguishing which shade or cosmetics is very important because it must suit you and your skin tone and undertone. Suppose if you are having a warm tone then it is natural that the warm shades will suit you.

It is the cosmetic company that will suggest you that which one should you go for. MAC cosmetic brand had reversed the scheme on their cosmetic products. This reversal had confused a lot of people those who had changed their cosmetics brand to MAC products.

However, there are several instructions guide available on the internet for choosing the best cosmetic for you depending on your skin tone. Warm-toned people will use warm shades to look better and with cool skin tones people should use cool shades.

What is NC?

NC stands for neutral cool or naked cool is another type of terminology that is used by the cosmetics brands and manufacturers to distinguish products for different kinds of skin tones. NC and NW are terms used commonly and are often confused since MAC reversed the scheme.

MAC is a huge cosmetics company and many people became confused when they reversed the scheme of NW and NC. However, depending upon one’s skin tone and undertone should choose the ideal product for themselves.

NC is nothing but a terminology used for people who have cool skin tones. If you have a cool skin tone with a blue or a pink undertone is determined by looking at the wrist of a person showing a blue coloured vein. The blue coloured vein indicates blue undertone.

There are numbers mentioned or given that represents various ranges of shades like light shades and dark shades. It is with the help of the numbers given that will show the depth of a particular product’s shade or colour.

Main Difference Between NW and NC

  1. NC stands for neutral cool or naked cool whereas NW stands for neutral warm.
  2. Both these terms are terminologies used by cosmetics companies or manufacturers.
  3. Cosmetics companies and industries use these terminologies so that they can classify their products for various types of skin tones.
  4. NW stands for neutral warm and is for warm toned skins. The indication becomes easier for people to know which one is the best for their skin.
  5. Both NC and NW show the depth by the help of numbers. Each number shows the depth of a particular product’s shade or its colour.


In the end, it is the skin tone and undertone of an individual that show all the difference. If you have a warm skin tone then there are specific type of products for that particular type of skin. Cosmetics should also match your skin tone and it should not be that the cosmetic product is not suiting your skin. In most case that can be dangerous too and it can harm your skin. However, other than using several types of cosmetics products one should be natural and take care of their skin naturally.

2D vs 3D