Draft:Personal color

Personal color refers to the color that look best on an individual based on their natural features like skin, hair, and eyes. People use this concept to choose makeup, clothing, and jewelry that suits them. The idea of personal color was first introduced by the Swiss artist Johannes Itten in the early 20th century. He once said, “Color is life, for a world without color seems dead. [3] "This shows us how he thought about the importance of color. Color plays a pivotal role in personal style, fashion, and self-presentation. It has an impact on how individuals are perceived and how they feel about themselves and this is some of the impact of personal color.

Personal color system utilized to determine the most flattering colors for an individual's natural coloring is known as the personal color analysis system. Referred to as color analysis, seasonal color analysis, or skin-tone matching, this concept is widely employed in the fashion and cosmetic industry. It involves assessing the colors of clothing and makeup that complement a person's skin, hair, or eye tones for fashion styling or image consulting. Beginning in the 1980s, numerous studies introduced color analysis systems aimed at identifying clothing and makeup shades that enhance one's natural coloring, promoting a healthier, more attractive, and powerful appearance, Including Carole Jackson used colors from different seasons to analyze and categorize the color types of individuals using various color theories

Typically, personal color analysis categorizes colors into four harmonious groups aligned with an individual's skin, hair, or eye tones. These groups often adopt names associated with the four seasons, creating what is known as seasonal color analysis, with tonal groupings like Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn. However, variations exist depending on researchers or experts. Some systems use terms such as cool tone and warm tone to classify an individual's skin, hair, and eye color combinations, moving away from the seasonal associations.

Despite its popularity, traditional personal color analysis systems have drawbacks. Expert analysis is usually required, introducing complexity and subjectivity into the process. Additionally, the system's effectiveness is contingent on the expert's opinion, leading to potential inconsistencies in color recommendations. Another limitation is the reliance on experts, which imposes constraints in terms of time, space, and accuracy, especially when fabric colors are discolored or contaminated.

In spite of these limitations, some studies indicate the effectiveness of the personal color analysis system[1]. Demonstrated that individuals appear more attractive when dressed in personalized colors that match their natural coloring. However, other research suggests that certain shades recommended by color analysis systems may not always be well-received, indicating a need for a more nuanced understanding of color effects on individuals.

Recognizing the importance of clothing color in making favorable impressions, recent studies emphasize not only hue but also value and chroma. Men, in particular, tend to prefer high chroma colors, and color value has been found to have a significant impact on employability evaluations. Additionally, the influence of clothing color on trait evaluations is notable, with bright color generally eliciting more positive impressions than dull colors [1].

and this is some of the impact of personal color.

1. Confidence Boost: Wearing colors that complement one's skin tone and features can boost self-confidence. Wearing clothing that makes people feel comfortable contributes to increased confidence throughout the day.

2. Perceived Image: The colors a person wears can influence how others perceive them. Bright, warm colors can make a person appear more approachable and friendly, while dark colors can make others feel scared and mysterious.

3. Trends and Fashion: Fashion trends often revolve around color. Certain colors become popular in different seasons and can heavily influence the fashion industry. People who want to stay on-trend may incorporate these fashionable colors into their wardrobe.

4. Emotional Impact: Colors can evoke various emotions. For instance, warm colors like red and yellow are associated with energy and enthusiasm, while cooler colors like blue and green can convey calmness and serenity. People can use color to create the emotional impact they desire in different situations.

Color
The rainbow initially had only five colors until 1704 when Sir Isaac Newton decided to add orange and indigo. He did this because he had a liking for the supposedly mystical qualities associated with the number 7.

It appears that the colors of the rainbow can vary, and when we explore the cultural backgrounds of these colors, we discover even broader discrepancies. In essence, our understanding of colors, and even the way we perceive them, is influenced more by our upbringing and culture than by inherent factors.[2]

Color is a salient cue that elicits specific emotional responses. For in many consumer products, color forms a state of strong feelings and physical or psychic reactions in our memory, and can be used as an instantaneous indicator or inference of relevancy. For example, warm colors have been associated with excitement, passion and intensity; whereas cool colors have been associated with calmness, comfort, peacefulness and restfulness. Green has been found to have both positive and negative impressions such as quietness and naturalness, while conversely it can signify tiredness and guilt.

Skin Tone
The variation in human skin color depends on Genetic and the environment of the area. Early humans migrated to warmer for find food to live. The body needs to adapt to the hot weather by increasing sweat glands and a reduction in body hair, facilitating more efficient cooling through perspiration. However, the consequence of less hairy skin was heightened susceptibility to the sun's intense radiation, particularly in equatorial regions. So, the human population evolved to develop dark skin rich in melanin, which functions as a natural sunscreen to protect there’s skin. Melanin, while protecting against the harmful effects of UV radiation, controlled UV penetration of the skin is required for the synthesis of vitamin D, essential for calcium absorption and strong bone development.Consequently, those living in regions farther from the equator have lower UV levels, and experienced natural selection favoring lighter skin. This adaptation permitted adequate UV radiation penetration, enabling vitamin D production. This interplay between skin pigmentation and solar exposure is supported by measurements of skin reflectance, which quantifies the degree of light reflected by skin. While skin cancer can be caused by UV radiation, it typically impacts individuals beyond their reproductive years, exerting minimal influence on the evolutionary development of skin color. [13]

Seasonal Color

Seasonal color analysis is a popular method to understand how different colors can enhance an individual's appearance by categorizing them into four primary color seasons, each inspired by the hues observed in the four natural seasons.

Spring Colors

Characteristics: Yellow tone. brown eyes the overall look is bright and cheerful.
Description: Spring is classified as a light-yellow undertone (Warm). The highlight of the spring color is beige-yellow skin or tan skin with a honey tone. This skin tone goes well with brightly colored clothes and makeup. But it must be a warm color such as old rose pink, salmon orange, which will give girls this season an image of being bright, cheerful, friendly, and easy to get along with.
Palette: Warm pastels, vibrant corals, sunny yellows, and bright greens.
Clothing colors: Choose bright colors. Give a cute, bright look and keep it in warm tones with a touch of yellow. Choosing a darker color will give a more grown-up look but be careful not to go too dark.
Colors to avoid: Very dark, muted tones because they make the skin look dull, aged, and dull.
Accessories: Light gold, light bronze, rose gold.

Summer Colors

Characteristics: Yellow skin tone. The overall look is natural. Be discreet as an adult.
Description: Summer color is classified in the light blue undertone skin group (Cool). The highlight of summer color is white-pink skin or dark skin with red tones. Suitable for fashion and makeup in soft, sweet pastel colors such as rose pink or pearl pink. Therefore, people with colors in this season have an image of being gentle, gentle, nurturing and highly feminine.
Palette: Soft pastels, cool blues, delicate lavenders, understated grays.
Clothing colors: Choose clothing in bright tones and go for soft pastels like blue, purple, lavender, or colors that are a little grayish. This will help make your skin look brighter and brighter.
Colors to avoid: Orange tones, warm browns, or brick oranges because they will make the skin dull. Makes the look drop easily.
Accessories: Silver, platinum.

Autumn Colors

Characteristics: Pink skin color, hazel, or black eye color. The overall look is gentle and nurturing.
Description: Autumn colors are classified as dark yellow undertones (Warm). The highlight of this autumn color is golden yellow or tan skin, so it goes well with fashion and makeup in earthy colors. This total look makes the image extremely luxurious and elegant with taste and a highly mature personality.
Palette: Warm earth tones, deep oranges, olive greens, rich browns, rust, mustard.
Clothing colors: For a calm look for people with autumn tones, choose earthy clothing colors such as mustard yellow, brick orange, olive green, and other muted, muted color families. If you want to dress in light colors, choose colors that are warm and not too bright or flashy.
Colors to avoid: Bright, flashy colors.
Accessories: Copper, gold, bronze.

Winter Colors

Characteristics: Pinkish skin color, personality looks sleek and cool.
Description: Winter color is classified in the dark blue undertone group (Cool). The highlight of winter color is that it has very white skin that tends to be pale or not have dark skin at all. This season's colors are therefore suitable only for bright colors or Vivid Color tones, such as lemon yellow, bright red, or shocking pink. As a result, people with colors in this season have a distinctive image and have a high sense of self.
Palette: Bold, clear, jewel-toned colors like deep blues, vibrant reds, emerald greens, stark blacks, and whites.
Clothing colors: Bright colors like primary colors or bright, sore colors. Wearing them will help make your look more charming. Boost your confidence to the utmost strength.
Colors that should be avoided: Very dark colors, but be careful of dull, muted tones because they can make you look dull.
Accessories: Silver, platinum, titanium.

Understanding one's color season guides the selection of clothing, makeup, and accessories that harmonize with natural coloring, ensuring a cohesive and flattering wardrobe for various settings and occasions.

Makeup and Hair Considerations in Personal Colors Analysis

Many beauty groups people have probably heard the word 'Personal Color' before because it is a beauty trend that is booming in our country. But in fact, this science of Personal Colors has been with the beauty and fashion industry around the world for a long time because it is a science. To choose the right color for a person based on the skin tone, brightness, and clarity of our skin color in order to bring out the shades in us that are as bright and radiant as possible.

Personal color analysis provides individuals with the tools to make more informed decisions regarding their makeup and hair choices, empowering them to exude confidence and self-assurance. By aligning your cosmetic and hair selections with your distinct color palette, you can achieve a look that is both balanced and harmonious, accentuating your best features. Furthermore, personal colors analysis can be a valuable resource in saving both time and money by steering you away from beauty products and hair colors that may not be as flattering. It fosters self-discovery and the development of personal style, all while staying within the parameters of what complements your natural coloring. Ultimately, grasping these considerations enables you to embrace your uniqueness and highlight your beauty in a manner that is distinctly your own.

The importance of understanding your skin's undertone to find the right makeup. Undertones are categorized into cool (blue or pink), warm (olive or yellow), and neutral (a mix of cool and warm). To determine your undertone, you can use the test follow below: [9]

1.Check the color of the veins : If it's green, it's a warm undertone. If it's blue or purple, it's a cool undertone. Or if the color isn't very noticeable, it's a neutral undertone.

2. Evaluate the jewelry you like : If you like gold or gold jewelry because when you wear it it looks good with your skin tone. You're likely to have a warm undertone if you like silver or silver jewelry because they look good on your skin tone when worn. You are likely to have a cool undertone if you look good in both gold and silver jewelry. It's possible that you have a neutral undertone in clothing colors.

3.Clothing : Warm undertones tend to wear warm white and yellow clothing, while cool undertones tend to wear white and blue or cool white clothing. Warm undertones tend to prefer brown over black, while Cool undertones tend to prefer black, but if you have a neutral undertone, you can wear any color.

Makeup Consideration [8]

Cool undertone : Should choose a slightly pink foundation make-up and avoid using yellow foundation make-up. Because it makes pink skin look pale. Moreover, It is recommended to use blue eyeshadow, red, pink or purple lipstick, and apply rose pink powder blusher on the cheeks. This will help make the face look brighter.

Warm undertone : It is recommended that you choose a slightly yellow base color. Now there is no foundation make-up problem that is not suitable for the skin. Moreover, eyeshadow natural color tones and coral blush or highlight your cheekbones to make them look sparkly, and use dark red lipstick. It will make your yellow-toned skin stand out.

Neutral undertone : Color between pink and yellow or you can mix two colors of foundation make-up. Moreover, It is recommended to choose eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick tones that perfectly match your eye and hair color.

Hair Colors Consideration [7]

Cool undertone : If you are white, it is suitable for blonde, caramel brown hair, orange brown and light brown. Medium skin is suitable for caramel brown, golden brown, and mahogany brown hair. Dark skin is suitable for mocha brown, dark brown, and black hair.

Warm undertone : If you are a fair-skinned person, it is suitable for platinum, gray, brown-gray, beige, and champagne hair. Medium skin is suitable for dark chocolate-colored hair, chestnut brown, dark reddish brown and mocha brown. Dark skin suitable for caramel brown and golden brown hair.

Neutral undertone : If you are a white person, it is suitable for strawberry blonde and reddish-brown hair. Medium skin is suitable for black, dark brown, and black hair with blue highlights. Dark skin is suitable for brown, red, and brown hair and chestnut brown.

Benefits

1. Enhanced Self-Expression: Personal color analysis allows individuals to express themselves. It empowers people to showcase their personality and style, resulting in a more authentic and confident self-presentation.

2. Budget-Friendly Shopping: Personal color analysis can lead to more cost-effective shopping. Knowing which colors work best for you prevents impulse buying of items that later go unworn. Saving money in the long run.

3. Streamlined Grooming Routine: Personal color analysis can simplify daily grooming routines. It can lead to quicker and more effective beauty regimens.

4. Positive Mood: Colors that flatter you can make you feel happier and more comfortable, resulting in a more positive outlook on life.

5. Cultural and Occasion : Understanding your personal color can guide you in choosing culturally appropriate attire and dressing appropriately for various occasions, ensuring you always feel comfortable and confident.

References

1.Collin, Edith E. “Development of a Methodology for Analyzing the Color Content of a Selected Group of Printed Color Analysis Systems.” Ir.library.oregonstate.edu, ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/q811kn656. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.

2. “10 Benefits of Personal Colour Analysis ∙ ElementalColour.” ElementalColour, elementalcolour.com.au/blog/benefits-of-personal-colour-analysis.

3. 윤지민. “Personal Color: What Is Yours?” THE SUNGKYUN TIMES, 7 Apr. 2021, skt.skku.edu/news/articleView.html?idxno=1043.

4.“Human Skin Color Variation.” The Smithsonian Institution’s Human Origins Program, 20 June 2012, humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/genetics/human-skin-color-variation.

5.4 Season Color Analysis. www.colormepretty.co/categories-2/4-season-color-analysis/.

6.“COLOUR THEORY and COLOUR ANALYSIS.” Mystylebox, mystylebox.ca/pages/colour-theory-and-analysis.

7. “A Foolproof Guide to Choosing the Best Hair Color for Your Skin Tone.” Byrdie, www.byrdie.com/best-hair-color-for-skin-tone.

8. “Am I Using the Right Makeup for My Skin Undertone?” Next Step Beauty, 8 June 2023, www.nextstepbeauty.co.uk/blog/am-i-using-the-right-makeup-for-my-skin-undertone/. Accessed 3 Nov. 2023.

9. Nordstrom.com, 2023, www.nordstrom.com/browse/content/blog/makeup-colors-for-your-skin-tone. Accessed 3 Nov. 2023.