What Actually Happens at a Color Analysis Session
People book a color analysis with all kinds of expectations. Some have watched a hundred TikToks about it, some have no idea what they're walking into, and some were dragged here by a friend who wouldn't stop talking about her palette. Wherever you land on that spectrum, here's exactly what the two hours look like so nothing is a mystery (except the reveal, which I want to be a little bit of a mystery!).
A color analysis session is basically two hours of me helping you figure out which colors make you look like the very best version of yourself. Think of it as a beauty consultation focused entirely on how color plays with your natural coloring. Snacks and a very good playlist included.
The setup
You'll sit in front of a mirror in my studio with your hair pulled back and your makeup off. I know, not everyone's favorite way to walk into a room! But I need to see your coloring in its most unfiltered state: your skin, your eyes, your hair, with nothing competing for attention.
The draping
This is the heart of the session. I'll hold colored fabrics up around your shoulders and face and work through them systematically, comparing how each one changes the way you look. We start with the NDU test drapes, which give us four colors from each of the 12 seasons, so we're narrowing things down season by season instead of guessing our way there.
What we're looking for
Here's the fun part: you'll see it right along with me. The most harmonious colors make your skin look clearer, your eyes brighter, and give you that lit-from-within glow. Less harmonious colors can leave you looking tired, washed out, or a little sallow. Once you see the difference, you can't unsee it! By the end of the draping, I'll place you in one of 12 seasons, which is a more nuanced take on the classic spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
The makeup part
Once we know your season, we turn to your makeup. We'll review what you're already wearing and talk through what's working with your new palette and what's quietly fighting it. Then we do an actual lesson and application, because hearing about a shade is one thing and seeing it on your own face is another! I keep the full Counter makeup and skincare collection here in the studio for you to sample, so we can try things on the spot instead of squinting at a display under fluorescent lights.
The Final Reveal
Then comes the reveal! You'll leave with a personalized palette that works in harmony with your natural coloring, plus your color card and a full NDU color fan for shopping.
Putting it to use
We'll finish by talking through how to actually use your colors: clothing, jewelry metals, even hair color. This is where it really clicks for most people, because a beautiful palette is only useful if you know what to do with it on a regular Tuesday morning.
How you'll feel walking out
Most people are a little surprised. Colors you've loved for years might not be doing you many favors, and colors you never would have pulled off the rack turn into new favorites. It's eye-opening, and honestly kind of emotional sometimes (in the best possible way). My favorite part is watching someone realize the new possibilities that come with finding colors and makeup that actually work for them.
If you're curious, a private session runs two hours here in my Lancaster studio. And if this sounds more fun with company, you're right. Bring a few friends and we'll make it a color party.
P.S. Not sure which session is the right fit? Book a free 15 minute discovery call and we'll figure it out together