Subdued shade (6)
I believe the answer is:
pastel
'subdued shade' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for pastel that I've seen before include "Crayon - pale colour" , "Delicate and pale in colour" , "Chalk-like crayon" , "pigments mixed with gum" , "Crayon - gentle shade of colour" .)