Abstract This research focused on the perceived discriminatory experiences (i.e. colorism and racism) that young African American women report as a function of their actual and perceived skin tone. Colorism is a form of internalized racism when individuals with darker skin tones are discriminated against others. Each participant (N = 76) was given the Pantone SkinTone guide and asked to find the best color (varying on undertone and lightness) that matched closely to their skin tone without feedback from any reflective surfaces and with a handheld mirror. Following that, the researcher identified the participant's skin tone. In addition, participants completed several research questionnaires assessing perceived racism and discrimination. Participants did report discrimination and biases that they regularly experience based on their skin tone and race. Interestingly, we did not find a relationship between skin tone and reported discrimination. While qualitative data suggests that colorism does exist, our quantitative data did not establish a link between lightness of one's skin tone and levels of perceived discrimination. However, individuals who reported a high frequency of experiencing racism in their lives also perceived their skin tone darker without the mirror than with it. This finding establishes a link between negative race-based experiences and one's self-perception of skin tone. While self-esteem did not moderate or mediate the skin tone-discrimination relationship, it was strongly related to reports of racism and colorism. Elena Stepanova, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Psychology The University of Southern Mississippi Owings-McQuagge Hall 118 College Drive, #5025 Hattiesburg, MS 39406 tel: 601-266-4342 email: Elena.Stepanova@usm.edu<mailto:Elena.Stepanova@usm.edu> lab website: http://socialcognitionand.wixsite.com/scbl [http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/banners/readmyarticle/vgen.gif]<http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/iq2JkmjQhKtUdxfeVcCj/full>