Lora Alexander's blog

Introducing My New Skin Care line: Votre Vu!

As some of you may or may not know, besides being a color analyst, I am also a licensed Esthetician. Skin care has always been a passion of mine. I’ve been researching skin care lines for over a year now to add to my line of amazing beauty tools for my business. I am super excited to say that I have found what I feel is the PERFECT line to offer my PYW clients.

Introducing:




Votre Vu (pronounced “voh-truh-voo") is a luxury skin and hair care company, offering the finest French-crafted formulas for women and men. Vu’s premium line is botanically based with the freshest and most potent ingredients used in skin care – far exceeding what consumers typically find at the retail level – as the formulas and products are handcrafted in small, artisan batches with tight production controls. An American company, Votre Vu creates more than 50 botanically based skin and hair care products for women and men and two proprietary benefit beverages. Votre Vu’s prestige line – with the exception of the beverages – is handcrafted just outside Paris in a privately owned lab that has been custom blending award-winning formulas for some 80 years for upscale destination spas and dermatologists abroad. These professional-grade formulas now are available in the U.S., exclusively through Votre Vu brand ambassadors, such as myself. Votre Vu formulas have garnered several awards, including Victoires Beaute in Europe, the Redbook Most Valuable Product Award 2010, and the Shecky’s Beauty at its Best Award.

If you read my site and blog often, you’ve probably read somewhere that I am a thrifty person (i.e. I don’t like to spend any more money than necessary for beauty products-or anything for that matter). I won’t recommend any products that are not worth the money. I’ve personally tried the products and they make my skin feel amazing. I am not one for hyperbolic statements and claims. All I will say is that I am POSITIVE that you will see a difference in your skin from the first time you try it. Contact me via my Votre Vu website and ask for a sample so you can see for yourself.

Votre Vu is a new company and currently only ships within the USA (but they will no doubt be expanding soon). If you are outside of the USA, you can still purchase products directly from me and I will ship them anywhere in the world.

You can read more about the company, its history, the products (including ingredient lists) at my site: www.votrevu.com/loraalexander.

Also for today and tomorrow only, get FREE shipping with guaranteed delivery by Christmas!

I’m am such a believer in this company and its products that I am looking to build a team of brand ambassadors myself. If you are an image consultant, esthetician, someone with a passion for skin care or are simply looking to great financial opportunity, please contact me.

In a few weeks I will also be looking for independent representatives for my makeup line as well! I’m looking forward to 2012 being a beautiful year everyone!

Samples of upcoming wardrobe looks

Hi Everyone!

I'm on hiatus this week getting ready for my week training in Florida to learn the new 16 Season color system. During this time I am still 'working', just on other areas of my business. I will be updating my entire website soon and adding many more celebrity color examples and many more wardrobe updates. I get lots of compliments on the wardrobes and I really enjoy making them. Each one takes a long time so I just crank up the iTunes and start putting together what I think looks good for each season. Below are just a few of the new ones I will be adding to my website.

SOFT AUTUMN

Sandals by Forzieri
Clutches by Carlo Fellini

Longsleeve Tops by Zac Posen
Sandals by Badgley Mischka

LIGHT SUMMER

Sandals by Nine West
Necklaces by Yummi Glass

Day Dresses by Emilio Pucci
Sandals by Jessica Simpson

COOL WINTER

One-Piece Swimwear by Clube Bossa
Totes by Magid

Evening Dresses by Max & Cleo
Sandals by Jessica Bennett

Tina Fey Gets Golden for the Globes with Votre Vu

Pretty Your World's skin care line Votre Vu is showing up all over the place.

                                         

Celebrity Makeup Artist Gita Bass prepped 30 Rock’s talented Tina Fey for last night’s Golden Globes using Vu’s Tragic Magic Rescue Crème, Tout Le Monde Eye Gelée, Champagne Kisses Lip Balm, and Tarte D’Amande Body Souffle!

Read what She Knows Style and Beauty Editor  Chrissy Callahan had to say:

Makeup

When you’re nominated for a Golden Globe, you’ve got to bring you’re A-game, and Tina Fey, who was nominated for Best Actress in a Television Series, Comedy or Musical last night, certainly did just that. The actress rocked the Golden Globes red carpet in a glam purple Oscar de la Renta gown and fresh faced makeup. Want to get her look? Celebrity makeup artist Gita Bass created Fey’s stunning look using Votre Vu skin care, and we got her expert tips for recreating the look!

Inspiration: “We were inspired by Tina’s Oscar de la Renta dress, which was a gorgeous purple shade, so we decided to create a rich, sexy but low-key look that wouldn’t compete with the gown,” Bass said.

Get the look:

1. Start by prepping the face with skin-soothing Votre Vu Tragic Magic Rescue Creme. “It calms the complexion, making it the perfect canvas for makeup,” Bass said.
2. Next, rub on Votre Vu Tout le Monde Antioxidant Eye Gelée under the eyes and brow bone: “It decreases puffiness instantly!”
3. Apply Sensational Eyes Eye Primer in Medium on lids for a flawless eye makeup base.
4. To create a well-defined brow and emphasize your natural arch, use Wonder Brow in Eva.
5. Smoothe on Votre Vu Champagne Kisses Lip Enhancing Balm to hydrate and prevent lipstick from bleeding and feathering.
6. To set the look and create a silky finish, dust on Mineral Powder in Light all over the face.
7. Finish by applying Votre Vu Tarte D’Amande Body Creme to décolletage, arms and legs for a gorgeous, well moisturized sheen.

And here are the Top 3 Makeup Tips from Celebrity makeup Artist Gita Bass:

1) Take really good care of your skin! If your skin is glowing, your makeup is halfway done!

2) Don’t pile on the foundation. Keep it light and blend it in, especially along the jaw line. Check it out in the mirror by your window — clearly, I am a tad obsessed with skin!

3) Have fun and experiment. Take note of trends but don’t be a slave to them. Makeup is all about self expression. Use it to make yourself feel good!

More information about Votre Vu can be found by clicking here.

 

Cold Weather looks for the Cool Summer, by request

Per special request from Kelly, here are a few wintery looks for Cool Summer.

Coats by Nanette Lepore
Boots by Two Lips

Coats by Victoria's Secret
Boots by Reed Krakoff

LIGHT SPRING look for winter weather

Naturally stores are filled right now with traditional winter clothing choices for the Winter seasonal types.   If you are a Light Spring, instead of the deep and cool colors, opt for your light and warm palette by choosing camel as one of your neutral winter coats. Lots of accessories in your palette help complete the look.

 

Coats by George Simonton
Boots by Pilar Abril

QUESTION from FX:
“Hi Lora. Great article. Btw, I have a few questions. I'm still a bit confused about the skin tone, particularly skin undertone vs. overtone. I know the definition of both but I'm absolutely clueless as to determine if one's skin color is its actual undertone or overtone. I used to think that pinkish/bluish skin = cool season, and yellow/tanned/bronzed skin = warm. But now I'm not so sure anymore. You said that among all things, skin is the most important indicator for season determination. Well I read several online testimony where one's complexion doesn't match her actual season. For example, a woman who has a very warm yellowish skin tone but it turns out she's actually a cool season. When she puts on warm colors, it makes her look like as if she has a case of jaundice. She said that despite her warm skin, she has somewhat ashy hair and cool eyes. So in her case, it's her eyes and hair which are the indicators, NOT the skin. And another case where one woman used to think that she must be a cool season due to her pink skin. But when she puts on cool colors, it makes her skin look even pinker and not as wonderful as when she puts on warm colors (she said that the warm colors balances her cool skin). So in both cases, they have skin OVERTONE that completely contrasts their actual season. So I wonder, how can you tell if one's skin tone is his/her actual undertone or overtone? Is skin ALWAYS the most important thing above anything else in seasonal color analysis? Have you ever seen/met any cases where the skin tone doesn't match the season (cool skin but warm season and vice versa)? And is it much more difficult to observe on people of color (a.k.a people who are more dark-skinned)? *Btw I was wondering, regarding that rare soft summer case you mentioned in your article, have you tested the soft summer colors on her to see if they really complement her compared to other season's colors? That being said, shouldn't we test the colors first on anyone before jumping into conclusion of their seasons? Sorry for the long and many questions. Thank you, Lora”

ANSWER:
Lots of good questions! All color analysis is about is looking at the three factors of skin, hair and eyes and determining whether they are predominantly warm or cool, light or dark, and clear or muted. Once you determine that, there will be a general palette of colors that will have a great chance of looking better on you than other colors. Determining these 3 traits of hue, chroma and intensity can sometimes be quite obvious, and sometimes very difficult. But it always comes down to someone’s opinion. Skintone can be extremely difficult to determine. People don’t have purely yellow skin (unless you are really sick) and no one has blue skin or even purely pink skin. Most people will have some sort of warmth in their skin; it’s just the degree of warmth which needs to be determined. People who are of a ‘blended’ season have a mixture of warm and cool in their coloring and it often results in a very neutral, hard to determine season. And yes, overtone is something that is complex and can really mess up an analysis. I can’t even begin to describe it fully on my blog. Sometimes it takes a long time and much experience to know whether something is overtone or undertone.

But on that topic, your question about the skin factor is important. Despite me saying that skin is the most important, I should qualify it as it being the FIRST thing you look for because it usually will be the factor that reveals your undertone to you. As one veteran image consultant told me, “skin is most important because you have MORE of it than anything else.” This is true. Our skin takes up more space than our eyes and hair and thus has more of an impact. But again it does go back to whether the skin is ‘telling’ you anything or not. If it isn’t, that’s when you look at hair and eyes next.

And even if the skin IS an obvious undertone, you STILL want to look at hair and eyes. It’s a complete picture you are going for. One respected color analysis system I studied has a “2 out of 3 Rule”, meaning if 2 out of the 3 indicators are warm or cool, this is the undertone. This is a useful rule. And most of the time this works. I have definitely followed this rule even when the skin appeared to be a certain undertone and but the eyes and NATURAL hair color appeared the opposite. My own skin appears extremely pale and not noticeably warm. I don’t see a lot of yellow at all. But my eyes are a muddy green and my hair is naturally red (well it was more natural when I was younger) as are both of my brothers’ hair. I’ve been self-diagnosed as well as analyzed by experienced analysts who all agree I’m a warm Autumn.

I’ve used Christina Hendricks as an example before but I’m using her again because she illustrates it perfectly. Her skin in super cool. Her eyes are too. Even though she loves to wear her hair red, it’s is not her natural color and I feel it doesn’t flatter her as well as a cooler hair color would. At least in my opinion.


But in the end, no matter how much sense something makes theoretically, if the person doesn’t look better in the palette of colors than without, that is when you forget the rules. But the rules are there because they fit most people. There are always exceptions though.

A recent question from a client:

I love your site but do have a suggestion. As a cool redhead (auburn), I think that you need a page dedicated to redheads & how we "fit" into the seasons. For instance, it took me FOREVER to figure out that I'm a Clear Winter. Why? Because red is NEVER included on any of the color websites as a possible cool. I knew my skin was cool, that I look best in turquoise & royal blue, but no web site listed my auburn hair as a possible "cool" senario, thus making the final determination VERY difficult for me. Most said that EVERY redhead HAD to be a warm, period. That was not true in my case & certainly there are others. I found a similiar plea from a fellow cool redhead on the chicfashionista's site. Since yours is the most comprehensive of all the sites I found (& the one that gave me the most help in determining myself once I just skipped the redhead part) then please DO make a page that addresses all the redhead possibilities. Thanks so much for the help & considering my suggestion.

Sincerely,

T.M., Atlanta, GA

My Response:

Hello,

Thanks for writing. While there are certainly exceptions to everything, and I have seen some amazing mixtures of color combinations, I use what is most typical for each season so most people can get figure out their season based on the most obvious traits. Typically, most naturally red hair (I’m assuming your hair is naturally red and not artificially colored), indicates warmth. However, hair color is just one piece of the puzzle. Skin tone and eye color matter most in my opinion, and if those two factors are without a doubt cool, then you have a cool season. Period.

Figuring out ones season is a matter of looking at three pieces of a puzzle: skin, eyes and hair. When one is blatantly obvious, particularly skin, this is significant. When two of the three are blatantly obvious, you pretty much can make a safe assumption of your season, or at least narrow it down considerably.

Hair is the least important to me, especially the older we are, though it is still a clue (again, ONLY if it’s natural color). Hair can change color from hormonal changes, hard water, aging, and other factors. So it is the least reliable for me, though some analysts put more stock in it than others.

IF I found some natural redheads with cool skin and eyes, I’d post photos (if they would allow me to). So far, I have not seen any celebrities with that coloring. This is the reason most color sites will not include this a typical trait. It’s rare. I once had a bi-racial client who had super cool skin but her eyes were the warmest golden brown I’d ever seen. Her hair was somewhat ashy brown but as a child it was naturally a light blonde. For this client, I wanted to consult with a colleague who had been doing color analysis for over 25 years. She too said she was quite challenging. But in the end, we decided Soft Summer suited her best because

1. Her skin was screaming “I’m cool” (when skin screams something, we must listen :-)

2. We couldn’t deny the blatantly obvious warmth in her eyes either.

3. Her blonde hair as a teenager signified a ‘lighter’ cool season, or in other words, Summer.

Clients can definitely have a mix of warm and cool coloring. Usually though it manifests itself in an overall look of muted coloring; muted or neutral coloring is most common. Taking skin as the most important indicator of undertone, we knew she was predominantly Cool and the presence of such warmth in the eyes indicated a blending of temperatures. In the end we chose Soft Summer for her. She was definitely a rare case.

When analysts try to educate clients on color analysis and how to analyze themselves, they will of course list the traits that are most common for most people. Because most people will fit into these categories. But I hope that I have made it clear on my site that their are exceptions to everything, and there will be people who do not fall into the 'typical' categories.

But on a side note, I don't subscribe to the idea that 'anyone can be any season'. If so, what are the deciding factors that put someone into a certain category? If anyone can be anything, color analysis is not a part of the process. Then it becomes simply a matter of wearing what you want to or what is "in" or fashionable. Can you be a red headed Winter? I would say that it's possible. However, if your skin is undeniably cool, you can't be a Warm season. If your hair is naturally deep, this indicates higher contrast and you wouldn't be a Soft season for example. There are definite things to look for. Just know what the priorities are: Skin first, then eyes (in my opinion) and then hair. Remember that if one of the three clues are screaming to you, you must listen to it. It matters in the whole equation.

I get asked often to show more examples of ‘real’ women, not just celebrities. Believe me I try. I ask most of my clients if they would mind me using them as an example on my site. Most respectfully decline. So I’m delighted when someone says “sure, no problem” like my most recent client MaryBeth.

I love clients like MaryBeth, not just because they let me use their photos but because they are so easy. She sent me super large, high definition photos which makes things so much easier. Also, her skin and eyes are very obviously cool. She’s a Cool Summer. I photoshopped a pastel blue top on her (and yes, I know my photoshopping skills are lacking) but see how it clarifies her complexion and makes her blue eyes sparkle even more than before? Read her feedback below. I love getting good feedback :-)

Feedback a day or so later...

Lora, I can't thank you enough for my colour anlayis. I just couldn't figure out which type I was, even though I bought a few books on it. I agree completely now with your conclusion and have regained my peace of mind on the subject. The information on contrast in the bonus e-book was especially valuble. I never grasped this properly before and it makes a huge difference to my current wardrobe. I don't have to spend a fortune on new clothes, as it happens, because I have mainly my best or universal colours as it turns out, but I wasn't putting them together right at all. This makes a huge difference to how I will wear what I have from now on. It's a bigger thrill than a huge shopping trip because I already have so many new outfit combinations. I have already been complimented on my colours by strangers in the city centre today. Thank you very, very much for sharing your wisdom.

Kind Regards,

Marybeth M.
Ireland

When Fall comes, most Autumn seasons feel so happy because the stores are flooded with beautiful “power” colors like browns, oranges, golds and warm greens. Shopping is a breeze.

But what if you are not an Autumn at all? As I stated before, dressing during the ‘real seasons’ like Fall isn’t primarily about colors, though most retailers will have you think that. You can still dress appropriately for Fall but still wear the colors that are best for you.

It’s about the cut and the style, not the color. Fall means jackets (lighter than winter coats), a light scarf and a more substantial handbag. Heavier fabrics like tweed and plaid are common. Animal prints are too (though I don’t know if it’s ‘in’ this season. I never pay attention to what ‘they’ say is in or out.) Regardless, the textures and prints common in Fall come in a variety of colors, suitable for all seasonal types.

I’m starting with Winter, since I got a special request for this season.

Deep Winter:

Casual Jackets by Lafayette 148 New York
Boots by Funtasma

Clear Winter:

Coats by Diane von Furstenberg
Boots by Bally

COOL WINTER:

Coats by Nanette Lepore
Boots by Yves Saint Laurent

=================================================================================

Read my newest announcement at my IndieGoGo.com camaign for a link to my new store, which includes all my makeup that is currently available!

I'd love your feedback!

 

My Indiegogo finance campaign has hit $1050 which is awesome. Over a third of the money needed to launch! I’m so happy and grateful for everyone who has contributed so far. I have only a few weeks left so I’m hoping to make it to the final goal but just so you know, regardless of whether I reach my final goal of $3000, all contributors WILL be able to choose from my full line of makeup when the campaign is over.

I wanted to let you know that I’ve already sent in and approved of the logo and am getting ready to place my first inventory order. I wanted to give you a few more sneak peeks at some colors of lipsticks. I will have dozens and dozens of shades of lipsticks, eyeshadows and blushes, all will be recommended for the most suitable seasons. Some colors will overlap seasons of course, just like swatch colors do, but each season will also have a few colors exclusive to them alone.

For example, are you a neutral Soft Summer who can’t seem to find a lipstick that is not too cool or warm, or too dark or too bright? This shade below should be perfect for you:

About the color names: To come up with my own names for literally hundreds of colors would have been pointless and time-consuming (not to mention ridiculously expensive) so I stayed with the names they manufacturer have given to each. Some of silly, as are most make-up color names out there, and few give you any indication of the color itself. This is why I will have a description of the color in each makeup listing.

This shade below would be perfect for the Light Spring or Warm Spring who want to create the “peaches and cream” look:

Could this shade work for other seasons as well? Of course! Warm Autumns, Clear Springs, even Soft Autumns could use this in creating a pretty ‘juicy’ peach look. Myline was created particularly for people who follow the 12 seasons but they stand alone in their quality and beautiful shades. In other words, everyone (12 season followers or non-followers) will find some terrific products, I am confident of that!

Are you a Deep Autumn who’s getting ready for the Fall season and looking for a rich brick red lipstick? Below is a fantastic color:

I’m proud to offer a line of Neutral Nude Lipsticks. Again, some are suitable for certain seasons, and some are perfect for all seasons. Here’s one that is is a great neutral pink beige that is great for ALL cool seasons who want a ‘no lipstick’ look:

If you are a vivid Winter who wants nothing to do with a neutral lip and instead are looking for that classic “red” that can go with a little black dress and pearls? Here’s a shade to consider:

There are literally hundreds more shades to come, from the palest, most neutral shade to the most vivid and striking.

Please consider contributing before my campaign is over. The small fee that IndieGoGo charges is cut in half if I do reach my final goal amount. You can contribute now by clicking here.

Check back for more updates! ***

Q&A: Two out of Three ain't Bad

QUESTION from FX:
“Hi Lora. Great article. Btw, I have a few questions. I'm still a bit confused about the skin tone, particularly skin undertone vs. overtone. I know the definition of both but I'm absolutely clueless as to determine if one's skin color is its actual undertone or overtone. I used to think that pinkish/bluish skin = cool season, and yellow/tanned/bronzed skin = warm. But now I'm not so sure anymore. You said that among all things, skin is the most important indicator for season determination. Well I read several online testimony where one's complexion doesn't match her actual season. For example, a woman who has a very warm yellowish skin tone but it turns out she's actually a cool season. When she puts on warm colors, it makes her look like as if she has a case of jaundice. She said that despite her warm skin, she has somewhat ashy hair and cool eyes. So in her case, it's her eyes and hair which are the indicators, NOT the skin. And another case where one woman used to think that she must be a cool season due to her pink skin. But when she puts on cool colors, it makes her skin look even pinker and not as wonderful as when she puts on warm colors (she said that the warm colors balances her cool skin). So in both cases, they have skin OVERTONE that completely contrasts their actual season. So I wonder, how can you tell if one's skin tone is his/her actual undertone or overtone? Is skin ALWAYS the most important thing above anything else in seasonal color analysis? Have you ever seen/met any cases where the skin tone doesn't match the season (cool skin but warm season and vice versa)? And is it much more difficult to observe on people of color (a.k.a people who are more dark-skinned)? *Btw I was wondering, regarding that rare soft summer case you mentioned in your article, have you tested the soft summer colors on her to see if they really complement her compared to other season's colors? That being said, shouldn't we test the colors first on anyone before jumping into conclusion of their seasons? Sorry for the long and many questions. Thank you, Lora”

ANSWER:
Lots of good questions! All color analysis is about is looking at the three factors of skin, hair and eyes and determining whether they are predominantly warm or cool, light or dark, and clear or muted. Once you determine that, there will be a general palette of colors that will have a great chance of looking better on you than other colors. Determining these 3 traits of hue, chroma and intensity can sometimes be quite obvious, and sometimes very difficult. But it always comes down to someone’s opinion. Skintone can be extremely difficult to determine. People don’t have purely yellow skin (unless you are really sick) and no one has blue skin or even purely pink skin. Most people will have some sort of warmth in their skin; it’s just the degree of warmth which needs to be determined. People who are of a ‘blended’ season have a mixture of warm and cool in their coloring and it often results in a very neutral, hard to determine season. And yes, overtone is something that is complex and can really mess up an analysis. I can’t even begin to describe it fully on my blog. Sometimes it takes a long time and much experience to know whether something is overtone or undertone.

But on that topic, your question about the skin factor is important. Despite me saying that skin is the most important, I should qualify it as it being the FIRST thing you look for because it usually will be the factor that reveals your undertone to you. As one veteran image consultant told me, “skin is most important because you have MORE of it than anything else.” This is true. Our skin takes up more space than our eyes and hair and thus has more of an impact. But again it does go back to whether the skin is ‘telling’ you anything or not. If it isn’t, that’s when you look at hair and eyes next.

And even if the skin IS an obvious undertone, you STILL want to look at hair and eyes. It’s a complete picture you are going for. One respected color analysis system I studied has a “2 out of 3 Rule”, meaning if 2 out of the 3 indicators are warm or cool, this is the undertone. This is a useful rule. And most of the time this works. I have definitely followed this rule even when the skin appeared to be a certain undertone and but the eyes and NATURAL hair color appeared the opposite. My own skin appears extremely pale and not noticeably warm. I don’t see a lot of yellow at all. But my eyes are a muddy green and my hair is naturally red (well it was more natural when I was younger) as are both of my brothers’ hair. I’ve been self-diagnosed as well as analyzed by experienced analysts who all agree I’m a warm Autumn.

I’ve used Christina Hendricks as an example before but I’m using her again because she illustrates it perfectly. Her skin in super cool. Her eyes are too. Even though she loves to wear her hair red, it’s is not her natural color and I feel it doesn’t flatter her as well as a cooler hair color would. At least in my opinion.


But in the end, no matter how much sense something makes theoretically, if the person doesn’t look better in the palette of colors than without, that is when you forget the rules. But the rules are there because they fit most people. There are always exceptions though.

Q&A: Why No Red Headed Winters?

A recent question from a client:

I love your site but do have a suggestion. As a cool redhead (auburn), I think that you need a page dedicated to redheads & how we "fit" into the seasons. For instance, it took me FOREVER to figure out that I'm a Clear Winter. Why? Because red is NEVER included on any of the color websites as a possible cool. I knew my skin was cool, that I look best in turquoise & royal blue, but no web site listed my auburn hair as a possible "cool" senario, thus making the final determination VERY difficult for me. Most said that EVERY redhead HAD to be a warm, period. That was not true in my case & certainly there are others. I found a similiar plea from a fellow cool redhead on the chicfashionista's site. Since yours is the most comprehensive of all the sites I found (& the one that gave me the most help in determining myself once I just skipped the redhead part) then please DO make a page that addresses all the redhead possibilities. Thanks so much for the help & considering my suggestion.

Sincerely,

T.M., Atlanta, GA

My Response:

Hello,

Thanks for writing. While there are certainly exceptions to everything, and I have seen some amazing mixtures of color combinations, I use what is most typical for each season so most people can get figure out their season based on the most obvious traits. Typically, most naturally red hair (I’m assuming your hair is naturally red and not artificially colored), indicates warmth. However, hair color is just one piece of the puzzle. Skin tone and eye color matter most in my opinion, and if those two factors are without a doubt cool, then you have a cool season. Period.

Figuring out ones season is a matter of looking at three pieces of a puzzle: skin, eyes and hair. When one is blatantly obvious, particularly skin, this is significant. When two of the three are blatantly obvious, you pretty much can make a safe assumption of your season, or at least narrow it down considerably.

Hair is the least important to me, especially the older we are, though it is still a clue (again, ONLY if it’s natural color). Hair can change color from hormonal changes, hard water, aging, and other factors. So it is the least reliable for me, though some analysts put more stock in it than others.

IF I found some natural redheads with cool skin and eyes, I’d post photos (if they would allow me to). So far, I have not seen any celebrities with that coloring. This is the reason most color sites will not include this a typical trait. It’s rare. I once had a bi-racial client who had super cool skin but her eyes were the warmest golden brown I’d ever seen. Her hair was somewhat ashy brown but as a child it was naturally a light blonde. For this client, I wanted to consult with a colleague who had been doing color analysis for over 25 years. She too said she was quite challenging. But in the end, we decided Soft Summer suited her best because

1. Her skin was screaming “I’m cool” (when skin screams something, we must listen :-)

2. We couldn’t deny the blatantly obvious warmth in her eyes either.

3. Her blonde hair as a teenager signified a ‘lighter’ cool season, or in other words, Summer.

Clients can definitely have a mix of warm and cool coloring. Usually though it manifests itself in an overall look of muted coloring; muted or neutral coloring is most common. Taking skin as the most important indicator of undertone, we knew she was predominantly Cool and the presence of such warmth in the eyes indicated a blending of temperatures. In the end we chose Soft Summer for her. She was definitely a rare case.

When analysts try to educate clients on color analysis and how to analyze themselves, they will of course list the traits that are most common for most people. Because most people will fit into these categories. But I hope that I have made it clear on my site that their are exceptions to everything, and there will be people who do not fall into the 'typical' categories.

But on a side note, I don't subscribe to the idea that 'anyone can be any season'. If so, what are the deciding factors that put someone into a certain category? If anyone can be anything, color analysis is not a part of the process. Then it becomes simply a matter of wearing what you want to or what is "in" or fashionable. Can you be a red headed Winter? I would say that it's possible. However, if your skin is undeniably cool, you can't be a Warm season. If your hair is naturally deep, this indicates higher contrast and you wouldn't be a Soft season for example. There are definite things to look for. Just know what the priorities are: Skin first, then eyes (in my opinion) and then hair. Remember that if one of the three clues are screaming to you, you must listen to it. It matters in the whole equation.

Cool feedback from a Cool Summer

I get asked often to show more examples of ‘real’ women, not just celebrities. Believe me I try. I ask most of my clients if they would mind me using them as an example on my site. Most respectfully decline. So I’m delighted when someone says “sure, no problem” like my most recent client MaryBeth.

I love clients like MaryBeth, not just because they let me use their photos but because they are so easy. She sent me super large, high definition photos which makes things so much easier. Also, her skin and eyes are very obviously cool. She’s a Cool Summer. I photoshopped a pastel blue top on her (and yes, I know my photoshopping skills are lacking) but see how it clarifies her complexion and makes her blue eyes sparkle even more than before? Read her feedback below. I love getting good feedback :-)

Feedback a day or so later...

Lora, I can't thank you enough for my colour anlayis. I just couldn't figure out which type I was, even though I bought a few books on it. I agree completely now with your conclusion and have regained my peace of mind on the subject. The information on contrast in the bonus e-book was especially valuble. I never grasped this properly before and it makes a huge difference to my current wardrobe. I don't have to spend a fortune on new clothes, as it happens, because I have mainly my best or universal colours as it turns out, but I wasn't putting them together right at all. This makes a huge difference to how I will wear what I have from now on. It's a bigger thrill than a huge shopping trip because I already have so many new outfit combinations. I have already been complimented on my colours by strangers in the city centre today. Thank you very, very much for sharing your wisdom.

Kind Regards,

Marybeth M.
Ireland

Fall looks for Winter seasons

When Fall comes, most Autumn seasons feel so happy because the stores are flooded with beautiful “power” colors like browns, oranges, golds and warm greens. Shopping is a breeze.

But what if you are not an Autumn at all? As I stated before, dressing during the ‘real seasons’ like Fall isn’t primarily about colors, though most retailers will have you think that. You can still dress appropriately for Fall but still wear the colors that are best for you.

It’s about the cut and the style, not the color. Fall means jackets (lighter than winter coats), a light scarf and a more substantial handbag. Heavier fabrics like tweed and plaid are common. Animal prints are too (though I don’t know if it’s ‘in’ this season. I never pay attention to what ‘they’ say is in or out.) Regardless, the textures and prints common in Fall come in a variety of colors, suitable for all seasonal types.

I’m starting with Winter, since I got a special request for this season.

Deep Winter:

Casual Jackets by Lafayette 148 New York
Boots by Funtasma

Clear Winter:

Coats by Diane von Furstenberg
Boots by Bally

COOL WINTER:

Coats by Nanette Lepore
Boots by Yves Saint Laurent

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Want to see my full makeup line?

Read my newest announcement at my IndieGoGo.com camaign for a link to my new store, which includes all my makeup that is currently available!

I'd love your feedback!

 

Makeup update & another peek at some more colors!

My Indiegogo finance campaign has hit $1050 which is awesome. Over a third of the money needed to launch! I’m so happy and grateful for everyone who has contributed so far. I have only a few weeks left so I’m hoping to make it to the final goal but just so you know, regardless of whether I reach my final goal of $3000, all contributors WILL be able to choose from my full line of makeup when the campaign is over.

I wanted to let you know that I’ve already sent in and approved of the logo and am getting ready to place my first inventory order. I wanted to give you a few more sneak peeks at some colors of lipsticks. I will have dozens and dozens of shades of lipsticks, eyeshadows and blushes, all will be recommended for the most suitable seasons. Some colors will overlap seasons of course, just like swatch colors do, but each season will also have a few colors exclusive to them alone.

For example, are you a neutral Soft Summer who can’t seem to find a lipstick that is not too cool or warm, or too dark or too bright? This shade below should be perfect for you:

About the color names: To come up with my own names for literally hundreds of colors would have been pointless and time-consuming (not to mention ridiculously expensive) so I stayed with the names they manufacturer have given to each. Some of silly, as are most make-up color names out there, and few give you any indication of the color itself. This is why I will have a description of the color in each makeup listing.

This shade below would be perfect for the Light Spring or Warm Spring who want to create the “peaches and cream” look:

Could this shade work for other seasons as well? Of course! Warm Autumns, Clear Springs, even Soft Autumns could use this in creating a pretty ‘juicy’ peach look. Myline was created particularly for people who follow the 12 seasons but they stand alone in their quality and beautiful shades. In other words, everyone (12 season followers or non-followers) will find some terrific products, I am confident of that!

Are you a Deep Autumn who’s getting ready for the Fall season and looking for a rich brick red lipstick? Below is a fantastic color:

I’m proud to offer a line of Neutral Nude Lipsticks. Again, some are suitable for certain seasons, and some are perfect for all seasons. Here’s one that is is a great neutral pink beige that is great for ALL cool seasons who want a ‘no lipstick’ look:

If you are a vivid Winter who wants nothing to do with a neutral lip and instead are looking for that classic “red” that can go with a little black dress and pearls? Here’s a shade to consider:

There are literally hundreds more shades to come, from the palest, most neutral shade to the most vivid and striking.

Please consider contributing before my campaign is over. The small fee that IndieGoGo charges is cut in half if I do reach my final goal amount. You can contribute now by clicking here.

Check back for more updates! ***