What is Colour Analysis and How Does It Work?

 

Are you a summer or a winter? Perhaps an autumn? With the help of Gen Z rediscovering the art of colour analysis on TikTok, everyone is talking about getting their colours done at the moment. If you've ever wondered why some colours seem to suit you well, whereas others don't seem to work with your complexion and maybe wash you out, then a Colour Analysis session may be just what you need.

And luckily, this service is now available on island - and as soon as we heard that, we had to snap up a chat with Emy De La Mare, owner of local store Gwyneth & Grey, who last year qualified as a Creative Colour Consultant with The London College of Style, and asked her to tell us some more about this trending topic.

 

 

So Emy, Why Colour?

It’s a good question! To be perfectly honest, I didn’t study colour to offer ‘colour analysis’ as a service. When I purchased Gwyneth & Grey, I didn’t know of anyone offering the service in Guernsey and I wanted to make sure my customers had access to it to give confidence with their buying choices and importantly I felt it would help me with buying and merchandising my new store.

What I didn’t realise at the time was how much was involved; it’s not just holding up a colour to your face! Personality, tanning, eyes, hair and make-up all play an important part in the process.

 

What is Colour Analysis Exactly & How Does It Work?

Colour Analysis is when a trained professional assesses the best colours (known as seasons i.e. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter) to enhance your skin tone and reflect your personality. These colour choices are not only important with your wardrobe choices and make-up, but also in your home and décor.

The process generally takes about an hour and starts with a personality test. Once the personality type is established, I ask the customer a few questions about their natural hair colour, eyes, how they tan, blush and any freckles.

Then it’s the fun part and we start draping. There are a range of colour drapes which are different tones of colours from each season. The customer doesn’t know which season they are but as the process is done in front of a mirror, they can see the effect it has on their skin. And most importantly they have to come makeup free, no jewellery and in a white top so there is no distractions to the skin tone.

 

What is Colour Psychology?

Colour psychology is the study of how different colours affect our mood and behavior. Different colours can evoke different emotional responses, which can also be affected by factors such as age and cultural background. I find this so fascinating and something that has really played a part in my wardrobe choices since completing the course.

The influence of colour (not just wearing it, but also in our home) is significant. I think most of us know that red for example can mean danger or power, but did you know that wearing pink can show compassion, care and a nurturing side of our personality? Orange can bring optimism and self-confidence whilst blue can improve concentration, mental clarity and stimulate thought process. Yellow brings confidence, creativity, emotional strength and friendliness.

I was recently invited to a local manifesting event and my awareness turned to colour and the idea of colour affirmations and how we visualise and maybe even manifest with colour in our minds. People even do this with colour for all the psychological reasons I mention above.

 

When In Doubt, Why Do We Turn To Black?

I think we have all been guilty of this, I certainly know I have. Perhaps it's more of a winter habit, but I have historically turned to black thinking it's classic, elegant, slimming and easy to wear. But now I know that black wasn’t personally doing me any favours at all. In fact it was draining me of colour and perhaps even ageing me, which none of us want! But not all is lost! There are ways of wearing black - by lifting it with another colour, so don't throw out your whole wardrobe just yet.

 

Can Colour Analysis Be Done Online?

There are people offering the service online and whilst we covered this in the LCS training, I personally prefer and would recommend an in-person consultation - and I'm really looking forward to doing more in Guernsey now. If you do want to do it online, my advice would be to make sure it’s a trained professional so that you get a good service and an accurate result. 

 

How Can You Book A Consultation?

A colour consultation includes a personality test and a full consultation with Emy. It can be done in the shop, or at your home if you prefer and the consultation takes just over an hour. The price, including a personalised colour fan for you to keep, is £95. You can book instore, or email shop@gwynethandgrey.com.

 

 

Meet Emy...

Emy is the owner of Gwyneth & Grey, a stylish local store situated in the heart of St Peter Port. She chose to complete a Colour Analysis Advanced Diploma at the London College of Style in 2023, passing with Distinction, so that she could have a better understanding of colour when buying for the business and when helping customers instore. 

This level of commitment shows how dedicated Emy is to providing her clientele with an elevated level of customer service, introducing them to the world of colour by offering personal consultations.  Ask instore for more details.