Ever notice that some people have a glowing
complexion and look fantastic every time you see them? Have you liked what you saw in the mirror when you wear your yellow blouse but been less impressed when wearing your beige sweater? The truth is, we all look better in certain colours and it depends on our complexion, which is what you need to determine first.
Best looks for pale complexions
If you are fair with very pale skin you will look good in blue, red and dark green. Pale pastels will not look good on you. If you have a very white skin tone, brown, pink, red and blue will look best. Lucky you if you have an olive complexion as you can wear almost any colour, looking especially good in vibrant tropical colours.
Best looks for tanned or dark brown complexions
People with brown skin look fantastic in purple and orange and other bright colours, while wearing black isn’t as effective. For those with a chocolate brown complexion, the sultry colours such as deep reds and purples are great, although you also look awesome in light pink as well.
Best looks for creamy peach complexsions
If you have a creamy peach complexion, such as that found on folks with an oriental heritage, you an successfully wear whites and other pale colours as easily as black.
Find your complexion type
Be sure to determine your complexion type under natural lighting by getting a friend or family member give you feedback on what you see as you try on different items from your wardrobe. Move a mirror in front of a window and take off all makeup. For best results, wrap the clothing item across your chest and neck, close your eyes, then open and look into the mirror. What do you notice first – your face or the colour? If it was your face, you have selected a good colour choice, if it was the colour, then it likely is not a good choice for you. It should stay in the background and complement your face so it’s noticed first. You will find a difference even within the same colour range – some reds, for instance, have an orange tone and others are more purple. One will look better on you than the other.
Fashion experts have long extolled the virtues of the psychological boost that some colours can give too. You may feel happy and light-hearted in your favourite red dress but your pale yellow sweater makes you feel tired and low in spirit. It’s not difficult to see that the red colour is making you look good and therefore you feel good. Some even suggest that if you are in a sad or blue mood, you can deliberately dress in bright colours that you have determined look good on you and they will help you change your mood.
Some beauty salons and clothing stores offer a colour analysis for their clients, classifying them according to seasons. A full report of the skin types and their colours according to winter, spring, summer and fall can be found at http://www.thesoko.com/thesoko/article742.HTML.
Notice, too, what clothing you have on when family and co-workers compliment you on your appearance. If you get the most comments when wearing the bright pink dress, or the red top, then you have learned a lot about the colours that make you look good. Take your time when trying on new clothes and be patient, making several trips to the store if necessary to find the right outfit that you are shopping for. Dressing in styles and colours that make you look good is worth the effort because you will have the confidence that you are at your best.
