In 1993 we conducted a poll to find out the most popular colors in America. Blue was voted the most popular CRAYOLA Crayon color. Rounding the top ten were red, violet, green, carnation pink, black, turquoise blue, blue green, periwinkle and magenta.

In 2000, we did another Crayola Color Census, and blue again reigns as number one! Six other shades of blue finished in the Top 10 including cerulean, midnight blue, aquamarine, periwinkle, denim and blizzard blue.  The other colors rounding out the list included purple heart, caribbean green and cerise.

Primary Colors: Primary colors are the foundation for creating other colors. They cannot be created by mixing other colors together. The primary colors are:

• red
• blue
• yellow

Secondary Colors: Secondary colors are created by mixing two primary colors.

• red + yellow = orange
• yellow + blue = green
• blue + red = violet

Tertiary Colors: Tertiary colors are created by mixing primary colors and adjacent secondary colors on the color wheel.

• red + orange = red orange
• green + yellow = yellow green
• blue + violet = blue violet

Need a visual? Learn more about blending and mixing colors on Crayola's color theory page.

Have questions? Call or text us at 1-800-272-9652 weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time. Text charges may apply. If you would prefer to send us an email, please visit our Support Page.

Throughout Crayola's history, several crayon colors have been retired, marking significant moments in the evolution of our vibrant palette.

1990
For the first time in Crayola history, eight colors were retired and placed in the Crayola Hall of Fame: blue gray, green blue, lemon yellow, maize, orange red, orange yellow, raw umber, and violet blue. Eight new colors were added: cerulean, dandelion, fuchsia, jungle green, royal purple, teal blue, vivid tangerine, and wild strawberry.

2003
Celebrating a century of bringing color to the world, Crayola introduced four new colors named by Crayola fans! To make room for the new hues, we bid farewell to blizzard blue, magic mint, mulberry, and teal blue. The four new colors that were introduced are: inchworm, jazzberry jam, mango tango, and wild blue yonder. Kudos to our hue heroes - the consumers who voted in the "Save the Shade" campaign, ensuring burnt sienna stayed in the pack.

2017
To mark National Crayon Day on March 31st, we announced Dandelion was leaving the pack. To honor this iconic color, we sent Dandelion on a retirement tour to his favorite places. His replacement, Bluetiful, was announced on May 5, 2017.

Looking for more historical facts about our colorful company? We've got them on the Crayola History page!

What are skin tones?

Your skin tone is the genetic amount of melanin, naturally occurring dark brown or black pigments, in the outermost layer of your skin. Skin tones can change over time for various reasons.

What is your skin tone?

There are 3 traditional skin tones: Light, Medium, and Deep.

• Light or fair skin tone: Contains a small amount of melanin within the skin.
• Medium skin tone: Contains a fair amount of melanin within the skin, is a neutral color, and has a beige appearance. This skin tone is often referred to as an “olive” color.
• Deep skin tone: Contains a large amount of melanin within the skin.

What are undertones?

Undertones are the natural colors underneath the surface of your skin. Because undertones are under the surface of the skin, you can have the same skin tone as another person, but have a completely different undertone. Undertones are not based on skin tone. For instance, a light skin tone can have a warm undertone and a deep skin tone can have a cool undertone. Also, undertones remain the same, even when you tan. There are 3 traditional undertones: Rose, Almond, and Golden.

• Pink, blue, and/or red hues under the skin = Rose, pink, or cool undertone
• A mixture of warm and cool hues typically the same color as your skin tone = Almond, neutral, or olive undertone
• Peach, yellow, and/or gold hues under the skin = Golden or warm undertone

What is your undertone?

You can identify your undertone by using the color of your veins. In natural light, what color are the veins under your skin on the inside of your arm or wrist?

• Blue and/or purple veins = Rose or cool undertone
• Colorless, same color as your skin, and/or a combination of blue and green veins = Almond or neutral undertone
• Green and/or olive veins = Golden or warm undertone

Tips for selecting your Colors of the World skin tone crayon color:

• Check out the color panels on the side of the Colors of the World crayon box.
  • Match: Use crayon box color panels or create color swatches.
  • Select: Pick colors closest to your skin tone.
  • Color: Draw your #TrueSelfie with your unique colors!

Another way to find your skin tone crayon is to color a small area on a piece of paper with the crayon colors closest to your skin tone. Compare the areas with the inside of your arm or wrist, and select the crayon color that best matches your skin tone.

Learn more about this colorful collection.

If you have additional questions, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to call or text us at 1-800-272-9652 weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time. If you would prefer to send us an email, visit our contact us page.

According to Merriam-Webster, the proper pronunciation of crayon is in two syllables: krā-än. However, variations in pronunciation may occur due to individual and regional dialects. It's important to note that "crayon" is a generic term, while Crayola® is our company name and a registered trademark brand.