by Jorunn Hernes (Norway) Choosing Lipstick If you are afraid of lipstick, this course is for you. Maybe you’re just a little intimidated, or feel you need a little guidance. If you want to ease into using lipstick as part of your self-care routine, step into Jorunn’s office. She’ll give you some baby steps to
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3 Reasons to Wear Lipstick
by Jorunn Hernes (Norway) Let me be crystal clear. You don’t have to wear lipstick. It is perfectly possible to live a rich and fulfilling life without it. However, lipstick is one of the most powerfully feminine icons of our culture. It is difficult to be a grown woman and not have a relationship with lipstick, whether you are
What is ‘Contrast Level’?
by Terry Wildfong (California/Michigan) We often hear analysts and clients say that people are low, medium, or high contrast in explaining how to wear their clothing colors. But what does that really mean? Value What I learned it to mean in the ’90’s, and how I still use the terms today, contrast levels are determined
Where Are You Going?
by Cate Linden (Kentucky) When I meet someone for the first time, they already know who I am. I used to feel surprised when someone read me accurately upon a first meeting, but I shouldn’t have. My outfit was speaking for me, communicating my confidence in my choices, my sensitive nature, my fizzing intellect. It
The Right Polish for Autumn Skin
by Christine Scaman (Prince Edward Island, Canada) In the autumn time of year in the Northern hemisphere or the late afternoon of any given day, light from the sun travels a long distance at a low angle. Colours are imbued with particular qualities as a result, appearing rich and warm with emphasis on shape and
What is Under My Overtone?
by Terry Wildfong (Michigan + California) What exactly is an overtone? It’s the coloring of a person’s outward appearance: skin, hair, and eyes made from each person’s unique levels of melanin (black, blue, brown), hemoglobin (pink, red) and carotene (yellow, orange, red). We make assumptions about coloring based on how cool or warm they look,
The Minimalist Travel Wardrobe
by Jorunn Hernes (Norway) A simple rule to keep in mind when travelling: Everything you bring shall match all the other items. Travel Wardrobe = a condensed capsule wardrobe. If there is something you pick that doesn’t match the shoes you are thinking of bringing, choose something else instead. This is much easier if you
The Industry Doesn’t Care If You Look Good
by Rachel Nachmias (Pennsylvania) Top Trends For Fall Yep, it’s the middle of July, but Fall is just around the corner… if you ask the garment industry. Maybe an email or two has already even gone out advertising a little something we in the industry call “Pre-Fall”. Once upon a time designers showed one collection
How Long Should a PCA Result Take?
by Terry Wildfong (Michigan + California) At first blush, time may seem somewhat irrelevant; but believe me, it is significantly important. It may be one of the reasons some clients have a negative, instead of positive, draping experience and/or conflicting result if previously draped. Answer: A minimum of 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the draping process
A Light Summer Hair Story
by Courtenay St. John (Connecticut/Massachusetts) As a Color Analyst, I usually encourage clients to approximate their natural hair color as much as possible. The color that you were born with is always in harmony with your skin tone, so the chance for unwanted oranges, overall ashy-ness, intense color blocks or other disjointed effects that distract the
Makeup: Finding Balance
by Florentina Mossou (The Netherlands) With colour analysis, I spend a lot of time around makeup. While I was swatching, testing, and applying makeup, I started to wonder… What separates normal, average, seen-it-everywhere makeup from totally great makeup? Before we begin, please don’t think makeup for PCA is obligatory in any way. It’s not. You’ll
The Right Polish for Summer Skin
by Christine Scaman (Prince Edward Island, Canada) Feeling imbalance I went to a meeting. As people arrived, one woman distinguished herself immediately as a leader in any crowd. Her physical presence was noticed first because she was quite tall and strongly built. Her face was equally strong, in the colours of coffee, cream, and golden
Tips For Great Hair Color Without Going to the Salon
by Courtenay St. John (Connecticut/Massachusetts) A Personal Decision Not To Go Gray… There are two things I remember Grandmom saying that must have deeply imprinted my ideas about hair color. Grandmom unfavorably viewed those blond TV personalities whose “roots were showing.” And, in her 90’s, Grandmom still crowed, “I have never seen a gray hair
Look Your ‘Normal’
by Christine Scaman (Prince Edward Island, Canada) Hardly sounds like a goal, does it? Certainly not an exciting one, and quite unlike the language we’re used to with appearance. There may be a technical or more stimulating word. Balanced or elegant could substitute. Normal gets to the point and says more. Looking Balanced A 100%
Easter: The 12 Seasons in Your Home
by Elegance Colour Consulting (British Columbia, Canada) Expressing Your Season At Easter… LIGHT SPRING Light Mint Green and Apricot Light Spring’s warm pinks and apricots pair nicely with light mint green to create a lovely Easter decor. The apricots and pinks are warm and welcoming. The light mint imparts a dose of Spring freshness. Light and
Colour Journey #1
by Jorunn Hernes (Norway) This is the story of my journey from being an amateur with a strong interest in colour and style, to becoming a certified personal colour analysis consultant. It was a rocky road indeed. I have always been captivated by the way things are put together, and analyzing and getting to the
Shopping: 5 Lifestyle Types
by Florentina Mossou (The Netherlands) Colour analysis can be a game changer, whatever your lifestyle. It’s such a versatile, effective tool, and you are free to use it in whatever way works best for you. The Stylist – creative freedom If you love to shop, enjoy having a large closet, like to play with accessories