Colour analysis consultations are the most popular service available. They are often the subject of discussion on the blogs, in Youtube videos and on social media.
But, what can you expect when you book a colour analysis consultation at the studio? Here’s the low-down.
Arrival
When you arrive for your appointment, I’ll greet you and invite you into the studio. Refreshments are provided and as you get settled on the sofa and fill in a record card, I’ll put the kettle on.
Drink in hand, we’ll have a brief chat about your wardrobe, clothes and expectations.
Introduction to colour analysis theory and science
You’ll hear about the three elements of colour analysis and learn about the core colouring types.
We’ll begin with basic colour theory, the impact of colour and how to wear different shades. I’ll share some advice on what to look for and how to wear colours so you can feel confident about getting the most out of what you already have in your wardrobe.
I’ll explain the science behind colour analysis using Munsell colour theory and the colour wheel which underpins tonal colour analysis. (I’ve talked about the science briefly in the past which you can revisit here)
A colour analysis consultation is not about shoe-horning you into a box, but understanding the relationship between your physical characteristics and how these factors also feature in all colours. This helps you to determine whether a shade of a colour suits you better, or not at all.
To prepare you for the next stage, you’ll take a seat facing a large mirror and I’ll place a white cape around your neck. No need to worry about what to wear, it’s covered here.
Colour testing
In the studio there’s a table top with 145 precision-dyed coloured fabric sheets called ‘drapes’. The drapes don’t lie! They show you the impact of colour against your features so you can understand how to wear it.
Using coloured panels and these fabrics, I’ll place them under your chin and across your chest to determine your core colour type taking into account your physical features. Your core colour type will be one of six – light, deep, warm, cool, clear or soft and muted. Using the fabric helps to show the impact of the colours against your features to create harmony and balance. (I’ve covered the things to avoid recently here).
With your dominant colour type determined, I’ll go on to ‘test’ you twice more in the same way to refine your palette further. These ‘tests’ will assess your sub-dominants (your secondary and tertiary colours), so you have a personalised palette of colours which compliment you the most. Should you decide to book a dominant colour analysis only, this second and third element of testing will be skipped. Your colour type is made up of each of the three elements – the depth, the undertone and the clarity.
The colour swatches
Showing my own fabric colour swatches (there’s 48 in a full palette now)
Having determined your colour type, I’ll put your colour swatches together. There’s an outer wallet cover, inside are strips of card containing fabric samples in plastic which match the precision-dyed drapes in the studio. This opens out so you can see your whole palette of colours together. There’s a summary card and my details included too.
Your colour swatches will help you shop your colours. Use them to review what you’ve already got and when buying anything new. During the session, I’ll explain how to use them and what the symbols and names mean too.
Makeup application
If you booked a session to include a makeup application, we’ll now discuss your skincare and makeup routine before I prescribe and apply your best makeup shades.
The cosmetics and skincare products in the studio are from Colour me Beautiful. The makeup has been specifically designed to compliment each colour type making it a breeze to shop for cosmetics in the colours which suit you. Most products have been manufactured in the UK with some vegan friendly. The entire skincare range is organic and vegan and you can sample most products at home too – just ask.
It’s a great opportunity to sample colours and products you wouldn’t normally as they are only available from Colour me Beautiful consultants.
You’re under no obligation, but all products are available to purchase on the day, and in the future. Anything not in stock, can be posted or collected and bought online through the colour me beautiful shop. Full disclosure: any purchases made through this dedicated website (which contains my name at the top), will generate a payment of commission.
Colour draping and combinations
Face transformed, it’s now time to show you your complete look as we go back to your colours.
During this part of the session, I’ll show you every colour in your swatches including your neutrals. As we go through them, I’ll talk you through how best to wear them and show you different combinations. You’ll have colours you’ve never worn before and some which are more familiar. This is an opportunity to get ideas on how you’ll be able to wear and introduce them once you leave the studio.
Summary and end of session
Having gone through your colours and played with different combinations, we’ll have reached the end of your consultation. Before you leave, I’ll give you some reminders and package up your wallet (30 swatches for a dominant, 42 for your full colour type, 48 for the complete set including the bonus collection card) with any items you’ve bought or included in your session.
After you leave
Most clients head straight home to their wardrobe to review what they’ve got and the rest hit the shops! A colour analysis consultation can last up to 2 hours so you’re unlikely to remember everything we’ll have discussed! So, I always follow up afterwards to help keep you on track and inspire you on your new colour journey using the email address you provided on the record card when you arrived. You can opt-out any time.
I hope this answers any questions you have about what to expect during a colour analysis consultation.