THE SEASONAL COLOUR ANALYSIS. WHAT COLOUR SUITS YOU BEST?

Seasonal color analysis is a system that helps you identify the colors that harmonize most beautifully with your natural features, making you look radiant and vibrant. By understanding your unique color palette, you can make informed choices about clothing, makeup, and accessories that enhance your natural beauty.

MASTER CLASS IN PILLS

When it comes to fashion, you can play it safe with neutral tones or follow trends like the color of the year, but the best choice is often finding a palette that complements your skin tone. Wearing the right colors can make you glow, while the wrong ones can leave you looking dull and tired. If you’re fond of a color that doesn’t quite suit you, simply use it as an accent.

WHAT IS “COLOR ANALYSIS”?

Seasonal color analysis is a process that determines the best colors for an individual’s natural coloring. By assessing factors like skin tone, hair color, and eye color, a consultant will use drapes from different color palettes (known as “seasons”) to find the most compatible colors for you. This analysis helps identify which colors have a positive or negative effect on your appearance.

Each person has their own “season,” and this is the magic of color harmony.

A Brief History of Color Analysis

The concept of color analysis dates back to German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who developed “color psychology.” American artist Albert Munsell further explored color by classifying it into value, hue, and chroma. In 1928, Johannes Itten, a professor at the Bauhaus, suggested that portraits looked better with certain colors based on a person’s skin and hair tones.

Robert C. Dorr developed the Color Key System, classifying complexions as either cool or warm. Fashion designer Suzanne Caygill, influenced by this system, popularized color analysis in the 1950s, focusing on how color affects style and personality. Bernice Kentner’s book Color Me a Season further refined this concept, while psychologist Carole Jackson’s Color Me Beautiful simplified it for the general public in the 1980s.

HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR SKIN TONE

The first step in color analysis is identifying whether your undertone is warm or cool. Undertones are determined by hemoglobin, carotene, and melanin, and they remain constant throughout your life, unlike skin overtone, which can change with sun exposure or other factors.

Here are a few methods to determine your undertone:

  • Foundation Test: Dab pink-based foundation on one cheek and yellow-based foundation on the other. The one that blends in is your undertone. Pink indicates cool, while yellow signals warm.
  • Gold vs. Silver Test: Hold gold and silver jewelry near your face. If gold enhances your skin, you’re warm. If silver looks better, you’re cool.
  • Vein Test: Look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear blue, you have a cool undertone. If they’re green, you have a warm undertone.
  • Sun Test: People with olive skin that tans easily tend to have warm undertones, while those with fair skin who burn are typically cool. However, darker skin tones can fall into either category.
  • Hair Test: Examine your natural hair color. Warm tones often have golden or copper undertones, while cool tones are ashy or dark brown. Redheads can be tricky, but if your hair is more auburn or strawberry blonde, you may have cool undertones.

By identifying your undertone, you can find colors that flatter your complexion, making you feel radiant.

10 BEAUTIFUL NAIL COLOURS THAT GO WITH EVERYTHING

In today’s fast-paced world, balancing a demanding career, managing a household, and enjoying quality time with loved ones leaves little room for downtime. And when we do find a moment to relax, we want to look and feel our best while doing it all.

For many women, nothing boosts confidence quite like the perfect manicure—elegant, timeless, and smart. A manicure that doesn’t chip after just a few days is a game-changer. With the advent of gel polishes, brands like CND have made it possible to enjoy flawless nails that last anywhere from two to four weeks. In fact, many women now even perform their own shellac manicures at home!

However, there’s one downside to gel polishes. While long-lasting manicures are convenient, it also means you’re stuck with the same nail color for weeks, which may not always match your outfits—especially if there’s a special occasion around the corner.

Unless you have the time or budget for frequent touch-ups, the most practical solution is to choose nail colors that complement everything in your wardrobe—colors that are versatile, timeless, and never clash with your ensemble. While olive green might be on trend for a weekend brunch, it might not be the best choice for a professional setting come Monday morning.

So whether you prefer gel, acrylic, or traditional polish, here are our top 10 nail color choices that go with just about everything.

SHORT BLACK NAILS

A touch of black is the simplest way to elevate any outfit with a hint of sophistication, and this extends to your nails too. While some may hesitate to use black for fear of it being too gothic, when applied to shorter nails, it strikes the perfect balance between edgy and chic. Plus, black pairs with everything, so you never have to worry about your nails clashing with your outfit!

NAVY BLUE NAILS

It may come as a surprise, but navy blue is actually a surprisingly smart and versatile color that pairs well with almost anything—whether it’s jeans, a suit, or an evening dress. The key to making navy blue look stylish rather than overwhelming is to keep the nails relatively short and avoid overly flashy nail art. This simple approach allows the color to shine without becoming too bold.

CHOCOLATE BROWN NAILS

You could say that chocolate brown is a deeper take on nude, and you’d be right, but this rich, sleek color truly deserves its own spot on this list. It’s a warm, flattering shade that complements every clothing color and suits all skin tones, making it ideal for the cooler months of autumn and winter. Chocolate brown pairs beautifully with pale pink or warm orange outfits and looks stunning with gold jewelry, adding a touch of sophistication to any look.

BORDEAUX NAILS / BURGUNDY NAILS

Closely related to the classic red nail, both bordeaux and burgundy are elegant alternatives. Bordeaux, a deep red inspired by Bordeaux wine, and burgundy, a rich reddish-purple, offer a sophisticated twist on the traditional red. These shades are perfect for the cooler autumn months and, like red, have a timeless appeal. Both bordeaux and burgundy seamlessly complement any outfit, making them a versatile and stylish choice for any occasion.

CLASSIC RED NAILS

How could a list of nail colors that match everything be complete without the most iconic shade of all—classic red? This timeless color radiates femininity, confidence, and effortless elegance. It’s the epitome of sophistication, and no matter what you’re wearing, you can always rely on red nail polish to be the perfect match.

LILAC NAILS

Lilac is often an underrated shade on nail polish lists, but when applied simply and without too much nail art, it can be absolutely stunning, especially during the spring and summer months. The key is to choose a subtle lilac, almost like a lilac version of blush pink, which complements a wide range of outfits—from blues and greys to pinks and yellows. Give it a try—you might be pleasantly surprised by how versatile and beautiful it looks!

BLUSH NAILS

A natural progression from beige, blush pink is the ideal choice for those with fairer skin who may not feel as comfortable in beige. Blush pink nail polish is a soft, delicate shade of light pink—subtle and understated—that seamlessly complements virtually any outfit in your wardrobe. Its gentle hue makes it a versatile and timeless option for any occasion.

BEIGE OR NUDE NAILS

Much like grey, nude or beige tones are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion, year-round. These neutral shades are universally flattering and easy to pair with almost any outfit, making them a go-to choice for many.

The ideal beige or nude shade for you depends on your skin tone (though this is more of a suggestion than a strict rule). Medium and darker complexions tend to suit a wide range of nude shades, while lighter skin tones might prefer opting for lighter hues for a more complementary look.

LIGHT GREY NAILS

Light grey is a popular shade that effortlessly blends trendiness with timeless elegance. Grey works year-round, with lighter shades ideal for the warmer spring and summer months, while darker greys are perfect for the chillier autumn and winter seasons. This versatile color complements both silver and gold jewelry, making it a go-to choice for any occasion. Whether dressed up or down, grey nails offer a sophisticated, understated look that pairs with virtually everything.

WHITE TIP NAILS / FRENCH MANICURE

Starting off with the cleanest option on the list, the classic French manicure, with its signature white tips. Whether on fingers or toes, a well-executed French manicure is perfect for any outfit or occasion and suits all skin tones. A bit more traditional than a full white nail, the French manicure is a timeless classic that remains ever-relevant. It’s incredibly versatile, and when done well, it ensures your nails look polished and manicured, lasting until your next touch-up.