How To Find Your Personal Color Palette: A Guide to Personalized Color Analysis

In this post, I’ll introduce a series of simple self-tests on how to find your personal color palette . You can do them at home to uncover your ideal colors.

Having personally explored this topic and received numerous requests, I’m excited to share the best tips on finding your perfect color palette.

Today, let’s explore some quick tests you can perform at home to begin understanding your unique attributes and the colors that suit you best for clothing, makeup, and more.

But what exactly is color analysis?

In simple terms, it’s a technique blending art and science, aimed at identifying the most flattering colors based on factors such as skin tone, undertone, eye and hair color, and more.

Interestingly, the concept of color analysis isn’t as new as it might seem—it dates back to the 1950s. I recall my mother and her friends undergoing a similar analysis named “Color Me Beautiful” during the 70s-80s, which resembled today’s drape technique.

Mom was already adept at determining her most favorable colors, so I’m unsure how much she applied these concepts.

Nonetheless, color theory equips us to enhance ourselves, uncovering the shades that bring out our best qualities.

The colors that often draw compliments and questions like “Have you been on vacation?”

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The Seasonal Approach

Today, the prevailing method for categorizing individuals by personal colors centers around the seasonal and sub-seasonal approach:

The different seasons and their sub-seasons:

SPRING: Light; Warm; Bright ; Pure

SUMMER: Light ; Cool; Soft; Pure

FALL: Deep; Warm; Soft; Pure

WINTER: Deep; Cool; Bright; Pure

Certainly, every season and sub-season boasts its own palette of enhancing colors.

But how can we independently determine whether we fall into the “cool” or “warm” spectrum, and further, discern which specific colors might truly complement us?

Given the abundance of “theoretical” content regarding season-specific colors, today’s post takes a unique turn.

I present an alternative: a collection of DIY tests that you can promptly conduct at home, basking in natural daylight.

These tests aim to unveil insights about the colors that harmonize best with your unique essence.

Excited to begin? Let’s embark on a journey to unveil our most captivating hues!

1 – HOW TO FIND YOUR PERSONAL COLOR PALETTE: EXAMINE THE COLOR OF YOUR VEINS ON YOUR WRIST

An incredibly impactful initial examination, when conducted thoughtfully, involves observing the veins on the underside of our wrist. Ensure this assessment occurs under natural daylight.

Here’s how it works:

• If the veins exhibit a leaning towards green, it’s likely we align with a warm season (spring/autumn).
• If the veins showcase a hint of blue, odds are we identify with a cold season (summer/winter).
• On occasions, the veins may present a purplish hue. This suggests a possibility that our palette is neutral—a harmonious blend between warm and cool tones.

2 – Assessment of Metals

Another swift and effective evaluation involves gauging whether warm metals (such as yellow and rose gold, and occasionally copper) or cool metals (like silver, steel, and platinum) complement us better in terms of jewelry.

Typically, we possess an innate inclination towards one or the other—instinctively recognizing the harmony it brings to our appearance.

A word of caution, however: if you possess a highly avant-garde style and persistently favor silver accessories, this may influence the results.

3 – WHITE PAPER SHEET TEST

Another self-conducted test involves positioning a white sheet of paper beside our face while standing in front of a mirror.

Here’s how to proceed:

• Observe the natural skin tone of your face (sans makeup) in daylight. Even better, consider the skin at the midsection of your neck, as it often offers a clearer indication due to hormonal influences.
• If the skin tends towards a yellowish hue, it corresponds to warm colors.
• If there’s a pinkish or reddish undertone, it aligns with cool colors.

4 – Comparing Shades Directly from Your Wardrobe

By now, we might possess a preliminary notion of our potential season or, at the very least, whether we lean towards warm or cool tones.

At this juncture, it’s time to empty our closet and arrange the contents close to our face, or if feasible, try them on. This exercise entails:

• Comparing various shades against our complexion.
• For instance, if earthy browns are within our comfort zone, we can experiment with different shades and discern whether warm or cool tones harmonize better. Additionally, we can determine the optimal intensity that complements us.

This method empowers us to refine our color selection and gain a deeper understanding of what resonates most effectively with our unique essence.

5 – LET’S FIND OUR DOPPELGANGERS!

Finding flattering colors for your wardrobe is easier than you might think. Look for actresses, celebrities, or influencers online who share your colors.

You probably already have someone in mind. For instance, I identify with Eva Longoria’s colors, among other American actresses.

Check out their outfits. You’ll quickly see which colors they often wear and how great they look. These celebrities work with talented stylists who know what suits them best.

Use Pinterest or Google to find your color match. Create a mood board with magazine cutouts to remind you of your best colors.

These DIY tests should offer useful clues about your unique color season and what suits you best.

Remember, you can also consult a professional color analyst. My friend Silvia, who is skilled in color analysis, identified me as a Deep Autumn years ago.

To find your personal color palette and the color shades that are most flattering on you, also watch this video!

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