Have you ever wondered why certain colours make you glow while others leave you looking washed out? An in-person colour analysis can be a fun and interactive way of finding out which colours enhance your natural beauty. Because in person colour analysis services are still quite rare, you may have a hard time finding someone in your area if you Google "colour analysis near me" or “color analysis in [your town]”. This post has everything you need to know about booking an in person colour analysis - from how to find an analyst, choose an analyst and what to expect during your session. 

In some cases, you may need to travel to work with a colour analyst in person. If you landed on this post because you searched “colour analysis Niagara Falls” - then you’re in luck as that’s the region I serve :) But - you may be considering a little road trip to do your in person colour analysis or visiting while you’re in town. If either are the case, I’ll include some tips below on how to make the most of your in person colour analysis in Niagara Falls.

What Happens During an In-Person Colour Analysis?

When you book an in-person colour analysis, you're stepping into a customized, hands-on experience designed to reveal your most flattering colour palette. I’ve seen a lot of chatter online and some are very curious (or even anxious) about how an in person session goes. Here's what you can typically expect:

• Drape Testing: This is the biggest differentiator when it comes to in person colour analysis vs. online colour analysis. Typically during online colour analysis, digital draping is used to mimic in person draping. While this is very convenient and just as accurate, some prefer to work in person and 1:1.

During your session, a certified colour analyst uses fabric drapes in a variety of hues to observe how different colours interact with your skin tone, eyes, and hair. Different analysts may use a different type of draping system depending on what method they are trained in and how they practice. 

• Lighting Matters: The trickiest part of a virtual analysis is getting your lighting right. While a colour analyst with a good eye can still determine your best palette from different types of lighting, having smooth even lighting is incredibly helpful in accuracy. Professional sessions are conducted in balanced lighting (usually full-spectrum daylight bulbs and/or natural daylight) to ensure that your true undertones are visible.
  
  
• Finding Your Season: Based on your undertones (cool or warm), value (light or dark), and chroma (soft or bright), you'll be given a “best” seasonal palette, such as True Summer, Soft Autumn, or Bright Winter. The season may vary depending on if your analyst uses the 12 season color analysis or 16 season color analysis method. Some analysts such as those from House of Color use a proprietary system unique to them - so do your research on what method your analyst uses. I personally use several of the 16 season color analysis systems to really narrow it down to your perfect palette.
  
  
• Personalized Guidance: Beyond the analysis itself, you'll often receive a take-home palette or digital guide to make shopping for clothes, makeup, and even hair colour much easier. In my sessions, we also talk about how to incorporate your best colours into your unique personal style.

An in-person session is far more detailed and accurate than online quizzes or app filters — and it’s a fun, eye-opening experience! 

What to Look For When Booking a Colour Analyst

Not all colour analysis experiences are created equal. Here's what to keep in mind when choosing a professional:

• Which System is Used: As I mentioned above, there are several systems out there that analysts are certified in and choose to practice. Before googling “colour analysis near me” be sure to read up on the different methods to know which one resonates with you the best. As a general guideline:
  
  
  • The 12 Season Color Analysis system is the most commonly practiced. This system is best for those that like rules and tidy systems. In this system, your analyst will likely give you an exact season to follow and there are many resources online on how to choose those exact colours. 
  • 16 Season Color Analysis systems offer a bit more flexibility with the idea that not everyone fits neatly into the boxes of the 12 seasons. This system is best for those who like a holistic approach - balancing the science of colour theory to find the most flattering colours but offering wiggle room for those that don’t fit neatly into the rules of the 12 season system. 
  • Hybrid and unique systems have been created by analysts that are usually also personal stylists or have worked in other colour fields (such as hairstyling, makeup artistry or interior design). Most of these systems also follow the guidance of colour theory while taking a holistic approach that offers flexibility and takes into account each client’s personal style and lifestyle. I personally use a mix of two different 16 season systems to offer a balanced approach - some confinements based on colour theory without the harsh rules!
    
    
• Lighting Conditions: Proper daylight-balanced lighting is essential for accurate results. Ask if the studio is set up specifically for colour work or what type of lighting is used.
  
  
• Personality and Style Beliefs: This may not be an aspect that you consider when finding a colour analyst near you but it’s actually very important! Color Analysis is a style and beauty service and much like booking a hairstylist or makeup artist, you need to be aligned on not just methods and style beliefs. For example - some analysts believe there is a right and wrong answer when it comes to color analysis. Others believe that it should be a highly personalized service and offer wiggle room in some traditional methods. Choose an analyst whose beliefs resonate with you and what you need right now. You can usually get a vibe check by checking any analyst’s website or social pages.
  
  
• Draping Method: Analysts who use fabric drapes offer the most reliable results. Going back to the first point on different systems - find out what system your analyst uses so you know what types of drapes they may have. Some analysts (like me) may also have you bring in some items from your closet to test and explain colour theory for colours that you wear often.
  
  
• Client Reviews: Take a few minutes to read client testimonials and browse before-and-after photos if available. These can usually be found on social media, on the analyst’s website and by checking their google maps listing when you search “colour analysis near me”.
  
  
• Location & Travel Worthiness: A great experience is worth a little extra travel — especially if it's somewhere with other fun attractions like getting a colour analysis in Niagara Falls! That being said, some may prefer to not venture far from home - or the closest analyst may be outside of a reasonable driving range. In that case, there are tons of highly qualified analysts that also offer virtual sessions and that will work with you to make sure you get the most accurate and helpful results.
  
  

Why Not Make It a Girls' Road Trip?

If you're considering travelling for your colour analysis, why not turn it into a mini getaway? If you’ve been looking for a colour analysis in Toronto, here is my pitch for why you should get a colour analysis in Niagara Falls: 

✓ Visit the World-Famous Falls: Take in the natural beauty of one of the most iconic destinations in the world. It is one of the natural wonders of the world after all!

✓ Wine Country Tours: Explore the nearby wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake for an afternoon of sipping and sightseeing.

✓ Boutique Shopping: Once you have your colour palette, shop for new finds at local boutiques — no more guessing what suits you! Niagara Falls has a great mix of outlet shopping as well if you want to grab a deal. Or you can opt to shop local and check out one of the nearby cute boutiques.

✓ Spa Retreats: Cap off your day with a spa treatment to relax and recharge.

Booking your colour analysis in Niagara Falls can turn a simple appointment into an unforgettable experience shared with friends or loved ones. Right now, I book individual sessions as well as “bring a friend” sessions - and serve refreshments to make it a fun girl’s day out experience. 

Ready to Discover Your Best Colours?

If you’re searching for colour analysis near you and want a truly memorable and accurate experience, I’d love to welcome you to Niagara Falls! I offer personalized, in-person colour analysis appointments designed to help you look and feel your best — in a fun, supportive setting. I use a holistic approach to help you find the colours that work best based on colour theory - but that also align with your preferences and personal style. 

And if you’re not in the area or visiting, I welcome you to use this guide to choose an analyst near you - or reach out for a virtual session.