Color is the property of light that is seen when reflected off an object. In color analysis, great care is taken to find how colors that reflect onto our skin impact our overall appearance. Some colors projected onto the face will match with our own colors, and others will clash, causing the appearance of these colors to complement or fight against us. It is crucial to have the correct lighting when conducting an analysis, because it allows us to see the colors and the person naturally, without interference from varied lighting, which can skew results.
There are three main layers of the skin: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The epidermis is the surface layer and comprises about 20% of the skin. The dermis and hypodermis are found underneath, making up about 80% of the skin, the majority of our skin depth. Since our skin is not opaque but partially translucent, the effects of colors reflected onto our face will affect, even subtly, the skin's appearance.
The three components found in the skin that give it its pigment are: melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Melanin affects the tone, from light to dark. Carotene adds an orange/yellow pigment to the skin, while hemoglobin (an iron-rich protein found in red blood cells) adds a mix of blue, red, and purple to the skin. We each have our own unique ratio of these components that determines whether our undertone is cool or warm.
Much of what we see in nature is so effortlessly in harmony with itself. The rich depth of autumn trees, cream flower petals with complementary soft green leaves, white clouds against a blue sky, and a stunning sunset revealing warm, hazy colors of orange, pink, yellow, and purple. We can find so much inspiration in the elegance of nature’s color palettes, encouraging us to do the same.
