A Color Analysis session is like having a personal color consultant help you discover which colors make you look your absolute best. Think of it as a beauty consultation focused entirely on how different colors interact with your natural coloring.
Here's what typically happens during a session:
The Setup You'll sit in front of a mirror in good natural lighting, usually with your hair pulled back and wearing minimal or no makeup. The analyst wants to see your natural coloring clearly - your skin tone, eye color, and hair color in their most unfiltered state.
The Draping Process The main part of the session involves "draping" - the analyst will place different colored fabric swatches near your face, usually around your shoulders and chest area. They'll systematically work through various colors, comparing how each one affects your appearance. You might start with different whites and creams, then move through various hues like blues, reds, greens, and so on.
What the Analyst Observes As each color is placed near your face, the analyst (and you) will notice dramatic differences in how you look. The right colors will make your skin appear clearer and more radiant, your eyes brighter, and give you an overall healthy glow. Wrong colors might make you look washed out, tired, or even sallow.
Your Color Palette Based on this process, you'll be assigned to a color "season" or category - traditionally Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter, though many modern systems use more nuanced classifications. You'll receive a personalized palette of colors that work harmoniously with your natural coloring.
Practical Applications The session concludes with guidance on how to use your colors for clothing, makeup, hair color, and accessories. Many people leave with a small swatch book or color fan they can take shopping.
The whole experience usually takes 1-2 hours and can be genuinely eye-opening - many people are surprised to discover that colors they've always loved actually don't flatter them, while colors they never considered become new favorites.