What Are the Benefits of a Seasonal Color Analysis?

Recently, I had a color analysis done at an event hosted by the accessories brand Brahmin. They’re known for their colorful handbags, so it makes sense as a fun activity, but I was also surprised by how much I learned after getting my seasonal color analysis!

Some people absolutely love color and know no limits under the rainbow while some stick to neutrals and black because it’s seemingly safe. Then there are the in-betweeners who mix it up every now and then. I fall into the first category and wondered if learning about seasons color theory is really necessary?

Lizzie Heo, director of consultants at Seklab NYC, who did my color analysis, mentioned a great point: anyone can wear any color, but a professional color analysis helps you be more aware of which shades are most flattering for you. The best color palettes for you can bring out your natural features like your skin color, hair shade, and eye color. This is especially helpful for big events like if you’re planning to splurge on an item, dress up for an interview, or go for a major hair color change.

First Off, What Is Color Analysis?

Color analysis is the process of figuring out which colors complement you the most. This depends on a variety of factors, like your natural features (skin tone, eye color, and hair color). 

The results are usually categorized in color palettes relating to the seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter). Some people look best in cool colors while warm colors work better on others. Each season has several variations according to the contrast, undertone, and saturation. 

It’s so specific that there are variations of different season types, such as Cool Winter and Deep Winter.

You can also have more than one color palette that suits you. For example, I’m a Warm Spring and True Autumn Deep (for reference, I have a light medium skin tone, black hair, and dark brown eyes). 

Color analysis has been used around the world for decades, and became even more popular after the book, Color Me Beautiful, by Carole Jackson came out in 1987. 

The process of figuring out your color season is also widely done in Korea, where color plays a huge role in lifestyle and fashion trends. Heo tells me, “We love fashion and beauty, especially K-beauty, and love how there’s increased interest in Korean skincare and culture (K-pop and K-drama). [Through Seklab] we wanted to share more about Korea with people in America.” 

Heo and her sister, Lily, started their company because they were frustrated with the lack of options available for those who wanted to learn about their personal colors. “We believe that everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful, and that the right colors can make all the difference,” she says.

What Are The Benefits Of Knowing Your Seasonal Colors?

It can help you…

• Feel more confident
• Boost your mood
• Declutter your wardrobe
• Find your signature style
• Stand out on social media
• Build a capsule wardrobe and shop perfect outfits 
• Make easier decisions on what to buy and wear
• Save money and avoid buying items you won’t use 
• Have fun and learn more about yourself!

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How Does The Process Work?

Honestly, if I were to do a DIY color analysis or manual color quiz myself, I would be pretty confused. Booking an in-person consultation helps since you’ll learn from an expert about the science behind why certain colors are more flattering on you. 

Each professional color analyst may have different color theories. At Seklab, a certified and trained consultant will use a color fan and up to 100 drapes in various shades to identify the season colors that are best and worse on you. 

“We go through many processes to determine someone’s color,” says Heo. “By measuring an individual’s skin tone with a skin digitizer, we see the amount of yellow pigment, red pigment, and brightness. Then, we go into the draping. The factors we consider during draping include value, undertone, saturation, and hue.”

Someone with warm undertones, dark hair, and hazel eyes may have different shades that work for them compared to, say, someone with yellow undertones, light natural hair color, and blue eyes.

Here’s The Process Of Seklab’s Seasonal Color Quiz:

• Fill out a self-analysis form
• Get an intro to the personal color lesson
• Color analysis with skin digitizer 
• Color analysis with drapes and color swatches in natural light
• The consultant analyzes your hue, value, and undertone to find your color spectrum, as well as your best, second-best, and worst palette
• Get a makeup recommendation from the professional color consultant (optional) 

You can also bring your makeup pouch with up to 10 items for them to analyze your current makeup colors.

Getting custom palettes for your beauty goods can also make a big difference. Knowing which shade of, for example, red lips that suit you can change your makeup buying habits over the years. 

You’ll receive a detailed result sheet with different colors recommended for you — this will come in handy the next time you’re getting dressed, doing your makeup, and shopping.

How Do You Know What Colors Look Good On You?

“It depends on each individual,” says Heo. “Some people have a larger color spectrum and some people have a narrower one.”

Some factors that Seklab looks for are… 

Flattering colors:

• Defines face features 
• Enhances skin to look more glowy and dewy

Not flattering colors:

• Washes out skin tone and make it appear dull
• Brings out dark circles under eyes

“Since looking brighter or paler are different beauty standards, we focus on the worst colors and stay away from those,” says Heo. This process helps find colors that do suit someone and bring out their best features. 

When it comes to makeup, Heo says, “It’s best to stay with cooler colors for makeup if you are a winter or summer palette. Choose warmer colors if you are a spring or autumn palette.” 

How Much Does A Color Analysis Cost?

Each consultant may charge different prices. At Seklab, their prices are:

$245
Personal Color Analysis for One
80 minutes 

$450
Personal Color Analysis for 2 People
2 hours

$550
Group Analysis for 3 People
2.5 hours

Seklab sessions are highly booked and often fully sold out due to their increased demand. But you can buy a session in advance on their website or join the waitlist here.

Overall, the average price range of in-person color analysis runs from $200 to $600, more or less, depending on the consultant, time, and number of people in a session. 

How Long Does a Color Analysis Take?

The length of time for a color analysis depends on the consultant. At Seklab, they offer a personal color analysis that spans an hour and 20 minutes. They also have group options where you can do the activity with one or two guests, and that session is two hours long. 

I’ve noticed a lot of events lately in New York City have a color consultant or personal stylist come in with a station where invitees can do a mini session for about 15 minutes. These are a way to find your seasonal palettes at a glance, but the full session gives you an in-depth complete look about the perfect colors for you. 

Is A Color Analysis Worth It?

In my opinion, definitely. After learning more about it, a color analysis is an investment that you’ll likely only need to do once, and it can benefit you forever. This can also be a practical gift for someone who would appreciate a style and mindset refresh and can be a fun activity to do together.

I’ve also learned at even though I have favorite colors, not every one of those shades are necessarily flattering on me. I was so glad to discover that gold jewelry does work for my skin tone, since I prefer it over silver jewelry. 

“People can feel more confident and not waste money buying the wrong color makeup or clothing that they’d never wear or use,” says Heo. “Also, many people never think to try very saturated and bright colors such as Barbie pink, strong red, or mango yellow, but they pop in those colors.” 

She adds, “With AI and many jobs being by technology, it is not only important to be good at your job, but to brand yourself and always put your best self out there for a better first impression.”

To me, a color analysis is not only the best way to find flattering clothing colors, it’s also about feeling good and going on a journey of self-discovery.

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This post may use affiliate links. As always, Style Meets Story only shares recommendations that we truly love.

Once you’ve had a color analysis or if you already know your best colors, shop the latest (colorful) Brahmin collection! 

Whether you’re a Light Summer or Deep Autumn, there’s no shortage of handbags in shades throughout the color wheel. 

@stylemeetsstory

What are the benefits of a color analysis? 🎨 We spoke with @Seklab_nyc Color Studio who shares how finding your seasonal color palette can enhance how you look and feel! Read all about it on stylemeetsstory.com — plus, shop the latest colorful handbags from the #Brahmin spring collection✨ __ #coloranalysis #colortheory #colorpalette #seasonalcoloranalysis

♬ Silver Soul – Beach House

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