I thought I was a deep autumn, at least that’s what the online quiz I took told me I was, but were my veins a little more blue…or green? Why is it that when I wear a camel-coloured top, my skin looks washed out? The quiz TOLD me it would have the opposite effect.
As someone who has recently gotten into the concept of colour theory, I’ve been interested in finding out my “season,” a concept which first came to mainstream culture in the 1980s with Carole Jackson’s book Color Me Beautiful. The book categorized people into different seasons based on their biological colour palette. Undertones were categorized as “warm” or “cool” and, once determined, defined the rest of your colour analysis experience.
For Stacey McLarty, founder of The Color Loft, this concept came easily to her. As a hairstylist with 28 years of experience specializing in colour, she was aware of which shades suited her clients best and decided to put that theory into practice. “I love colour, have a natural eye for it,” says Stacey. “I love helping people to look their best, when this happens they feel great.”
After taking a few classes, she was ready to go with her new business venture, and I got to visit her in her home studio. Walking in, you’re greeted with a burst of warmth, and I’m not just talking about the colour swatches on the walls. Stacey and her daughter Reese have a way of making each client feel comfortable with their presence alone, making you feel like you’re just gabbing with a few girlfriends.
The process starts off with determining whether you’re warm or cool toned by looking at your veins under bright lighting. I was right, mine WERE hard to determine, but with their detailed eye, we were able to see that I, despite what I always thought, am cool toned.
From there, Stacey begins draping colour swatches over your chest to narrow down your palette. With each one, you watch your face transform before your eyes. Skin looking brighter, duller, your features popping or melting into the tones before you.
It turns out that my high-contrast features and cool skin tone pull me into the category of a “Bright Winter.” No wonder all the warm tones I had previously pulled for myself were washing me out. Rather than the earthy colours I gravitated towards, I’m meant to lean into the high-contrast aesthetic I was born with. Tomato reds, crisp whites, bright yellows…yeah, you read that right.
Between Stacey and Reese, you’re offered two expert eyes who are not only looking for what looks best on you, but what makes your eyes shine brighter, your skin glow, and which colours bring out the best in all the parts of yourself that make you, you.
From there, Stacey will walk you through makeup shades and products that would best suit your skin. Once the process is done, Reese will come back and hand you a reference card with your colours, along with a keychain with your custom palette that you can use as a reference whenever you’re out shopping. The entire experience took approximately an hour, and we had a great time doing it.
Stacey invites individuals or groups up to 3 people for this colour analysis experience. She asks that you come with minimal makeup to get a good read on your actual skin tone and colouring and to give you the most accurate analysis. Other than that, sit back, relax and enjoy the experience!
To learn more about The Color Loft, you can visit them on Instagram or on their website www.thecolorloft.ca.
Since this experience, shopping has gotten a lot easier. I don’t have to second guess which colour dress I should wear to an upcoming wedding or which colour lipstick would look best. I have my Color Loft analysis for reference.
Turns out, I didn’t need another online quiz telling me what colours I should wear. I just needed someone who could see me in them.
