IMAGE: Color

Have you thought about the fact that you never get a second chance to make a first impression?  Within 10 seconds, someone has subconsciously formed an opinion about you.  What image are you projecting?

Image matters because people make assumptions based on limited information.  I know!  It's not fair!  But, that is the way it is.  Besides, aren't we a bit guilty of making these determinations of others ourselves?  Because of this, it is so important to consider what your appearance instantly projects about you. 

So, the first step in making a positive first impression is knowing what colors look best on you.

Does talking about your best colors bring to mind the 70's and 80's when a conversation starter was "I'm a Spring, what are you?"  Even though there doesn't seem to be as much emphasis on having your colors done today as it was back then, there is no doubt that having a personal color scheme is a hallmark of all truly stylish women.

The first step is to determine your skins undertone.  You will have either "Warm" or "Cool" undertones and this never changes.  It is what you are born with and have to live with.  Warm will mean that you have yellow undertones, and cool means that you have blue undertones.

Because of this, colors either blend and compliment, or fight and detract.  Look at this illustration:

 

Chadwicks

Right colors will make your eyes sparkle and give your skin a healthy, flawless appearance.  Right colors will make you look younger.

 Chadwicks 

Wrong colors will dull your skin, hair, and eyes, and magnify skin imperfections.  They will also make you look older.  And none of us want that do we?

To determine your colors, you need to assess your hair, skin and eye color as well as what colors you feel you look the best in.  Determining your "season" can introduce you to a whole new palette of colors!  Experiment with extremes near your face and see if you can tell a difference.

Now, let's look at those four seasons and see if you can find yourself.

Winter - Cool - Blue Undertones - Hair is usually Dark; Skin is often Pale; Eyes will be Brown, Hazel, or Blue with light flecks.  Think Dramatic! 

 Summer - Cool - Blue Undertones - Hair is usually Blonde but may be light or Dark Brown; Skin may be Pale or Rosy Beige; Eyes may be blue, Green or Soft Brown.  Think Romantic!

 Autumn - Warm - Yellow Undertones - Hair may be Red, Auburn, or Golden Brown; Skin may be ivory, Golden or Dark Beige.  Think Classic!

Spring - Warm - Yellow Undertones - Hair may be Honey Blonde, Auburn, or Golden Brown; Skin will be Ivory Peach, Golden Brown; Eyes will be Clear Blue, Green with Gold, or Golden Brown.  Think Natural!

REMEMBER:  God created you perfectly.  There is not one thing about your natural physical appearance that isn't absolutely perfect for the totally unique individual you are.

Next time we will discuss what colors are best for each Season and why.  In the meantime, I'm an Autumn.  What are you?