Why you should get a personal colour analysis

As Desi women, our love affair with gold starts early. We've had our ears pierced and received our first pair of gold earrings before we could crawl. Gold is a family tradition in some households, and honestly the go-to solution for every allergic reaction to silver. We're programmed from birth to align ourselves with warm-toned jewellery. But colour analysis - your personal palette - isn't just about jewellery.

You've splurged on the most stunning shalwar kameez, the embroidery practically whispering your name from its place on the racks. You wear it to a big event, only to discover later that the photos make you look washed out. On the flip side, there's that ancient kurta buried in your closet that earns you endless compliments whenever you wear it. "You're glowing!" or "This colour suits you so much." That's colour theory at work.

Breaking it down

Colour analysis is the process of identifying which colours flatter you the most based on your natural features—skin tone, eye colour, and hair colour. It categorises individuals into palettes that align with the seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season has subcategories like Warm Autumn or Cool Summer, accommodating variations in undertone, contrast, and saturation.

The roots of this method trace back to the 1940s when designer and colour theorist Suzanne Caygill pioneered the concept. Her framework was later popularised by Carole Jackson's 1980s book Color Me Beautiful, which simplified seasonal colour theory for the masses. But colour analysis isn't just a passing fad—it's grounded in centuries of research, beginning with Isaac Newton's discovery of the colour spectrum and the creation of the first colour wheel.

At the heart of colour analysis is understanding your skin undertone, which falls into one of three categories. Yellow or peach hues dominate in warm toned people, blue or pink hues are more prominent in cool toned individuals, and luckily people with neutral skin tones can have the best of both worlds. A quick way to determine your undertone? See how your skin reacts to the sun. Do you burn easily? Likely cool-toned. Tan without burning? Probably warm. A mix of both? You're neutral. If you don't want to undergo the tedious task of standing around aimlessly in the sun, take an online quiz.

No more thoughtless purchases

Colour analysis isn't just about looking good (though that's certainly a perk). By honing in on the shades that flatter you, it simplifies the often-chaotic world of wardrobe management. Imagine, no more regret-filled purchases. Instead, your wardrobe becomes a curated collection of colours and styles that actually work, saving you both time and money. Armed with your palette, you're no longer aimlessly sifting through racks of clothes, second-guessing every decision. Instead, you zero in on items that belong in your wardrobe. Whether it's finding the perfect nude lipstick or a sari that lights up a room, knowing your colours simplifies every decision.

Beyond practicality, colour analysis is an instant confidence booster. There's a tangible glow that comes with wearing shades that enhance your natural features. This newfound glow translates seamlessly into your social media game, where every picture captures you at your best, making you effortlessly photogenic.