As Gen Z rediscovers the trend of knowing your color type, deputy fashion editor Abby McHale goes back to the original color consultancy to check hers
MY wardrobe looks like a rainbow exploded in it.
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You name a color and I’m sure I’ll have something like that there.
And while I like a neutral, I’m certainly not afraid to go bright.
That being said, I have no idea which colors actually “suit” me.
So with color analysis filters popping up all over TikTok, I’m intrigued.
These filters show a series of different colors, like a rainbow with space in the middle for your face.
As you scroll through them, you’ll be able to see which set best suits your skin tone.
The countless filters, which were viewed more than 1.4 billion times on the app, took over social networks – and especially Generation Z.
But this is far from a new phenomenon.
In fact, the trend first exploded in the late seventies with Color Me Beautiful, the seminal book on the subject by renowned color consultant Carole Jackson.
It taught people which shades suited them best based on their skin tone, hair, and eye color, categorizing them into spring, summer, fall, or winter types.
Decades later, the Color Me Beautiful movement is still going strong, with 220 consultants across the country, though they now classify people as light, deep, warm, cool, light, or soft.
I booked an appointment (£160 for 90 minutes) with color consultant Angi Jones to test it out.
When I arrive at her house, she puts a multicolored collar around my neck to see which shades match my face.
We can instantly see that warm, brighter colors look best on me – my skin glows more, my eyes sparkle – while lighter shades do nothing for me.
Angi explains that this makes me “light”, with elements of “warm” and “deep” – meaning I would have been “autumn” in the old categories.
We then narrowed down exactly which shades work for me by holding countless swatches close to my face.
The winners are blush pink, ruby red and warmer blues, but I should avoid pastel shades like lilac which, ironically, is the color my nails are painted.
I can see why.
As soon as we hold it against my face, my skin becomes dull and my eye bags become more prominent.
This is due to my fair skin tone. Cooler tones emphasize the bluish tones of dark circles.
For neutrals, Angi recommends I stick to soft white, navy, mahogany, brown, and black—a huge relief considering black is one of my go-to staples.
And she told me that gold is my choice for jewelry.
I never wear silver, so this is music to my ears.
As my 90 minutes draw to a close, I receive a handy fabric wallet in my best colors.
I thought the whole experience was great.
Angi made me feel really comfortable and I can definitely see the appeal, especially if you’re someone who really struggles with color and what to wear.
And while I’m a big believer in wearing whatever you feel best (which is why there are so many color options within each category), it made me think twice about wearing certain shades again and my lavender blazer got locked in the closet.
While TikTok filters can give you an idea of which shades suit your skin tone, this is much more in-depth and, I would say, more accurate.
Making the colors is an investment that will last decades.
Once you know yours, you’ll never go wrong again.
And those in the industry say the service is more popular than ever.
“In all my 20 years of working as a Color Consultant, I have never seen so much demand for this service”, says independent color consultant Jules Standish.
“Having a color analysis is a wonderful way to instantly feel good, because discovering your best colors can actually have the same effect as a face lift, making your skin glow.”
She adds: “What’s interesting is how many young people are wanting to paint!
“With so many fashion options to buy, knowing your best colors is a wonderful guide to buying clothes that suit you.”
How to find hues that suit you
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The first thing to do is see if you have a cool or warm skin tone. . . checking the color of your veins.
You need to do this in natural daylight.
If you have bluish veins and a pink undertone, you’re fine.
Greenish veins and a golden hue mean you’re warm.
Adele and Nicole Kidman would be seen as cold, while Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyoncé would be warm.
The white paper test is also a great way to find your colors.
Without makeup, hold a white piece of paper under your chin.
Then, using a mirror, see how it affected your face.
If your face looks brighter and rosier, then you are fine. If it leaves you colorless, you’re hot.
You can also take the jewelry test. If gold makes your skin look healthier, then you have a warm tone. If silver makes your skin stand out more, then you’re fine.
You’ll know if a color is right for you if your skin looks glowing and your eyes sparkle. It’s the wrong color if it makes you look washed out and reveals dark circles.
FRESH SKIN TONE
IF, like Adele and Nicole Kidman, you have a cool skin tone, you should wear lavender, emerald, bright blue, charcoal grey, purple, ice blue and pink.
Avoid oranges, yellows, reds, golds.
WARM SKIN TONE
IF you are hot like Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyoncé, you should wear red, rust, turquoise, orange, brown, navy, warm greens and corals.
Avoid icy colors such as pastels, dark bold colors, and pink or berry tones.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
