WHAT HAPPENS DURING A COLOUR CONSULTATION? Tonal or seasonal?

If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and booking a colour consultation then this is for you.

Some of your friends ‘got their colours done’ - but what do they actually mean by this and what happens during a colour session? 

Who can conduct a colour consultation? 

A colour consultant has been through extensive colour training which qualifies her to effectively analyse your colour characteristics and advise you on which colour category you fall into and how to wear your colours.

Tonal or seasonal method?

The seasonal analysis refers to the similarities between the colour characteristics of the 4 seasons and the colour characteristics of people’s complexions. 

The tonal analysis refers to all the characteristics of Colour Theory (hue, value, temperature, brightness). It is the most accurate type of colour analysis. 

Why don’t you use the Seasonal analysis, which is so popular online?

Colour me Beautiful popularised and developed the concept of Personal Colour Analysis in the 1980s. Carole Jackson wrote a best-seller book "Colour me Beautiful" which showed the powerful impact of wearing the best shades for your complexion. She referred to seasonal analysis at that time and the consultants of Colour me Beautiful used it until 2000. 

However, after years of experience, the consultants realised that, indeed, some people really fit into a seasonal category but many others didn't really fit in any specific season, so they started introducing some adjectives ("soft summer" etc.) to make the seasonal profiles more accurate. At one point, they took the drastic decision to go beyond the seasonal analysis to embrace the tonal approach which referred to all the characteristics of Colour Theory. 

The tonal analysis is more complex than the seasonal analysis but it is a very accurate and thorough analysis of your true colours.

Can you help me find out my “season”?

Most of the resources about Colour analysis you can find online mention the seasons, so I understand that you are interested in naming your colour profile with the “seasonal” categories so that you can find adequate inspiration online. 

 Once we have analysed your tonal characteristics, I can give you the corresponding seasonal profile (bearing in mind that you may be between seasons but I will indicate you the season that is the closest).

Where will my consultation take place?

The colour session takes place in my garden studio where I usually have a very good daylight, essential for the analysis of your natural colours.

So what actually happens during my Colour consultation?

Your session will start with a chat (and most probably a hot drink and biscuit). 

I will take you through what Colour Theory is and how a Colour Analysis works. I will explain which category you fall into and therefore which colours will suit you best. We will use gorgeous fabric panels to determine what your sub categories are before presenting you with your palette of 42 gorgeous colours. During the session, you will be shown how to wear colour.

Do I need to arrive make-up free?

Colour analysis is most accurate when we can see your natural skin tone, without make-up. If you don’t wish to arrive make-up free just let me know and you will be able to remove your make-up when you arrive. Colour consultations include the application of a natural, daytime make-up in your best colours so you’ll leave looking fabulous too.

How will I remember which colours suit me?

As part of your consultation you will be shown all of your colours and different combinations using drapes to demonstrate the impact they have on your overall look. To help you remember everything you will receive a swatch wallet containing all of your colours and I will make some notes to pop in the front of your wallet which will detail key things to remember as well as your favourite shades and colour combinations.

Can I come with a friend?

Absolutely! I am very happy for you to bring along a friend - you could even book in for a joint consultation and make it a fun day of colour, make-up and chat!