What Are the Benefits of a 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 a color analysis 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 color analysis helps you be more aware of which shades are most flattering for you. 

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.

Read on for a deep dive into color analysis — from the benefits, process, cost, and more. By using the principles of color theory, you can enhance both how you look and feel.

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). Each season has several variations according to the contrast, undertone, and saturation. 

You can also have more than one color palette that suits you. For example, I’m a Spring Warm and Autumn Deep. 

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 is also widely done in Korea, where color plays a huge role in lifestyle. 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.” 

What are the benefits of a color analysis?

It can help you…

• Feel more confident
• Boost your mood
• Declutter your wardrobe
• Make easier decisions on what to buy and wear
• Find your signature style
• 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 an online color analysis myself, I would be pretty confused. Booking an in-person consultation helps since you’ll learn from a professional about the science behind why certain colors are more flattering on you. 

Each place may vary in the way they run a color analysis. At Seklab, a certified and trained consultant will use up to 100 colored drapes to identify your color palette to find your best and worst colors. 

“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.”

Here’s the process of Seklab’s color analysis:

• Fill out a self-analysis form
• Get an intro to the personal color lesson
• Color analysis with skin digitizer
• Color analysis with drapes
• 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 (optional) 

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

Then, you’ll receive a detailed result sheet — 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
• Makes the skin appear dull

“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

Overall, the average price range of in-person color analysis runs from $100 to $600, more or less, depending on the consultant, time, and number of people in a session. 

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.

“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.”

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

@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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