A few summers ago, I noticed a significant uptick in email inquiries regarding my custom color analysis service. Prior to this time, I would do a few color analyses annually, so this increased interest was a welcome surprise. Since then, I’ve performed around 75 color analyses on clients of all types of coloring, as many as I had completed in the 15 years prior.
Color analysis continues to be a hot trend with a variety of color systems to choose from. That said, I am pulling back the curtain on my process with the help of local photographer, Marisa Steiner, of MAS Films LLC.
How I Do the Analysis
I use a color kit of about 1,500 individual color swatches. My color analysis system was developed years ago using the Munsell Color Theory as the guide. Albert Munsell, a 19th century artist and professor, was the first person to scientifically categorize color based on its hue, its value, and its intensity.
My first step with all clients is to use my kit to match their body colors: eye color, hair color, skin tone, and blush tones. As you can see here, I have matched the models’ body colors using my kit. Although their body colors are quite different in tone and depth, my kit has a wide variety to choose from.
Once the body colors are on my tray, I am able to build the client’s palette—their best reds, blues, greens, neutrals, metallics, and whites. The client is welcome to stay for part of this process; however, once I pull their body colors, they are free to go. The time commitment for the client is about an hour.
Their custom palette becomes a physical color fan, which is mailed directly to the client typically within a week of the color analysis. As you can see in this photo, the fan is small enough for your handbag. The skin tone paddle is helpful in choosing the right foundation and powders. The “reds” are guides for lip and cheek colors (and fingernail polish). Your fan guides you as you edit poor color choices from your wardrobe and as you shop for your best colors.
Reasons to Do Your Color Analysis
Your color fan is one-of-a-kind, just like you. Color analysis is more than just discovering which hues look best on you—it’s a powerful tool for elevating your personal style and boosting your confidence. Whether you’re revamping your wardrobe or seeking a polished image, understanding your ideal colors is a style game changer.
Here are the top three benefits of doing a color analysis:
1. You’ll Look More Radiant and Energized
Wearing the right colors brings out your natural beauty. When you’re in your best shades, your skin appears clearer, your eyes brighter, and your overall appearance more vibrant. On the flip side, wearing the wrong colors can leave you looking washed out, tired, or even unwell. A color analysis pinpoints the tones that harmonize with your skin, eyes, and hair, helping you look rested and refreshed—without changing a thing about your makeup or hairstyle.
2. Getting Dressed is Easier
Knowing your best colors instantly simplifies shopping and outfit coordination. Instead of guessing what might work, you’ll know which colors to seek out and which to skip. This clarity not only saves time but also helps you build a more cohesive wardrobe. With fewer questionable pieces and more flattering options, getting dressed is faster, easier, and more enjoyable. A curated color palette ensures your clothes mix and match beautifully, leading to smarter wardrobe choices and less clutter.
3. It Increases Confidence and Personal Style
Color has a psychological impact, not only on how others perceive us but on how we feel about ourselves. When you wear colors that align with your natural features and personality, you feel more like “you.” This boosts confidence and helps you present yourself authentically in both personal and professional settings. Whether you’re stepping into a big meeting or attending a special event, the right colors can help you feel poised, polished, and empowered.
It’s Time to Gift Yourself
Color analysis is a smart investment in your style journey. It equips you with knowledge that lasts a lifetime—guiding your wardrobe, enhancing your natural features, and boosting your confidence every time you get dressed. If you’ve ever struggled with color choices or felt unsure about what truly suits you, color analysis offers the clarity and direction you’ve been looking for. Email me to learn more. It is a great gift to yourself!
