Color guide

Plain, practical guides to seasonal color analysis: how the 12 seasons work, how to find your colors, and how to use them in everyday life.

The basics

The 12-season system and the three color qualities behind it: warm or cool, light or deep, clear or soft.

Four quick undertone tests, how to run them properly, and where each one falls short.

Best colors, neutrals, metals and colors to skip for the three warm, clear Spring seasons.

Best colors, neutrals, metals and colors to skip for the three cool, gentle Summer seasons.

Best colors, neutrals, metals and colors to skip for the three warm, earthy Autumn seasons.

Best colors, neutrals, metals and colors to skip for the three cool, high-contrast Winter seasons.

How dye numbers like 7.3 work, warm versus ash tones for each season, and what is realistic when going lighter or darker.

Lip, blush and eyeshadow shades for each of the four season families, and how to test them in daylight.

Using your season for shirts, ties, suits, knitwear, glasses frames, watches, beards and gray hair.

How satin, canvas, velvet, denim and sheer fabrics change the way a color reads near your face.

Start with neutrals, build a small capsule, buy less, and check colors in daylight before you commit.

White balance, filters, screens and lighting, and how to take a selfie that gives an accurate result.