It is evident that color, in relation to people and their environment, has a very real effect on how we feel about ourselves and how we react to situations. Also, how other people relate to us is affected by color. For example, if we feel good about ourselves and our self-image is uplifted, our attitude changes. This has a positive effect on everything we do, and on everyone that we come in contact with on a daily basis.
Color Method:
The color method is based on various color systems, such as the Prang and Munsell. The Munsell System's theory of five Primary Colors can be adapted to everything in nature.
The color method is also based on color analysis methods such as the ‘seasons’ color system popular in the 1980s but, to my mind, still applicable. In this system there are four seasonal palettes, namely:
- Winter
- Summer
- Spring
- Autumn
The palette names are appropriate for two reasons. First, they are found in fashion and the fashion industry at that time of year. Second, they are found in nature at that time of year.
The ‘seasons’ color system relates to our choice of makeup and to our choice of wardrobe. Let's turn our attention to our choice of makeup and begin with some background. The ‘seasons’ color system is determined by three factors, namely:
- Hair
- Eyes
- Skin undertone.
The most influential factor is the color of the skin undertone. There are two component parts. Each person's skin has either:
- A resulting blue undertone (cool); or
- A yellow-gold undertone (warm).
In the ‘seasons’ system, blue undertone indicates winter and summer palettes while yellow undertone indicates spring and autumn palettes. To compliment our skin tones we should therefore wear cool colors if we have cool skins and warm colors if we have warm skins.
Palettes:
The seasons of winter and spring have clear, true colors such as royal blue and robin's egg blue. The seasons of summer and autumn are muted colors such as powder blue and teal blue. More specifically, if you are a winter, the classic example being the late Elizabeth Taylor (see image), your palette contains blue-based and true colors that are strong, bold and vivid, with light to dark for contrast. Suggested makeup is as follows:
- Foundation - Rose tones, beige and tan tones
- Blush - Rose, red or mauve
- Lipstick – True red, rose and mauve
- Eye Shadow – Plum, blue-gray, grays, soft pinks
If you are a summer, a classic example being the late Grace Kelly (see image), your palette will contain clear yellow tones. Some colors will have a rose or grey base. Furthermore, all will be powdered or softer tones (muted shades). Suggested makeup is as follows:
- Foundation – natural pink, rose tones to beige
- Blush - Pink or rose
- Lipstick – Soft pink to rose tones, blue reds, soft grape
- Eye Shadow – Gray, gray with lavender, plum or blue-gray
If you happen to be a spring, a classic example being Julie Andrews (see image), your palette will contain clear tones, with medium intensity. They will be bright but, in some case, delicate shades. Suggested makeup is as follows:
- Foundation – Apricot or peach with yellow beige to tan tones
- Blush - Apricot, peach, corals good (avoid oranges and blue pinks)
- Lipstick – Apricots, bronzed peach and corals
- Eye Shadow – Soft brown, taupe, aqua, soft (pearlized) peach tones
However, if you are the rare autumn, a classic example being Carol Burnett (see image), your palette will contain golden muted tones, or tones muted with brown or brown and orange, with intensity from medium to dark, and with many tones muddy in appearance. Suggested makeup is as follows:
- Foundation – Yellow base, peach tones
- Blush - Peach, tawny tones
- Lipstick – Golden orange to orange red, russet tones
- Eye Shadow – Bronze, light brown, light green
It should be noted that certain colors are missing in each palette. For instance, winter has no orange, summer has no black, rusts, or orange, spring has no black or white and autumn has no navy, pink or grey.
Choosing Your Season
According to the ‘seasons’ system, no one person can wear colors from both the warm and the cool color palettes and expect to look equally good in all of them. You choose your season by the most positive effect and the greatest amount of colors in that palette that compliments your skin undertone.
So, which season are you?
Sources:
- Carole Jackson. Color Me Beautiful. Random House Publishing Group, New York. 1980. pgs.41-59.
- Daniel Lenard. Skin Deep. Hancock House. Surrey. 1982. pgs.156-159.
James Gibson - James Gibson is a retired teacher and small business owner. He is a published writer and has a wide spectrum of interests.
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