You’re at a thrift store and spot the cutest tan jacket. But will it bring out your skin tone or make you look drab and tired? And what earrings should you match it with? Choosing the right colors for your wardrobe can completely transform how you present yourself, and with personal color analysis, you can confidently discover the shades that elevate your appearance.
Personal color analysis has surged in popularity as individuals seek to uncover the colors that complement their natural features. Style enthusiasts now have two main ways to do it: professional consultations or AI-driven tools. Personalized consultations allow experts to analyze everything from skin tone to undertones, giving you a hands-on, in-depth experience. On the other hand, AI tools offer a quick, accessible approach, perfect for those seeking convenience. As these methods gain popularity, finding your right colors has never been easier.
Personal color analysis has evolved significantly since its popularization in the ’80s, particularly with the release of the book “Color Me Beautiful.” While groundbreaking at the time, the book primarily categorized people of color as “winter,” while other seasons were reserved for white models. This limited approach didn’t fully represent the diversity of skin tones and features we now consider in modern analysis. Today, personal color analysis embraces an inclusive perspective, allowing people from all backgrounds to discover their seasonal colors tailored to their unique undertones.
Orange County has become a hub for personal color analysis services. Shops like Lily’s Color Lab in Orange and The Ryeon in Buena Park attract clients from all over Southern California. The trend gained significant momentum around 2016, driven by social media and celebrity endorsements. Hollywood stars like Jennifer Aniston are often seen in “spring” colors like coral and peach, complementing their warm complexions. Korean celebrities like BLACKPINK’s Rosé have popularized the trend by discussing their color palettes, inspiring fans to seek consultations. On TikTok and Instagram, influencers share their color consultation experiences, making it a viral sensation.
At Lily’s Color Lab, discovering one’s color palette is an in-depth, hands-on experience. “We use a series of fabric swatches to see how different colors reflect off the skin,” says expert Jenny Mahoney. “This helps us determine whether someone is warm or cool toned, and from there, we categorize them into one of the 12 seasonal palettes. It’s a tailored experience, with advice not just on wardrobe but also makeup and accessories.” The experts at Lily’s Color Lab are trained in color theory, which is rooted in principles of art and science. Many undergo specialized training to gain certification in personal color analysis, applying both artistic and scientific methods to identify flattering color palettes.
Emily Thao, a client at The Ryeon, recalls how her personal color consultation revealed more than she expected. “I thought I was cool toned, but after the session, it was clear that warm colors enhanced my features the most,” says Thao. “It was fascinating to see how small changes in color made such a big difference.”
Before the consultation, Thao gravitated toward darker colors, assuming they suited her best because she believed darker shades were slimming and more appropriate for her cool toned skin. However, after discovering her warm spring palette, she started incorporating softer pastels that brightened her appearance.
Mahoney notes specific trends among her clients. “Many clients come in with a preference for gold, but it’s not always the best match,” she says. “We’ve noticed that trends like these sometimes clash with a person’s natural palette, and it’s our job to guide them toward what truly suits them.”
While Thao enjoyed the experience, she acknowledges some drawbacks. “It’s not a cheap service,” she says. “I paid $130 for my consultation, which was a bit expensive, but I felt it was worth it for the personalized advice.” For that price, she received an in-depth color analysis, tailored makeup recommendations and clothing suggestions for her warm spring palette. “Karen even gave us links to recommended beauty products and showed us which colors to avoid,” says Thao. However, the process required her to come prepared with certain items, such as makeup and wardrobe photos, which she wasn’t initially told to bring.
Consultation costs vary, typically ranging from $100 to $200 in Orange County. While this can be a significant investment, many clients find the long-term benefits worthwhile, such as more effective shopping and avoiding costly mistakes. Experts often recommend revisiting color analysis as circumstances change––like aging, shifts in skin tone or new hair colors––ensuring clients always dress in their most flattering shades.
For many clients, the real benefit of personal color analysis goes beyond style. “It’s about confidence,” says Mahoney. “Once clients know their colors, they feel more secure in their choices and more confident in their appearance. They can shop and dress with certainty, which is empowering.” Thao echoed this sentiment: “Now I know exactly what works for me, and it’s boosted my confidence.”
Both Thao and Mahoney offer valuable advice for those considering personal color analysis. “Go in with an open mind,” Thao suggests. “You might be surprised by what suits you, especially if you’ve always thought certain colors were right for you.”
Mahoney offers practical guidance: “You don’t have to overhaul your whole wardrobe. Start with a few key pieces, especially those near your face, like tops, scarves and makeup. Gradually build from there as you become more comfortable with your palette.”
For those seeking a more affordable option from the comfort of your home, tools like ChatGPT have emerged as alternatives. AI tools can analyze your features based on your input and suggest seasonal palettes. Thao tried ChatGPT before her in-person consultation and found it intriguing.
“It gave me a general idea of my colors, but seeing the fabrics in person made all the difference,” she says. While convenient, AI lacks the precision of professional consultation, especially regarding lighting and undertones.
Looking ahead, Mahoney sees the trend of personal color analysis continuing to grow. “It’s more than just a trend, it’s becoming a key part of how people approach style and self-expression,” she says. “As more people discover the confidence that comes from knowing their colors, I think we’ll see personal color consultations become even more common, whether through professional services or DIY tools like ChatGPT.”
