What about this?

Just like that her freckles disappeared! No expensive cosmetic cream or elaborate dermatological technique was used in the process. Only the magic of color was involved. Newly wed and in my twenties, my mother-in-law took me and one of her friends to “have our colors done.” As the color consultant draped each of us with different colored swatches of fabric, amazing things happened. As I watched, my mother-in-law’s friend’s freckles disappeared and reappeared throughout the draping process. My own face lit up or faded when certain colors were draped on me. I became a believer in the enhancing properties of color that day – some thirty years ago – and still refer back to my color palette when purchasing clothes and accessories.

I’ve had my colors analyzed a few times since that first time with my mother-in-law, but my last session with image consultant Galen Hall of Color U was the most helpful. I asked Galen a few questions about color that might be helpful to others:

1. What are the advantages to finding out what your best colors are? What does wearing the right colors do for a person?
A complementary color reduces the appearance of dark circles and skin imperfections, and allows you to look more youthful and rested. Your face glows when surrounded by your best colors. Of course compliments follow and you feel beautiful. People you deal with will react in a very positive way. The right colors enhance your success in life.

Your INDIVIDUALIZED color palette mixes your colors together resulting in a coordinated wardrobe. You will save money.

You can shop quickly and make faster decisions.
You will understand the most pleasing styles for your body type.
You will always have the perfect outfit for any event.
You can wear one lipstick with all your right colors.

2. Can wearing the wrong colors affect you?
If your outfit is in the wrong colors, you will look tired, dark circles are magnified, and your skin will look blotchy. You may receive a compliment on your clothes. However, the best remark is “You look beautiful in that outfit.”

3. What is each individual’s color analysis based on (skin, eyes, hair, etc)?
Skin, hair and eyes are clues to discovering your best colors, as well as, body language, bone structure, and my intuition. Creating a palette is like creating a painting with you as the theme.

4. Do your colors change as you age? What if your hair color changes?
Your coloring softens so maybe the brightest colors in your palette may be deleted as you mature. You are not an entirely different season. An artificial hair color does not affect your palette, nor does your hair turning silver.

5. Is there a color that universally looks good on everyone?
The medium to dark teals are attractive on many people. Blue reds in the deeper tones also work for many. Navy is usually a better neutral than black. However most people can wear black away from the face as a neutral. Both navy and black look best with bright colors added near the face.

6. Conversely, is there a color that looks bad on everyone?
The worst color anyone can wear is stark white. NEVER WEAR A WHITER WHITE THAN YOUR TEETH WHITE.

7. How strictly does one have to adhere to his/her individualized color palette?
Buying a color that is not included in your palette will be another piece of clothing that does not work with other pieces. You will not receive value for your purchase. That one perfect lipstick will clash with the wrong color. Most importantly you will not appear beautiful.

8. Some people feel the seasonal color palette analysis is too limiting. Do you agree or disagree and why?
We usually limit ourselves more than the colors in your individual color palette. Most clients discover new colors that they can wear. Generally new clients have very boring wardrobes with just a few neutrals and lack color. They really notice a difference in their shopping habits after a color analysis.

9. Why do some women only look good in silver jewelry or only good in gold jewelry, and yet, some can wear both?
Selecting metals are just like selecting colors. I would have to train the eye to see. No rule exists.

10. Are wearing the right colors only helpful for women? Would men benefit from a color analysis?
Men will find that many shirts and ties will mix and match with different jackets and suits. In a casual life style, shirts and pants mix more easily. Your INDIVIDUALIZED COLOR PALETTE does create a more youthful and rested appearance. Color can create more authority in business and personal relationships. Men do feel more attractive.

11. Do people use their personal color palettes for other purposes other than clothes selection?
Most important – your colors are the basis for cosmetic choices. Your right makeup colors work well with your wardrobe. Many clients learn to value what is unique and special about themselves. They also use their colors to select cars, to decorate their home or office, and to create the theme for a wedding or party.

12. In all your years of experience, what is your favorite color story you’d like to share?
A father gave his college graduating daughter a gift of an INDIVIDUALIZED COLOR PALETTE. Intentionally following my directives, she purchased a new professional wardrobe. As she entered an office for an interview, she received the comment “You are beautifully put together”. The first impression was extremely important. She got the job. Everyone needs the tools to make a good first impression.

13. Anything you want to say to the nonbelievers of individual color analysis?
Knowledge is power. Knowing yourself will allow greater success in all aspects of your life. You save the cost of color analysis over and over again by eliminating poor purchases. Most important you will feel attractive and confident.