How does Colour Analysis work?

Today, there are several different methods used in colour analysis, which can lead to varying results depending on the analyst you visit. As a client, it's important to understand which method is being used. During a personal colour analysis at Tint, I use the CMB colour tonal system. And how does that work? Read more below. 

Tonal-system

The colour system most commonly used for colour analyses, and also by many artists, is Munsell's. Albert Munsell was an American artist and one of the first to organize colours into a system based on their visual characteristics. The reason his colour system is considered suitable for colour analysis is that it effectively describes a person's colours and that colours opposite each other on the colour wheel provide clear contrasts. The system is built around three dimensions: Value (how light or dark is the colour?), Hue (e.g., how yellow or blue is the colour?), and Chroma (how bright or muted is the colour?)

Depending on the character of a colour and its interaction with the surrounding colours, the eye can perceive harmony or disharmony. Similarly, the clothes you wear can either be in colour harmony or disharmony with your own colours, thereby enhancing or detracting from your appearance. To illustrate the effect of colours on one another, the image features two small grey squares of exactly the same shade. Depending on the surrounding colour we place the grey square in, the eye perceives the grey tone differently. Can you see the difference?

Den grå rutan med omgivande svart färg uppfattas ljusare än den gråa rutan omgiven av vitt.
Den grå rutan med omgivande svart färg uppfattas ljusare än den gråa rutan omgiven av vitt.

Colour Characters



In a colour analysis, we define your dominant colour characteristics based on the colours in and around your face, namely your hair, skin, and eyes. This indicates how sensitive your features are within the three aforementioned dimensions. There are six different dominant colour characters: Light, Deep, Warm, Cool, Clear, and Soft. In a full analysis, we also identify your secondary and tertiary colour characteristics to determine which of our 24 possible palettes harmonises and balances best with your own colours, enhancing your appearance in a flattering way. For example, I am a Soft-Warm-Light.

Within the colour tonal system, we consider the entirety of your features and analyse how you look at this moment. One's palette can change over time, for instance, as we age and lose some of our colour pigments in our face and hair.

Q&A - Colour Analysis

What is the difference between a tonal and a seasonal colour analysis?

The primary difference is that we do not use seasonal names to describe a character or palette. Additionally, most seasonal analyses with 12 seasons are based on Munsell's colour theory, which makes it likely that you will receive a similar result in a colour tone analysis as in a seasonal analysis, even though they are not always directly comparable. Within seasonal analysis, there are various approaches, so it is challenging to provide a completely general description. However, in many approaches, greater emphasis is placed on whether the skin tone is warm or cool, whereas in the colour tone method, this may be weighted differently depending on whether it is your dominant, secondary, or tertiary character. Therefore, a colour tone analysis can be a beneficial choice for those with a more neutral skin tone.

Do I need a certified colour analyst or can I do an analysis myself? 

Colour analysis isn't brain surgery, and the effect that different colours have when worn close to the face is visible to almost EVERYONE—otherwise, how would it even work? However, it can be easier to pinpoint exactly what you're seeing with a trained eye for colour. You can certainly conduct an analysis on your own, but there are some challenges involved:

Finding reliable guidance. There is a vast amount of information about colour analysis online; some of it is excellent, while other parts are downright incorrect. To sift the wheat from the chaff, you would need to do quite a bit of research, which you can avoid by visiting an analyst who has already done all the groundwork. However, if you feel motivated and have a strong interest, you can definitely manage it on your own. The method I recommend in that case is to drape yourself with fabrics in various colours you have at home (clothes, towels, bed linens, etc.) and observe their effects on your face. Taking selfies can be really helpful so you can compare the colours with one another. And don't forget to go bare-faced, unbrushed, and sit in indirect daylight for the best results! 😉

Set aside your relationship with colours. When evaluating yourself with a colour, it can sometimes be difficult to disregard any pre-existing opinions you may have. Some colours you love, and you want to see if they suit you, while with other colours, it's the exact opposite. This is why it can be beneficial to consult an analyst who can provide an objective assessment, allowing you to set aside any biases, such as "my mother has always said we don't suit yellow" or "I adore everything that is Barbie pink."

Who can benefit from a colour analysis?  

A colour analysis is a tool designed to simplify your everyday clothing choices, making it easier to select items when shopping, and in doing so, save both money and the environment. Most people can benefit from a colour analysis.

Perhaps you're someone who wants to incorporate more colour into your outfits, but your wardrobe mainly consists of black because it's simply easier. A colour analysis can help identify which colours might be great alternatives for you, allowing you to embrace a bit more colour in your wardrobe.

Maybe you prefer a natural look with minimal makeup, yet sometimes feel excessively pale and dull. A colour analysis can help you understand which shades best enhance your natural beauty.

You might thrive in certain colours and wish to understand why. A colour analysis can reveal the reasons you gravitate towards specific colours, often leading to the discovery of new shades to fall in love with.

Or perhaps you're completely confused about colour choices in clothing. A colour analysis provides a thorough exploration of the theory behind why certain colours suit you better. We'll review which colours are ideal for you and how to combine them effectively. The goal is for you to leave your colour analysis with a wealth of tools, feeling inspired and confident to continue this colourful journey on your own.

4o mini 

Are there any research that supports colour analysis? 

The answer here is somewhat nuanced. There is a lot of research in the field of colour theory concerning colour systems, the interaction of colours with one another and their surroundings, as well as the psychological impact of colours. However, there is virtually no research in the area of colour analysis in terms of how we understand how others perceive us when we wear clothes in our best colours. It is evident that colour theory is present everywhere around us once you become aware of how everything is interconnected. Once you start looking, you will begin to notice that colour theory frequently appears in everything from clothing choices in series and films to power suits worn by politicians. 

Will you get told you can't wear black?

Black is a very sharp colour, and it's true that certain colour characters suit black better than others. HOWEVER, there are no hard and fast rules; hopefully, after your analysis, you will still wear garments that make you feel good. The entire purpose of a colour analysis is to boost your self-esteem and provide you with tools that make it easier to choose colours that balance and harmonise with you, thereby highlighting your features in a flattering way. If your results don't include black but you feel it's an important colour in your wardrobe, you will receive tips and tricks on how to think when wanting to wear colours outside your palette.

Curious to learn more about the person conducting your colour analysis? Read more about me here