noun

complexion

kum-PLEK-shun/kəmˈplekʃn/

The outward appearance of facial skin.

Her complexion has a warm tone and a natural texture.

Close natural portrait of middle-aged South Asian woman, visible realistic warm skin tone and texture, neutral expression.

Etymology

comLatintogether

+plexLatinto weave, entwine

+ionLatinaction or state

The image of entwining together led to a “combination,” especially the mixture of bodily humors thought to determine health and temperament. Because facial color supposedly revealed that mixture, complexion came to mean the appearance of facial skin.

In context

B-List History14:24

even slight impairment of the liver is often manifested in complexion giving it a dark and sometimes eruptive appearance by restoring this organ to its healthy state the skin again finds its missing freshness

Fever, Ague, and Other Diseases of Bilious Climates

More examples

The cold wind gives his complexion a rosy glow.
She chooses makeup that matches her complexion.
The twins have similar features but different complexions.

Forms

complexion · complexions

Similar words

skin tone: Refers specifically to skin color, not texture or overall appearance.
coloring: Describes natural color, often including hair and eyes as well.