Colour Analysis might be trending right now but it’s origins can be traced back to Hollywood, when industry professionals familiar with colour theory noticed how actors could look radiant one day but appear tired and older on another. They realised that the colours worn had a profound effect on the complexion, leading to the birth of colour analysis. This concept quickly evolved into the four-season analysis framework: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
In the late 1980s, Carolyn Miller, a prominent UK image consultant, recognised that while the four-season system was straightforward, it was too rigid to offer a personalised colour analysis that truly reflected each client’s unique skin tone. To address this, Carolyn enhanced the system, introducing the flexibility needed to honour individual skin tones, which led to the creation of the House of Colour system.
Today, House of Colour consultants use a science-based colour analysis process, refined over 35 years, to match clients of all ages and ethnicities with their best colour palette in a well-lit studio setting. This process is always conducted in person and face to face, ensuring the most accurate and precise results.
Once your consultant determines your season, they will drape you in the 36 colours representative of your your season and guide you to the specific shades that will make you shine the brightest, wherever you wear them – what they call your WOW colours!
Should you wish, they will also match a mineral base and blush to your unique complexion and help you find your perfect lip product shades. This highly personalised service is part of what they refer to as the “90-Second Makeup Miracle”. You’ll leave with a customised colour palette and a newfound confidence.
I was very excited for my colour consultation with Fyona Bassett. Fyona has been based in Bramhall for over 15 years and will soon be relocating her award-winning business across the border into North Wales.
I arrived at Fyona’s studio, as asked, makeup-free. After enjoying coffee and a chat, Fyona walked me through the House of Colour process. She draped plain white cloths over my hair and shoulders, then began layering various colours around me. It took a little time, but eventually, I could clearly see which colours complemented me and which didn’t. I had a suspicion from the start that I might be an Autumn, as the colours I tend to gravitate towards fit within that category. I also realised that the black and white I often wear don’t harmonise well with my colour palette. Fyona explained that there are deep neutrals to suit everyone and my new ‘better than black’ colours are a warmer Marine Navy, Deepest Olive or Dark Brown, and my new best white is Oyster.
The makeup consultation was fascinating – lighter than my usual look, but I liked it and bought the products with the 30% discount code available to clients.
The final result? I am a Dark Blue Autumn. Thank you, Fyona! I’ll be taking my fabric colour swatch fan with me on my next shopping trip.
If you’re interested in experiencing this for yourself, you can contact Fyona at fyona.bassett@houseofcolour.co.uk or check out the House of Colour web page, www.houseofcolour.co.uk where you can read more about Fyona’s services and those of other local House of Colour stylists in the North West.
By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar
