Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Does Color Analysis Do?How Does Color Analysis Work?The Benefits of Dressing in Your Color SeasonDifferent Approaches to Color AnalysisTips for Conducting Color Analysis at HomeApplying Color Analysis in Fashion and Makeup
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Does Color Analysis Do?
How Does Color Analysis Work?
The Benefits of Dressing in Your Color Season
Different Approaches to Color Analysis
Tips for Conducting Color Analysis at Home
Applying Color Analysis in Fashion and Makeup
Close
Have you ever bought an outfit you liked on someone only to realize it didn’t look good on you? If you’re nodding along as you read this, you may want to try color analysis.
According to Caygill, people could be classified into four color seasons based on their characteristics like skin tone and eye and hair color. These are further broken down into numerous subcategories within each primary season (summer, winter, autumn, and spring) to accommodate an individual’s unique traits.
Years later, color consultant Carole Jackson proposed a simpler color analysis scheme in her book “Color Me Beautiful,” spurring the explosive popularity of the concept in the 1980s.
At a GlanceColor analysis has been a staple for stylists and makeup artists for decades. Rooted in color theory, it can help you make more informed decisions about your wardrobe to enhance your overall appearance and develop more conscious shopping habits.
At a Glance
Color analysis has been a staple for stylists and makeup artists for decades. Rooted in color theory, it can help you make more informed decisions about your wardrobe to enhance your overall appearance and develop more conscious shopping habits.
Color analysis is to style what scent profile is to fragrance—they can help add depth and personality to your overall aesthetic.
Color analysis identifies the colors that complement and harmonize your natural palette, which includes skin, hair, and eye color, says fashion designer and stylist, Catherine Bibeau.
This can help you streamline your wardrobe and shop more consciously, says Yenia Hernández Fonseca, stylist and fashion contributor at Margo Paige.
Color analysis has its roots in traditional color theory, which can be traced back to the 18th century when Isaac Newton discovered the color spectrum and subsequently developed the first color wheel.
Color theory is the understanding of how colors interact with each other and how they can be combined to create different effects, says professional makeup artist, Brandy Allen.
“Color analysis and color theory are deeply intertwined. The difference is that color theory explores the relationship between colors and how they can be combined while color analysis applies these principles in practical scenarios,” explains Bree Steele, interior designer and trade manager at RJ Living.
Determining Your Undertone
Assessing skin undertone is the first step in color analysis. According to Fonseca, skin undertones can be categorized into warm (yellow or peach hues), cool (blue or pink hues), or neutral (a mix of both warm and cool undertones).
Understanding your skin undertone can help you choose the best color palettes that play up your complexion. “Without the knowledge of your undertone, you may look washed out or too warm,” says Steve Kassajikian, head of global artistry at Urban Decay.
Color analysis and color theory are deeply intertwined. The difference is that color theory explores the relationship between colors and how they can be combined while color analysis applies these principles in practical scenarios.—BREE STEELE, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND TRADE MANAGER AT RJ LIVING
Color analysis and color theory are deeply intertwined. The difference is that color theory explores the relationship between colors and how they can be combined while color analysis applies these principles in practical scenarios.
—BREE STEELE, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND TRADE MANAGER AT RJ LIVING
An easy way to figure out your undertone is to check how your skin reacts to sun exposure. If you tend to burn easily, you are most likely a cooler undertone. If you burn then tan, you likely have a neutral undertone. And if you just tan easily, you are most likely a warmer undertone, suggests Kassajikian.
Identifying Your Color Season
Seasonal color analysis is the most widely recognized among all color analysis techniques.
According to this method, people can be typed into four seasons—summer, spring, autumn, and winter—based on an individual’s coloration.
“These categories reflect cool and warm undertones, and high and low contrast, to identify which color zones may be washing you out and which colors create a more radiant look,” says Bibeau.
To determine your color season, Fonseca suggests testing different color swatches next to your face under natural light.
Look for colors that remove redness from your skin, brighten your eyes, or create the perfect hair color contrast, recommends Bibeau.
Assessing Contrast Levels
Contrast can be a powerful tool to achieve balance. “Value contrast levels look at the difference between your lightest and darkest features, especially between your eyes, hair color, and skin tone,” Fonseca explains.
High contrast occurs when there’s a big difference between the lightest and darkest values, says Fonseca. For example, fair skin, deep blue eyes, and dark hair. Low contrast, on the other hand, shows little to no difference in your color values, adds Fonseca.
TipWearing outfits that mirror your personal contrast levels ensures you look vibrant rather than dull or overpowered.
Tip
Wearing outfits that mirror your personal contrast levels ensures you look vibrant rather than dull or overpowered.
To know your contrast level, Fonseca suggests taking a selfie under natural light and changing the settings to grayscale. The monotone picture will help you determine the level of contrast between your hair, eyes, and skin, she explains.
Dressing in your color scheme can significantly spruce up your look. Research shows that “improving physical attractiveness” leads to better interpersonal interactions and a corresponding boost inself-esteem.
One study suggests how you dress not only reflects but also affects yourmood. Thus,wearing colors that make you look and feel goodmay positively impact your mood.
Meanwhile, another study published in theAcademy of Management Journalfound that dressing your best (something color analysis can help you with) can improve productivity.
There are various methods of color analysis, including:
Online color analysis tools like apps and websites that offer virtual try-ons may not be as accurate as professional color analysis. Still, they can be a good option if you only want to dip your toes in the trend.
Color Psychology: Does It Affect How You Feel?
Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
DoUse natural light for accurate assessmentWear white or a light shadeTry different color combinationsConsider your eye and hair color as wellExperiment with different textures and materialsTrust your instinctsDon’tWear makeup when doing color analysisOverlook your undertoneUse a colored backgroundBe afraid to step out of your comfort zone
DoUse natural light for accurate assessmentWear white or a light shadeTry different color combinationsConsider your eye and hair color as wellExperiment with different textures and materialsTrust your instincts
Use natural light for accurate assessment
Wear white or a light shade
Try different color combinations
Consider your eye and hair color as well
Experiment with different textures and materials
Trust your instincts
Don’tWear makeup when doing color analysisOverlook your undertoneUse a colored backgroundBe afraid to step out of your comfort zone
Wear makeup when doing color analysis
Overlook your undertone
Use a colored background
Be afraid to step out of your comfort zone
When you try an outfit, see how it affects your coloring. Does it make your complexion look vibrant or washed out? Does it make your eyes look bright or flat?
Choose outfits with undertones similar to your skin for a flattering ensemble.
If a color creates shadows or reflections on your face, it likely doesn’t complement your complexion.
People with high contrasts, like light skin and dark hair, can pull off strong contrasts, such as black and white. Those with little color contrast should avoid intense hues, strong contrasts, and neutral tones that closely match their contrast levels.
When it comes to makeup, having a strong understanding of how colors interact with one another can enhance your features and bring the whole look together, says Kassajikian.
Allen suggests paying attention to your outfit, hair color, and eye color and then choosing makeup shades that either complement those elements or flow next to those colors on the color wheel.
For accessorizing, those with warm undertones can’t go wrong with yellow gold or rose gold. Silver, platinum, and white gold complement cool undertones. Meanwhile, those with neutral undertones can experiment with both silver and gold accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions“Your color season can change throughout the year,” says Bibeau. For example, if you get a tan or change your hair color, you could potentially place yourself in a different category.Color analysis in interior designtakes into account psychological, cultural, and visual effects of colors to create spaces that are similar to the mood and function you want, says Steele.For example, blues and greens infuse a sense of calm, making them perfect for bedrooms.Meanwhile, earthy hues and dark-toned throws are great for a cozy autumn-themed space.Though the science behind color theory has evolved over time, thanks to pioneers like Michel Eugène Chevreul and Albert Henry Munsell, the scientific exploration of color analysis is still relatively new.Moreover, a lack of standard training and approach often means variations in interpretations and results.“There’s a lot we still don’t know,” saysDr. Ray W. Christner, PsyD, NCSP, ABPP. “We’re also uncovering the limitations and gaps in our knowledge,” he adds.It’s also worth noting that “color associations are personal, and we are organically drawn to certain hues,” saysDr. Michele Leno, PhD, LP. These colors may not always align with our prescribed palettes.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Your color season can change throughout the year,” says Bibeau. For example, if you get a tan or change your hair color, you could potentially place yourself in a different category.
Color analysis in interior designtakes into account psychological, cultural, and visual effects of colors to create spaces that are similar to the mood and function you want, says Steele.For example, blues and greens infuse a sense of calm, making them perfect for bedrooms.Meanwhile, earthy hues and dark-toned throws are great for a cozy autumn-themed space.
Color analysis in interior designtakes into account psychological, cultural, and visual effects of colors to create spaces that are similar to the mood and function you want, says Steele.
For example, blues and greens infuse a sense of calm, making them perfect for bedrooms.
Meanwhile, earthy hues and dark-toned throws are great for a cozy autumn-themed space.
Though the science behind color theory has evolved over time, thanks to pioneers like Michel Eugène Chevreul and Albert Henry Munsell, the scientific exploration of color analysis is still relatively new.Moreover, a lack of standard training and approach often means variations in interpretations and results.“There’s a lot we still don’t know,” saysDr. Ray W. Christner, PsyD, NCSP, ABPP. “We’re also uncovering the limitations and gaps in our knowledge,” he adds.It’s also worth noting that “color associations are personal, and we are organically drawn to certain hues,” saysDr. Michele Leno, PhD, LP. These colors may not always align with our prescribed palettes.
Though the science behind color theory has evolved over time, thanks to pioneers like Michel Eugène Chevreul and Albert Henry Munsell, the scientific exploration of color analysis is still relatively new.
Moreover, a lack of standard training and approach often means variations in interpretations and results.
“There’s a lot we still don’t know,” saysDr. Ray W. Christner, PsyD, NCSP, ABPP. “We’re also uncovering the limitations and gaps in our knowledge,” he adds.
It’s also worth noting that “color associations are personal, and we are organically drawn to certain hues,” saysDr. Michele Leno, PhD, LP. These colors may not always align with our prescribed palettes.
6 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cornell eCommons.Color, the Essence of You.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.Color Theory.
University of Hertfordshire.Happiness: it’s not in the jeans.
Kim, J. K., Holtz, B. C., & Vogel, R. M.Wearing Your Worth At Work: The Consequences of Employee’s Daily Clothing Choices.Academy of Management Journal66, 5 (2023). doi:10.5465/amj.2021.1358
New Mexico State University.Determining Personal Colors.
Meet Our Review Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
What is your feedback?
